The Best Campsites in British Columbia for Your Next Road Trip

There’s no better way to experience the natural beauty of British Columbia than by hitting the road in a campervan. From mountains and forests to lakes and coastal views, BC is full of incredible campsites that are perfect for travelers looking to reconnect with nature. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a full road trip, we’ve rounded up some of the best campsites across the province to help you plan your adventure.

1. Alice Lake Provincial Park — Squamish, BC

Perfect for: Weekend trips from Vancouver, beginner campers, families Facilities: 96 vehicle-accessible campsites, showers, flush toilets, drinking water, fire pits Best time to visit: May–September

Just over an hour north of Vancouver, Alice Lake is one of the most accessible and picturesque camping spots in the Sea-to-Sky Corridor. The park features four freshwater lakes surrounded by dense forest and mountain views—ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, or relaxing on the beach. Hikers will love the Four Lakes Trail, which loops around all the lakes in a peaceful 6-km forested trail.

Local tip: Book early for summer weekends—this campground fills up fast!

2. Green Point Campground — Pacific Rim National Park, Tofino

Perfect for: Beach lovers, surfers, couples Facilities: 94 drive-in sites, hot showers, flush toilets, food storage lockers Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall (June–September)

Located right in the heart of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Green Point Campground offers an unforgettable coastal camping experience. Nestled between the rainforest and the beach, this site is perched above Long Beach—one of the most famous surf spots in Canada. Each campsite is private and surrounded by lush greenery, with trails leading directly down to the beach.

Nearby attractions: Tofino’s charming town, whale watching tours, hot springs, and more. Pro tip: Foggy mornings turn into magical sunny afternoons—perfect for surf and sunsets.

3. Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park — Parksville, Vancouver Island

Perfect for: Families, relaxed beach camping, nature walks Facilities: 250+ sites (including 174 vehicle-accessible), showers, picnic areas, playground Best time to visit: Spring to early fall

Rathtrevor Beach is one of the most family-friendly campgrounds in BC. Located along a wide, sandy beach that stretches for kilometers at low tide, this park is perfect for kids to run, explore tide pools, and collect shells. The surrounding forest trails are peaceful and shaded, and the ocean views during sunset are hard to beat.

Nearby attractions: Parksville Sandcastle Festival (summer), Englishman River Falls, Coombs Old Country Market.

4. Garibaldi Provincial Park (Rubble Creek Access) — Near Whistler, BC

Perfect for: Experienced hikers, backcountry campers, mountain lovers Facilities: Primitive (no hookups), backcountry camping permits required, pit toilets Best time to visit: July–October (depending on snow conditions)

For adventurous souls, Garibaldi offers a more remote and rewarding experience. Although not your typical drive-in campsite, the Rubble Creek trailhead near Whistler gives access to breathtaking alpine camping areas like Garibaldi Lake and Taylor Meadows. The hike in is steep (9 km one way), but the turquoise waters and glacier views are worth every step.

Note: Not suitable for campervan camping inside the park—but worth parking nearby and hiking in for a night or two.

5. Kokanee Creek Provincial Park — Near Nelson, BC

Perfect for: Lake lovers, campers seeking peace and quiet, families Facilities: 120+ campsites, flush toilets, showers, sani-station, boat launch Best time to visit: June–September

Located along the shores of Kootenay Lake just outside Nelson, this park offers long sandy beaches, excellent swimming, and opportunities to spot spawning Kokanee salmon (in late August). The campground is well-maintained, peaceful, and features scenic walking trails along the creek and through the forest.

Nearby: Explore the artsy town of Nelson, soak in nearby hot springs, or paddle the calm waters of the lake.

6. Wells Gray Provincial Park — Clearwater, BC

Perfect for: Waterfall chasers, wildlife enthusiasts, rustic campers Facilities: Several campgrounds with basic amenities (pit toilets, picnic tables), limited cell service Best time to visit: May–September

Wells Gray is often called “Canada’s Waterfall Park” for a reason. With over 40 waterfalls, including the jaw-dropping 141-meter Helmcken Falls, this park is a hidden treasure. Clearwater Lake and Mahood Lake are ideal for kayaking, and wildlife sightings (bears, moose, eagles) are common. The campgrounds are quieter than others, with a more rugged and wild feel.

Top sites in the park: Clearwater Lake Campground, Pyramid Campground, Falls Creek Campground.

Extra Tips for Campervan Campers in BC:

• Reservations: BC Parks and Parks Canada sites can be booked in advance through their official websites. Some popular spots sell out minutes after opening.

• Campsite etiquette: Respect wildlife, don’t leave food outside, and keep noise to a minimum—especially in forested or backcountry areas.

• Leave no trace: Pack out all garbage, and leave your site better than you found it.

• Stay powered up: If your campervan needs hookups, double-check that your site offers electrical access—many don’t.

  Final Thoughts

  BC is full of jaw-dropping natural beauty, and these campgrounds are the perfect way to experience it all—from lush forests to wild coastlines. Whether you want to hike, swim, surf, or simply relax under the stars, there’s a campsite waiting for you.