Warmer temperatures and blue skies mean it’s time to get excited about camping season! Haven’t booked a campsite yet? Although most BC Parks campsites get booked quickly, it might not be too late to find yourself a sweet spot in BC.

Cancellations happen all the time, there are hidden gems to be found and many beautiful spots have first-come, first-served sites.

Here are a few of our favourite campgrounds that are worth checking out if you’re searching for options for summer and early fall.

Vancouver Island

Englishman River Falls Park

Parksville, BC

Known for: This BC Parks campground has two stunning waterfalls and a crystal-clear swimming hole. This provincial park is a dream for waterfall lovers and hikers. Lush old-growth and second-growth forests surround the river, leading to a deep canyon and a dreamy pool that’s perfect for a summer dip. The park features a large day-use area, hiking trails and a well-maintained campground. Visit their website

Crystal Cove Beach Resort

Tofino, BC

Known for: Family-friendly, modern log cabins and glamping sites with fifth-wheel RV trailers that give you that camping feel with all the comforts of a cabin. They’re all steps from the sheltered, flat-sand MacKenzie Beach that you'll love taking your kids and pets to for magic hour sunsets. This is a stunning camping resort that you’ll want to return to every summer. Visit their website.

Tsawaak RV Resort & Campground

Tofino, BC

Known for: RV sites, tenting sites and mini-longhouse cedar cabins (that include coffee machines!) steps from Tin Wis Beach (a.k.a. MacKenzie Beach) – a gobsmackingly beautiful beach for swimming, surfing, kayaking and SUP boarding. You can even rent a fully-equipped RV and get a meal at the Browns Social House in the Tin Wis Resort next door. Owned and operated by Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, the name Tsawaak means “we are all one,” honouring a deep connection to nature and the land. Truly a magical playground for couples and families. Visit their website

BC Interior

Lac La Hache Park

100 Mile House, BC

Known for: On the BC Parks list, this scenic recreational lake has great family-friendly amenities. Located off Highway 97 outside of 100 Mile House, Lac La Hache Park offers you a relaxing lakeside escape with an adventure playground, picnic tables and shelter, a sandy beach and a boat launch. You can take the self-guided trail and a nearby community with a bakery and restaurants. Visit their website

Chute Lake Lodge

Naramata, BC

Known for: Campsites, glam tents, private rustic cabins with modern furniture, yurts and lodge rooms. The lovely Chute Lake Lodge is in the mountains above Naramata Bench and the Okanagan Provincial Park. Come year-round for yoga, biking, snowshoeing, skiing, paddleboarding, wildlife viewing, chilling and dining in the log home restaurant. Visit their website

The Lost Moose

Penticton, BC

Known for: This 63-acre property, 2,000 feet above Penticton and just up the hill from Skaha Lake and Okanagan Lake, is home to a family-owned campground. The Lost Moose offers you glamping (bring your own bedding), 15 spacious campsites and three cozy 400 square foot cabins that each have a hot tub and firepit. Visit their website

Garibaldi region

Birkenhead Lake Park

Pemberton, BC

Known for: Stunning old-growth forests and excellent wildlife viewing. Birkenhead Lake Park offers breathtaking scenery, rugged mountains and excellent birding and wildlife-spotting opportunities. Birkenhead is home to spotted owls, mountain goats, black bears and grizzly bears. This park is a must-visit for nature lovers. The campground features vehicle-accessible sites, seven of which are double sites for larger groups. Visit their website

Mountain Fun Basecamp

Squamish, BC

Known for: Nestled in Squamish’s mountain playground, Mountain Fun Basecamp offers you RV and camper van sites, three sizes of unserviced campsites, cabin-like hotel rooms and three modern tiny cabins with fridges and Keurig coffee makers. Come for clean bathrooms, showers, and laundry, great amenities and close proximity to Alice Lake, the Sea to Sky Gondola and Whistler. Visit their website

Klahanie Campground

Squamish, BC

Known for: Family-owned and operated, Klahanie Campground offers treed campsites, picnic tables, firepits, internet access, private showers, great amenities, and breathtaking views of Howe Sound, The Stawamus Chief and Shannon Falls. It's walking distance to the  Gondola, and known for killer hikes, and really nice, epic, and challenging rock climbing routes. Visit their website

Fraser Valley

Sunnyside Campground

Cultus Lake, BC

Known for: This Cultus Lake beauty offers 65 acres of campsites that include waterfront, view and regular tenting sites, plus full hook-up sites. Come to Sunnyside for lovely beaches and a big freshwater lake with spectacular mountain views. Your family will also like the “world-famous” Cultus Lake Waterpark, golf course, mini-golf, putting course, boat rentals, hiking, ice cream stands, restaurants, pubs and shops. Great for families wanting a nice weekend getaway. Visit their website

Vedder River Campground

Chilliwack, BC

Known for: You want relaxing, woodsy camping? Vedder River Campground gives you dozens of sites for your tent, trailer or RV, with full or partial hook-ups and pull-through spots. Beautiful and affordable, come for campfire stories and cookouts, fishing, hiking, kayaking, rafting and mountain biking. Visit their website

Plan your next camping adventure with BCAA

Excited to camp and see BC’s woods, lakes, beaches, mountains and canyons? Take us with you for peace of mind.

• BCAA Roadside Assistance is available 24/7 in case of the unexpected.
• Download the BCAA App for faster access to road assist and Member savings.
• Find more expert camping tips in our Essential Guide to Camping.
• Read our blog to get ahead of the rush for BC Parks bookings in the future.

Remember, respect nature while you’re camping and leave no trace. Protect BC wildlife by following this advice from BC Parks, and stay Fire Smart – check for campfire bans and practise campfire safety.

Have a favourite campsite that’s not on our list? Let us know on BCAA Connect, our new online community where people in BC can share tips and advice about life in our province.

Not a BCAA Member yet? Join today.