Camping near Parksville
Camp with the family in this beach holiday town on the east coast of Canada’s Vancouver Island.
94% (1155 reviews)
- Parksville
94% (1155 reviews)
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12 top campgrounds near Parksville
94%
(117)
Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat
15 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Halfmoon Bay, BC
Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat is an Award-winning Glamping Nature Retreat. We are centrally located on the Sunshine Coast (only a 40-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay) on a spectacular 10-acre ocean-view property. We run a small, organic farm and host guests in intriguing tiny homes and glamping tents. We have everything from a converted schoolie with a woodstove and an ocean view, furnished RV's with large decks, to gorgeous, furnished campsites in the woods. Check out our micro cabins, rv's, and assortment of glamping tents.
Our property is a nature oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Just 20 minutes north of Sechelt we're close to beaches and lakes. Enjoy our recreation area with a large pond, our small playground for young kids, and our small orchard with several small ponds. Explore our walking trails, visit our chickens, or sit near our seasonal waterfall. There are many spots on the property to sit and chill. We've also been Airbnb hosts for over 13 years.
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CA$40
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99%
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3 sisters ranch
4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Parksville, BC
Close to all the amenities the Oceanside area of Vancouver Island has offered. Quick access to Parksville, Qualicum, Coombs, The amazing beaches of. Qualicum. Parksville and Rathtrevor 15 and 10 minutes away.
1:45 minutes to Tofino and our amazingly rugged and world renowned West Coast experience surfing amazing scenery. Epic Mountain biking at your doorstep. DH At Hamerfest is a 10 minute drive or a 45 minute pedal away cross country. Fine dining and all amenities including urgent care after riding is only 10 minutes away.
Great hub to experience Vancouver Island from.
While the fire ban is on, it is generated towards open fires. Propane fire pits and cook stoves are always welcome.
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CA$40
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Red Bell Farm
7 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Duncan, BC
Access the Cowichan Valley Trail system right from our back yard! Easy access to either enjoy a leisurely walk, hike, bicycle, or horse ride along the trail to many destinations including Lake Cowichan, Shawinigan Lake, Duncan & more... or simply take in the beauty of the private pond area and picnic for the day with access to our Kitchenette with many extras! This is peaceful enjoyable tenting at its finest
We have 4 pond tent sites, 1 RV site is situated away from the pond, and 1 camper-van site within a few steps to the pond for visiting your tenting friends; there is a shared bathroom, municipal water, fire-pit, and kitchenette a relaxing sitting area.
Enjoy seeing what’s available at our small working hobby farm which includes eggs, chickens, and fresh berries, fruits, vegetables.
15min. to Lake Cowichan or travel 5min. to Duncan, Saturday is Farmers Market all year round and entertainment. Check out the "Duncan Showroom" or other venues for nightly live entertainment! Explore the many side streets for unique stores & food that is unique to Duncan. Did you know Duncan has 40 totem poles to find throughout the town?
Visit local wineries, breweries, distilleries, Raptors bird Sanctuary, Hand of Man Museum, or many other sights!
We’re also an easy drive away from Ladysmith, Cowichan Bay, Maple Bay (warmest ocean water on the island), or look for one of the largest Trestle bridges in North America... Just provide us with an idea of what you'd like to see and we can help with your adventure!
Only 1hr from Victoria or Nanaimo.
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CA$39
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99%
(156)
theDoighouse Earthship
8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Qualicum Bay, BC
Have you ever imagined a house built from tires, dirt, pop cans, and concrete?
Welcome to theDoighouse Earthship, an eco-retreat nestled in the forest, mere minutes from Qualicum Bay waterfront. Our location is a haven for adventurers and peace-seekers alike, offering easy access to the natural wonders of Vancouver Island.
Just an hour north of Nanaimo, our property serves as an ideal base for day trips to Hornby, Denman, and Lasqueti Islands. Or don’t leave the island and spend the afternoon eating delicious fresh-made doughnuts at the famous Old Country Market in Coombs, home to the iconic goats on the roof, it’s only a 20-minute drive from our doorstep. Or 10 minutes to the waterfront and delicious ice cream at the Cone Zone.
Stay local and discover forest trails, a children's playground, and a bike park right in our neighbourhood. Lighthouse Country area teems with opportunities for exploration, from pristine beaches including Sunny Beach and scenic Spider and Horne Lakes to an array of hiking paths, or if you climb, consider the Horne Lake Caves! Use your All Trails App to discover the Wilson Woodlot and Lost Runners Trails. Urban legend has it that it was the running shoes that were lost, not the people wearing them!
Or stop here for a night en route to and from the mainland to Ucluelet or Tofino for world-class surfing, or if skiing is your calling, Mount Washington is just a 45-minute drive away.
You can pitch your tent in our gardens, park your RV on the edge of the forest, or stay in our cozy tiny cabin. You can wander in the gardens and check out a young permaculture food forest filled with fruit and hazelnut trees, berries, and all that good stuff!
Our Earthship, currently under construction, is all about exploring a low-impact lifestyle, off-grid living in an energy-efficient dwelling built from recycled materials. It is love for the planet, and people and sharing of abundance that makes this project come alive.
Attend a group tour, or arrange for your own private tour where Tony will spend a couple of hours with you, sharing theDoighouse project, and answering any and all questions you may have.
We also offer workshops and other onsite activities. For more info check out our website www.thedoighouse.com/events.
On arrival, you will be greeted by Bentley (our standard poodle), Mabel (mouser extraordinaire) and the 'hens' who generously gift fresh eggs daily.
Come visit, tour, and stay.
Susan and Tony Doig
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CA$35
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99%
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Rejeanne's Forest on Salt Spring
3 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · BC
Gorgeous forested 5 acre property at the top of Eagle Ridge with a rugged walking trail throughout our land. See ocean glimpses from our trail, walk to Long Harbour in 20 minutes, drive to Ganges in 4 minutes, or cycle to town in 10 minutes.
Enjoy all Salt Spring has to offer, by car, by bike or by bus. Come stay with us!
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CA$35
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Moon Gate Farms
7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Roberts Creek, BC
We are now open for reservations. Please call to book and will open sites per request.
Moon Gate Farms offers an unique glamping and camping experience with eco campsites in Roberts Creek, BC.
Located in a remote part of Roberts Creek, the property is just a 10-minute drive from beaches, restaurants, and hiking trails.
Moon Gate farms is an ideal getaway for family holidays, mountain walkers, cyclists, birdwatchers, or couples looking to escape into the wilderness.
Communal outdoor kitchen with camp stove, prep tables, toaster, microwave, are provided.
Friend canine campers are also invited. We have two resident Bernese mountain x golden retriever dogs who love to bark when campers arrive! They are friendly and settle quickly when told to sit and chill.
Best way to get directions is to use Google Maps and put in Moon Gate Farms in Roberts Creek. We are pinned to the map and on the East Wilson Forest Service rd.
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CA$55
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Beautiful Rainforest Camping Along the Cowichan River
28 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · East Sahtlam, BC
In the heart of the Cowichan Valley and along the pristine Cowichan river this breathtaking acreage offers nothing short of an incredible experience. Explore our endless rainforest trails, with multiple beaches, tubing, fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, campfires, volleyball, swimming in the famous Robson pool and kicking back and enjoying nothing but the sound of water and birds.You may catch a glimpse of many of the local resident animals including semi-wild horses.We have 10 campsites available for tent campers. Amenities include a toilet, potable water and a picnic table.Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban, pets are welcomeCowichan River Provincial Park is a 15-minute drive. If it’s outdoor recreation you’re after, Cowichan River is the place to go. Whether you want to go swimming, canoeing, white-water kayaking, tubing, camping, fishing or hiking, or just want to take it easy in the sun, you’re bound to find something to do in this “recreation corridor” south of Duncan.
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CA$69
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Dashwood Meadows
3 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Qualicum Beach, BC
Welcome to Dashwood Meadows! We are located in Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island.
This is a hobby farm with sheep, mini goats, donkey, dog and cat. We grow berries, plums, cherries, nuts and wildflowers. Child-friendly and family friendly
environment. You can walk the labyrinth of forest trails nearby.
There is a beach 9 km from the farm. Lakes, rivers, waterfalls, provincial parks,
caves, golf courses, children's playgrounds and country markets, all within less than an hour's drive.
In Qualicum Beach, you will find amazing sandy beaches, picture-perfect views, world-class biking and hiking trails, salt-tinged ocean air, and the small town charm of our communities.
Seeing goats on a roof, exploring underground caves, strolling endless beaches at low tide, and walking among ancient old-growth forests are just some of the experiences you’ll be able to tell your friends about back home.
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CA$49
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Forest Sanctuary
5 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Roberts Creek, BC
Hi. My name is Christian and welcome to my beautiful Forest Sanctuary on the slopes of Mt. Elphinstone in Roberts Creek on the Sunshine Coast. My property is a magical, private nature retreat created in the spirit of love and reverence for the land on which it is built. It is a sanctuary to nurture the body, mind and spirit. A place to come back to One's Self.
I have taken a piece of forest and transformed it into a Premium camping experience with pastures, terraces, pathways, a pond and island, level campsites with grass and sand and a communal outdoor pavilion lounge with fully stocked kitchen at your disposal. A large communal campfire is available. I have solar showers too. This is a magnificent place to bring the kids, a wonderful place to hang with friends and family, a peaceful place for lovers and a great place to come on your own to remember how awesome and talented you really are.
I can accommodate larger groups, workshops and parties. Ask me about renting the entire site for private gatherings.
My fully stocked pavilion, kitchen and lounge has all the cookware, dishware and utensils needed to prepare your meal. There is also a BBQ and Coleman stove with propane provided. Drinking water is provided. Firewood is free when campfires are permitted. For bathing I have a solar shower and a little aquifer-fed pond for clean, cold water dips. If you want something a little fancier I have a great little off-grid camping cabin which rents for $135/night. You can ask me about it.
My campsite is located in Roberts Creek, British Columbia. Roberts Creek is a peaceful, eclectic, rural community seated between Gibsons and Sechelt, and possesses a stunning blend of beaches, forest, and some of the friendliest people you will come across. A relaxing atmosphere awaits you here, where both your artistic and outdoor adventure self is sure to feel at home.
Please note I am 2 kms up a well maintained private gravel road. 2 wheel drive vehicles are ok.
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CA$100
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Island Gertie
2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Gabriola Island Trust Area, BC
The Gertie Bus is located a 5 min walk to a beautiful white sand beach (at low tide). There are walking trails all around and lots of beach access. Tucked into the front of our property in the quiet of Gabriola island you’ll find the converted Gertie bus with all the amenities you need.
The bus has a gas stovetop/oven, bar fridge and sink with grey water system. Equipped kitchen and sofa area to hang out.
The standard queen bed is great for sleeping in and relaxing with that second cup of coffee.
Mountain biking, hiking, swimming and whale watching are just steps away.
There is beach access across the street through a private park with picnic tables, a very old eagles nest and a private access to a rocky beach perfect for sunsets.
The home itself has a pottery studio on the main floor with a full time studio
Practice. Give Paige a ring if you’d like a tour, she’s usually working away.
Our family lives on the top floor.
Outside the bus is are lush veggie gardens, fruit trees and a nice private outdoor dining area. A BBQ and solar lights also help with evening hangouts.
Family friendly! Also we love animals but we ask that you clean up after your pet and keep any animals that aren’t so great with kids and other animals on leash. We have a dachshund on the property that is friendly and old ( barks at strangers but is all bark I assure you, he just wants to be friends)
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CA$98
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Booked 8 times
Living the Dream in Roberts Creek
1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Roberts Creek, BC
Located a stones throw from the small town of Roberts Creek. There is a general store, restaurant, cafe and shops. Beaches, forest hiking, and biking trails are also located are just a few minutes walk.
The experience is 'staying at your friends place'. We love to meet new people and show off our corner of the world, it is a beautiful spot!
Bring your own tent, or small RV. There is a pop up tent, table and chairs, propane fire pit and a 'camp style' potty.
*It is not a waterfront property, some of the images are of nearby attractions.
*Pets are OK but must be supervised at all times, there are other animals in the area.
*We are near Lower rd so there is some light traffic noise.
*Trailers would be challenging to manouver into the site as there is a sharp turn.
We hope to see you!
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CA$40
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Portal Retreat
1 site · Lodging1 acre · Port Alberni, BC
The "Portal Retreat" is here: Unplug, relax, and unwind!
Bonus: A 3-minute walk to the lake!
Come and explore the glamping " Portal" style. We offer a unique experience just steps away from beautiful Sproat Lake. This is a retreat-type space and is specifically set up to help you get away from your busy life. There are books, games, hummingbirds, deer, and all that nature has to offer including the Lake, a stone's throw away for a quick dip to rejuvenate the mind and body.
The Portal is 18 feet long and 8 feet wide and is your very own private space. Featuring a beautiful deck for relaxation, reading, star gazing, yoga, or alfresco dining, with the interior offering a queen bed, sofa, and artisanal water - Oh so cozy and romantic. There is a fancy new outhouse that flushes water and is equipped with a sink. This space is best suited for a single, a couple, and possibly a fur baby and/or little one.
We are located on a quiet residential street 20 minutes from Port Alberni and en route to Tofino or Ucluelet. We have walking and mountain biking trails minutes from the house.
The Portal has limited internet and spotty phone service. There is an outlet for charging, etc. Parking is on-site. Outside food options include the "The Fish & Duck Pub" which is just a short walk away. Call Doordash to deliver a meal from one of our local restaurants or bring a picnic to enjoy.
If you are bringing a fur baby, please let us know. It must be on a leash at all times. Please bring your fur baby's favorite blanket or bed to sleep on. We can also provide a comfy hound bed in the room at your request. We kindly ask that you keep your fur baby off the furniture and bed and that you please not leave your pet unattended.
Additional Extras:
Canoe $40.00 per day ($200 deposit)
Please bring your own PFD, helmet, and any personal protective gear you may require. You will have to sign a waiver and leave the above deposit for the equipment.
BYO: Ice, cooler, pots, pans, stove, and cooking utensils.
We understand that life happens, but please try to arrive no later than 8:30 p.m. for check-in. We do need our beauty sleep.
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CA$145
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Dog-friendly getaways
Available this weekend
Camping near Parksville guide
Overview
For a campers’ getaway to the beach on Vancouver Island’s eastern shore, Parksville, British Columbia, Canada, is popular with families. Broad, sandy Parksville Beach seems to stretch for miles, while Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park has hiking trails along the ocean and through the forest, plus a 275-site campground a short walk from the beach. Other Parksville camping options include riverside, lakeside, and oceanfront campgrounds and RV parks, most with full or partial hook-ups, washrooms, hot showers, and wi-fi. Parksville isn’t the most secluded place for campers, but all the services you need are nearby, and the beaches are undeniably beautiful.
Where to go
Qualicum Beach
Parksville’s “sister town,” this community of about 9,000 has art galleries, cafes, and independent shops. Yes, there’s a beach here, too.
Cathedral Grove
Some of Vancouver Island’s biggest trees grow toward the sky in MacMillan Provincial Park. Highway 4, 30 kilometres west of Parksville, runs directly through the park, and you can follow short hiking trails beneath the giant firs.
Denman Island
For an easy island escape, catch the 10-minute ferry to this expanse of dense forests, rocky beaches, and small local shops. The ferry to Denman Island departs from Buckley Bay, 30 minutes north of Parksville.
Tofino, Ucluelet, and the Pacific Coast
On Vancouver Island’s west coast, the towns of Tofino and Ucluelet feel completely different than Parksville—more secluded, quirkier, yet with top-notch restaurants and striking natural scenery. Take time to explore Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, with its beaches, hiking routes, and oceanside camping spots.
When to go
A short trip from Vancouver or Victoria, Parksville BC is a popular weekend getaway year-round. Both the town and the Parksville campgrounds and RV resorts are busiest during the warm summer months. Campground reservations are required at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park from late June through early September. Parksville campgrounds are less crowded in spring or fall, with mild if sometimes drizzlier days. Expect rain in winter, but temperatures rarely drop below freezing, so you can hike or explore the beaches all year.
Know before you go
- From Vancouver, take BC Ferries’ car ferry from Horseshoe Bay (north of Vancouver) to Nanaimo’s Departure Bay. It’s a 35-minute drive north from Nanaimo to Parksville. Reserve a spot on the ferry for your car or RV in summer, or on holidays or weekends year-round.
- No vehicle? You don’t need reservations to walk onto the ferry, and you’ll save on your ferry ticket. Regular buses travel between Vancouver and Horseshoe Bay. While bus service between Nanaimo and Parksville is less convenient, you can manage car-free once you reach your Parksville campground.
- You can find most anything that you’d need for a Parksville camping adventure in stores around town.
Top cities near Parksville
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