We're planning a trip to Vancouver Island this May or June. We don't really want to plan rigidly with reservations. Either established campgrounds or dispersed is OK with us. We'd prefer to be flexible with our plans, but based on our last trip to BC, not sure if that's possible. We're seeing the reservable sites filling up. What's been the experience there for finding campsites without reservations?
Vancouver Island
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Provincial parks are usually booked solid after mid-May. Weekdays (Sun-Thur) offer the best chance as a drop-in. Some parks even dedicate a few spots for first-come-first-serve (FCFS). Either way, it's big gamble. BC doesn't maintain official dispersed areas, but it's not illegal unless posted. Unfortunately, squatters have gotten that privilege rescinded for the rest of us in many popular areas (Tofino, etc). iOverlander lists some boondocking spots on the island. There are also a few regional (county) and forest-industry campgrounds, but most of those are booked as well. Where abouts on the island are you thinking of visiting?
The whole island? Sooke, Renfrew, Tolfino, Cambell river, Cumberland, Nanaimo. It looks like there's a lot shown on ioverlander. I have noticed that sometimes the info is not updated, sites are closed that still show up on ioverlander. Is there a place to look up where wild camping is banned?
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Generally speaking... in Canada if there isn't a sign or fence it is ok to stay unless/until told to leave.
I found in BC to arrive early, stay to the small provincial parks and you should find a site in the FCFS areas. Cowichan Provincial Park makes for a decent central base to explore from.
Nothing official. Much of the forest land surrounding population centres is also private with camping restrictions. There are also some public land (BC Forest Service, etc) campgrounds that aren't in Provincial Parks, many are FCFS, some are even free. Recreation Sites and Trails BC is the best source for those. There are LOTS just north of Campbell River, if you don't mind sharing long dirt access roads with log trucks.
iOverlander is tricky, things change. But we found some of our best old standbys there. For example, behind the Canadian Tire shopping centre in Parksville, along with daytime at city park on the beach. The Maritime Museum in Campbell River is another good one, although it's been a while since we've been there. Chemanius has a few dedicated (fewer level) on-street RV spots. Hwy Rest Areas are legal unless posted. The huge trailhead parking lot for Forbidden Plateau is great, so is the hiking (prepare for bugs).
Down here at the southern end, there are FCFS campgrounds at Sooke Potholes, Jordan River, Lizard Lake and Fairy Lake. There are 4 FCFS RV spots at beautiful Ruckle on Salt Spring. All these are a gamble in the summer. Weekdays are your best chance, just get there early.
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I'm planning a trip to Vancouver Island in mid-September, after the summer crowds are less. Looking for any recommendations on provincial parks near the water.
Also wondering if Canada uses the same 30 amp RV plug as US, or if it is a different style.
Also wondering if Canada uses the same 30 amp RV plug as US, or if it is a different style.
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Same plugs, you will find 15,30,and 50 amp in some private camp grounds (with 30 amp being most common).
BC's provincial parks don't normally have electric hook-ups. There are a few, but don't rely on it. You will need to seek out private camp grounds. As for parks near water, most if not all BC parks have some sort of water feature be it the ocean, lakes or rivers.
Rathtrevor in Parksville has an amazing beach. French Beach and Miracle Beach are great too.
Canadian 30A (15A and 50A) plugs are the same, but none of the Provincial Parks on Vancouver Island have hook-ups. If you need hook-ups, there are many private RV parks on the water, but we've never used any. Check ratings/reviews on the Campendium and/or AllStays apps.
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Thanks, good info. Hook ups are not really necessary... worst case I can run my little generator for a few hours if needed (and if allowed.) I'm hoping mid-late Sept will be less busy but still good weather.
Mid-late Sept can be some of our best weather.
I forgot to mention Green Point (Pacific Rim National Park) in Tofino has some electric sites. Reservations recommended.
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Great spot!
Have fun! Don't forget to pack your survival skills!
Great show for those that haven't checked it out.
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CNN Travel just put Vancouver Island in their top 25 list of the most beautiful places in the world. They said it's "like Canada in miniature". Well maybe, if you ignore the frozen bit (90%).
Thinking about someday to visit the Tofina area for surfing…but I hear its very busy now in season
may through September , is it even possible to find camping there without reserving camp spot many many
month in advance? Or even day time parking at the beaches ……
may through September , is it even possible to find camping there without reserving camp spot many many
month in advance? Or even day time parking at the beaches ……
If you are in a van, on Vancouver Island, there are several “Rest Areas”. During the busy season & if we want to use our van on the island, we just plan on using those spots.
Here is one close to Rathtrevor;
If up near “Campbell River”, there is an Ocean Side “Rest Area” that is a real treat 😁. Here is an idea of that location;
We have a self sufficient “conservative” van. We pack 44gal ( no shower ), & of all the things we conserve “water” is the most precious. We drink from our fresh water system & are picky about road water. Not really an issue on Vancouver Island, but other places in North America the taste of the water is gross. Because all things “heat” are performed by propane/butane, we are misery on the 12vdc & can easily recharge our 250AHr AGMs while we drive each day (no inverter or high 12vdc use - we simply just do not need it). I classify our van as a Travel Adventure Van & although we are mostly not tied into services, we do occasionally need to fill the fresh water tanks. Depending upon water conservation, we can go about 1 to 2 weeks before needing water. Pretty Self Sufficient, & capable of utilizng rest areas, or other facilities if campsites are not available. For us, that is one of the biggest benefits of these Vans ,,, Park / Sleep / Move On.
Also ,,, If You do not have this free “APP” ,,, It is “Priceless”
www.ioverlander.com
Here is a website for British Columbia ‘roads’
www.drivebc.ca
Highways Web Cams Van Isle;
www.drivebc.ca
iOverlander | Find your next destination
Here is a website for British Columbia ‘roads’
Mobile DriveBC
www.drivebc.ca
Highways Web Cams Van Isle;
DriveBC Vancouver Island - Hwy 1 (Vancouver Island) Cams
www.drivebc.ca
Free Camping Near You | Go Camping for Free!
Finding free camping locations is easy! Use our interactive map to find camping near you or plan an epic free camping road trip with our trip planner.
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Free Camping on Vancouver Island, British Columbia - Fuel For The Sole Travel, Outdoor & Adventure
Our best tips to finding free camping on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. This island is packed with wild, dispersed and boondocking campgrounds.
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Hey @baitbegger44##
I hear the fishing is good around here 😁. Maybe someday You will come check it out? 🤔
I hear the fishing is good around here 😁. Maybe someday You will come check it out? 🤔
Tofino is beautiful and therefore crazy busy in the summer. It has several private campgrounds and a national park campground, but they are usually booked well in advance. Squatters have gotten most boondocking spots signed no-overnight, too. Daytime beach parking can be tight unless you get there early. You may have to camp back toward Port Alberni, 2 hours to the east. Lots more options there.
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