This summer, we’re planning to head up to the north part of Vancouver Island, around the Side Bay area, to explore some new camping and overlanding spots. We’ve been to a few campgrounds and parks up north before, and we can say for sure they’re worth the trip. Now we’re looking at going even further.
These are some of the places we’ve found while planning our summer 2025 trips. Some look great for camping, others for overlanding, and a few might offer both. If you’re thinking about heading north this year, this list is a good place to start.
🏕️ Camping Spots Around Side Bay (North Vancouver Island).
First up are the camping spots. A few areas around Side Bay have been noted for their quiet settings, ocean views, and easy access, most of them free or low-cost.
1. Side Bay Recreation Site
A quiet, beachfront site west of Port Alice. There are no facilities, but you get a peaceful stretch of coastline that’s ideal for setting up camp and watching the waves.
Access: Rough logging roads (4×4 recommended)
What It Offers: Beach camping, kayaking, coastal views
Best For: Self-sufficient campers and ocean lovers.
2. Lawn Point Provincial Park
A more remote and wild spot between Brooks Peninsula and Quatsino Sound. Great for people who don’t mind hiking in or navigating a backroad to find a peaceful, grassy camp with forest and ocean views.
Access: Remote access (research routes first)
What It Offers: Grassy areas, coastal forests, hiking trails
Best For: Quiet getaways and off-grid camping.
3. Link River Regional Park
Closer to Port Alice, this is a family-friendly campground with some basic facilities like a dock, outhouses, and a playground. It’s on the lake and easy to reach.
Access: Paved road
What It Offers: Lakefront sites, boat access, basic amenities
Best For: Families and casual campers.
4. Woss Lake Campground
Tucked in near Woss, this one is quiet, clean, and right on the water. You’ll find 24 sites with firepits and picnic tables, plus room for RVs.
Access: Maintained road
What It Offers: Sandy beach, boat launch, forest surroundings
Best For: Tent campers, RVs, and lake lovers.
5. Cluxewe Resort
A larger and more developed option just outside Port McNeill. You’ll find everything from tent sites to cottages here, all on a beautiful stretch of water.
Access: Paved road
What It Offers: RV hookups, tent sites, cabins, and ocean views
Best For: Campers who want comfort and nature together.
6. Keogh Lake
A peaceful lake spot that’s easy to reach and not too busy. No formal campsites, but it’s a good choice for anyone looking for a quiet place to park and camp by the water.
Access: Gravel road
What It Offers: Unofficial lakeside camping
Best For: Solo campers and peaceful overnight stops.
7. Marble River
A scenic river area that works well for dispersed camping. It’s surrounded by trees and not far off the main road, but still feels tucked away.
Access: Drive-in
What It Offers: Forested riverfront camping
Best For: Nature lovers and low-key campers
🛣️ Overlanding Routes Near Side Bay
If you’re more into backroads, forest trails, and off-grid setups, the north part of Vancouver Island offers some solid overlanding routes. These are not campgrounds, they’re routes you drive through and explore, often leading to beach pullouts or trailheads.
1. Port Alice to Side Bay
A backroad route that takes you from Port Alice to Side Bay. It’s fairly straightforward for anyone with a decent 4×4, but weather can change things fast.
Road Type: Forest Service Roads (FSRs)
Scenery: Dense forest, open coastlines, wildlife sightings
Best For: Weekend overlanding with ocean views.
2. Cape Palmerston Backroad Trail
Southwest of Side Bay, this trail takes you toward the rugged west coast. It’s a known overlanding route that eventually leads to Cape Palmerston.
Road Type: Remote logging roads
Scenery: Rainforest, ocean cliffs, and wild beaches
Best For: Long weekends and multi-day setups.
3. Atluck Lake to Victoria Lake Route
This inland route between two lakes offers both scenic driving and options to stop along the way. Great for travelers who want to avoid the coast and stick to forest roads.
Road Type: Gravel, moderate difficulty
Scenery: Forest canopy, lakeside pullouts
Best For: Quiet overlanding with potential fishing stops.
4. Brooks Peninsula FSR Network
There are a series of logging roads around Brooks Peninsula that give you access to remote coastline and mountain views. Good navigation tools are a must here.
Road Type: Multiple FSRs, mixed conditions
Scenery: Mountains, rivers, and untouched forest
Best For: Experienced overlanders and long-range setups.
5. Northern Vancouver Island Loop (Segment)
You won’t drive the whole Vancouver Island Grand Loop in a weekend, but the northern segment can be a solid part of it. It connects towns, lakes, and remote coastlines.
Road Type: Gravel and dirt roads connecting Woss, Zeballos, and Holberg
Scenery: Varied – lakes, valleys, coastline
Best For: Multi-day exploration.
If you’re planning a summer trip up to Side Bay or anywhere around northern Vancouver Island, these spots should give you a good place to start, whether you’re into campgrounds or taking the road less travelled.
And if you want even more ideas, we’ve already put together another blog post about camping near Campbell River, based on our April 2025 trip. That one covers the spots we’ve personally camped at and recommend. You can find that post here: [Camping Spots Near Campbell River].
Let us know if you end up visiting any of these or find other gems along the way, we’re always up for hearing what you discover.
