The best camping in Gulf Islands National Park, BC

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98% (31)

Camp alongside marine life, alpine lakes, and coastal trails.  

The best camping near Gulf Islands National Park, BC

No matching sites in the park — explore these options nearby.
Forest Sanctuary Cabin

1. Forest Sanctuary Cabin

100%
(49)
79km from Gulf Islands National Park · 1 site · Lodging · Roberts Creek, BC
Experience a cute little off grid cabin in the beautiful forest setting of Forest Sanctuary Campground in Roberts Creek on the Sunshine Coast, BC. This 350 sq ft simple cabin has a private camping kitchen, wood stove, a futon bed for 2, a couch, small dining table and ambient night time candle and solar lighting. The cabin is situated in the midst of a beautifully landscaped forest setting. The cabin is off grid and does not have electricity. I provide free firewood for the wood stove. Lighting at night is by mellow solar lighting and candlelights. Your bathroom is an open air outhouse nearby. Solar showers are provided in a private forest setting. There may be tent campers on the campground in the vicinity. Please note I am two kms up a well maintained private gravel road. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
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CA$150
 / night
Rod and Joyce have a beautiful garden at the front end of the property

3. Decourcy Meadows

99%
(78)
50km from Gulf Islands National Park · 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.
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CA$30
 / night
Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat

5. Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat

76%
(249)
40km from Gulf Islands National Park · 27 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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 travellers seeking a unique stopover. Directly behind Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat are Splashdown Water Slides, Tsawwassen Springs Golf Course, and Tsawwassen Mills Mall, one of the largest malls in Canada. Tsawwassen is surrounded by 6 beaches, one of which you can windsurf. 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; and the Salish Sea to the west. Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat is a private intimate retreat situated on oceanfront property, to gather with friends, family, and 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 (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 ambience of tranquillity. Each tent has a private fire pit on the back of the 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 an eagle’s nest, 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 rides, paddle boarding, bird watching, nature photography, and some breathtaking 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 tranquillity and personal growth.
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CA$80
 / night
Forest Sanctuary

6. Forest Sanctuary

99%
(110)
79km from Gulf Islands National Park · 6 sites · Tents · 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. Please note, these are walk-in campsites. Park and make a short walk to your beautiful campsite. One large grass pasture is available upon request for campervan and RV camping. 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 $150/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 two kms up a well maintained private gravel road. 2 wheel drive vehicles are ok.
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CA$100
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All set up!

8. Surrounded by Nature!

95%
(135)
21km from Gulf Islands National Park · 3 sites · RVs · Victoria, BC
**Important Note:** This site is **for fully self-contained RVs only**. We cannot accommodate tents, rooftop tents, campervans without onboard washrooms, or car camping. There are **no toilet facilities** available, and **outdoor/nature pees are not permitted**. Thanks for respecting this! --- Nestled on two private acres surrounded entirely by Elk Lake Regional Park, our peaceful RV site offers the perfect stopover between Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal and downtown Victoria—just 20 minutes from each. This is a multi-generational family property, also home to two friendly dogs, a one-eyed cat, and a lively bunch of chickens. You’ll be tucked away in a semi-private, flat gravel site bordered by fir trees, with easy access and plenty of turnaround space. Enjoy scenic walks right from your site—only 5 minutes to Elk Lake Beach for swimming, paddling, or casting a line, or head to Bear Hill Regional Park for a rewarding 20-minute hike through fir and arbutus forest with stunning views from the top. You’re also just 10 minutes from world-famous Butchart Gardens and the charming Butterfly Gardens along the way. Ideal for **1–2 night stays**, especially for couples or small groups (up to 4 people total) looking for a restful, nature-connected stop en route to Tofino or around the Island. You'll also find local farms, wineries, coffee shops, and restaurants nearby to round out your Vancouver Island adventure.
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CA$35
 / night
Woodlands Rd Campsite

10. Woodlands Rd Campsite

100%
(43)
43km from Gulf Islands National Park · 1 site · Tent · Sooke, BC
This is a 5 acre property with multiple houses. I built a campsite that is about 200ft from the house, so it is close, but private. Sea to Sea regional park is one block away for amazing hiking and mountain biking opportunities. This site is a decent size, but a tight turn into it. We have gotten a tent trailer in there...it was a just tight! Black-Bears are on property year-round. www.bearwise.org please secure all attractants. Porta Potti Rental is STRONGLY ENCOURAGED. It's available for a flat 15$ fee. Please empty and clean it when finished. There is a sani dump at the back of the near-by RV. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f163Lei3-oA&t=152 Site contains a picnic table and fire pit (if no fire ban in effect). If needed, we can provide Electricity via extension cord. Drinking water tap on site . No loud music that can be heard outside the campsite, all garbage must be cleaned up and packed out on check out, fire must not be larger than fire ring and is subject to provincial fire bans. ONLY FRIENDLY PETS WELCOME! We have a couple of dogs and children free-ranging on our property.
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CA$28
 / night
Secluded Forest Oasis, Maple Bay BC

11. Secluded Forest Oasis, Maple Bay BC

100%
(3)
21km from Gulf Islands National Park · 1 site · Lodging · Duncan, BC
We affectionately call this place “The Tardis” because its transformation from an RV, gutted into a modern cozy hi tech space with a cozy county feel, an outdoor kitchen / living / dining / hot tub areas in a forest setting. It’s got super high speed Internet, 2 TVs, a faux fireplace. Inside a live edge old growth cedar counter with Italian tile, modern connected features, fireplace, heat pump, flooring and great feel. Private inside a 5 acre estate with grounds and a private forest. Everyone loves this space. Tech wise there is super fast ethernet straight to the unit at around 600 download for zoom calls. There is also a super fast wifi for exclusive mobility, 2 flat screen TVs, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus. The space is really idea for 2 people however there are 2 bunk beds in a smaller space that could accomidate smaller children or other smaller stature adults that don't mind a small bunk bed sleeping area. A lot of remote worker like this place. It's faster and quieter than home surrounded by nature. We've focused on the outdoor area covered and private decks outside giving it the feel of an outdoor living, complete with a new BBQ, outdoor living room / seating area / kitchen. There is a private soft tub for comfy soaks.
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CA$98
 / night
Sea Change Farm and Nursery

12. Sea Change Farm and Nursery

97%
(90)
54km from Gulf Islands National Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Shirley, BC
💚💜Enjoy the simple wild private campsites with gravel pads, on the edge of a creek ravine with second growth forest, and the regeneration of the forest around you. A big beautiful pond hosts lots of wildlife and you will hear our ducks and chickens making their happy noises on the wind. And for your information—This year we have a quiet long term camper at the end of the road. There are large berms full of greenery between each site for privacy. Sheringham light house and Shirley Delicious Cafe are within walking or biking distance and The Stoked wood fire pizza is also just down the road beside French beach. No shortage of sights to take in here on the west Coast of Vancouver island. For more information look in our descriptions.♥️
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CA$46
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View from South side of pond

13. Red Bell Farm

98%
(255)
29km from Gulf Islands National Park · 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.
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CA$38
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Ducks at the pond

14. Terravita Brentwood Bay

100%
(6)
19km from Gulf Islands National Park · 2 sites · Tents · Malahat, BC
Located just a 3 minute walk from Butchart Gardens and a short hike to Tod Inlet, we have 1.5 acres that is about half forested with fir and cedar trees. The rest of the property has many vegetable gardens, orchards, and our ducks. In the past we have hosted many bikepackers on their journeys and now welcome those hiking, bicycle touring, motorcycle touring, or car camping. Our tenting-only sites are all located in the forest and each site has room for up to four people. Water is provided directly at the sites and we provide good quality drinking water as well. Plugs are also available for charging phones and ebikes. A short walk away from the campsites there is a dishwashing/meal prep bench and sink. There is a day hammock to enjoy the forest near the tenting sites. We also have a flush toilet on site. Nearby attractions include Butchart Gardens (3 min walk), Butterfly Gardens (4 min drive), and greater Victoria (about 20-25 minutes away). Swartz Bay ferry terminal is about 20 minutes away (Vancouver, Gulf Islands), the Mill Bay ferry terminal is about 5 minutes away (connects to Mill bay and destinations north of Victoria), the Coho to Port Angeles is about 20-25 minutes away. The nearby village of Brentwood Bay is about a 5 minute drive away and offers a grocery store, pharmacies, various restaurants and cafes, a pub, and other conveniences for your stay.
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CA$45
 / night
Shirewoods Farm

15. Shirewoods Farm

100%
(13)
53km from Gulf Islands National Park · 3 sites · Lodging · Nanaimo, BC
Welcome to Shirewoods Farm! Unwind from the hustle of city life with a refreshing escape to the countryside. Shirewoods Farm offers a peaceful retreat where you can reconnect with nature, breathe deeply, and experience the rhythms of farm life firsthand. Our unique glamping stays let you relax in comfort, surrounded by fields, forests, and friendly farm vibes. Shirewoods is a working farm with goats, sheep, horses, pigs, ducks and chickens. Join us for a guided Farm Tour for a chance to meet the animals, and learn about our sustainability practices—including feeding livestock with rescued produce and brewery grain. For outdoor adventures, explore the 11 km of scenic trails next door in Hemer Provincial Park, or venture out to one of the 70+ hiking spots in the Nanaimo area. You’re also just minutes from WildPlay Nanaimo (zip lines, axe throwing, ropes courses) and the refreshing Nanaimo River swimming hole. Only 11 minutes drive to the Duke Point Ferry terminal. Come experience the charm of the farm, naturally.
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CA$90
 / night
Sunshine Coast Green Zone

16. Sunshine Coast Green Zone

98%
(64)
77km from Gulf Islands National Park · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging · Gibsons, BC
This property was purchased nearly half a century ago. For the majority of this time the forest section you will be camping in was left undeveloped, apart from a few mountain bike trails. Recently, as a family, we have seen a large increase in the people traveling to the Sunshine Coast to escape the city limits. Unable to rock up to a campsite and pick our spot like we used to, it was easy to see a growing demand. We have taken everything we love about camping and done our best to give you a sense of what life on the Coast is really about. Please note: By entering onto the property you release all liabilities towards us as hosts. You are choosing to camp in a forested area that contains many hazards as well as potential threats. These include but are not limited to; Wild life (bears, bob cats, cougars etc), Fire is a serious threat to this region during summer months strict no smoking policy is in effect. Care should be taken walking around uneven surfaces. All campers are required to stay within camp boundaries fail to follow these protocols will result in being asked to leave. Please respect this piece of land as much as we do. ~Hope you enjoy your time on the Sunshine Coast
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CA$54
 / night
Maple Heart Ranch - Homestead

19. Maple Heart Ranch - Homestead

89%
(119)
26km from Gulf Islands National Park · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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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CA$45
 / night
98% (31)

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The best camping in Gulf Islands National Park, BC guide

Overview

About

A quick ferry ride (or two) and you’re away from it all in the BC wilderness—surrounded by wildlife and among some of the best whale-watching in the world. Just off the coast of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands offer serenity and outdoor adventure, including hiking, kayaking, fishing, and diving. The 15 islands and numerous islets and reefs that make up the national park are idyllic for camping, whether you’re looking for a backcountry spot, pulling your camper behind your vehicle, or trying out overnight boat camping.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for families: Just a 10-minute drive from the Otter Bay ferry terminal, Prior Centennial Campground on North Pender Island is accessible by car and has just 17 sites.
  • Best for kayakers: Pitch your tent at the boat-accessible Sidney Spit Campground on Sidney Island for kayaking and beach time.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Reservations open in early January for reserved spots from May to September.
  2. Avoid long weekends if you missed making a reservation—people show up bright and early for the few first-come, first-served sites.
  3. For summer weekends, book ferry reservations from Vancouver Island well in advance.

When to go

Come summer, the Gulf Islands are filled with visitors, and for good reason: whale-watching season runs from March to October. But thanks to the area’s climate, the islands are great for camping throughout spring, summer, and fall. Early May and late September are the best time to camp if you need a walk-in campsite without a reservation—this is also when everything is in full bloom. Backcountry campgrounds are accessible year-round, but they’re unmaintained from October to May.

Know before you go

  • Getting to any of the Gulf Islands requires at least one ferry ride over from the mainland to Vancouver Island, and then either a larger passenger ferry or small water taxi. Some islands are only accessible by private boats, with others only by kayak.
  • Licenses are required for all types of fishing in British Columbia and can be obtained from Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
  • Entry and service fees are charged to overnight visitors in the front and backcountry of Gulf Islands National Park.
98%
31 ratings · 14 reviews

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