Are you looking for the best campsites in British Columbia?
It can seem a bit overwhelming for those looking to book camping in BC. While BC has a worldwide reputation for having some of the most beautiful campsites and unique experiences, it’s hard to figure out where to start, how to book, and also sort out the logistics of the actual trip!
I grew up camping and my first trip was when I was only 8 weeks old. Our family traditions often happen around a campfire and now that I’m a Mom, camping is an essential part of our family and we enjoy seeking out new campsites year-round!
I’ve camped all across BC and have put together the top list of 24 of the best campsites in BC for you to check out and start planning. Important note: booking starts for some campsites as early as January, so after we list the sites we have a section on the ins and outs of booking and how to make sure you get to book the sites you want.
And finally, if you do head out camping as a result of this article we’d love to hear about it! Shoot us a message or tag us on social. Our mission is to inspire more people to get outside and explore so we love hearing how our articles help you do that.
Let’s go camping!
Types of Campsites in BC
Before we share the 24 best campsites in BC, we want to help those who are new or visiting our province about the different types of campsites that we have in BC. There are three main ways to go camping in BC, each offering a very different experience:
Canada’s National Parks Campsites
Canada is blessed with one of the largest and most diverse national park systems in the world. From marine protected areas to flagship parks like Banff and Jasper, Parks Canada is run by the federal government and protects vast land and water areas for future generations, while offering opportunities for us to learn and experience the wonders of Canada’s natural beauty. In addition to standard campsites, some parks also offer other accommodation options, such as the highly recommended oTENTik permanent tents!
Parks Canada Campsites FAQS
Can you camp in National Parks Canada?
Yes, but only in designated campsites. Many of Canada’s national parks have campsites available for booking. The sites are well-maintained and often in truly stunning locations.
How do I make a reservation for camping?
Online reservations open in January each year and you can book for the entire calendar year. Visit the Parks Canada reservation information page for booking dates and details for each National Park.
Can you sleep in your car in National Parks Canada?
If that is your chosen way to sleep while camping, then sure. But you must have a booked campsite.
BC Provincial Parks Campsites
Many of BC’s stunning provincial parks have campsites, and we highlight some of the best BC provincial campgrounds below. Clean, well-managed, and set in outstanding locations, there are good reasons these sites are popular. Bookings are available on the all-new reservation website and open four months (to the date) ahead of the day you want to camp. Check the BC Parks reservation policies page for details.
TIP: If looking to book on a busy weekend take a few days off early and book in for the Wednesday or Thursday and give yourself a long weekend. You’ll increase your odds of getting a site and get to spend some more time camping… win, win!
BC Provincial Parks Campsites FAQs
How do I use the BC Parks website?
Most of the questions we receive are about the reservation system. It may seem daunting, but is fairly straightforward. You will need to know your party size, the dates you would like to book, and what equipment (tent, trailer, etc.) you will be camping with. The new booking site allows you to search by map or campsite name and, after you enter the information, the search results will show you what, if any, campsites are available.
What BC parks need a pass?
Since June 17, 2022, BC Parks has required day passes for three of the busiest parks: Garibaldi Provincial Park, Golden Ears Provincial Park, and Joffre Lakes Provincial Park. This is to reduce overcrowding at these locations. The passes can be booked on the BC Parks day use pass reservation website starting at 7 am two days before your planned visit.
How much is a park pass for BC Parks?
The day-use passes are free!
Private Campsites
Private campsites are, as the name suggests, privately owned and operated. They range from small campsites with a few amenities to large resorts with a huge range of activities and services. We will highlight a few of our favourite private campgrounds in BC. Most private campsites are open over a year ahead for booking, but you have to inquire with each one to determine their booking requirements.
BC Forest Service Campsites
While not included in this list of best campsites for new campers, BC Forest Service campsites are common, and we wanted to include them in this section for informational purposes. These campsites are run by the British Columbia Forest Service (not to be confused with BC Parks) and are typically less regulated, have fewer services, and are in more remote wilderness locations. While they can be great campsites, we do not recommend them for first-time campers as they are first-come, first-served and, with no on-site staff, if an issue arises, you are on your own.
Our Tips For Finding The Best Campsites in BC
When looking to book your first camping trip we recommend families find a place that is:
- Is realistic for your family to get to. If your kids aren’t great commuters, choose something closer to home. If your family likes the thrill of a road trip, hit the high road and make the journey a part of the adventure!
- Has onsite amenities, the more the better! With washrooms being a bare minimum (for those families that tent), we look for sites that also include showers, water, power, and fun things like playgrounds, lakes, pools, play fields, and more.
- Is infused with nature, allowing you and the kids to connect with the land, play hard, and have fun!
As someone who grew up camping, was a Girl Guide for almost 30 years, and have raised my kids around a campfire, I put together this list of favourite places to go camping in BC, where I hope you make many wonderful memories and start new family traditions.
25 Best Campsites in British Columbia in 2024
Best Campsites Near Vancouver
Fort Langley National Historic Site
Imagine waking up in another century. That’s what it feels like when you open your door at the Fort Langley National Historic Site. After a good night’s sleep in an oTENTik, you’ll have the whole fort to yourself as you roam around and check out all of the attractions. Visit the blacksmith and ask him what he’s working on, or ride bikes around the loop before you head back for a morning breakfast. The kids will love the freedom to roam and parents will enjoy sitting around a large campfire getting to know other campers. Tip: Bring earplugs, the train runs through the night and will wake you if you’re not a sound sleeper. Bookings open in January, visit the Canada National Parks reservation service to book.
Type of Campsite: National Park Campsite
Amenities: Inside each oTENTik includes – sleeping area for up to six people, tables and chairs, electricity, heater & mini fridge. Outside each oTENTik includes – fire pit and BBQ, picnic table, common area building with washrooms.
Pets: Pets are not permitted
Cost: $133.25/night per oTENTik
Booking Requirements: Must be 19+ to book, a valid credit card is required for check in.
Porpoise Bay Provincial Park
Known as “The perfect base camp for exploring the Sechelt Inlet” this park provides guests more opportunities to discover than could ever be explored. One family said, “Lots of places for the kids to explore at the park and around the Sunshine Coast too!” This park is in the middle of a second-growth forest, surrounded by open grassy areas and sandy beaches. Water lovers will enjoy all of the activities from canoeing and kayaking, to paddle boarding, swimming, and fishing. Or head for land and enjoy hiking, cycling, and time at the campfire. To book your site, visit the Porpoise Bay Provincial Park website.
Type of Campsite: BC Provincial Park
Amenities: Beach, playground, pit & flush toilets, showers
Pets: Yes, must be on leash.
Cost: $29/night per site
Booking Requirements: Only one camping party is allowed on each campsite. A camping party must have: one adult (16 years+), no more than four adults, no more than 8 people.
Sx̱ótsaqel/Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park
Rugged BC terrain welcomes you to Chilliwack Lake. but don’t be deterred, that’s not the only reason you’ll love this park. A vast valley-bottom lake surrounded by an old-growth forest welcomes you to the Chilliwack River Valley. There families can explore all types of water activities including boating, water skiing, windsurfing, paddle boarding, and swimming. Want to skip getting wet? Head off for a local hike and you’ll explore amazing trails such as the one pictured above! Visit the Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park website to book at one of the best places to camp in the lower mainland of BC.
Type of Campsite: BC Provincial Park
Amenities: Beach, playground, pit toilets, boat launch, sani station.
Pets: Yes, must be on leash.
Cost: $22/night per site
Booking Requirements: Only one camping party is allowed on each campsite. A camping party must have: one adult (16 years+), no more than four adults, no more than 8 people.
Rolley Lake Provincial Park
A short one-hour drive out of Vancouver brings you to Rolley Lake in Mission, BC. The warm lake water provides ample opportunity for fishing, swimming, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. Need a break from the water? Check out the hiking trails, picnic areas, playground, or biking trails. For more info and to book a site, visit the Rolley Lake Provincial Park website.
Type of Campsite: BC Provincial Park
Amenities: Beach, playground, flush & pit toilets, showers, sani station.
Pets: Yes, must be on leash.
Cost: $35/night per site
Booking Requirements: Only one camping party is allowed on each campsite. A camping party must have: one adult (16 years+), no more than four adults, no more than 8 people.
Alouette Lake, Golden Ears Provincial Park
A very popular destination for both visitors from the Fraser Valley and Vancouver, it’s easy to see why Alouette Lake is such a great destination. It is so popular that day-use passes are now required at this park. Found inside Golden Ears Provincial Park, this area has so much for families to explore including water sports (water skiing, boating, windsurfing, swimming, canoeing, fishing) to exploring the park by horseback, bicycle, hiking, or climbing. With a variety of camping experiences to be had including large group sites, this is one of the best campsites for new campers in BC looking for adventure! For more details and to book, visit the Golden Ears provincial Park website.
Type of Campsite: BC Provincial Park
Amenities: Beach, playground, flush & pit toilets, showers, sani station, boat launch
Pets: Yes, must be on leash.
Cost: $23/night per site (North Beach) and $35/night per site (Alouette & Gold Creek)
Booking Requirements: Only one camping party is allowed on each campsite. A camping party must have: one adult (16 years+), no more than four adults, no more than 8 people.
Hicks Lake, Sasquatch Provincial Park
Hicks Lake campground is located just north of Harrison Hot Springs and is part of Sasquatch Provincial Park. Within Sasquatch Provincial Park there are three main lakes, Hicks Lake, Deer Lake, and Trout Lake. Hicks Lake is perfect for families as it is ideal for motor boating and water sports (such as canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding). This campsite made our best campsites in British Columbia list because it’s very family-friendly. Offering all the basic amenities campers need as well as fun things for kids! Only 2 hours from Vancouver, Hicks Lake is the perfect weekend getaway, and maybe the perfect basecamp to start your search for the legendary Sasquatch! To book, visit the Sasquatch Provincial Park website.
Type of Campsite: BC Provincial Park
Amenities: Beach, pit toilets, sani station, boat launch
Pets: Yes, must be on leash.
Cost: $23/night per site
Booking Requirements: Only one camping party is allowed on each campsite. A camping party must have: one adult (16 years+), no more than four adults, no more than 8 people.
Cultus Lake Provincial Park
A 1 hour and 20-minute drive from Vancouver is Cultus Lake, located close to Chilliwack. This park has 4 campgrounds with a total of 301 sites. Each campground has wonderful day-use areas with beaches, swimming areas, picnic tables, and lots of space for a family to spend the day. There are a variety of hiking trails to explore and the Adventure Park is a short drive away. Once you camp here the kids will be begging to come back year after year! Visit the Cultus Lake Provincial Park website to reserve your spot!
Type of Campsite: BC Provincial Park
Amenities: Beaches, pit & flush toilets, showers, playground (Entrance Bay), sani station, boat launch
Pets: Yes, must be on leash.
Cost: $35/night per site
Booking Requirements: Only one camping party is allowed on each campsite. A camping party must have: one adult (16 years+), no more than four adults, no more than 8 people.
Lightning Lake, E.C. Manning Provincial Park
Almost everyone has driven through Manning Park on the way to their vacation but those who know it’s secret choose to make this their destination. The secret? Manning Park is AMAZING! With a stunning, family-friendly lake only a few kilometers from the highway, it’s a shame so many people drive by. Lightning Lake Campground is the perfect place for families to use as a base camp for adventure. From there they can kayak, canoe, swim, or hike around the lake! A moderately difficult hike up Frosty Mountain in September will reward the adventurous with stunning views of surrounding peaks, and, in September before the snow flies, the rare and magical golden larch forest. This destination is only 2 hours from Vancouver making it the perfect weekend getaway! To book, visit the EC Manning Provincial Park website.
Type of Campsite: BC Provincial Park
Amenities: Beach, pit & flush toilets, showers, sani station, boat launch & boat rentals, interpretive programs
Pets: Yes, must be on leash.
Cost: $35/night per site
Booking Requirements: Only one camping party is allowed on each campsite. A camping party must have: one adult (16 years+), no more than four adults, no more than 8 people.
Best Places to Camp in BC Interior
Blue Lake Resort
Located 15 Kilometers north of Boston Bar, or just a short two-hour drive from Abbotsford, Blue Lake Resort is the perfect getaway for families looking for a quick escape. This campground offers a variety of accommodation offers including tents, rustic cabins, and RV sites for 5th wheels and motor homes, making it a great destination for groups with varied needs. While you’re there, enjoy playing in the lake, hiking through mountain trails, renting a boat, or riding your ATV through the miles of available trails. This place is a kid haven with a playground, youth centre, chickens and goats, and even a bouncy castle! With thousands of acres of untouched wilderness, this is the perfect place to start a new family tradition. This location would also be a great place to host a family reunion! To make a reservation, please visit the Blue Lake Resort website.
Type of Campsite: Private Campsite
Amenities: boat rentals, flush toilets, showers, playground, youth centre, petting zoo
Pets: Yes, must be on leash.
Cost: $35-$65/night per site
Booking Requirements: 4 people per site (with 1 RV or 2 tents & 1 passenger vehicle), all reservations are confirmed with a non-refundable deposit (100% of the booking total)
Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park
Located 30 minutes south of Kamloops, Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park is a haven for campers and anglers looking for an easy getaway spot. Nestled among the spruce and firs in a regenerating young forest, this campground has 144 sites, a fishing wharf, swimming area, and is the perfect lake for fishing (famous for its rainbow trout!), canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding.
Type of Campsite: BC Provincial Park
Amenities: Beach & large grassy day use area, pit & flush toilets, sani station, boat launch, horseshoe pits, interpretive programs
Pets: Yes, must be on leash.
Cost: $23/night per site
Booking Requirements: Only one camping party is allowed on each campsite. A camping party must have: one adult (16 years+), no more than four adults, no more than 8 people.
Monck Provincial Park
Located on Nicola Lake, 30 minutes from Merritt, sits Monck Provincial Park. This park offers a wide range of recreation activities including: swimming, boating, fishing (26 species of fish are found in Nicola Lake!), waterskiing, windsurfing and hiking. Monck is a very popular family campsite, as it’s located in a hot and dry environment. With 130 sites, an adventure playground, a 5km self-guided interpretive trail and a sandy beach with a swimming area, this park is a family camping adventure haven.
Type of Campsite: BC Provincial Park
Amenities: Beach, playground, boat launch, sani station, pit & flush toilets
Pets: Yes, must be on leash.
Cost: $23/night per site
Booking Requirements: Only one camping party is allowed on each campsite. A camping party must have: one adult (16 years+), no more than four adults, no more than 8 people.
Mile High Resort
Who wouldn’t want to wake up to this view? At Mile High Resort, this is only the beginning! Located just south of Kamloops on Face Lake, this stunning resort-like property offers so much more than a traditional site and we don’t hesitate to call it one of the best private campgrounds in BC. Use your campsite (or rent one of their amazing cabins) as a base and spend the day mountain biking, hiking, renting an ATV, playing at the playground and animal farm, or shopping at the “general store”. Need a lazy day? Perfect, lay by the lake or paddle around on a SUP or kayak. One quick visit to the Mile High Resort website will have you booking your next family adventure!
Type of Campsite: Private Campsite
Amenities: Playground, boat rentals, horseshoe pits, general store, small animal farm, flush toilets, showers
Pets: Not permitted
Cost: $35 for 2 people, $5 per additional person (10 years and older)/night per site
Booking Requirements: Reservations suggested, payment is processed at the time of reservation.
Best Places to Camp Near Whistler
Alice Lake Provincial Park
For over 60 years families from all around southern BC have been flocking to Alice Lake Provincial Park for summer fun. The park is unique in that four freshwater lakes dominate the scene providing an abundance of swimming opportunities and lots of hiking in between each lake. Families enjoy the proximity to Whistler as well as all of the amenities that the park has to offer (such as washrooms, picnic areas, a playground, a mini bike park, great campsites, canoe rentals, and more). This is one of the most popular sites on our best campsites in British Columbia list, so be sure to have your “game face” on when booking on the Alice Lake Provincial Park website.
Type of Campsite: BC Provincial Park
Amenities: Beach, playground, sani station, pit & flush toilets, 55 electrical hookup sites, showers
Pets: Yes, must be on leash.
Cost: $35/night per site
Booking Requirements: Only one camping party is allowed on each campsite. A camping party must have: one adult (16 years+), no more than four adults, no more than 8 people.
Porteau Cove Provincial Park
Situated on the Howe Sound, Porteau Cove Provincial Park features waterfront camping with the most gorgeous views of the ocean and mountains. Wake to the sound of waves lapping against the beach, views of eagles fishing for their breakfast and watch whales and dolphins swimming through the Sound. This park is one of the most sought after and sites here book very very quickly.
Type of Campsite: BC Provincial Park
Amenities: Boat launch, sani station, electrical hook ups, pit & flush toilets, showers
Pets: Yes, must be on leash.
Cost: $35/night per site
Booking Requirements: Only one camping party is allowed on each campsite. A camping party must have: one adult (16 years+), no more than four adults, no more than 8 people.
Riverside, Parkbridge Camping & RV Resort
If you’re wanting to connect with Whistler’s outdoor scene and be immersed in the trees, book your group at Riverside, a Parkbridge Camping and RV Resort in Whistler. Whether you bring your own RV, stay in a tent or book one of their cabins, they have what you need to bring your family together in one place. Centrally located, this site offers something for everyone in the group, with access to biking and walking trails, beach volleyball, mountain biking, hiking, and the interconnecting valley trail connecting you to it all including the Whistler Village.
Type of Campsite: Private Campsite
Amenities: Beach volleyball courts, outdoor area & games, on-site market, restaurant and sani stations, flush toilets, showers, BBQ area, laundry facilities,
Pets: Yes, must be on leash
Cost: $31-$80/night per camping site
Booking Requirements: Credit card required to book reservation, deposit is taken to secure reservation. No minimum night stays required for tenting or RV sites.
Best Campsites in Okanagan
Kettle River Recreation Area
Chances are camping at Kettle River is on your bucket list, and if it isn’t, it really should be. Known for the abandoned Kettle Valley section of the Canadian Pacific Railway and the excellent inner tube riding down the river, Kettle Valley Recreation Area provincial campground oozes history and adventure, all in one trip! Bring your bicycles and spend one day riding down the historic tracks and spend the next day floating down the river with the family. One family said, “Best amenities of any provincial park I’ve been in. Even the ‘outhouses’ have flush toilets and sinks. The playground and dirt bike park are a great place for kids to make friends.” – Lindsay Zaiser Summers. For more information on campgrounds and to book a site, click on the Kettle River Recreation Area website.
Type of Campsite: BC Provincial Park
Amenities: Playground, bike park, sani station, pit & flush toilets, showers
Pets: Yes, must be on leash.
Cost: $30/night per site
Booking Requirements: Only one camping party is allowed on each campsite. A camping party must have: one adult (16 years+), no more than four adults, no more than 8 people.
Fintry Provincial Park
Fintry Provincial Park is a very unique park compared to many of BC’s other Provincial Parks and the rest of the parks on our ‘Best Campsites in British Columbia’ list. With a rich history and fascinating geological composition, be sure to give yourself a few days to explore this park in full. Families will love exploring the geology, both on the lake and by land. The park has two dramatically different topographical areas and families can explore over 2 kilometers of natural sandy beach waterfront, canyons, and a series of waterfalls and deep pools. There are lots of opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, swimming, hiking, and hanging out at the beach.
The historian of your family will enjoy visiting all the historic sites that were from the time when the 360 acres were the Fintry Estate. Visit the Manor House, the octagonal barn as well as other farm buildings. Naturalists will enjoy all of the different protected ecosystems to explore including the wetlands, which boast a large eagle’s nest, old-growth cottonwoods, waterfalls, and kokanee spawning grounds. To learn more about this fascinating park and a piece of BC’s history or book your visit the Fintry Provincial Park website.
Type of Campsite: BC Provincial Park
Amenities: Playground, boat launch, sani station, flush toilets, showers, sand beach
Pets: Yes, must be on leash.
Cost: $32/night per site
Booking Requirements: Only one camping party is allowed on each campsite. A camping party must have: one adult (16 years+), no more than four adults, no more than 8 people.
Best Campsites On Vancouver Island
Rathtrevor Provincial Park
“There is something about taking a ferry to Vancouver Island that makes me feel like I’m on holiday. Rathtrevor Provincial Park is a favourite of ours, as there are so many fun places to visit nearby – Coombs, Little Qualicum Cheeseworks, the farmer’s market in Qualicum, Parksville. Or you can just enjoy the amazing beach at Rathtrevor and explore the tide pools when the tide is out.” This family sent us so many photos, not only of the amazing beach but also all of the little day trips and local communities to explore that we could have done a whole blog just on this park. Needless to say, we will be booking an adventure there soon and we recommend that you do too! To book, visit the Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park website.
Type of Campsite: BC Provincial Park
Amenities: Playgrounds, bike park, sani station, pit & flush toilets, showers, sandy beach, interpretive programs
Pets: Yes, must be on leash.
Cost: $35/night per site
Booking Requirements: Only one camping party is allowed on each campsite. A camping party must have: one adult (16 years+), no more than four adults, no more than 8 people.
Miracle Beach Provincial Park
With a name like Miracle Beach, I thought, “Can it be that amazing?” But after hearing the recommendations from other families and doing a bit of research I can see why it’s earned that name. As one of the “most popular family destinations in the Comox Valley,” Miracle Beach provides visitors with a broad, safe sandy beach to explore. Load up the cooler with drinks and snacks and head down to the sand for an afternoon of sandcastle building, swimming, exploring tide pools, and playing in the sun. When you’re ready to head back to your base camp you’ll be welcomed to private, spacious campsites, a playground, hot showers, a large picnic area, and lots of trails begging to be explored. This park has quickly made our summer bucket list so we just had to include it in our Best Campsites in British Columbia list! Visit the Miracle Beach Provincial Park website to book.
Type of Campsite: BC Provincial Park
Amenities: Playgrounds, bike park, sani station, pit & flush toilets, showers, sandy beach, interpretive programs
Pets: Yes, must be on leash.
Cost: $33/night per site
Booking Requirements: Only one camping party is allowed on each campsite. A camping party must have: one adult (16 years+), no more than four adults, no more than 8 people.
Horne Lake Regional Park
Located 45 minutes North of Nanaimo, Horne Lake Regional Park has so much to offer visitors! There are 5 kilometers of lake and riverfront to explore, making it the perfect destination for water lovers. Rent canoes or kayaks and explore the water or jump out and swim in the lake. Or head next door to Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park and go underground to explore Mother Nature’s cave creations! This caving adventure was so amazing that we have an entire article devoted to it! For more information and to book, please visit the Horne Lake Regional Park website.
Type of Campsite: Private Campsite (operated by the Regional District of Nanaimo)
Amenities: Boat launch, canoe & kayak rentals, pit toilets, swimming area
Pets: Yes, must be on a leash
Cost: $25-50/night per site
Booking Requirements: Reservations required and can be made during the high season (April 1 through October 15) up to 120 days (approximately 4 months) in advance and up to two (2) days prior to your arrival date (full payment is required at the time you make your reservation).
Longer Adventures
Ready to take a long haul and go the distance? Here are the best campsites in BC for those who are looking for a longer adventure and to explore more of our beautiful province. I could go on and share so many stories of road trips across BC with my family. From the time we locked our keys in the car (twice in the same day) to the unexpected animal encounters, there was nothing more special than a family summer road trip and I hope this article helps inspire you to plan one this year.
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Campgrounds
Green Lake Provincial Park
Located just East of 70 Mile House, Green Lake Provincial Park is home to 3 separate campgrounds and is located on one of the largest bodies of water in the South Cariboo area of BC. Home to incredible fishing, endless boating, hiking, playgrounds, and picnic areas, there is no question why families make the 5-hour trek from the Lower Mainland year after year to this lake. To book, visit the Green Lake Provincial Park website.
Type of Campsite: BC Provincial Park
Amenities: Playgrounds, horseshoe pits, boat launch, sani station, pit toilets, sand & pebble beaches with swimming areas
Pets: Yes, must be on leash.
Cost: $18/night per site
Booking Requirements: Only one camping party is allowed on each campsite. A camping party must have: one adult (16 years+), no more than four adults, no more than 8 people.
Barkerville
Step back into the BC Gold Rush days with a stay at one of 2 private campgrounds (Lowhee & Forest Rose) located in Barkerville, an 8-hour drive from Vancouver. The campsites are equipped with playgrounds, showers, flush toilets, pull-thru spots (perfect for RV’s), and are wheelchair accessible. Barkerville is a Government of Canada National Historic Site and the whole family will love exploring the 1,130-acre park that is home to over 100 historic buildings and 200,000 historic artifacts that were once part of the booming gold rush town. Visit the Barkerville Historic Town and Park camping website to find out more and reserve a spot!
Type of Campsite: Private Campsite
Amenities: Playground, trading post, showers, pit & flush toilets
Pets: Yes, must be leashed (not permitted in cabins)
Cost: $37-$74/night per site
Booking Requirements: Payment is due in full upon the time of booking. Reservations encouraged, but both campgrounds have first-come first-served sections.
Best Kootenay Campgrounds
Kokanee Creek Provincial Park
Nestled in the heart of the Kootenay Mountains, Kokanee Creek Provincial Park is a nature lover’s paradise. The park features a beautiful beach on Kokanee Lake, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and paddling. Campsites range from basic tent sites to fully serviced RV sites. For those who love to hike, there are many trails to explore, including challenging wilderness trails in nearby Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park. In the fall, the park is a popular spot to watch the kokanee (land-locked Sockeye salmon) spawning in Kokanee Creek. With its abundant amenities, including a boat launch and a playground, Kokanee Creek Provincial Park is one of the best places to camp in the BC interior and the perfect place to use as a base to explore the Kootenays, one of the most beautiful parts of our province.
Type of Campsite: BC Provincial Park
Amenities: Playground, boat launch, sani station, electrical hookups in 13 sites, pit & flush toilets, showers, sandy beaches
Pets: Yes, must be on leash.
Cost: $32/night per site
Booking Requirements: Only one camping party is allowed on each campsite. A camping party must have: one adult (16 years+), no more than four adults, no more than 8 people.
Best Campsites In BC: Northern BC Campgrounds
Whiskers Point Provincial Park
Looking for a new-camper-friendly camping experience in Northern BC? Look no further than Whiskers Point Provincial Park, just over an hour north of Prince George, BC. Known for its spectacular sunsets, this beautiful park offers a variety of campsites, complete with a protected beach area for swimming (complete with change houses), an adventure playground, horseshoe pits, and a boat launch. You can also head out onto McLeod Lake to fish for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden. Visit the Whiskers Point Provincial Park website to book and enjoy all this northern BC campsite has to offer!
Type of Campsite: BC Provincial Park
Amenities: Playground, boat launch, pit & flush toilets, sandy beach
Pets: Yes, must be on leash.
Cost: $22/night per site
Booking Requirements: Only one camping party is allowed on each campsite. A camping party must have: one adult (16 years+), no more than four adults, no more than 8 people.
Mount Robson Provincial Park
Mount Robson Provincial Park is one of BC’s most popular destinations. Located in the Northern Rockies area of British Columbia, Mount Robson Park is home to some of the most spectacular hiking, rock climbing and caving. Wake up to wildlife at the edge of your campsite and enjoy incredible sunsets behind the monstrous Northern Rocky Mountain peaks.
Type of Campsite: BC Provincial Park
Amenities: Visitor centre & museum, playground, electrical hook-ups (in 22 sites in the Robson River Campground), pit and flush toilets, showers, interpretive programs
Pets: Yes, must be on leash.
Cost: $22-$28/night per site
Booking Requirements: Only one camping party is allowed on each campsite. A camping party must have: one adult (16 years+), no more than four adults, no more than 8 people.
Not Ready to Tent? Maybe an RV is More Your Style
Need a little more luxury than a tent can provide? If you are interested in renting an RV for your next camping trip, click here to find the answers to all your RV rental questions.
Camping in British Columbia FAQs
Can you camp anywhere in BC?
Yes and no. There are so many great campgrounds for camping in British Columbia, the whole province is full of wonderful locations. However, it doesn’t mean you should just drive into the wilderness and set up your tent wherever you want. Be sure to choose a location where you are allowed.
What are the best campgrounds in BC for families?
Because camping is such a family oriented activity, most campgrounds in BC are great for families. I always am sure to take a look at the amenities that are offered at each campground before I book to make sure there are activities to keep my kids entertained (playgrounds, bike parks, interpretive programs, swimming areas, etc.)
Are BC Parks reservations 2024 open?
Yes, reservations are open for BC Provincial Parks. You can book your campsite 4 months in advance of your arrival date.
Are Parks Canada reservations 2024 open?
Yes, Parks Canada reservations are available now. The booking system opened in January, so if you are looking to reserve for the summer, be sure to be ready to book when it opens, as spaces fill very quickly.
When Can You Start Booking Campsites in BC?
Gone are the “Good Ol’ Days” when we could load up the car after school and head out to a campground. Now, when January rolls around people are already planning their May long weekend camping trips and getting ready to beat the rush when site booking days open.
Unfortunately now, in order to book a site, it’s a first-come, first-served timed reservation for both our National and Provincial Parks. This can be very challenging (and frustrating) if you’re looking to book a spot. We recommend setting an alarm for reservation day and being prepped and ready. Booking camping reservations these days are like trying to get highly sought after concert tickets! Be sure to check out our “10 BC Parks Reservation Tips & Tricks to Help you Secure the Perfect Campsite” article to get you ready for the booking process.
What to Bring – The Ultimate Camping Checklist!
Trying to decide what is a must and what needs to stay home? We are regular campers and have perfected not only the art of camping, but also the ability to pack up for a last-minute adventure in under half an hour. How? We have this handy “Ultimate Camping Checklist” and when we’re heading out on a camping trip we print it off and everyone scrambles around the house to gather our items! Click this link to get your copy of the checklist!
In Conclusion: Enjoy Our Beautiful BC Backyard
Now that you are armed with this extensive list of fabulous family-friendly campgrounds, we hope you enjoy sitting down with your family and figuring out which one to book and explore first! Camping is such an iconic BC summer activity and we can’t wait to hear all about your camping adventures, so please share with us!
