Where to Go Camping and RVing in British Columbia

British Columbia offers breathtaking natural scenery, diverse wildlife, and numerous outdoor activities and cultural events including hiking, fishing, cycling, and attending farmers markets or museums.

For a first-time camper, it’s a chance to immerse yourself in nature, disconnect from technology, and experience the serenity of the wilderness but also enjoy some culture.

There are four types of camping experiences to choose from and they offer a mix of frontcountry and backcountry access. Frontcountry means an area within 1 km of a park road or a highway. Frontcountry campgrounds are accessible by vehicle, and they offer a range of amenities not available in more remote locations.  Backcountry campgrounds are still mainly vehicle accessible (some are hike in only) but usually on gravel or forestry roads and are more remote with limited facilities.

Choosing the right campsite and doing the research, you must consider factors such as location, amenities, scenery, and activities available. The map located on campingrvbc.com allows users to search and locate over 1,700 campgrounds offering unique camping experiences. Here is an overview of the opportunities.

Private RV Parks

In British Columbia, you can enjoy a variety of amenities at more than 400 of BC’s private sector RV parks/campgrounds that are well-maintained, accessible, and enjoyable for all levels of campers. 

British Columbia’s independently owned and operated campgrounds provide services and facilities to suit every lifestyle and budget. Whether you prefer a full-service site with electrical, water and sewer hook-up, a limited-service site with just electrical and/or water, or perhaps a basic site for your tent or tent-trailer, you will find lots to choose from throughout all regions of BC and within all the terrains that this stunning province has to offer. Camp by a lake, on a river, at the foot of a mountain, or under a canopy of tall trees in the forest, it’s all here in BC.

Glamping

Don’t have your own home away from home?  That is not a problem, as quite a few campgrounds offer “Glamping” – the opportunity to drive up in your own vehicle and rent an RV, Yurt or Cabin, or as some call it, “Ready to Camp units.”  Reservations are always recommended as this type of vacation is popular. Most private sector businesses offer online reservation capability and many allow bookings up to 12 months in advance.

Parks Canada (National Campgrounds)

Parks Canada is responsible for protecting nationally significant examples of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage. They operate seven national parks in British Columbia that offer camping, of which four have glamping oTENTiks.

A great option for beginners, frontcountry campgrounds may include:

• washrooms with showers
• kitchen shelters
• electrical
• water hookups
• Wi-Fi access zones

Check first.

Parks Canada operates a reservation service that opens early in the new year but also has a selection of first-come-first-served campsites. Reservations are recommended as the demand is high in peak periods. National parks include: Kootenay National Park, Pacific Rim National Park and Mount Revelstoke National Park.

BC Parks (Provincial Campgrounds)

If it’s more wilderness that you seek, then BC Parks, which has over 640 Provincial Parks with more than 10,000 Frontcountry campsites and approximately 2,000 walk-in or backcountry campsites, as well as 39 group campgrounds. (If you’re venturing into BC’s backcountry, ensure you camp safely and responsibly and refer to a backcountry guide for more information).

Rustic Recreational Sites

For a more rustic feel, then you will want to visit Recreational Sites & Trails BC (RSTBC) who provide public recreation opportunities through the development, maintenance and management of a network of recreation sites and trails throughout British Columbia. The BC Ministry of Tourism Culture and the Arts maintains more than 1,200 recreation campsites under this program.

Other Camping Opportunities

Campertunity is an online marketplace that showcases campsites for you to rent on private land throughout BC. There are also  opportunities to rent trailers, domes, yurts, and cabins.

Know the Camper’s Code

All campground operators have rules and a behaviour etiquette, but the industry has endorsed the Camper’s Code as an approach to develop a friendly camping culture.

The camper’s code has 9 rules that are really easy to follow.  When all campers follow them, camping is enjoyable for all, nature stays pristine, fellow campers become friends and animals stay wild and free. www.camperscode.com

Whatever you have for a first-time experience, take the time to sit and see the wildlife and listen to the sounds of camping, because “It’s always a great day to #CampinBC”.

To find camping accommodations throughout British Columbia go to https://www.campingrvbc.com/

Share your BC camping and travel photos at hashtag #campinbc

It’s always a great day to #campinbc

Discover 8 Camping Experiences in British Columbia This Summer

Once again this summer you’re likely looking to escape the city and get outdoors. For those of us who are lucky enough to live in BC, we have an incredible backyard to explore. From remote wilderness experiences, family-friendly campgrounds to luxury glamping, BC offers an array of camping options. Here’s a short list of camping options slightly off the beaten path to pitch your tent, park your RV, or claim your cabin. 

Untamed Wilderness

One of BC’s best kept secrets are the numerous lakes and untamed wilderness near BC’s ‘Fishing Highway’ 24. While fishing is a popular activity, you can also spend time wildlife viewing, swimming, or paddling. Ten-ee-ah Lodge is nestled on the shore of Spout Lake, a 2 hour drive north of Cache Creek and offers stunning scenery and your choice of luxe cabins or waterfront, tree-lined campsites. 

A Fishing & Paddling Haven

Head southeast and you’ll find family-friendly South Point Resort on Canim Lake, one of the largest lakes in the Cariboo at 23 km long. Go swimming or fishing just steps from your lakeside campsite or cabin. Explore the shoreline and rent a pontoon boat, stand up paddle boards, or kayaks for a day.

If you haven’t had your fishing fix yet, head east along Canim Lake Road to Mahood Lake Campground, another family-friendly camping spot in Wells Gray Provincial Park. Hike to three spectacular waterfalls or spend the afternoon paddling or swimming nearby.

Rugged Fraser River Canyon

The scenery from this Lillooet campground is unrivalled. Fraser Cove Campground & Guest Cabin is tucked on the shores of the mighty Fraser River and offers a unique opportunity for riverfront camping. Go fishing or rent an e-bike to explore the trails. Take in the views as you walk or bike over the nearby historic suspension bridge or visit Fort Berens Estate Winery just down the road. Bring your tent, RV or plan to stay in the charming cabin overlooking the Fraser River.

BC’s Mining History

If you’re interested in BC’s mining history, visit Gold Panner Campground located 50 minutes east of Vernon in the forested foothills of the Monashee Mountains. Founded on a Chinese heritage mining operation, pan for gold, explore the hiking trails, and immerse yourself in history. Campers with tents and RV’s are welcome, and modern chalets and rustic cabins are also available.

Further south through the Monashee Mountains, go hiking and mountain biking in the historic mining town of Trail, BC. Take in the views of the river from the Columbia River Skywalk suspension bridge or go swimming at Gyro Park. Bring your tent or RV and plan to camp at the City of Trail RV Park where tree lined sites provide shade and privacy and kids can play at the playground.

Seaside Adventures & Riverside Cottages

For seaside adventures, head north up the Sunshine Coast past Powell River to Lund, the northernmost town on Highway 101. This small marine village is the jumping off point for boaters headed to Desolation Sound or nearby islands. Bring your RV or reserve a cabin at SunLund By-The-Sea Resort & RV Park surrounded by trees and steps from the ocean. Walk tree-lined footpaths to restaurants, groceries, and Lund Harbour where you can rent kayaks, charter fishing boats, or go sightseeing. 

Mountain Lake & Rainforest

Tucked deep in the rainforest and mountains on Vancouver Island, Snow Creek Recreation Site Campground is a 3.5 hour drive from Victoria, west of Port Alberni. The campground has 27 campsites and is on the shores of Sprout Lake. There is a small boat launch and it offers excellent fishing and a tranquil setting for camping. Access is via a forest service road and 4×4 vehicles are recommended. Please pack out what you pack in and be respectful of wildlife. Reserve your campsite ahead of time to guarantee your spot.

Wherever you decide to camp, be safe and have fun. For more camping trip ideas and locations visit https://www.campingrvbc.com/.

“It’s always a great day to #CampinBC”

Camping in British Columbia Millennial Style

Many of us remember the “good old days” when camping meant hauling out a heavy, musty, canvas tent with way too many interlocking poles. Campgrounds had only basic outhouses and meals consisted of canned beans and hot dogs roasted over a campfire. That’s the way it was 25 years ago when we took our daughter Sondra, camping. Now that she’s a Millennial, things are changing! She recently called to tell me her friend had made homemade, “gourmet” marshmallows to bring on their camping trip to use for S’mores.

The 2019 North America Camping report published by KOA, states that 1.4 million people tried camping for the first time in 2018. Out of those people, 56% were Millennials! It’s safe to say that Millennials don’t bring those heavy, musty tents with them. No, it’s more likely that my daughter and her friends enjoy “glamping”, a combination of glamour and camping. That means renting comfy RV’s or staying in campgrounds with yurts, cabins or even treehouses.  Sondra went to one campground where the staff had the fire ring ready to go with kindling, fire starters and larger pieces of wood to make a blazing campfire. She laughingly told me that three of her friends with Master’s degrees had never made a campfire before so the extra help was appreciated.  At the suggestion of a Pinterest account, one of Sondra’s friends brought silk sheets to use in her camping cabin.

As we camp in various locations, we often see Millennials sitting in their camp chairs with built-in cupholders next to their tents with integrated LED lights. We’ve noticed more campgrounds rearranging sites so larger groups can camp together. Millennials enjoy camping with friends, which allows for socializing while posting on social media!

Judging from the photos my daughter texts me while camping, social media plays a large role in why this age group enjoys camping. They want unique and interesting activities worthy of an Instagram photo to share their experiences with family and friends. By staying in a large tent complete with a Queen size bed and antique furniture, my daughter and other Millennials like her can post photos of their unique time camping.

Yes, the accommodations can be a bit more expensive, but as my daughter says, “Mom, I could spend the same amount of money having dinner at a nice restaurant with a few glasses of wine. Why not splurge and spend the weekend glamping in a yurt?” I’ve noticed more and more campgrounds are now adding tipis, stationary RV’s or deluxe cabins to appeal to Millennial campers.

Here are a few BC campgrounds which provide that “something extra” for memorable glamping experience. Remember…You don’t have to be a Millennial to enjoy the fun!

Kumsheen Rafting Resort: We had an amazing time at this resort, three hours north of Vancouver. Our wet and wild river rafting experience gave a great contrast when we returned to our large, cozy canvas cabin. Each cabin has a private deck and lounge chairs so you can recuperate from the exhilaration that follows your whitewater rafting trip. Tenting and RV spaces available also. www.kumsheen.com

Barefoot Beach Resort: Here’s a chance to not only stay in a yurt, but to stay in a Yurt Village! 14 yurts with decks are connected with paths to get you in the community spirit. Bring your pet and choose from a studio yurt or one with two bedrooms so you can really stretch out. The campground offers a private beach near Penticton. www.Barefootresortbc.com

Woods on Pender: Want to try camping in an RV but don’t want to drive one? No problem. Woods on Pender has cabins in addition to eight shiny Airstream trailers. Spend the night in an air-conditioned RV that comes with a French press and gourmet coffee. Enjoy the comforts of glamping without worrying how to maneuver a large RV. Located on Pender Island, of course. www.woodsonpender.com

Maybe Millennials are on to something. A few nights camping with pillow-top mattresses and gourmet marshmallows gives a whole new meaning to camping!

For camping and RVing options in British Columbia go to the Camping Map.

Share your BC camping photos using hashtag #campinbc, #ExploreBC, #BCNice

Published: August 21st, 2020