The best camping near Cowichan River Provincial Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Cowichan River Provincial Park adventure.

Riverside camping with warm water swimming and easy Trans-Canada Trail access.

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Community favorites near Cowichan River Provincial Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Cowichan River Provincial Park

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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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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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Sensational de paradisio

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Duncan, BC

Learn more about this land: Hello we have 1 new cabin available for stays which we just added at 125.00 per night 6 rv spaces and a large tenting area Come and enjoy a quiet camping experience near Cowichan River. A perfect getaway from Nanaimo (45-minute drive) or Victoria (1-hour drive). We are pleased to offer cabin and tenting sites as well. The cabin is 140.00 per night. We offer 24 extremely private campsites that can accommodate 35 people and are easily accessible by car. While camping with us you’ll have access to a fire pit, firewood, cedar gazebo koi pond and the tranquil sound of our west coast frogs at night. and a picnic table to comfortably enjoy your meals. We also have a wood bbq and basic cooking utensils for your stay. We’re a family-friendly camping experience and have plenty of activities on our property including hiking, swimming, mountain biking and more. Nearby you can explore the world-famous Cowichan River and Lake Cowichan. Within a short drive, you’ll find even more hiking and biking trails and tubing and swimming options. Other amenities we offer include: a shower and toilet, access to electricity for charging phones and other devices. Come and stay with us for an unforgettable camping getaway.

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Forest Hideaway

1 site · RV, Tent3 acres · Duncan, BC

Hi! We’re your hosts, Seth, Jodie, and Megan Williams. Recently we decided to share our property that we love and have enjoyed so much for two reasons: to give others the opportunity to enjoy it and to put money away for university. Our parents, Mark and Sarah, got behind the vision and are excited to be part of this project with us. We would describe our property as: home…and a really fun place to grow up! Our parents thought that wasn’t descriptive enough for Hipcamp so they’ve helped us describe it more. We live in a quiet neighbourhood in a forest that has been a source of peace, relaxation, and fun for us in our growing up years. We’ve noticed that people who visit here say they feel the same way. With plenty of space for kids to explore and adults to relax, our 3 acre forest is perfect for down time with a book in the hammock or a nature walk before dinner. Amenities and service: A single, tidy campsite with picnic table surrounded by mature and gently manicured forest, as well as a hammock, and a new construction outhouse. (Go dad!) We love hospitality, so though we won’t always be around when you’re here, if we are and you need something you can simply ask and we’ll do our best to provide what you need. To help you feel welcome we provide a fresh, cool jug of drinking water and large container of fresh potable water as well as access to an outside tap to fill water containers if needed (upon request) , power to charge devices (upon request), and a campfire ring with firewood (sorry about the frequent fire bans. Huge bummer. We will post current fire ban status while you’re here.) Surroundings and local attractions: Our property is situated in a low traffic rural residential area within ¬ 3 km to Sandy Pool Regional Park (5 min) A family favourite! ¬ 10 km to the Cowichan Valley Museum (Duncan Totem Tour) (13 min) ¬ 14 km to the Pacific Northwest Raptor Center (15 min) ¬ 19 km to the Hand of Man Museum (20 min) ¬ 20 km to Lake Cowichan (16 min) for swimming, boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, etc Note: Lake Cowichan is also home to ‘The Tube Shack’ where you can rent tubes to float down the Cowichan River and catch the Tube Shack Bus back to your car. We do it every summer! Fun fact! It’s a 10-minute bike ride from our house to the Cowichan Valley Bike Trail. *(All destinations calculated from our dining table by Google maps) There are multiple well known hikes within 20 minutes (we suggest googling Stoney Hill Trail, Mt Tzouhalem, and Mt. Prevost.)

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Bunkie Glamping in Cowichan Valley

2 sites · Lodging6 acres · Duncan, BC

Welcome to Glamping in Glenora. Discover one of the sweetest secrets in the Cowichan Valley: the perfect place to unplug and unwind. Re-wild yourself in nature by exploring the region's rivers, lakes, trails, vineyards, cideries and farms. The Glamping Bunkies are nestled within our 6 acre property amongst, Dogwoods, Maples, and wildflowers. Marvel at the stars while frogs serenade you, enjoy a drink next to the fire pit, listen to the river flowing below, or simply cozy up inside your bunkie.

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Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat

47 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Tsawwassen, BC

Welcome to Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat “Imagine if you will, the setting sun, orange, huge, resting atop the Gulf Islands. The breeze is blowing inland today, bringing along scents of salt air, and all is well. A bald eagle glides overhead, nearly close enough to catch you up to soaring heights. Even before the sun falls out of the sky the luminescent moon rises opposite. Prepare to embark on a remarkable journey where nature and luxury seamlessly intertwine to create an unforgettable experience. Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat is located in sc̓əwaθən məsteyəxʷ Tsawwassen First Nation Traditional Territory. Conveniently located just minutes from the BC Ferries, easily accessible for travelers seeking a unique stopover. Directly behind Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat is Splashdown Water Slides, Tsawwassen Springs Golf Course, Tsawwassen Mills Mall, one of the largest malls in Canada. Tsawwassen is surrounded 6 beaches, one of which you can wind surf. There are many other amenities nearby for your added convivence. Bordered by the Fraser River to the north; Boundary Bay, Roberts Bank and the United States border to the south; the Salish Sea to the west. Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat is a private intimate retreat situated on ocean front property, to gather with friends, family, groups, or a beautiful quiet getaway by yourself to recharge. Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat also offers space for *Retreats *Weddings *Festivals *Birthdays* Holiday Parties* Corporate Parties* Receptions* Business Meetings* Bridal Showers *Family Events * Engagement Parties * Anniversary's (inquire for more details, pricing etc.) The Glamping Tents are located on a large wooden deck, you'll find a sanctuary of opulence, wood burning fireplaces, plush bedding, and carefully selected decor to create an ambiance of tranquility. Each tent has a private fire pit on the back of tent. You can unwind and reconnect with nature while indulging in the modern amenities and conveniences we've thoughtfully incorporated into every aspect of your stay. We offer luxury glamping tents, that are nestled in nature underneath a eagles nests, that you can view from the luxury and privacy of your own glamping tent. There is a nearby wooden boardwalk that takes you to the beautiful beachfront where you can have picnics, bike ride, paddle board, bird watch, nature photography, and watch some breath-taking sunsets. Book your stay with us today and embark on a remarkable retreat that will leave you refreshed, renewed, and forever transformed. Welcome to Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat, your gateway to tranquility and personal growth.

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Surrounded by Nature!

3 sites · RVs2 acres · Victoria, BC

We live on 2 private acres completely surrounded by Elk Lake Regional Park. There are 3 generations of family living here as well as 2 dogs, a one-eyed cat, and 19 chickens!Our campsite is in a beautiful location situated 20 minutes from the Swartz Bay Ferry terminal and downtown Victoria. PLEASE NOTE: we are an RV-only campsite! NO tent campers as there are no bathroom facilities on site.Access to great hiking just out your door at Elk Lake Regional Park (a 5 min walk to the beach for a swim, paddle, or fish at the nearby fishing dock) and Bear Hill Regional Park (20 min hike through fir and arbutus trees with beautiful views of the peninsula from the top). 10 minutes to Butchart gardens, with Butterfly Garden on the way. Ideal spot for campers looking to stay 1-2 nights. Great as a stopover to Tofino. Perfect for couples or groups of two, with a maximum of 4 campers.There are many wonderful farms and stands, wineries, coffee shops, and restaurants close by. Your site is a semi-private flat gravel area surrounded by fir trees. Easy access and plenty of turnaround room.

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Sassy Gardens

5 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Duncan, BC

We welcome nature lovers to our raw land outside the town of Duncan on southern Vancouver Island near Lake Cowichan. Come and meet our famous Sasquatch "Sassy" the Guardian and get your picture taken while you stay. This is no-frills camping with no power or water hook-ups, but we do have a brand new outhouse and a potable water source to fill your containers. Bring your tents, your coolers, your pets, and your vehicles right up to the site, and wake up surrounded by trees. The property sits near the Cowichan River, and a variety of activities are available including fishing, biking, off-roading, hiking, swimming, and paddling. With drive-up parking available at the property, you can bring everything you need to be comfortable in the woods without having to hike in and out. Enjoy the proximity to the shops and restaurants of Duncan while still getting an off-grid camping experience. Firewood is available for purchase. Duncan is located midway between Nanaimo to the north and Victoria to the south, and there are many nearby scenic spots along the Cowichan River for outdoor activities. In town, Rotary Park is a great choice for kids and dogs; heading west out of town, you can find hiking, swimming, kayaking, picnic areas, and more at Sandy Pool Regional Park, Glenora Riverside Park, and Cowichan River Provincial Park, about 15 kilometres west of Duncan. For a more cultural look at the area, take a tour of Duncan’s renowned collection of totem poles. Firewood is available for purchase when fires are allowed.

Elk Ridge

5 sites · RVs, Tents98 acres · Paldi, BC

The property is located in Duncan, BC on Vancouver Island. Situated in the heart of the scenic Cowichan Valley where wineries and culinary delights tantalize your senses. The city of Duncan and Lake Cowichan has an abundance of attractions and outdoor activities to offer the discerning camper and traveller. Camping on a large open-sky view woodlands property with a nice balance of shade and sun exposure. I have only five campsite available on 40 acres. There is cell reception on the property. An excellent setting for families with room for younger people to safely play on-site. It's in the beautiful Cowichan Valley , so you'll have access to many acitivities. Approx 8 to 10-minutes to the nearest river entrance and only a 5-minute drive to a popular swimming hole Safe roadways for biking with a dedicated lane leading to Duncan and Lake Cowichan Campers that will appreciate and respect this unique space. are so welcome. See you soon!

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Prospect Lake View

1 site · Tent1 acres · Victoria, BC

We have 1.5 acres of views through the trees of beautiful Prospect Lake. It is a very quiet and peaceful community set on the shores of the lake and surrounded by magnificent trees and greenery. There is limited bus service about a 20 minute walk away so a car is most helpful. We are about a 25 minute drive away from Sidney, where most people will arrive by plane or ferry from the mainland, and also about 25 minutes away from downtown Victoria.

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Maple Heart Ranch - Homestead

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Shawnigan Lake, BC

Are you looking for a secluded camping experience with a lot of privacy? Bring your tent and stay at one of our wilderness campsites. Our basic Campsites have picnic tables, fire pits and an outhouse close by. And if you want, you can explore the farm and all our animals or one of the many hiking trails close by. Firewood is available for a charge.Our property is located in Shawnigan Lake, BC on Vancouver Island. The area is renowned for its rugged beauty and its 7-kilometre long lake that provides the opportunity for fishing, swimming and sunbathing in the summer.Nearby is the recently restored Kinsol Trestle named for the short-lived “King Solomon Mine”. Restored in 2011, it is an engineering feat, even by today’s standards and remains one of the loftiest wooden railway trestles in the world.We look forward to hosting you!

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Lot4.Caycuse

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Youbou, BC

***This site is currently being upgraded to a larger tent and adding more amenities for our guests. We will reopen on April 15th this year*** Welcome to our magical property nestled in a semi-remote temperate rainforest on Vancouver island. The 5 acre property is filled with wonderful trails to explore, a nearby lake, and a custom Sauna & Ice Plunge to take the stress of the day away. You'll wake up to the calmness of the forest, the sounds of the birds, and the sun shining through the moss covered trees.

The best camping near Cowichan River Provincial Park guide

Overview

About

Located on a linear 1,414-hectare park, Cowichan River Provincial Park is home to a portion of the Great Trail of Canada, which winds through the parkland, following the Cowichan River to Cowichan Lake. Families are drawn to the river’s warm waters, which are also popular among popular kayakers and tubers, and offer excellent fishing with abundant salmon, steelhead, and trout. Cowichan River Provincial Park lies within the territory of the Quw’utsun (Cowichan) people.

Notable campgrounds

Best for big groups: The Horseshoe Bend group site is known for its serene location and large picnic shelter with wood stoves and sinks.
Best for Great Trail of Canada hikers: The 43-site Stoltz Pool Campground has four walk-in campsites.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Reservations are recommended and available through BC Parks’ Discover Camping website for bookings between May 15 and September (and for groups from March to October).
If visiting weekends or holidays (Canada Day, BC Day, or Labour Day), secure a spot as far in advance of your trip as possible.
Your best chance at scoring one of the 18 first-come, first-served spots is by showing up right at 11am checkout.
If you can’t get a spot, try Gordon Bay Provincial Park on nearby Lake Cowichan.

When to go

Cowichan River Provincial Park is open for camping year-round, though some services are unavailable outside of the May to October season. For the warmest water, think about booking in July or August (though this will also be the busiest time in the park). The fall salmon run is easy to view at Marie Canyon.

Know before you go

The Trans-Canada Trail runs through the park over the nearby disused rail bed and takes hikers over the restored 66-Mile and Holt Creek railway trestles.
The nearby communities of Duncan and Lake Cowichan offer a variety of museums, shops, and restaurants.