Beautiful Rainforest Camping Along the Cowichan River

Excellent stay on this property, beautiful scenery, waking up to the sound of running water not too far away, secluded and pets welcome! Would for sure stay here again.

We spend three nights over Easter weekend here on a bikepacking trip from Vancouver (taking the ferries to Swartz Bay and Mill Bay, and biking through Cobble Hill and Duncan). The campsite is about an hour from town by bicycle. It's a good distance for getting the feeling of solitude.

The place is just as beautiful as shown in the photos. You'll hear the roaring sound of the Cowichan River the whole time. The river water is clean, but you should bring a water filter since you'll likely scoop up some sand with the water.

The tent sites are well leveled, with a light grass cover on soil. We managed to gather enough fallen branches on site to sustain a campfire for a while.

The outhouse is halfway up the hill between the lower and upper levels. It was well stocked with toilet paper the whole time we were there.

The gravel paths beyond the end of the paved road are quite steep, bumpy, and slippery. I strongly suggest walking your bike up and down the slope, especially if it's loaded.

The Cowichan Valley is a fun region to explore by bike. Note that this site is on the left bank of the river, and there aren't many crossing sites if you're interested in riding the part of the Cowichan Valley Trail on the right bank.

Clayton’s expansive property hugging the magnificent Cowichan River is a sight to behold, even outside of the summer season. When I camped in the late winter, the aquamarine water rushed by the property in thunderous awe, and hinted at the wonderful beach to come once the waterline recedes in the summer.

The property offers a great number of sites to choose from. A lower field allows a large area to set up any number of tents – steps from the river – with fire pits here and there, as well as a beach volleyball court, and ample room to store kayaks or floaties. Up the driveway is the upper field, again offering essentially unlimited space to set up tents, campervans, or trailers. Here one will also find a tap, and on the road connecting the two fields, there’s an outhouse tucked into the forest. From the upper field, step into the forest and one will find a number of established treed sites, offering more shade/privacy, as well as picnic tables and fire rings.

Activities available on the property nearly number the available space for tents. The river, of course, is the biggest draw; with world class fishing (check the regulations first) and amazing swimming/floating opportunities. Beyond the river there’s a plethora of trails winding through the forest, bringing hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. The field space also offers room for field games.

Overall, Clayton’s property offers nearly limitless camping options, and almost as many activity potentials.

The property is super unique and very private. The river access is definately a highlight. Unfortunately I couldn't find the toilet during my stay but discovered it on my way out. There is no service so I couldn't ask the host. Our spot was huge which I loved but in my honest opinion the price is a bit steep for a piece of land on someone's acreage but I had a credit so Gave it a go. Not complaining at all as the space is gorgeous just saying I could get a full serviced site + power + washrooms for less. I believe a few people live on this property as we met some people coming in on golf carts and horses.

I would highly recommend this camp for anyone looking for a peaceful get away and an enjoyable weekend with the river located right next to you there’s many enjoyable activities like swimming tubing hiking. Very clean and beautiful.

Clayton is super nice. River views and beach access are wonderful.

Signage and info is limited. We had to do a lot of asking around to find the outhouse and running water.

No privacy at our river front "site" and lacking ambiance. We found ourselves between a sand pile and a pile of pallets. The entrance to the beach was right in front of us so there were folks walking through our "site". Loud music and 'party atmosphere' in the evening as well as in the morning, so head there if that is your vibe, but if quiet solitude and privacy is what you are looking for, this might not be the place for you.

Response from Clayton , the Host, on September 9th, 2021

Hey, thanks for your feedback. The “site” you chose is more of a communal space. With 140 acres along the Cowichan and nearly 12km of rain forrest trails and campsites there shouldn’t be any difficulty finding solitude. Currently working on a map so people can find their way around better! So many unique areas to explore and private beaches to see. Fishing, kayaking, biking, hiking in an old growth forest along a heritage river… I’d have to disagree that it’s overpriced. Unfortunately it’s sounds like you somehow missed all that. Sorry it was not the experience you anticipated. A map would have helped a lot by the sound of it.

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Beautiful spot, but hard to find and no instruction on where any of the amenities were. For $60/ night we expected more.

His was a beautiful place of paradise, host had sites clean, lots of activities and events to do.
The tubing down the river was a highlight of the trip, will definitely keep this secret place to close friends & family.

Response from Clayton , the Host, on September 9th, 2021

Thanks Lain.

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Clayton is a great host! His property is beautiful - many trails to explore and quiet river access! The lower camp spots were booked (which I would recommend), so Clayton helped us find an alternative spot. He even gave us a ride through his property in his golf cart!

Response from Clayton , the Host, on September 9th, 2021

Thanks Alex!

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