Exploring Vancouver Island means choosing from dozens of unforgettable places. After years of camping and overlanding across the island, this list was shaped by experience. Inside, you’ll find top campgrounds, hidden 4WD spots, scenic highlights, and this year’s best outdoor events.
Best Campgrounds on Vancouver Island for 2025
Camping on Vancouver Island is as diverse as the landscape itself. Below, some of the island’s best campgrounds are outlined, moving south to north, each offering a unique place to unwind, explore, and wake up closer to nature.
South Vancouver Island
Sooke Potholes Campground
Nestled along the Sooke River, this campground offers a serene setting with unique geological formations known as the “potholes.”
Location: Near Sooke, BC.
Highlights: Natural swimming holes, hiking trails, and proximity to the Galloping Goose Trail.
Facilities: First-come, first-served sites; basic amenities
Goldstream Provincial Park
A lush rainforest park featuring towering trees and a salmon spawning stream, ideal for nature enthusiasts.
Location: Near Victoria, BC.
Highlights: Waterfalls, hiking trails, and a nature house.
Facilities: Vehicle-accessible campsites; reservations recommended
SMONEĆTEN Campground
Formerly known as McDonald Campground, this site offers a peaceful forested environment close to urban amenities.
Location: North Saanich, BC.
Highlights: Proximity to Sidney and Swartz Bay Ferry.
Terminal Facilities: Drive-in campsites with potable water and pit toilets Telegraph Cove Resort
Island View Beach Regional Park
A beachfront campground perfect for families and bird watchers, offering stunning views of the Gulf Islands.
Location: Central Saanich, BC.
Highlights: Sandy Beach, picnic areas, and walking trails.
Facilities: Seasonal campground with online reservations.
Central Vancouver Island
Cowichan Lake Campgrounds
A collection of campgrounds around one of Vancouver Island’s largest lakes, ideal for water activities and relaxation.
Location: Lake Cowichan, BC
Highlights: Boating, fishing, and swimming
Facilities: Various campgrounds offer different amenities; early booking advised
Surf Grove Campground
Located at Cox Bay, this campground caters to surfers and beach lovers, providing easy access to the waves.
Location: Tofino, BC
Highlights: Beachfront access and surf-friendly environment
Facilities: Modern amenities with online booking available
We-Wai-Kai Campground
Situated on Quadra Island, this campground provides a peaceful retreat with oceanfront views.
Location: Quadra Island, BC
Highlights: Access to Rebecca Spit and marine activities
Facilities: RV and tent sites with modern facilities
North Vancouver Island
Telegraph Cove Campgrounds
A historic village offering camping options close to whale watching and kayaking adventures.
Location: Telegraph Cove, BC
Highlights: Marine wildlife tours and boardwalk charm
Facilities: RV parks and tent sites with essential amenities
Cape Scott Provincial Park
A remote and rugged park known for its challenging hikes and pristine beaches.
Location: Northern tip of Vancouver Island
Highlights: Nels Bight Beach and Cape Scott Lighthouse
Facilities: Backcountry campsites; prepare for a strenuous hike in
Best Overlanding Spots on Vancouver Island for 2025
Mount Arrowsmith
One of the highest peaks on the island, Mount Arrowsmith is a challenging route perfect for experienced overlanders. The trail rewards you with sweeping views of Vancouver Island’s golden forests and rugged terrain—especially beautiful in the fall.
Location: Between Port Alberni and Parksville
Highlights: Panoramic alpine views, forested switchbacks, fewer crowds in autumn
Roads & Access: Rough access roads; best for 4WD with some hiking required
Pacific Rim National Park
Known for its raw Pacific energy, this park becomes a storm-watching paradise in the fall. Long Beach and Green Point make excellent basecamps, offering easy access to rainforests, driftwood-strewn beaches, and coastal hikes.
Location: Between Ucluelet and Tofino, BC
Highlights: Massive surf, dense coastal forest, unforgettable stormy skies
Roads & Access: Paved highway access; campsites fill quickly during the season
Secret 4WD Beach (North Island)
A true off-the-map adventure, this hidden beach north of Port Alice takes some research and 4WD commitment. No GPS. No signs. Just your instincts, logging road etiquette, and the promise of teal ocean water and soft sand.
Location: Undisclosed, near Port Alice, BC
Highlights: Seclusion, beach camping, crystal clear water
Roads & Access: Active logging roads; radio required; advanced overlanding
Trending & Instagram-Worthy Spots
The Pointe Restaurant at the Wickaninnish Inn
Perched at the western edge of Vancouver Island, The Pointe Restaurant offers a dining experience that’s as visually stunning as it is gastronomically delightful. With a sweeping 240-degree view of the Pacific Ocean, diners can enjoy the ever-changing seascape while savoring innovative Canadian cuisine crafted from fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant’s design features floor-to-ceiling windows, ensuring that every seat captures the breathtaking coastal panorama. Whether you’re watching the waves crash during a winter storm or enjoying a summer sunset, The Pointe provides a backdrop that’s both dramatic and serene. It’s no wonder that this spot has become a favorite for both food enthusiasts and Instagram aficionados alike.
Location: 500 Osprey Lane, Tofino, BC
Highlights: Panoramic ocean views, seasonal tasting menus, extensive wine selection
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with storm watching in winter and sunsets in summer
Instagram Tip: Capture the golden hour light reflecting off the ocean through the expansive windows for a truly memorable shot.
Camping & Overlanding Events on Vancouver Island – Summer 2025
Victoria Outdoor Adventure Show
📍 Victoria, BC
🗓️ April 25–27
Victoria’s largest outdoor recreation expo is back, filling over 35,000 sq/ft at Pearkes Arena with everything from rooftop tents to off-road vehicles, kayaks, e-bikes, survival gear, fishing and hunting accessories, and more. This is the launch point of the Island’s 2025 outdoor season and a must for campers and overlanders looking to upgrade their gear or meet fellow adventurers.
What to Expect: Live demos, door prize giveaways, interactive exhibitor booths, and local vendors.
Who It’s For: Newcomers to outdoor life, seasoned overlanders, and families looking to gear up for the summer.
Why Go: It’s the most comprehensive showcase of camping, overlanding, and adventure gear on the Island this season.
Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival
📍 Laketown Ranch, Lake Cowichan
🗓️ June 13–15
Less than 90 minutes from Victoria, this festival blends music and nature like no other. Set at Laketown Ranch—home to major outdoor concerts—you’ll find three days of banjo picking, bass lines, and mountain air. It’s a perfect mid-June event to pair with camping trips in the Cowichan Valley.
What to Expect: Performances from top-tier bluegrass bands, camping on-site or nearby, and access to trails, lakes, and rivers.
Best For: Music lovers, vanlifers, and those seeking a laid-back festival experience under the stars.
Why Go: The perfect long weekend for campers who love music and the outdoors equally.
Looking for more places to explore this year?
Check out our full guide to Camping & Overlanding Events Across Canada 2025 — from coast to coast, we’ve mapped out the must-see gatherings, gear expos, and outdoor experiences worth planning around.
