From scenic views to accessible amenities, a great campsite can make all the difference in your camping experience. If you’re planning a trip to Vancouver, Canada, you’re in luck. The city and its surrounding areas are home to some of the most beautiful campsites in the world.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 most beautiful campsites in Vancouver that will make your camping trip unforgettable.
Top 10 Campsites in Vancouver
Porteau Cove Provincial Park »
Located on the southernmost fjord in North America, Porteau Cove Provincial Park provides awe-inspiring vistas of the Howe Sound and the adjacent mountain range. It boasts 60 drive-in campsites and is open throughout the year, along with a boat launch and a dive area, making it a hotbed of aquatic activity.
Alice Lake Provincial Park »
Located north of Squamish, Alice Lake Provincial Park is another great outdoor recreational center that offers breathtaking forested hiking trails, four freshwater lakes, and beaches. It has 108 car-accessible sites, 55 walk-in campsites, 6 group campsites, four freshwater lakes, wildlife watching opportunities, and hiking trails.
Golden Ears Provincial Park »
The nearest provincial park to Vancouver with camping facilities, Golden Ears Provincial Park provides three individual car-accessible campsites, boasting 409 total sites. The park’s charming scenery includes two vast lakes, excellent hiking routes, and a picturesque mountainous view.
Sasquatch Provincial Park »
This park boasts three different campgrounds: Hicks Lake, Bench, and Lakeside (Deer Lake), all offering vehicle-accessible campsites, with some available for booking and others on a first-come, first-served basis. Hicks Lake further provides a group camping site for 15-40 people.
Cultus Lake Provincial Park »
Situated about 1.5 hours east of Vancouver, Cultus Lake Provincial Park offers 215 car-accessible campsites and is well-equipped with hiking routes, a beach, and various water sports. The park is located on the banks of Cultus Lake, creating an idyllic and serene atmosphere.
E. C. Manning Park
Located in British Columbia, Canada, E. C. Manning Park is a unique outdoor recreational center that can be reached by driving for about three hours from either Vancouver or the Okanagan. This park provides extensive vehicle-access camping areas, designated areas for backcountry camping, and numerous small lakes for swimming.
The park covers a vast area of 83,671 hectares and was the second most visited provincial park in 2017-18 after Cypress Provincial Park. In addition to camping and swimming, there are many extensive hiking trails offering views of the majestic Cascade Mountains.
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
Situated on Vancouver Island, Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is a prime location for those who love long stretches of sandy beaches, hiking, and camping. The park features a forested campground, many hiking trails, 174 vehicle-access campsites, a group campsite, and a walk-in campsite.
Mount Seymour Provincial Park
This campground is a popular destination among residents of the Lower Mainland, especially during winter. The park is renowned for its viewpoints that offer sweeping vistas of Vancouver, Mount Baker, and Say Nuth Khaw Yum (Indian Arm) Provincial Park. The park provides visitors with opportunities for various winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
This is a great spot for families looking for a quiet camping getaway. The park offers a variety of trails for hiking and biking, as well as opportunities for fishing and swimming.
Juan de Fuca Provincial Park
This campground is situated right on the beach and offers hiking trails, kayaking, fishing, and tide pools. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, as well as opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and exploring the nearby tide pools. With amazing views of the Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic Mountains, the area is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Vancouver Island.
Lightning Lake Campground
Located in Manning Provincial Park along a lake, Lightning Lake Campground has over 200 campsites to choose from and offers stunning views of the surrounding lake, mountains and forests.
Pacheedaht Campground
This non-provincial campsite is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s a great spot for surfing, fishing, and exploring the nearby beaches and trails.
Klahanie Campground
Located in the Squamish Valley, this non-provincial campsite offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. It’s a great spot for hiking, fishing, and exploring the nearby trails.
FAQs
Q1. Are these campsites suitable for families with young children?
A1. Yes, all of the campsites on this list are suitable for families with young children. Some even feature playgrounds and picnic areas.
Q2. Can I bring my dog to these campsites?
A2. It depends on the campsite. Some campsites allow dogs on leashes, while others do not allow pets at all. Be sure to check the rules and regulations of each campground before bringing your dog.
Q3. Do these campsites have amenities like showers and toilets?
A3. Yes, all of the campsites on this list have amenities like showers and toilets. Some even have laundry facilities and playgrounds.
Q4. Can I book a campsite online?
A4. Yes, most campsites in British Columbia allow you to book your campsite online. Be sure to check the website of each campground for more information.
Q5. What kind of outdoor activities can I do at these campsites?
A5. The campsites on this list offer a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, swimming, and exploring nearby beaches and trails.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Vancouver and Vancouver Island offer a plethora of great campsites for families and solo campers alike. From the expansive sandy beaches of Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park to the heavily forested environment of Paradise Valley Campground, there’s something for everyone.
