The best camping near Gordon Bay Provincial Park

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

Warm-water swimming, fishing, and easy hiking in a sunny valley.

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Community favorites near Gordon Bay Provincial Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Gordon Bay 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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"Island on an Island" Billy Goat#4

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Nanaimo, BC

Tenting/Done Amazing one of a kind private Island in the heart of Youbou, BC, minutes away from amenities Including a pub, grocery and liquor store. The island is completely private, yet it is only 250 meters from the mainland. There are a couple of kayaks you can use and the waters are teaming with fish! It truly is a piece of paradise! And needs to be shared…. We are building two more domes and a 24 foot yurt this spring /summer… But for now we have one 16 foot dome with a wood stove. As well as two platforms set up for tenting. It is probably one of the most beautiful places you will see on Lake Cowichan. There is a double bed and three fold out foam bed cushions in the dome. We ask that you bring your own bedding and towels. We provide a bbq and Blackstone cooking grill and an outhouse (we are working making improvements and should be ready by June 1st). I guarantee you will make life long memories, it is a very special place. We are not set up to provide transportation to and from the Island yet, but we are working on a solution for this summer. We do have a large dock for your boat, as well as there are plenty of places to simply put your boat on shore.

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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.

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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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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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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)

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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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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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3 sisters ranch

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Parksville, BC

Close to all the amenities the Oceanside area of Vancouver Island has offered. Quick access to Parksville, Qualicum, Coombs, The amazing beaches of. Qualicum. Parksville and Rathtrevor 15 and 10 minutes away. 1:45 minutes to Tofino and our amazingly rugged and world renowned West Coast experience surfing amazing scenery. Epic Mountain biking at your doorstep. DH At Hamerfest is a 10 minute drive or a 45 minute pedal away cross country. Fine dining and all amenities including urgent care after riding is only 10 minutes away. Great hub to experience Vancouver Island from. While the fire ban is on, it is generated towards open fires. Propane fire pits and cook stoves are always welcome.

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Goats and Boats

2 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Parksville, BC

Welcome to Goats and Boats, 40 acres of poplar trees planted in straight(ish) rows about 25 years ago. Since then the alders and the evergreens have started to join the party in a big way. The property is a work in progress with a little more space opened up each year. We don't have a lot for amenities, but we have quiet space in nature and animals to visit on your way to/from the outhouse. If you are wanting quiet spaces in nature, that is what we have. We have some grassy areas for tents and RVs. Pets are welcome, but they need to be leashed in respect for the goats' peace and freedom. We are on a gravel road about 2 km from the popular Coombs market (with goats on the roof!). We are a young-ish professional couple with an ever increasing number of very friendly Nigerian dwarf goats, some rabbits, some ducks and two pigs. The number of animals is subject to vary without notice! So ask us before booking if it's important to you. But there are always goats roaming the yard, rabbits running about daily. Deer show up occasionally. As you can see in the photos, our property is more wild. It is not a manicured park but we do try to take good care of it and we hope you will too. There are a lot of activities in the area including go-karts, hiking in provincial parks (Englishman River Falls Parks, Qualicum River Falls Park). Mt Arrowsmith is a challenging hike about 30 minutes drive away. Cathedral Grove is about 20 minutes away. There is lovely swimming and great beaches at Parksville and Qualicum, and much more.

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Pacific Ranch

5 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Victoria, BC

On a hillside property in the heart of Vancouver Island’s west coast, Pacific Ranch offers amazing views, stream-side forest walks, and private tranquillity. Driving in along the winding and steep driveway, you will arrive on our unique property and find rocky, moss-covered bluffs, and fern-carpeted forests. Across these settings are two private campsites for one to choose from.There is a lot to do in the area for outdoor adventurers, including walks along the Galloping Goose Trail, many local beaches, as well as biking and hiking trails right off of the ranch. You can visit picturesque local villages close by, as well as head to one of the local lakes for a day of swimming.Bring your own tents and van/truck campers. We can accommodate vehicles under 26 feet (water hookup available). You will be parking on loose gravel and the site requires levelling. Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban. Pets are welcome!

The best camping near Gordon Bay Provincial Park guide

Overview

About

Families, water skiers, and wind surfers are drawn to Gordon Bay Provincial Park’s warm lake waters, while anglers enjoy fishing for trout and Dolly Varden trout. Gorden Bay is also close to a wide range of activities including golfing, museums, hiking, and the Cowichan River, famous for its 2.5-hour float trip. The park’s large, 126-site campground is found in a forested area on Cowichan Lake near the community of Honeymoon Bay and comes with hot showers and a “learn to fish” program for kids. Gordon Bay Provincial Park lies within the territory of the Ts'uubaa-asatx Nation.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Reservations are available through BC Parks’ Discover Camping website for dates between May 15 and September (groups from March to October).
If visiting on a weekend or holiday (Canada Day, BC Day, or Labour Day) you’ll want to secure a spot as far in advance of your trip as possible.
You may be able to score a first-come, first-served spot, especially mid-week, if you show up right after check-out time (11am).

When to go

Gordon Bay Provincial Park is open for camping year-round, though some services like hot showers may be unavailable outside of the regular May to October season. For the warmest lake water, visit in July or August. Wind surfers tend to head to the region in the windy months of April and September.

Know before you go

Wood ticks can be a problem in this region between March and June.
There are some barrier-free facilities at this park, including a wheelchair-accessible walking trail, campsites, and showers.
The nearby communities of Honeymoon Bay, Lake Cowichan, and Youbou offer a variety of museums and restaurants.
Cowichan River Provincial Park is nearby and also has camping.