Looking for your next vacation? With the warmer weather upon us, Vancouver Island is home to incredible ocean adventures, forests, rivers, and spectacular camping. We have put together a list of 13 RV parks and campgrounds to add to your summer bucket list. From the southern tip of the Island to the ferry docks at Nanaimo, Vancouver Island has something for everyone. Where will you go this summer?
Photo credits: Oceanside RV Park via Parkbridge
Oceanside RV Park
Location: 3000 Stautw Rd, Saanichton, BC V8M 2K5
If you are looking for quick and easy access to Swartz Bay to catch the ferry, Oceanside RV Park is the place to be. With 79 spacious full-service sites with pull-through access, you can relax in private while also accessing the resort amenities. Spend a day out on the water whale watching with the family, or take a stroll through Butchart Gardens before making your way to the teahouse. With close proximity to Victoria, you can take in the sights at Fisherman’s Wharf or immerse yourself in nature at the Victoria Butterfly Gardens.
Photo credit: @livingforestcampground, Instagram
Living Forest Oceanside Campground and RV Park
Location: 6 Maki Road, Nanaimo, BC V9R 6N7
Choose from oceanside, oceanview, or forested views with a range of full-service and partial-service RV sites. If you are looking for an escape into nature, Living Forest has miles of walking and bike trails to choose from or enjoy an afternoon on the water paddling or swimming. If you are looking for a sweet treat, stop by the park cafe in the summer, or head into Nanaimo to shop or go out for a meal. With direct access to the Pacific Ocean, the sunset views will not disappoint!
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Photo credit: @parksvillequalicumbeach, Instagram
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
Location: 1240 Rath Rd, Parksville BC V9P 2E2
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is one of the most sought-after campgrounds on Vancouver Island, and it is worth checking out! With 2 kilometres of sandy beaches and 5.5 kilometres of hiking trails throughout the park, you can enjoy a day on the water while staying local. Home to 225 campsites, the RV sites offer full service and are open year-round. Did you know that you can book an on-site RV rental in the off-season? If you are looking for a weekend getaway in the off-season, you can still enjoy the freedom of the outdoors without any hassle.
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Photo credit: @mountainairervpark, Instagram
Mountainaire Campground and RV Park
Location: 1092 Spruston Rd, Nanaimo BC V9X 1R2
With 40 acres to explore, Mountainaire Campground and RV Park offer a range of full, and partial serviced sites to fit your needs this summer. Throughout the park, you are free to check out the hiking trails or try your hand at cliff diving and kayaking. During the summer months, you can take part in special events or spend a Friday night curled up on a blanket under the stars for movie nights. If you are looking to extend your stay, they offer seasonal rates for up to 8 months in a year.
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Photo credit: @brannenlakecampsites, Instagram
Brannen Lake Campsites
Location: 4220 Biggs Rd, Nanaimo BC V9T 5P9
Discover all that Nanaimo has to offer when you stay at Brannen Lake. Hop on a hayride on your way back from swimming or a day out on the boat, or enjoy the trails surrounding the campground. If you are looking to explore the area, pack a picnic lunch and hike down to Little Qualicum Falls, or hit the golf course. If you are looking for a challenge, Mount Washington Alpine Resort is the place to be for downhill mountain biking or scenic views of the island. Head up the island to the North Island Wildlife Recovery Association and keep an eye out for black bears, eagles, and raptors.
Photo credit: Pedder Bay RV Resort & Marina
Pedder Bay RV Resort & Marina
Location: 925 Pedder Bay Dr, Metchosin BC V9C 4H1
If you are looking for privacy, you will not be disappointed by the peaceful surroundings of majestic forests and ocean views at Pedder Bay Resort and Marina. Start your morning off with a coffee and baked goods at the on-site coffee house, or pop by the snack bar between activities in the afternoon. Pedder Bay offers a serviced marina and fuel dock where you can rent a boat or kayak for the day, or try your luck at fishing. In case you forgot something, stop by the local store to pick up essentials or check out their selection of tackle gear.
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Photo credit: @tundrader, Instagram
Salish Seaside RV Haven
Location: 445 Head St, Victoria BC V9A 5S1
Take in Victoria’s waterfront harbour from a private peninsula at Salish Seaside RV Haven. The RV park is designed with comfort in mind, with 36 pads suitable for Class A motorhomes. Check out all that the waterfront has to offer as you walk along the Westbay Walkway boardwalk to the marina. You can skip the trails and hop on the Harbour Ferries to experience Victoria from the water on your way to local stops like Spinnaker’s Pub, Fisherman’s Wharf, or the Empress Hotel.
Photo credit: @pathfinderparksville, Instagram
Pathfinder Camp Resorts – Parksville
Location: 380 Martindale Rd, Parksville BC V9P 1R7
From campsites to cabins, Pathfinder Camp Resorts – Parksville has something for everyone. A short bike ride away from Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, they offer bike rentals, camp games for all ages, and a swimming pool. Try your hand at a hole-in-one at Riptide Lagoon Adventure Golf, or check out local craftsmanship at Coombs Old Country Market. If you are interested in craft beer, check out Mount Arrowsmith Brewing Company.
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Photo credit: Fort Victoria RV Park gallery
Fort Victoria RV Park
Location: 129 Burnett Rd, Victoria BC V9B 4P6
Since 1961, Fort Victoria RV Park has been locally owned and operated. Only 7 kilometres from downtown Victoria, there are 300 full-hookup sites to choose from. Onsite, they offer laundry services, free showers, and an RV supply and gift shop depending on your needs. Hit the road and stop by Thetis Lake to chill out with a swim on a hot summer day, or take a stroll on the walking trails.
Photo credit: @niknikjo, Instagram
Qualicum Bay Resort and RV Park
Location: 5970 W Island Hwy W, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 2N1
Down the road from Parksville, Qualicum Beach is home to beautiful forests, waterfalls, and cave adventures. At Qualicum May Resort and RV Park, you can book year-round campsites with full hookups and cable connectivity. Pick up a sweet treat at the ice cream shop, or kick up some dirt on the ATV trails surrounding the park. Gather with friends and family in the clubhouse for special events, or try your hand at disk golf. You will not want to miss a unique spelunking experience at Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park and discover a hidden gem of Vancouver Island. Step into history at the Qualicum Beach Museum and discover fossil displays and a piece of local history, or check out the Qualicum Beach Farmer’s Market every weekend.
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Photo credit: Country Maples RV Resort gallery
Country Maples RV Resort
Location: 9010 Trans Canada Hwy, Chemainus, BC V0R 1K4
The Country Maples RV Resort is located along the Chemainus River with beautiful views of an old-growth forest. If you are looking for a fun family activity, play a round on their 18-hole mini golf course or explore all that Chemainus and Cowichan have to offer. For the foodies, Cowichan is home to various wineries, lavender farms, and cideries. Take a stroll through the lavender at Damali Lavender and Winery, or stop in at the Westholme Tea Company. Walk around Chemainus and keep an eye out for the Outdoor Art Gallery and the beautiful murals and sculptures created by local artists.
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Photo credit: @sookerivercampground, Instagram
Sooke River Campground
Location: 2259 Phillips Road, Sooke, BC V9Z 0Y3
Escape Victoria and travel down the road to Sooke, home to beautiful ocean views and outdoor activities to keep you busy all summer long! Sooke River Campground offers water access and event spaces for large group gatherings. Enjoy a swim at the Sooke Potholes or pick up a souvenir of your trip at the Barking Dog Studio. After an afternoon of whale watching, stop by the historic 17 Mile House Pub for some fish and chips and take in the view.
Planning an RV trip to Vancouver Island? Be ready for all that the summer has in store for you and book a service appointment. Our technicians will inspect your RV to make sure it is ready to hit the road. Looking for new supplies? Check out our parts specials to find a new accessory or essentials for your RV.
