Camping near Parksville
Camp with the family in this beach holiday town on the east coast of Canada’s Vancouver Island.
95% (941 reviews)
- Parksville
95% (941 reviews)
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12 top campgrounds near Parksville
94%
(98)
Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat
14 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Halfmoon Bay, BC
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 a wide assortment of intriguing tiny homes. We have everything from a converted schoolie with a woodstove and an ocean view to gorgeous, furnished campsites in the woods. Check out our micro cabin, glamping tent, and new additions, like our luxury tent trailer, bell tent, and furnished campsites in the forest.
Our property is an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoy our recreation area with a large pond, our new small playground for young kids, and our small orchard with several small ponds. Explore our walking trails on our property, 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 10 years.
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CA$40
/ night
86%
(136)
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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CA$69
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theDoighouse Earthship
8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Qualicum Bay, BC
Have you ever imagined a house built from tires, dirt, pop cans, and concrete?
Welcome to theDoighouse Earthship, an eco-retreat nestled in the forest, mere minutes from Qualicum Bay waterfront. Our location is a haven for adventurers and peace-seekers alike, offering easy access to the natural wonders of Vancouver Island.
Just an hour north of Nanaimo, our property serves as an ideal base for day trips to Hornby, Denman, and Lasqueti Islands. Or don’t leave the island and spend the afternoon eating delicious fresh-made doughnuts at the famous Old Country Market in Coombs, home to the iconic goats on the roof, it’s only a 20-minute drive from our doorstep. Or 10 minutes to the waterfront and delicious ice cream at the Cone Zone.
Stay local and discover forest trails, a children's playground, and a bike park right in our neighbourhood. Lighthouse Country area teems with opportunities for exploration, from pristine beaches including Sunny Beach and scenic Spider and Horne Lakes to an array of hiking paths, or if you climb, consider the Horne Lake Caves! Use your All Trails App to discover the Wilson Woodlot and Lost Runners Trails. Urban legend has it that it was the running shoes that were lost, not the people wearing them!
Or stop here for a night en route to and from the mainland to Ucluelet or Tofino for world-class surfing, or if skiing is your calling, Mount Washington is just a 45-minute drive away.
You can pitch your tent in our gardens, park your RV on the edge of the forest, or stay in our cozy tiny cabin. You can wander in the gardens and check out a young permaculture food forest filled with fruit and hazelnut trees, berries, and all that good stuff!
Our Earthship, currently under construction, is all about exploring a low-impact lifestyle, off-grid living in an energy-efficient dwelling built from recycled materials. It is love for the planet, and people and sharing of abundance that makes this project come alive.
Attend a group tour, or arrange for your own private tour where Tony will spend a couple of hours with you, sharing theDoighouse project, and answering any and all questions you may have.
We also offer workshops and other onsite activities. For more info check out our website www.thedoighouse.com/events.
On arrival, you will be greeted by Bentley (our standard poodle), Mabel (mouser extraordinaire) and the 'hens' who generously gift fresh eggs daily.
Come visit, tour, and stay.
Susan and Tony Doig
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CA$30
/ night
98%
(171)
Dashwood Meadows
3 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Qualicum Beach, BC
Welcome to Dashwood Meadows! We are located in Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island.
This is a hobby farm with sheep, mini goats, donkey, dog and cat. We grow berries, plums, cherries, nuts and wildflowers. Child-friendly and family friendly
environment. You can walk the labyrinth of forest trails nearby.
There is a beach 9 km from the farm. Lakes, rivers, waterfalls, provincial parks,
caves, golf courses, children's playgrounds and country markets, all within less than an hour's drive.
In Qualicum Beach, you will find amazing sandy beaches, picture-perfect views, world-class biking and hiking trails, salt-tinged ocean air, and the small town charm of our communities.
Seeing goats on a roof, exploring underground caves, strolling endless beaches at low tide, and walking among ancient old-growth forests are just some of the experiences you’ll be able to tell your friends about back home.
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CA$49
/ night
99%
(38)
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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CA$35
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(90)
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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CA$39
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Sunshine Coast Green Zone
3 sites · Lodging, Tents2 acres · 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 ect), 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$60
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93%
(53)
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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CA$98
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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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CA$45
/ night
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Mermaids Marsh
3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Gabriola, BC
Beautiful secluded hideaway right in the heart of magical Gabriola Island. Minutes walk through boardwalks and community gardens to our little village. The public property next to mine known as ‘ the commons, often hosts many outdoor music and community events. Mermaid Marsh is Bordering on 700 acres of picturesque walking trails. Close to many breathtaking beaches. You’ll be surrounded by gardens, marshland, nature & forest.
The property is under construction to be a hipcamp dream. Wanted to get bookings available for summer! There is space to set up your own tent or I am almost completed a Glamping site which will be furnished including a queen bed and fireplace in a 10 by 14 canvas wall tent. There will be composting toilets. An outdoor clawfoot tub, and coming soon a traditional Finnish sauna. Also offerings for island adventures such as paddling or foraging hikes, yoga and reiki.
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CA$44
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(64)
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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CA$100
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(17)
Nile Point - Oceanfront Camping
5 sites · Lodging, Tents20 acres · 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, and a paddleboard. 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.
There's free parking at the pickup/drop off location in Egmont. 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.
Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have about the property. We hope to see you this summer!
Dave
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CA$120
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Under $50
Star Hosts in Parksville
Camping near Parksville guide
Overview
For a campers’ getaway to the beach on Vancouver Island’s eastern shore, Parksville, British Columbia, Canada, is popular with families. Broad, sandy Parksville Beach seems to stretch for miles, while Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park has hiking trails along the ocean and through the forest, plus a 275-site campground a short walk from the beach. Other Parksville camping options include riverside, lakeside, and oceanfront campgrounds and RV parks, most with full or partial hook-ups, washrooms, hot showers, and wi-fi. Parksville isn’t the most secluded place for campers, but all the services you need are nearby, and the beaches are undeniably beautiful.
Where to go
Qualicum Beach
Parksville’s “sister town,” this community of about 9,000 has art galleries, cafes, and independent shops. Yes, there’s a beach here, too.
Cathedral Grove
Some of Vancouver Island’s biggest trees grow toward the sky in MacMillan Provincial Park. Highway 4, 30 kilometres west of Parksville, runs directly through the park, and you can follow short hiking trails beneath the giant firs.
Denman Island
For an easy island escape, catch the 10-minute ferry to this expanse of dense forests, rocky beaches, and small local shops. The ferry to Denman Island departs from Buckley Bay, 30 minutes north of Parksville.
Tofino, Ucluelet, and the Pacific Coast
On Vancouver Island’s west coast, the towns of Tofino and Ucluelet feel completely different than Parksville—more secluded, quirkier, yet with top-notch restaurants and striking natural scenery. Take time to explore Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, with its beaches, hiking routes, and oceanside camping spots.
When to go
A short trip from Vancouver or Victoria, Parksville BC is a popular weekend getaway year-round. Both the town and the Parksville campgrounds and RV resorts are busiest during the warm summer months. Campground reservations are required at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park from late June through early September. Parksville campgrounds are less crowded in spring or fall, with mild if sometimes drizzlier days. Expect rain in winter, but temperatures rarely drop below freezing, so you can hike or explore the beaches all year.
Know before you go
- From Vancouver, take BC Ferries’ car ferry from Horseshoe Bay (north of Vancouver) to Nanaimo’s Departure Bay. It’s a 35-minute drive north from Nanaimo to Parksville. Reserve a spot on the ferry for your car or RV in summer, or on holidays or weekends year-round.
- No vehicle? You don’t need reservations to walk onto the ferry, and you’ll save on your ferry ticket. Regular buses travel between Vancouver and Horseshoe Bay. While bus service between Nanaimo and Parksville is less convenient, you can manage car-free once you reach your Parksville campground.
- You can find most anything that you’d need for a Parksville camping adventure in stores around town.
Top cities near Parksville
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