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Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park

The best camping in Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park, BC

Discover the serene beauty of Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park.

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Stories from the community

Betsy

November 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Poplar Grove Family Farm

Peaceful and private, Lisa was very attentive and quick to respond to messages

Jordan

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Strongwater Camping and Cabins

Gorgeous property, thoughtfully designed spaces, and a very warm, welcoming, and accommodating host. The description of the cabin we stayed in captured its essence so well and we had a beautiful stay here. Thank you Cheyenne for having us!

Ella

November 2025

16 ft car

With pets

1 night at Poplar Grove Family Farm

A nice private spot! Far away from main roads that there was minimal noise, but still close to town

Guests enjoying the outdoor fire pit in the Spring

Katrina

November 2025

2 nights at Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

Love the micro-cabin. It is very compact and thoughtfully designed. We enjoyed the firepit and kitchen. Kito was very healpful and even provided us with extra heater. The water in the outdoor shower is very cold so it could be improved. But im sure that Kito will immediately fix it if you message him. We didnt need to use it during that time so it wasnt a problem for us. Overall, it is a nice place and very private. We also enjoyed the trail.

Ben

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Wild Coast Parksville Campsite

We had terrible weather the night we stayed and the owners were super hospitable. They let us use the shop front to keep dry and warm which was greatly appreciated.

Mario

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Strongwater Camping and Cabins

Very serene! Perfect for a quiet weekend. Will return!

Anthony

October 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Living the Dream in Roberts Creek

Dave was a friendly host. Everything was ready to go when I arrived. The propane fire pit was a bonus

Jenna

October 2025

2 nights at Shirewoods Farm

Beautiful scenery, wonderful host. Very accommodating.

Hannah

October 2025

22 ft campervan

1 night at Wild Coast Parksville Campsite

Great stay! Had everything I needed and was a great stop from the ferry to Tofino

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Strongwater Camping and Cabins

We had the best experience at strongwater cabins. The cabins are cozy and picturesque, with all the essentials. An electric kettle and mini fridge made our experience so much better, since we were able to store our food and enjoy hot drinks on the chilly autumn nights. The cabin comes with an electric fireplace that kept us perfectly toasty as well. Hot showers and clean bathrooms and area to wash our dishes was so convenient! Cheyenne has put her heart into the property and it shows. The hosts are super accommodating! We even got to use their canoe and paddle out on Waugh Lake, and check out their infrared sauna. The cherry on top is the delightful animals that live on the property. Geese, chickens, mini ponies, guinea fowl, and more. We explored the Skookumchuck trail and checked out the amazing whirlpools. Every inch of this forest is beautiful, made better by our time at the cabin. We will absolutely return! A 10/10 experience.

Sean

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

Amazing! We don’t need a customer base. Beautiful

David

October 2025

29 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Little Cedar’s Hideaway

a bit tricky getting the motor home done the hill. Camping went fine

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.

Michael

October 2025

18 ft campervan

1 night at Come & stay at Nuttal bay

Paul was communicative and hospitable. The camp area was spacious and was perfect for our stay. Coffee on the beach close by was lovely. A great place to stay!

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

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!

Marshall

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Forest Sanctuary Cabin

Stayed three nights for my partner's birthday long weekend! We had Christian's property all to ourselves for most of the stay, which definitely contributed to the zen vibes we were hoping for. It's nice to be able to spend so much time "doing nothing" without a sense of guilt, haha. We brought a bluetooth speaker, but only used it on a couple occasions (when cooking). The opportunity for silence and stillness can be a rare thing. The cabin is not fully finished but it has everything one could hope for. Bed and sofas are on wheels so a good chance for your closet interior decorator to shine. I recommend bringing headlamps or at least external batteries for your phone torch for convenience at night (we brought board games). The wood stove is easy to manage once you get the ropes, and Christian does a good job of teaching. We were toasty throughout our stay (evenings around 10C or so), but it doesn't hurt to bring extra for your sleep, when managing the fire might be harder. The kitchen is well equipped and we had a blast grilling up steaks. No issues with the outhouse. We didn't get enough sun for the solar showers but it's a neat setup. Overall a wonderful stay. Beautiful piece of property and it's clear how much care Christian has put into it- and continues to. Honestly hard to say how different our stay would be with others camping nearby, but the experience we got was very memorable.

Katie

September 2025

2 nights at Strongwater Camping and Cabins

We LOVED staying at Cheyenne's Treehouse Cabin. We stayed in cabin 2 for 2 nights and it was pure perfection. It truly felt like you were in a treehouse among the trees. The whole property was gorgeous and miraculously upkept. The heater kept the cabin warm at night, towels and loonies for showers were provided. Close to Skookumchuk Narrows and Skookumchuk Bakery and Cafe (the cinnamon buns are a MUST). Would absolutely recommend for a friend.

Jammers

September 2025

2 nights at Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

I would recommend for my low maintenance friends as the pee toilet in the cabin is a separate room with a seat, however is a 20gallon paint bucket that you do have to clean. This didn’t bother me, but may bother some. I didn’t shower when I stayed because the shower was very dirty and full of garbage from previous guests. The compost toilet is clean and right around the corner from the cabin. There are workers/helpers/younger (quiet) crew who live on site and are very helpful and wonderful. I loved staying here and will be back. My only concern was the lack of cleanliness of the shower. I’ve posted an updated photo.

Peta

September 2025

1 night at Strongwater Camping and Cabins

This was our second time staying at Strongwater, we just love it so much. The treehouse vibe is so cozy and relaxing. Cheyenne is great to communicate with and is always so accommodating. We will be back again for sure.

Sandeep

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Valinore Glamping

Great location; I loved it. Will go again. The communication from the host was clear and helpful.

Top-rated campgrounds

InsideTheBoxLiving

95%

(11)

2.5km from Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park · 1 site · Lodging · Halfmoon Bay, BC

Charming container home just a block from the ocean awaits you. This peaceful retreat offers all the services you need for a comfortable stay. Conveniently located near serene lakes and a network of hiking trails, it’s the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and relaxation.

Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

92%

(299)

5.2km from Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park · 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.

Moon Gate Farms

100%

(132)

22km from Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Roberts Creek, BC

We are currently undergoing renovations and will be closed until finished. Moon Gate Farms offers an unique glamping and camping experience in Roberts Creek, BC. Please note we have strict quiet times from 9pm to 8am. The property is just a 10-minute drive from beaches, restaurants, and hiking trails. Moon Gate farms is an ideal getaway for a nature experience and perfect for mountain walkers, cyclists, birdwatchers, or couples looking to escape into the wilderness. Communal outdoor kitchen with camp stove, prep tables, toaster, microwave, are provided. Hot outdoor showers and flushing toilets. Friendly canine campers are also invited. We have two resident Bernese mountain x black retriever dogs who love to bark when campers arrive! They are friendly and settle quickly when told to sit and chill. The best way to get directions is to use Google Maps and follow directions to Moon Gate Farms in Roberts Creek. We are pinned on the map on East Wilson Forest Service Rd.

Living the Dream in Roberts Creek

96%

(37)

26km from Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · Roberts Creek, BC

Located a stones throw from the small town of Roberts Creek. There is a general store, restaurant, cafe and shops. Beaches, forest hiking, and biking trails are also located are just a few minutes walk. The experience is 'staying at your friends place'. We love to meet new people and show off our corner of the world, it is a beautiful spot! Bring your own tent, or small RV. There is a pop up tent, table and chairs, propane fire pit and a 'camp style' potty. *It is not a waterfront property, some of the images are of nearby attractions. *Pets are OK but must be supervised at all times, there are other animals in the area. *It is a beautiful forested site but we are near town, so there can be some noise. We hope to see you!

Strongwater Camping and Cabins

97%

(29)

27km from Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park · 10 sites · Lodging · Egmont, BC

A magical experience awaits you on the majestic Sunshine Coast of British Columbia near the Village of Egmont. Nestle into our modern rustic cabins or set up camp beneath the towering evergreens. We, your hosts, and our yard-full of farm friends live just up the hill, but we sneak out often to welcome our guests. Strongwater Camping and Cabins offers bookings year-round. Choose from our 8 rustic cabins or 8 large campsites to accommodate your next relaxing get-away or refreshing retreat. Bookings are usually a 2-night minimum. 1-night may be available at the discretion of the Hosts. New to our accommodations are the SkookumBus and a Glamping Tent (summer only)! Our hand-built cabins provide a simply magical experience, with warm, comfy beds and bedside table, a fan for summer or a heater for winter. Nearly every cabin features a small table and chairs and a mini-fridge plus an outdoor fire pit and a picnic table. The cabins’ decks are surrounded by forest. Firewood is available for $30/wheelbarrow on site when available (unless we have a fire ban.) All campsites include the fire pit and picnic table. Everyone has easy access to the spa-like washrooms with coin-operated hot showers and flush toilets. Children 8 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult in the Wash house. There’s a dish washing station in the center of the Wash House where you can refill your water jugs and bottles or wash dishes. Please do not use for washing hair or laundry or tooth brushing. We ask that you conserve water and keep the Wash House clean. If a peaceful experience is what you seek, enjoy the restful, soothing atmosphere of the forest. Learn to really appreciate the simple things in life. Take in the mountain, ocean, and lake scenery. Fishing, canoeing, or just lying on a beach. Sitting on the deck of your cozy cabin, reading a book or soaking in the magic. If you are a thrill-seeker, then adventure awaits on the turbulent waters of Skookumchuk Narrows, the rapids for which our magical place is named. Skookumchuk is an old Chinook word meaning Strong Waters. There’s a timetable for you to consult to catch the tides at the best times. Follow the link below. Hit some rigorous trails on your mountain bike, hike through forests, up mountains, or at oceanside. Take a wild ride to untouched wilderness with our neighbouring Adventure Boat Tours.

Forest Sanctuary Cabin

100%

(49)

29km from Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial 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 for heat, 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 or wifi. There is cell reception. Firewood for the wood stove is complimentary for your first night with a small firewood charge for multiple nights. Lighting at night is by mellow solar lighting and candlelights. Your bathroom is an open air outhouse nearby. Solar showers are seasonal and provided in a private forest setting. There may be tent campers within 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.

Come & stay at Nuttal bay

100%

(15)

29km from Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park · 1 site · RV · Nanoose Bay, BC

We are located 45 mins from Duke Point Ferry terminal, and 1/2 hour from Departure Bay. Parksville is 10 min drive and Tofino/Ucluelet is a 2 hour drive. Nuttal Bay is 5 min walk from our location as well as Moorecroft Provincial Park.

Forest Sanctuary

99%

(110)

29km from Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial 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, parties and special events. Ask me about renting the entire site for your private event and family and friend 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 car, 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 sold onsite for when campfires are permitted. Propane fire pit rentals available. For bathing I have cold showers and seasonal warm solar showers on hot days. Plus an aquifer-fed pond for clean, cold water dips. If you want something a little fancier I have a great little off-grid camping cabin and a Bell tent. Ask me about them. A beautiful mobile sauna care of Pranasauna is available for rent. 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.

Nile Point - Oceanfront Camping

99%

(57)

29km from Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging · Sunshine Coast, BC

Hi, my name is Dave. My family and I would like to welcome you to Nile Point, a secluded campsite located on 20 acres of privately owned, oceanfront property on Nelson Island, BC. I consider it the closest thing to paradise. The first you'll need to know about this property is that it's only accessible by boat. This is what makes the campsite so secluded and peaceful. Transportation to and from the island is included with your stay. The stunning 15 minute boat ride to and from Nile Point is one of the many things that makes this a truly unique experience. The second thing you'll need to know is that we offer TWO SITES on the property, a 10x16 TENT PLATFORM and a OCEANFRONT CANVAS TENT WITH ENSUITE (NEW!) with king size bed, in-tent ensuite bathroom and fully stocked outdoor kitchen with potable water, bar fridge and BBQ We have one canoe, one one-person kayak, a two-person kayak, and some paddleboards. Bring your own water exploring devices if you wish. Our beach is rocky (it ain't a sandy beach!), so bring your good water/rock shoes! This is a great place to stay and explore if you love the wild. It's off the grid, so if you want to unplug from devices and do nothing but relax or play in the ocean and explore the forest, it's perfect. That said, there is cell reception should you need it and a solar charger if you need to charge your devices. Egmont offers a pub, a fancy restaurant, and a charming convenience store with wi-fi. We can take you in to town during your stay for an additional charge of 50$ per direction. We've secured exclusive moorage at a private dock in Egmont. This is where you will park. This private parking includes secure gated access, closer proximity to our accommodations, and stunning waterfront surroundings New Dock Location: 6156 Maple Road Gate Code: 7051 (if broken, just open and close by hand) Do not park at the government wharf in Egmont. Please arrive at the above address. Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have about the property. We hope to see you this summer! Dave

Wild Coast Parksville Campsite

99%

(84)

31km from Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Nanoose Bay, BC

Learn more about this land: Wild Coast has 2 nightly campsites for you to enjoy. Site one is a large, flat open gravel base. And Site 2 is a large, flat grass based site. Please note you must have your own trailer or tent. We’re a 5-10 minute drive to Rathtrevor beach/Parksville, Englishman River. We are right in the middle of an extensive trail network perfect for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding.  Both sites have plenty of space for RVs and trailers - we can accommodate vehicles up to 45ft in length. 30 amp Electrical and potable water hookups are available on both sites. WI-FI onsite as well. There is a flush toilet and sink available in our farm store that is available for guest use. No shower yet, but we are working on it! The property is private yet close to all amenities. Local favorite Rocking Horse Pub is a quick walk next door and a must-stop for dinner and drinks!  Centrally located on Vancouver Island, it’s a perfect spot to set up the rig and day trip out to Rathtrevor, Little Qualicum, Parksville, Coombs, Port Alberni valley and Nanaimo, or go for an overnighter in Victoria, Tofino, Mount Washington and the Comox Valley. Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban and we have dry firewood for sale onsite. If you would like firewood send us a message before you arrive. Pets are welcome, but please be responsible for them. There is a large open grass field for you to let them run and burn off that energy. PLEASE NOTE that this is a campsite and the trailers in the photos are not for rent.

Sunshine Coast Green Zone

98%

(64)

31km from Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial 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

Alpaca Haven

99%

(76)

36km from Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Parksville, BC

Recently moved to property to begin our new journey, this property holds an immense sense of peace and wellness, grazed by lamas and alpacas for past 2 decades &10acre farm property completely fenced in and void from predators, general public, and unwanted guests. Pockets of old cedars, ponds, forest trail and privacy. Feel at one with surrounding nature. Gated and fenced in access points for use coordinating with grazing animals. Learn more about this land: Our property is located in between Qualicum Beach and Parksville on Vancouver Island! We have a friendly, small alpaca herd and 6 blissfully friendly goats. You have the option to interact with them if you'd like! We are minutes from beautiful ocean beaches, river access, lush green trails, or the amenities of the Parksville/Qualicum Oceanside region.  Parksville is one of Canada's most popular summer destinations for families. Everyone loves Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, with its beaches, tidal flats and pools, and wildlife. Quiet nights with moonlight, stars, crickets singing and owls hooting. Qualicum Airport and restaurants nearby. You'll have access to potable water from the well if needed. Pets are welcome at the discretion of property owners. Campers can expect a peaceful retreat closely located to some of Vancouver Islands' most sought off adventures, experiences, and memories.

The best camping in Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park, BC guide

Overview

About

Embark on an adventure at Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park, where the tranquil waters invite kayakers and the trails beckon hikers. Immerse yourself in the splendour of nature as you navigate through the cove, watch for wildlife, or simply enjoy a picnic amid the scenic landscape. This park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a peaceful escape.

When to go

The best time to visit Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park is during the warmer months, from late spring to early fall, when the weather is ideal for hiking and water activities. Winter can be less inviting due to cooler temperatures and increased rainfall, which may limit some activities.

Know before you go

Ensure you have a valid fishing licence if you plan to fish, and be aware of the Rockfish Conservation Areas within the park.
Remember that pets must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed on beaches or in park buildings.
There is one pit toilet available at the parking area; plan accordingly as there are no flush toilets.
Access to Smuggler Cove is best at low tide; watch for reefs and rock projections.
Respect the park's natural environment by staying on designated trails to preserve the delicate ecosystem.

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