The best river, stream, or creek RV campgrounds near Vancouver, British Columbia

Looking for a cozy camping experience near Vancouver, British Columbia that's right by the river? Hipcamp offers over 1000 options that fit your accommodation and activity/terrain preferences. You can find a site that fits your budget with options as low as $19 per night and an average price per night of $49. Some of our top recommended campsites include Cedar + Fern (258 reviews), Shallow Springs Ranch (213 reviews), and Sol Duc Rainforest Retreat (232 reviews). Popular amenities include toilets and potable water, while popular activities include hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.

92% (1.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Rod and Joyce have a beautiful garden at the front end of the property

Looking for a cozy camping experience near Vancouver, British Columbia that's right by the river? Hipcamp offers over 1000 options that fit your accommodation and activity/terrain preferences. You can find a site that fits your budget with options as low as $19 per night and an average price per night of $49. Some of our top recommended campsites include Cedar + Fern (258 reviews), Shallow Springs Ranch (213 reviews), and Sol Duc Rainforest Retreat (232 reviews). Popular amenities include toilets and potable water, while popular activities include hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.

92% (1.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Decourcy Meadows

99%

(78)

53km from Vancouver · 1 site · RV · Ladysmith, BC

Decourcy Meadows is a peaceful forested site within a short walking distance to a safe local swimming beach. We are an RV-only campsite. The site is level and can accommodate vehicles up to 40ft in length. Electrical, sewage, and potable water hookups included. Amenities include a picnic table, wifi and a fire ring and some fire wood supplied at no cost. If there is a campfire ban in effect we will provide a propane campfire. The property is about half natural forest and so it's not unusual to see local critters, large and small peeking out! There are several hiking trails in the area and local parks as well. There are 3 artisans on Decourcy Drive. The world-famous Crow and Gate pub is 4 km from here and the historic Wheat Sheaf Hotel (Pub) is about 5 km. Local restaurants and Cafes, Groceries, Pharmacy are 5 km. We are a quiet country getaway located 25 minutes from Nanaimo Departure Bay Ferry Terminal. Duke Point Terminal is about 20 minutes. Picturesque town of Ladysmith is about 25 minutes south and the very Unique town of Chemainus is 35 minutes and very worth seeing.

2. Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

92%

(299)

64km from Vancouver · 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.

3. Red Bell Farm

98%

(255)

71km from Vancouver · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · 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 outhouse, 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.

4. Southside Nanaimo

61km from Vancouver · 1 site · RV · Nanaimo, BC

The location is very close to downtown Nanaimo and all the amenities and services it has to offer. The campsite is quite private, tucked in behind the house and shaded during the day. There is an electric hookup for an RV, water is available, and a gravel strip beside the RV parking spot provides space to set up portable camping equipment. A large open area is also adjacent to the campsite. Dogs are welcome, but please note the backyard is not fenced. With rabbits and other small wildlife in the area, dogs must remain on a lead or under control at all times. There is no sewer/septic hookup on site at this time, but an RV dump station is located nearby.

5. Mountainaire Campground and RV Park

83%

(27)

63km from Vancouver · 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

6. Camping Historic Kinsol Trestle

99%

(62)

79km from Vancouver · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Duncan, BC

Learn more about this land:Enjoy camping on our quiet and peaceful campsite located in Cowichan Valley BC on Vancouver Island! We welcome campers with tents or camper vans (maximum vehicle length= 25ft). Much of the property is treed with second-growth cedar, hemlock and some fir trees. Our property is designed for you to unwind and relax. We have an outhouse available for campers to use as well as a hand pump for water. Nature lovers will find plenty to explore; Kinsol Trestle is close to our property. Hikers will love the proximity to the Mount Tzouhalem Kaspa Trailhead, and mountain bikers will find this a great location for their sport. For those looking for a more relaxing vacation, unwind in the surrounding gardens and take in the beautiful views. We are 15 minutes to the closest town where you can stock up on all essentials! Great for families looking to get outside and enjoy nature at its finest. We look forward to hosting you!

Stories from the community

Ian

October 2025

27 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Decourcy Meadows

Great, private, clean and lots of trails. And great hosts. Dogs had a blast.

A fire pit and firewood are provided. What a great perk!

A

Amanda

September 2025

27 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Decourcy Meadows

We enjoyed Decourcy Meadows place so much that we went back for a second stay at the end of our trip. Once again, everything was great! Rod and his wife were super accommodating. If you are looking for a quiet place with full hookups this should be on your list of places to check out!

J

John

September 2025

22 ft Class B

With pets

2 nights at Decourcy Meadows

Wonderful stay at The Meadow. Nicely equipped and private RV site backed by huge trees. Short walk to the ocean and quick drives to two very nice pubs, The Crow and Gate being spectacular.

A

Amanda

September 2025

27 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Decourcy Meadows

We had a wonderful stay at Decourcy Meadows. Easy to find, easy to park, wonderful host and has everything you need. Super quiet and peaceful location. Absolutely recommend!

An overview of the established site, showing the amount of space.

M

Melissa

September 2025

14 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Camping Historic Kinsol Trestle

We stayed for the weekend in site 1. It was the furthest from the house , so nice and private and quiet. We did a wine tour on our e bikes and went swimming at the River . It was a lovely stay, and the hosts were great and even left fresh tomatoes . I would definitely recommend !

S

Sheri

September 2025

28 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Decourcy Meadows

Quite private and spacious! Wooded and close enough to access cedar and Nanaimo! Host was fantastic! 💜💜💜10/10

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.

Sharon

August 2025

33 ft Class C

With pets

4 nights at Decourcy Meadows

We really enjoyed our camping experience at decoursy meadows. It is lovely quiet and comfortable. The host and his wife are very nice, non intrusive and helpful. The coach site is spacious, with full amenities. We highly recommend it to anyone seeking a clean quiet and peaceful place to spend a couple of days.

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!

B

Brooke

August 2025

23 ft travel trailer

6 nights at Decourcy Meadows

Wonderful little slice of heaven. Great central location, wonderful trails and parks around. Highly recommend if you don’t want a busy campground. As others said, it’s right beside their house but if you situate yourself up, you have a lovely view of the forest. We saw deer, elk and heard a very spooky owl!

M

Marcia

August 2025

25 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Camping Historic Kinsol Trestle

Very quiet and tranquil setting. Loud of space and privacy.

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.

Ieva

August 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Camping Historic Kinsol Trestle

Such a serene, beautiful and quite camp spot! The hosts were very welcoming and lovely and I enjoyed my stay. Thank you so much!

d

deborah

August 2025

20 ft Class B

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Decourcy Meadows

Decourcy Meadows is a lovely spot in the woods and a perfect location if you are in the Cedar/Ladysmith area. Yes you park at the end of a driveway, but then you turn around and it’s magical. We took a nice walk through the woods to the ocean. Nice host too!

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).