Vancouver Island is a camper’s paradise, offering everything from coastal retreats to rugged backcountry escapes. Whether you’re looking for oceanfront sites, lush forests, or remote wilderness, these are some of the must-visit camping spots on the island.
Video made by @ZacharyDoehler
1. Cape Scott Provincial Park
Location: Northern Vancouver Island, about 500 km from Victoria (nearest city: Port Hardy).
How to Get There: Drive north to Port Hardy, then follow a mix of paved and gravel roads to the trailhead. Expect a hike to reach the best spots.
Why It’s Special: Secluded beaches, coastal rainforests, and the historic Cape Scott Lighthouse. A true backcountry experience.
Nearby Campgrounds: Backcountry camping within the park. Be prepared for rugged conditions.
2. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (Long Beach Unit)
Location: West coast of Vancouver Island, about 200 km from Victoria (nearest city: Tofino).
How to Get There: Drive north from Victoria to Nanaimo, then take Highway 4 west to Tofino.
Why It’s Special: Breathtaking coastal views, sandy beaches, and world-class storm-watching in the fall and winter.
Nearby Campgrounds: Green Point Campground (Parks Canada), Bella Pacifica Campground.
3. Strathcona Provincial Park
Location: Central Vancouver Island, about 250 km from Victoria (nearest city: Campbell River).
How to Get There: Drive north to Campbell River, then take Highway 28 west toward Buttle Lake.
Why It’s Special: Towering peaks, alpine lakes, and hiking trails for all levels. The best spot for backcountry camping.
Nearby Campgrounds: Buttle Lake Campground, Ralph River Campground.
4. Sooke Potholes Provincial Park
Location: Southern Vancouver Island, about 40 km from Victoria (nearest city: Sooke).
How to Get There: A short drive west from Victoria via Highway 14.
Why It’s Special: Naturally carved rock pools perfect for swimming and scenic riverside trails.
Nearby Campgrounds: Sooke Potholes Campground, Spring Salmon Place Campground.
5. Saysutshun (Newcastle Island Marine) Provincial Park
Location: Eastern Vancouver Island, about 110 km from Victoria (nearest city: Nanaimo).
How to Get There: Take a ferry from downtown Nanaimo (only accessible by boat).
Why It’s Special: A peaceful island getaway with hiking trails, beaches, and cultural history.
Nearby Campgrounds: Walk-in campsites available on the island.
6. Raft Cove Provincial Park
Location: Northwest Vancouver Island, about 480 km from Victoria (nearest city: Port Hardy).
How to Get There: Drive north to Port Hardy, then take logging roads toward the trailhead. A short hike is required to access the beach.
Why It’s Special: A remote, sandy beach surrounded by old-growth forests. Great for backcountry camping and surfing.
Nearby Campgrounds: Backcountry camping within the park.
7. Woss Lake Provincial Park
Location: Northern Vancouver Island, about 360 km from Victoria (nearest city: Woss).
How to Get There: Drive north past Campbell River toward Woss. Access is via gravel roads.
Why It’s Special: Remote wilderness with hiking, mountaineering, and peaceful lake views.
Nearby Campgrounds: Backcountry camping only.
8. Taylor Arm Provincial Park
Location: Central Vancouver Island, about 190 km from Victoria (nearest city: Port Alberni).
How to Get There: Drive north to Nanaimo, then take Highway 4 toward Port Alberni.
Why It’s Special: Nestled along Sproat Lake, this park is great for group camping and water activities.
Nearby Campgrounds: Group camping available within the park.
9. Stamp River Provincial Park
Location: Central Vancouver Island, about 200 km from Victoria (nearest city: Port Alberni).
How to Get There: Take Highway 4 to Port Alberni, then follow signs to the park.
Why It’s Special: Stunning waterfalls, salmon spawning in the fall, and great picnic spots.
Nearby Campgrounds: 23 campsites within the park.
10. Cumberland Lake Park
Location: Eastern Vancouver Island, about 225 km from Victoria (nearest city: Cumberland).
How to Get There: Drive north past Nanaimo and take the exit for Cumberland.
Why It’s Special: Beautiful lake with sandy beaches, swimming, and hiking trails.
Nearby Campgrounds: Cumberland Lake Park Campground.
