Camping Personality
When it comes to camping in Campbell River, the options are unlimited. Everything is on offer, from rustic camping experiences in the wilderness to Provincial full-service camping areas, to lux ocean side glamping, you have a range of camping experiences to choose from. With so many options, the question becomes, how to decide what camping experience is best for your trip. While year-round camping is totally do-able by those die-hards and experienced campers, there are the rest of us, who usually dust off the tents and roll out in May (no judgment) Perhaps the following information will be of some assistance as you consider where you’re going to set up camp.
The peak season for camping is considered July & August. But when warm weather hits, everyone is inspired to set out and sleep under the stars. Long weekends are ALWAYS super busy camping times so if you’re planning on traveling on May Long Weekend (May 17-20) Canada Day (July 1st), BC Day (Aug 5) or Labour Day plan ahead and make your reservations where possible!
Now with those dates well in mind, take our quiz on what kind of camper you are, and start planning your next road trip!
When planning where to stay what is most important to you?
During the planning process, how important is it for you to be able to make a reservation in advance of your stay?
How important is the price to you when you travel?
How important is it to you to have the creature comforts when travelling? (we’re talking internet, cell service, hot water etc.)
A
B
C
Recreation Sites- Mostly A’s
If you picked mostly A’s then a recreation site is your ideal spot. Recreation sites (rec sites) are un-maintained and unserviced campsites that are typically free; however, if there is a site host, a small fee may be charged. Rec sites take a little bit of extra work to find as they are dispersed along logging roads (these roads are gravel and can be very rough). However, they are a really great and economical way to explore the region. These sites do not allow reservations so if you are traveling during peak times, be prepared to do a bit of driving (aka poking around) before finding an available site. If you are planning on rec site camping it is advised to buy a BackRoads Map Book which is available at the Campbell River Visitor Centre. You can also consult sites and trails BC for an idea of what is available in the region and what amenities the different sites have to offer (ie. boat launch, pit toilets etc.). It is especially important when using rec sites to follow Leave No Trace Practices, and leave them as pristine as you found them (remember they’re not full service or monitored sites) so that these rustic campsites can be enjoyed for years to come and remain accessible for the public! Click here for more rec site info!
BC Parks- Mostly B’s
If you picked mostly B’s camping in a Provincial Park is for you! With 5 provincial parks all within an hours drive of Campbell River, we have wilderness and picturesque dialed. Services in BC Parks can vary, depending on the campground. Both tenters and those traveling in RV’s are welcome, with most park campgrounds having a mix of reservable sites and first come first serve sites. If you are making a reservation with BC parks please note they must be made at least two days in advance of the dates you wish to camp (but more is always advisable). *Please notes some parks will require some long term planning as you can book them as early as two months prior.
Glamping- Mostly C’s
If you picked mostly C’s then Glamping is for you! This allows you to get close to nature and have an unforgettable experience while still being able to have all the comforts of home!
Oyster Bay Resort (A-frame Cottages)
Browns Bay Resort (Glamping Tents and Cottages)
Nootka Marine Adventures (Yurts and Camping Yurts)
Thunderbird RV Park & Resort (RV Sites and Cottages)