The best luxury RV campgrounds near Parksville, British Columbia

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.

96% (586)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

96% (586)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. theDoighouse Earthship

99%

(267)

26km from Parksville · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Qualicum Bay, BC

Welcome to theDoighouse Earthship, an eco-retreat nestled in the forest, 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. An hour north of Nanaimo, our property is an ideal base for day trips to Hornby, Denman, and Lasqueti Islands. Many of our guests stop here for a night or two on their way 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. Spend time discovering forest trails, a children's playground, and a bike park here in our neighbourhood. Lighthouse Country area teems with opportunities for exploration, from pristine beaches, including Sunny Beach and scenic Spider and Horne Lakes. Or if you climb, consider the Horne Lake Caves! If you're into hiking, use your All Trails App to discover the Lighthouse Country Trail (at our doorstep), including the Wilson Woodlot and Lost Runners Trails. Urban legend has it that the running shoes were lost, not the people wearing them! You can pitch your tent in our gardens, park your RV on the forest's edge, or stay in our cozy tiny cabins. Wander our gardens and check out a young permaculture food forest filled with fruit and hazelnut trees, berries, and good stuff! Have you ever imagined a house built from tires, dirt, pop cans and glass bottles? 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. Love for the planet and people and sharing of abundance make this project come alive, and why we don’t increase our rates for holidays and long weekends. Book a private Earthship tour where Tony will spend a couple of hours with you, sharing theDoighouse project and answering any and all questions you may have. On arrival, you will be greeted by Bentley (our standard poodle), Mabel (mouser extraordinaire) Come visit, tour, and stay. Susan and Tony Doig

2. Moon Gate Farms

100%

(132)

50km from Parksville · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Roberts Creek, BC

We are currently undergoing renovations and will be closed until finished. Moon Gate Farms offers an unique glamping and camping experience in Roberts Creek, BC. Please note we have strict quiet times from 9pm to 8am. The property is just a 10-minute drive from beaches, restaurants, and hiking trails. Moon Gate farms is an ideal getaway for a nature experience and perfect for mountain walkers, cyclists, birdwatchers, or couples looking to escape into the wilderness. Communal outdoor kitchen with camp stove, prep tables, toaster, microwave, are provided. Hot outdoor showers and flushing toilets. Friendly canine campers are also invited. We have two resident Bernese mountain x black retriever dogs who love to bark when campers arrive! They are friendly and settle quickly when told to sit and chill. The best way to get directions is to use Google Maps and follow directions to Moon Gate Farms in Roberts Creek. We are pinned on the map on East Wilson Forest Service Rd.

3. Valinore Glamping

97%

(30)

5.8km from Parksville · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Parksville, BC

Valinore is a beautifully forested 4 acre property. Tucked away and private, but close enough to adventure such as beaches, rivers, lakes as well as markets, restaurants and much more. Our yurts are comfortable and cozy. The site is rustic but contains everything you need for a relaxing and refreshing stay. The location is a few kilometres off of Alberni Hwy and a short drive away from beaches, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, Goats on the Roof, and many hiking and biking trails. The site is also within biking distance to some trails. The Errington Farmers market is a walk or bike ride away. And only a short car ride away are several other nearby markets including Goats on the Roof and the Qualicum Beach Farmers Market.

4. BLACK POINT ESCAPE

51km from Parksville · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Powell River, BC

Camp or stay at our place! Five minute walk to a private beach. Steps away from a local convenience store. On the route to the ferry. Private lot. Hammocks, fire pit, yard games. Hiking trails in the back yard and a beach a short walk away. Close to a number of local farmstands . Flat rv space with electricity hookup. Indoor kitchen and bathroom facility for use. Outdoor camp spots for tents available Fire pit Yard games Open sky view Whale watching

5. Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

92%

(299)

38km from Parksville · 18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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 (much smaller in the summertime), 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. If you come during campfire season, please bring your firewood. You're also welcome to scavenge for dead dry wood on the property, but we no longer have firewood for purchase. Typically, gas stations and some grocery stores have some for sale.

6. Garden Bay Hideaway Glamping & RV

100%

(4)

41km from Parksville · 4 sites · RVs, Lodging · Garden Bay, BC

Just a 40-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, North Vancouver brings you to the Sechelt Peninsula, and just an hour's travel North up the coast is the Pender Harbour district. With beautiful scenery, hiking, kayaking, fishing, lakes and beaches, it's no wonder it's referred to as the Venice of the North. Choose your glamping experience: bunkie cabins, 38' 2 bedroom park model trailer, 14 x 24 offered safari tent, or bring your RV and set up at one of our serviced RV sites.

7. Mountainaire Campground and RV Park

83%

(27)

40km from Parksville · 86 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Nanaimo, BC

Nestled on a beautiful 40-acre park, our Campground and RV Park provides a relaxed, natural atmosphere perfect for family fun. Conveniently located in the heart of Vancouver Island, just beside the Nanaimo airport (a 5-minute drive) and approximately 20 minutes by car from both ferry terminals connecting to Vancouver. Featuring 30 and 50 amp fully or partial-serviced sites, ample green spaces, and cozy on-site RV Glamping units and cabins tucked away in the woods, Mountainaire is your ideal starting point or departure spot for a Vancouver Island vacation. Enjoy our newly renovated bathrooms, warm showers, and on-site laundromat, along with the added convenience of an onsite store. Take a short hike through the rainforest to the breathtaking Crystal Bowl for activities like river swimming, cliff diving, kayaking, or even crayfish catching with your little ones. Young campers can bike down ramps, play in the playground, and witness the fascinating transformation of tadpoles into western toads (a species at risk). Don’t miss our renowned special events and unwind with a Friday night movie accompanied by free popcorn. PARK AMENITIES: Lots of mature trees, green space and ramps. Bring your bikes. Outdoor playground with loads of fun Convenience store and Arcade Washroom and showers Laundry room Rainforest trail to the Crystal Bowl of Nanaimo River Pond Horseshoe pits Beach volleyball court Outdoor stage Secure property, gate locked at 10:00pm

8. Tranquility by the Lake

94%

(9)

47km from Parksville · 2 sites · RVs, Lodging · Port Alberni, BC

Surrounded by tall trees on Vancouver Island this property is scenic, quiet and near to endless outdoor adventures. Located on 1 acre, fully fenced. Its a 200 metre walk to a community dock and boat launch (room to park your toys in our driveway). 500 metres from endless forest trails for hiking and biking. 10 minutes to/from the highway to Tofino (1hr30)/Parksville (1hr). A few minutes’ walk to warm and welcoming Sproat Lake. Enjoy your own outdoor space among the trees. Free Blackberries!

Camper favorites near Parksville

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

BLACK POINT ESCAPE

51km from Parksville · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Powell River, BC

Camp or stay at our place! Five minute walk to a private beach. Steps away from a local convenience store. On the route to the ferry. Private lot. Hammocks, fire pit, yard games. Hiking trails in the back yard and a beach a short walk away. Close to a number of local farmstands . Flat rv space with electricity hookup. Indoor kitchen and bathroom facility for use. Outdoor camp spots for tents available Fire pit Yard games Open sky view Whale watching

Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

92%

(299)

38km from Parksville · 18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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 (much smaller in the summertime), 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. If you come during campfire season, please bring your firewood. You're also welcome to scavenge for dead dry wood on the property, but we no longer have firewood for purchase. Typically, gas stations and some grocery stores have some for sale.

Garden Bay Hideaway Glamping & RV

100%

(4)

41km from Parksville · 4 sites · RVs, Lodging · Garden Bay, BC

Just a 40-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, North Vancouver brings you to the Sechelt Peninsula, and just an hour's travel North up the coast is the Pender Harbour district. With beautiful scenery, hiking, kayaking, fishing, lakes and beaches, it's no wonder it's referred to as the Venice of the North. Choose your glamping experience: bunkie cabins, 38' 2 bedroom park model trailer, 14 x 24 offered safari tent, or bring your RV and set up at one of our serviced RV sites.

Mountainaire Campground and RV Park

83%

(27)

40km from Parksville · 86 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Nanaimo, BC

Nestled on a beautiful 40-acre park, our Campground and RV Park provides a relaxed, natural atmosphere perfect for family fun. Conveniently located in the heart of Vancouver Island, just beside the Nanaimo airport (a 5-minute drive) and approximately 20 minutes by car from both ferry terminals connecting to Vancouver. Featuring 30 and 50 amp fully or partial-serviced sites, ample green spaces, and cozy on-site RV Glamping units and cabins tucked away in the woods, Mountainaire is your ideal starting point or departure spot for a Vancouver Island vacation. Enjoy our newly renovated bathrooms, warm showers, and on-site laundromat, along with the added convenience of an onsite store. Take a short hike through the rainforest to the breathtaking Crystal Bowl for activities like river swimming, cliff diving, kayaking, or even crayfish catching with your little ones. Young campers can bike down ramps, play in the playground, and witness the fascinating transformation of tadpoles into western toads (a species at risk). Don’t miss our renowned special events and unwind with a Friday night movie accompanied by free popcorn. PARK AMENITIES: Lots of mature trees, green space and ramps. Bring your bikes. Outdoor playground with loads of fun Convenience store and Arcade Washroom and showers Laundry room Rainforest trail to the Crystal Bowl of Nanaimo River Pond Horseshoe pits Beach volleyball court Outdoor stage Secure property, gate locked at 10:00pm

Tranquility by the Lake

94%

(9)

47km from Parksville · 2 sites · RVs, Lodging · Port Alberni, BC

Surrounded by tall trees on Vancouver Island this property is scenic, quiet and near to endless outdoor adventures. Located on 1 acre, fully fenced. Its a 200 metre walk to a community dock and boat launch (room to park your toys in our driveway). 500 metres from endless forest trails for hiking and biking. 10 minutes to/from the highway to Tofino (1hr30)/Parksville (1hr). A few minutes’ walk to warm and welcoming Sproat Lake. Enjoy your own outdoor space among the trees. Free Blackberries!

Stories from the community

S

Sandeep

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Valinore Glamping

Great location; I loved it. Will go again. The communication from the host was clear and helpful.

B

Ben

August 2025

38 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Garden Bay Hideaway Glamping & RV

Garden Bay is an absolutely beautiful place. Michelle was an excellent host and the location of the camp is just right.

Gravel driveway with deck suitable for pitching tent. Shown here with a small RV.

C

Charlotte

August 2025

15 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

Karen and Kito put a lot of love into their little slice of paradise and you can really feel it. There are so many interesting books and crannies to explore.

J

Jillian

August 2025

18 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Mountainaire Campground and RV Park

We had a wonderful experience at this campground! The location was easy to find, and check-in was a breeze. Our hosts were warm, welcoming, and went out of their way to make us feel at home. The grounds were peaceful and relaxing, with a family- and pet-friendly atmosphere that made our stay even more enjoyable. The facilities were spotless and well-maintained, and the tent camping areas were spacious and comfortable. We were especially impressed by the full-service sites—they exceeded expectations! The concession was also remarkably well-stocked, making it easy to grab anything we needed without leaving the campground. All in all, this campground struck the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and tranquility. We’re already looking forward to returning for a longer stay!

K

Kirsten

August 2025

26 ft travel trailer

14 nights at Garden Bay Hideaway Glamping & RV

We absolutely loved the peace and quiet at this place. It's walking distance to Provincial Park which was just lovely being able to take our puppers on evening strolls to watch the sunset on the water. The hosts are lovely people! And have done such an amazing job developing the property. It's a bit steep, we were happy to have 4WD.

J

Jacek

August 2025

21 ft Class B

4 nights at Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

We found the RV site as described. It suited us perfectly for the 4 nights we were there. Dan the property care taker was extremely helpful, pleasant and responsive. The owner Kito was also very helpful in helping to solve our power outage issue. The other campers were quiet. The camp toilet and shower were clean and eco friendly. The only observation we have is that some of the site description was overstated and could lead to disappointment. We would happily come back to the site we used with our converted van in future.

K

Kait

August 2025

22 ft campervan

With kids

2 nights at Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

What a unique little spot! We stayed in the RV site with a deck and loved our little home tucked away but just as much enjoyed the communal aspect of walking the grounds, meeting the animals, picking blueberries/blackberries and saying hi to fellow campers and the groundskeeper. And such great proximity to secret cove where we took a boat ride to buccaneer bay and Halfmoon bay where we enjoyed ice cream and beer at the general store. Would love to know what the place feels like when the campfires are going at night :) thanks to the owners! Recommend for families (we have a 4 and 2 year old) who love being outdoors with little fairy touches.

R

Rhonda

August 2025

24 ft Class C

2 nights at Mountainaire Campground and RV Park

Good location with easy access to the ferry. Site was very nice and nights were quiet. Nice trail down to the river with a great swimming hole

G

Gordon

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

This site is rustic but there are hot showers and all kinds of tent and camper options.

K

Kate

August 2025

35 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Mountainaire Campground and RV Park

We camped at the Mountainaire Campground as part of our trip to Nanaimo for the Nanaimo Blues Festival. The 15 minute drive into downtown was easy. The campground had all the hookups and services we needed. Its a big campground with lots of campers on the weekend. What a great place for families to get together as it includes a 15 minute walk to the river and a beautiful calm swimming hole.

S

Stephanie

August 2025

16 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to theDoighouse Earthship

Great location, friendly and helpful hosts. 10/10 would recommend. We will be back!

M

Maggie

August 2025

17 ft campervan

2 nights at Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

Absolutely lovely stay! Such a cute little spot. Loved the site with the deck. Nice little place to walk around, sweet dog, and kind people! Would stay again

Paul

August 2025

24 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Mountainaire Campground and RV Park

I was surprised to see a full campground on Hipcamp, but glad to discover it. Very friendly staff made it a pleasant experience. Very fresh air, tall trees, and the super clear water of the nearby Nanaimo River were great. From the campsite, it is a 15 minute walk to the river (~ 1.5km). There is a short cut down / up a very steep hill for the adventurous. The campground is older but well maintained. Cell service is limited (Telus) but strong enough for a call; campground wifi was surprisingly good (wouldn’t reply on it for a video call but ok for email and browsing).

Beautiful view of scenic wetland from left right side of unit (if backed in)

h

hannah

August 2025

19 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Tranquility by the Lake

Easy, efficient and great communication with Jenn. We loved how welcoming she is with her space and being able to go for a quick walk down to the private dock at the lake. Perfect for a stop-by if you have a self sufficient van or camper.

C

Conor

August 2025

16 ft car

With pets

1 night at theDoighouse Earthship

Loved the site, very friendly host. Will be back!

J

JENN

July 2025

22 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Mountainaire Campground and RV Park

We loved staying at Mountainaire! Close to park and washrooms. The gentleman at the front office was exceptionally kind and always friendly.

A

Alana

July 2025

14 ft travel trailer

2 nights at theDoighouse Earthship

Friendly hosts, beautiful & interesting property.

C

Caty

July 2025

17 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to theDoighouse Earthship

We loved our stay at the Doighouse Earthship. The location is great, right by the beach and close by to so many trails. What a beautiful spot! It really felt like something special. We didn’t have time to tour the earthship but would love to next time we are over that way. We didn’t meet Susan but a lovely guy called Jeremy greeted us when we arrived and showed us around. The outhouse was very clean.

G

Gary

July 2025

19 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Mountainaire Campground and RV Park

We reserved two nights and had to move from the first night to the second. This was not a huge issue. We connected up to electrical power and had water available as well but no sewer at our two sites. They do have a sani dump station but we didn't have time this morning to make use of it because of an early ferry reservation. It is a very pleasant park with tons of children having the time of their lives. It brought back pleasant memories of my childhood camping years. You don't have privacy as the sites are very closely located. But quiet hours were honoured. It has a short path to a great spot on the Nanaimo River (Creek) which seemed great for the children. Washrooms were clean and oudor free. Campers and staff were pleasant. It seems like this is the family campground you keep coming back to. They have a little store on site and are 16 kms to the Duke Point ferry to Tsawwassen. It is about a 45 minute drive to Qualicum Beach and 30ish to Parksville and even closer to Nanaimo. Tons of places for vacation days ice creams. I recommend this campground without reservation. But you need to love children and the sounds of laughter. Gary

J

Joanna

July 2025

21 ft pop-up camper

With pets

3 nights at Tranquility by the Lake

Very nice and cozy place, very close to lake with a private dock. Amazing friendly owners, we had a very good time!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best luxury RV camping near Parksville guide

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.