10 Camping Spots on Vancouver Island

(Updated Last on March 23, 2022)

Vancouver Island has a ton of provincial campgrounds but ever wonder what is beyond those? Possibly even FREE recreational sites and lakeshore camping spots you can head to for the summertime. Well here is a list of 10 of the best ones I know about. By providing the names of these places, I do not have extact GPS or PINS doing some of your own research is required to find them.

1. Blackies Rec Site, Nahmint Lake

Nestled in the backroads of Sproat Lake heading towards Nahmint Lake is Blackies Beach. There is 6 tent pads, toilets and even a little cabin for a place to eat inside. This is about a 15-20 minute trail going down and is steep. This is a maintained site and should be left with care. Perfect beach for kids or dogs. No fee required. Pg. 16 Backroads Map (all year round camping.)

2. Nitinat Lake Rec Site, Nitinat Lake.

Owned and run by the Nitnaht campground keepers, this is a campground which has to be booked online. There is picnic tables and places for tents in the campground but not near the lake itself. There is a ton of activities to do here such as windsurfing, west coast trail and exploring the carmanah walbran area. This I believe would be a drive in and probably no hike in is required. I believe this isn't an all-year round campground. Great for kids and not 100% sure about dogs being allowed to roam free, I don't see why not but double check.

3. Upper Campbell Lake, Campbell River/Strathcona Park

Right along the Gold River Highway is a perfect spot to hang for the night before setting out to tackle some hikes in the Strathcona. It's rocky but I was able to set up here for the night and bring my car right on the beach and have a fire. You'll be able to find it on Pg.34 in the Backroads Mapbook. All year round camping. Great for kids and dogs.

4. Kennedy River Rec Site, Clayoquot

This one is a bit trickier to find, so you'll have to figure it out with the information I provide. This is along Highway 4 on the right hand side. There is no distint marker or turnoff. You will have to do some of your own research and finding. I do not have the PIN anymore sadly. I just go off of memory now. It's right after Pogo Mountain. There's a beautiful waterfall along the way and about 8 decent spots for tents or campervans. It is first come first serve and free. There's another spot before this actually by the Taylor Arm where you can drive right onto the beach. Plenty of tenting spots, I believe you would drive onto the logging road from where Snow Creek is. All year round camping and no fees. Dog friendly and some spots are good for kids but it's quite steep in some sections and the waterfall is better for kids that are older.

5. Virgin Falls, Clayoquot Sound

The beautiful falls create a beautiful setting, this is a rough road and is around 60-80kms to get out here. Having a reliable vehicle and something you probably don't care about would be a good idea. There's only a couple spots that tents will fit. However you could camp on the side road if needed if it was occupied. This is a wonderful place to wake up and enjoy nature. Plus camping here is free. The walk from the road is five mins or less. All year round but please ask around and see what road conditions are. Last I checked the road had a massive washout. Dog & kid friendly but be bear aware after all you are out in the middle of nowhere.

6. Lake Helen Mckenzie, Strathcona Park

This is more of an adventure for sure, you will have to pack an overnight bag and hike in to get here. This loop from Lake Helen from Paradise Meadows is around 8.5 KMS with an elevation gain of 301 metres. Most can do it around three hours. There are several camping platforms around this area. You do have to pay a fee once you enter Paradise Meadows to camp here. Fires are prohibited in the Strathcona Park. The platforms are right in the forest and some you can even have a lake view. Camping opens up in Spring. Great for kids, I believe in the Strathcona dogs aren't allowed here or shouldn't be. Don't quote me on that. I believe dogs in Parks are usually a no.

7. Nixon Creek Rec Site, Lake Cowichan

I have not stayed here but I recently found this one that looked easily acessible to drive in just off the South Shore Rd (Logging Road) Pg. 9 on Backroads Map. Camping season opens up in May 2022 and fee to camp here is $18 per night. There is 62 campsites with fire pitts, picnic tables and situatied right by the lake. Great for kids and dogs. Has access to a boat launch as well.

8. Buttle Lake Provincial Campground, Stathcona

Great privacy, there is approx 85 sites and is open in May. You will have to reserve on the website here. Lots of space for RV's as well and great for kids & dogs. Dogs do have to be leashed up when you at the campsite however. There is a boat launch nearby and they do have tons of hiking trails around.

9. Kinman Creek Rec Site, Nimpkish Lake, Port McNeil

I haven't explored much in this area but this is on the list of camping spots. It doesn't seem like there is a ton of spots here. You can find more info about it here. I've seen you can drive right onto the beach but I think mostly its walk in tenting areas. Good fishing and windsurfing on this lake. I don't believe there is a fee from what I have searched. Great for dogs and kids.

10. Sombrio Beach, Port Renfrew

Part of the JDF trail, is Sombrio beach that features a hidden waterfall. The best thing about this area is fires are allowed during most of the season. All year round camping. Great for kids and dogs, you do have to hike in which its a 1.4 km walk in. Great beach for surfing and features a suspension bridge. To camp here you do have to pay a fee per night. (I believe $12) You can camp on the beach or make use of the tent pads in the forest. You can make reservations here.

Well that is just a few I've added, feel free to grab the backroads map and find even more. Please respect the wildlife and Leave No Trace. I hope these inspire you to get lots of camping in this summer. If you have any questions, please never hesitate to contact me via Instagram. (hike.lyss)

Cheers,

Alyssa