The best camping near Gulf Islands National Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Gulf Islands National Park adventure.

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

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Gulf Islands National Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Gulf Islands National 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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Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat

25 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 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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Ohana Farms

5 sites · RVs, Tents46 acres · North Pender Island Trust Area, BC

Ohana farmns is a 46 Acre produce and flower farm. We are located on Pender Island in the beautiful Gulf Islands. Accomodations can be hard to find on the island, and if you do, they can often be expensive....we hope to change this by offering up the authentic experience of setting up a campsite right here on the farm!

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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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Rejeanne's Forest on Salt Spring

3 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · BC

Gorgeous forested 5 acre property at the top of Eagle Ridge with a rugged walking trail throughout our land. See ocean glimpses from our trail, walk to Long Harbour in 20 minutes, drive to Ganges in 4 minutes, or cycle to town in 10 minutes. Enjoy all Salt Spring has to offer, by car, by bike or by bus. Come stay with us!

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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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Prospect Lake View

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · 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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Woodlands Rd Campsite

1 site · Tent5 acres · 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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Forest Sanctuary

5 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · 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. 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 $135/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 2 kms up a well maintained private gravel road. 2 wheel drive vehicles are ok.

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Sea Change Farm and Nursery

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · 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 chickens making their happy noises on the wind. And for your information—This year we have a quiet long term camper in the site next to the one you can reserve in a school bus and a tiny home is at the end of the road with no occupancy. There are large berms inbetween 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.♥️

Booked 6 times

Central City Parkland

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Victoria, BC

Park in a delightful covered carport (see photo where the grey car is located). You will have access to wifi and electricity as well as access to the yard: a private 1/4 acre, park-like setting, in the middle of the city. Situated centrally in Victoria, BC, close to the university and downtown. It's easy to get anywhere in the city from here driving or on a bike.

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Island Gertie

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Gabriola Island Trust Area, BC

The Gertie Bus is located a 5 min walk to a beautiful white sand beach (at low tide). There are walking trails all around and lots of beach access. Tucked into the front of our property in the quiet of Gabriola island you’ll find the converted Gertie bus with all the amenities you need. The bus has a gas stovetop/oven, bar fridge and sink with grey water system. Equipped kitchen and sofa area to hang out. The standard queen bed is great for sleeping in and relaxing with that second cup of coffee. Mountain biking, hiking, swimming and whale watching are just steps away. There is beach access across the street through a private park with picnic tables, a very old eagles nest and a private access to a rocky beach perfect for sunsets. The home itself has a pottery studio on the main floor with a full time studio Practice. Give Paige a ring if you’d like a tour, she’s usually working away. Our family lives on the top floor. Outside the bus is are lush veggie gardens, fruit trees and a nice private outdoor dining area. A BBQ and solar lights also help with evening hangouts. Family friendly! Also we love animals but we ask that you clean up after your pet and keep any animals that aren’t so great with kids and other animals on leash. We have a dachshund on the property that is friendly and old ( barks at strangers but is all bark I assure you, he just wants to be friends)

The best camping near Gulf Islands National Park 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

Reservations open in early January for reserved spots from May to September.
Avoid long weekends if you missed making a reservation—people show up bright and early for the few first-come, first-served sites.
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.