The best waterside campgrounds near Vancouver, British Columbia

Bounded by rugged mountains to the north and hemmed in by the ocean to the south and west, Vancouver is a great homebase for heading out into Canada’s wilds, whether you’re looking for a tent camping experience or something more sophisticated. The closest provincial parks are north (Garibaldi included) and east of the city (Golden Ears is a standout), while Vancouver Island is a ferry ride away to the west.

A number of outdoor regions and provincial parks can be found along the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) north of Vancouver. Stop in Cypress Provincial Park, set closest to the city on the North Shore, or head further north up to waterfront camping areas at Porteau Cove; the mountain bike mecca of Alice Lake near Squamish; or beyond Whistler up to Pemberton and the scenic Duffey Lake Road.

Mountain scenery and lakeside recreation await at the several British Columbia provincial and regional parks located on the north side of the Fraser River (Highway 7). Try Golden Ears Provincial Park, a lesser-known spot like Rolley Lake Regional Park, or one of the private RV campgrounds that dot the valley. Consider the area’s lesser-known British Columbia Forest Service tent sites for a first-come, first-served option (all-wheel or four-wheel drive recommended).

Depending on your patience for border lineups, it’s possible to do day trips into Vancouver while staying at a private or public campground or RV park in Whatcom County in the U.S., an area known for hiking trails and Bellingham, a West Coast town just 32 kilometres south of the border and in the shadow of Mount Baker.

92% (2.2K) • 3 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Vancouver

1. An Experience!-Golden Ears Glamping

100%

(81)

42km from Vancouver · 3 sites · Lodging

Not a suite in a house in a subdivision! Golden Ears Glamping is a forested riverside getaway that has has two types of stays: The Cabin-like self contained suite with private entrance and your personal hot tub or the riverside self-contained Glamping Tent with seclusion and a personal 2 person tub. 1. The Bear Suite, attached to the house that has complete privacy. Private entrance, hot tub for two, and deck with personal BBQ. and personal lounge area. Walls are double and ceiling is soundproofed. 2. Rivers Edge, a riverfront (Alouette River South) glamping tent that is elevated in the large cedars overlooking the river. Personal kitchenette, full bathroom and outdoor shower. We have one Glamping tent and is completely private and is away hidden from the main house but close enough for anything you request. Either option of accommodation has everything you need to "Relax, Rejuvenate and Romance" (our motto). We are professional hosts and take this seriously, your happiness is our 1st goal. We have a huge river frontage with a swimmable natural pond and many relaxation areas that are very private and secluded. Great for fishing for rainbows all year round, salmon in fall, and steelhead in the winter. We have been hosting for seven years now and everyone loves this place and have many returning guests year after year. We are so close to metro Vancouver and anywhere in the Fraser Valley so you don't need a big road trip. We have people coming from Australia, Europe, lots from the U.S., even returning guests from Hawaii. This is the place where you can truly "Relax, Rejuvenate and Romance"

2. Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

92%

(300)

64km from Vancouver · 18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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.

Bounded by rugged mountains to the north and hemmed in by the ocean to the south and west, Vancouver is a great homebase for heading out into Canada’s wilds, whether you’re looking for a tent camping experience or something more sophisticated. The closest provincial parks are north (Garibaldi included) and east of the city (Golden Ears is a standout), while Vancouver Island is a ferry ride away to the west.

A number of outdoor regions and provincial parks can be found along the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) north of Vancouver. Stop in Cypress Provincial Park, set closest to the city on the North Shore, or head further north up to waterfront camping areas at Porteau Cove; the mountain bike mecca of Alice Lake near Squamish; or beyond Whistler up to Pemberton and the scenic Duffey Lake Road.

Mountain scenery and lakeside recreation await at the several British Columbia provincial and regional parks located on the north side of the Fraser River (Highway 7). Try Golden Ears Provincial Park, a lesser-known spot like Rolley Lake Regional Park, or one of the private RV campgrounds that dot the valley. Consider the area’s lesser-known British Columbia Forest Service tent sites for a first-come, first-served option (all-wheel or four-wheel drive recommended).

Depending on your patience for border lineups, it’s possible to do day trips into Vancouver while staying at a private or public campground or RV park in Whatcom County in the U.S., an area known for hiking trails and Bellingham, a West Coast town just 32 kilometres south of the border and in the shadow of Mount Baker.

92% (2.2K) • 3 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Vancouver

1. An Experience!-Golden Ears Glamping

100%

(81)

42km from Vancouver · 3 sites · Lodging

Not a suite in a house in a subdivision! Golden Ears Glamping is a forested riverside getaway that has has two types of stays: The Cabin-like self contained suite with private entrance and your personal hot tub or the riverside self-contained Glamping Tent with seclusion and a personal 2 person tub. 1. The Bear Suite, attached to the house that has complete privacy. Private entrance, hot tub for two, and deck with personal BBQ. and personal lounge area. Walls are double and ceiling is soundproofed. 2. Rivers Edge, a riverfront (Alouette River South) glamping tent that is elevated in the large cedars overlooking the river. Personal kitchenette, full bathroom and outdoor shower. We have one Glamping tent and is completely private and is away hidden from the main house but close enough for anything you request. Either option of accommodation has everything you need to "Relax, Rejuvenate and Romance" (our motto). We are professional hosts and take this seriously, your happiness is our 1st goal. We have a huge river frontage with a swimmable natural pond and many relaxation areas that are very private and secluded. Great for fishing for rainbows all year round, salmon in fall, and steelhead in the winter. We have been hosting for seven years now and everyone loves this place and have many returning guests year after year. We are so close to metro Vancouver and anywhere in the Fraser Valley so you don't need a big road trip. We have people coming from Australia, Europe, lots from the U.S., even returning guests from Hawaii. This is the place where you can truly "Relax, Rejuvenate and Romance"

2. Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

92%

(300)

64km from Vancouver · 18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

A

Ash Cedar

November 2025

Weekend Trip to An Experience!-Golden Ears Glamping

Greg and Shelly are extremely kind and have such a beautiful home! Very clean and LOTs of appliances and fun things to do in and on the property. They had dry firewood ready for use and the hottub was hot and well kept. We had hummingbird visitors and were able to go down to the river and see salmon swimming! We used the bbq that was full of propane also. We are returning guests and highly recommend visiting! They were so generous to invite us to stay longer past the check out time as there were no guests after us so we enjoyed being able to sleep in and pack up without rushing. Very happy to be up in such a gorgeous area. Don’t hesitate to book with them!

J

Jot

September 2025

Weekend Trip to An Experience!-Golden Ears Glamping

A must visit. Such a relaxing place. Thank you for letting us stay here Mr. Greg and shally

Will

August 2025

Weekend Trip to An Experience!-Golden Ears Glamping

Just wow! What an amazing property with all the essentials for a get away. Greg and Shelley are also so welcoming and helpful. 10/10 would visit again!

Leah

August 2025

Weekend Trip to An Experience!-Golden Ears Glamping

What a beautiful spot! This was great for a couple days of rest and restoration. Greg and Shelley were helpful and responsive. Would fully recommend!

Alie

July 2025

2 nights at An Experience!-Golden Ears Glamping

Second year in a row visiting Greg & Shelley’s! Just as wonderful as the first time. Greg continually puts work into the property, providing guests with the best possible experience. Can’t wait for next year!

I

Ira

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

Absolutely loved our stay in this dog friendly paradise! This is such a hidden gem. The layout of the space is fantastic and makes you feel like you're the only ones there. We absolutely can't wait to come back here!

A

Andy

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

We had a fantastic trip and enjoyed our stay immensely. The location was private, quiet, and in a great location. The trailer had everything we needed and the information provided made for a simple and straightforward check in. Excellent communication with the hosts and they were very responsive. Thank you for a great stay.

j

jeffery

July 2025

With pets

5 nights at Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

Great location to explore the Sunshine Coast. Quiet location in the woods and hosts were very helpful. Definitely recommend

A

Adam

July 2025

With pets

3 nights at Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

We really enjoyed our stay at Tiny Secrets! The ocean view trailer was as described and we got to see some of the other cute places our friends were staying in and they were all lovely.

P

Paulami

July 2025

Weekend Trip to An Experience!-Golden Ears Glamping

It was a lovely stay and would love to visit again. It’s extremely private and ideal for couples.

N

Nina

June 2025

2 nights at An Experience!-Golden Ears Glamping

This property is the most magical place with the river flowing through and a pond steps from the bear suite. You could spend all day sitting by the river watching a nearby owl family and tiny fish in the river. Greg and Shelley were amazing hosts and made sure we had everything we needed. I will be coming soon again.

Liam

June 2025

2 nights at An Experience!-Golden Ears Glamping

Such a great place super cozy, such a pretty river just a short walk down the hill, had a super easy check in and had all the supplies I could possibly need. Amazing stay

S

Susie

March 2025

Weekend Trip to An Experience!-Golden Ears Glamping

We absolutely loved our experience at this site! Greg and Shelly’s property was breath taking. Peaceful and quiet, the only sounds coming from river. Highly recommend for the perfect weekend retreat

A

Antonella

March 2025

1 night at An Experience!-Golden Ears Glamping

Hosts were wonderful and receptive when we showed up a few hours past check in. The property is well kept and contains many exciting features including seating by the river, grill deck overlooking the river, and a beautiful hot tub. The inside was well stocked and cozy for the cool night. We enjoyed our overnight stay and hope to return soon!

G

Grace

March 2025

2 nights at An Experience!-Golden Ears Glamping

I loved the suite at their place. Gave us a little escape from our everyday lives not too far from home. Amazing spot down by the river with a campfire to enjoy the night and listen to the water. Will definitely be coming back with the husband next time. Perfect for a romantic retreat. No

J

Jaqueline

March 2025

Weekend Trip to An Experience!-Golden Ears Glamping

Great hosts and a cozy and fantastic place! Would definitely recommend :)

L

Lorna

March 2025

2 nights at An Experience!-Golden Ears Glamping

Stunning grounds , very friendly hosts , great experience, definitely recommend and would go back !!!

A

Andi

December 2024

1 night at An Experience!-Golden Ears Glamping

Great stay! Beautiful property and great two person hot tub outside. Bed was super comfy and hosts were very accommodating:)

R

Robbie

December 2024

Weekend Trip to An Experience!-Golden Ears Glamping

Amazing spot! Everything was really thoughtfully put together. Would recommend!

Tyler

December 2024

1 night at An Experience!-Golden Ears Glamping

My wife and I really enjoyed staying in the suite. Sitting in the the hot tub in the evening while listening to the sounds of the river and wildlife was fantastic. We will have to come back in the summer to really appreciate the property when it's not cold and rainy!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterside camping near Vancouver guide

When to go

It’s rough to secure a campsite at a B.C. provincial park in summer without a reservation, but this is an ideal time to visit. Spring is a fantastic time to camp, especially in the Fraser Valley, while the Whistler region is a good option for crisp autumn nights.

Know before you go

It can’t be emphasized enough: You’re really going to need an advance campground reservation to camp at any provincial park on a July or August weekend. Walk-ins are typically out of luck.
Camping gear can be rented at one of three MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op) stores in Vancouver, North Vancouver, and Langley.
Bears, racoons, squirrels, mice, and other vermin love campgrounds, too. If you’re planning a trip into the city, be prepared to take all of your food with you or store it inside a secure locker or locking bin.
All provincial parks near Vancouver are equipped with hookups for RV campers.

Nearby attractions

Immerse yourself in history and nature when camping near the Othello Tunnels. Known for its breathtaking trails through old railway tunnels and surrounding wilderness, the Othello Tunnels camping experience combines adventure, relaxation, and a touch of mystery for a truly unforgettable outdoor getaway.
Experience the tranquil beauty of the Canadian wilderness when camping near Cheakamus Lake. Surrounded by old-growth forests and snow-capped peaks, the Cheakamus Lake camping experience offers serene hiking trails and opportunities for quiet reflection by the turquoise water's edge.
For a camping trip filled with scenic beauty and recreational activities, choose Buntzen Lake Recreation Area. With its serene lake, beautiful trails, and abundant wildlife, the Buntzen Lake camping journey promises a harmonious blend of relaxation and exploration.