The Ultimate Sunshine Coast Camping Guide
Canada is full of stunning places that make us want to pitch a tent: Niagara Falls, PEI, Northern Quebec and the prairies all have their own charm. Our most western province, British Columbia, is blessed with an abundance of colourful nature – so entrancing it is called “Beautiful B.C.”
One of the most amazing spots is B.C.’s Sunshine Coast. It is truly a peaceful place where the ocean meets a craggily shoreline and densely wooded slopes. The islands large and small that dot the coast and a lake filled hinterland are an open invitation to explore. Names like Secret Cove, Bucanneer Bay and Smuggler Cove intrigue and suggest an adventure of Goonies proportion awaits. From remote sounds to charming seaside communities, you’ll find a campsite for all levels of adventure in the Sunshine Coast.
48 Places to Camp in the Sunshine Coast
How to use this guide: we’ve broken our ultimate camping guide into three parts: those hosted by provincial parks, minimally maintained wilderness sites, and privately operated campgrounds and RV parks. Each section leads with map, in which campsite locations are pinned from north to south.
Sunshine Coast Provincial Park Campgrounds
The Sunshine Coast is home to a number of spectacular provincial parks, some of which host campgrounds. What should campers expect? Provincial park campgrounds typically offer a rustic camping experience with varying facilities, from the rudimentary (outhouses) to comfortably basic (flush toilets and hot showers). Campsites are dedicated and usually offer enough foliage to provide some privacy from ‘the neighbours’. Common features of a provincial campsite include a heavy wood picnic table and a fire pit.
Don’t forget the necessities:
For more, download and print our car camping packing list.
Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park
Location: Near Lund
Number of sites: 11 campsites available throughout Desolation Sound, the Copeland Islands and Malaspina Provincial Parks, with nine tent pads at each site.
Reservations: None taken
Cost: $5 per person, per night for everyone under six years old. These backcountry camping fees are now in place for the Desolation Sound Parks, which includes Desolation Sound Marine, Copeland Islands Marine, Malaspina and Roscoe Bay.
Amenities: There are only pit toilets available at this campground. You can go kayaking, fishing, hiking, scuba diving and swimming.
Copeland Islands Marine Provincial Park
Location: This campground is accessible only by boat and is situated northwest of Lund.
Number of sites: 11 campsites available throughout Desolation Sound, the Copeland Islands and Malaspina Provincial Parks, with nine tent pads at each site.
Reservations: None taken
Cost: $5 per person, per night for everyone under six years old. These backcountry camping fees are now in place for the Desolation Sound Parks, which includes Desolation Sound Marine, Copeland Islands Marine, Malaspina and Roscoe Bay.
Amenities: There are only pit toilets available at this campground. While here, you can go canoeing or kayaking, fishing, scuba diving and swimming.
Malaspina Provincial Park
Location: 30 kilometres northwest of Powell River.
Number of sites: 11 campsites available throughout Desolation Sound, the Copeland Islands and Malaspina Provincial Parks, with nine tent pads at each site.
Reservations: None taken
Cost: $5 per person, per night for everyone under six years old. These backcountry camping fees are now in place for the Desolation Sound Parks, which includes Desolation Sound Marine, Copeland Islands Marine, Malaspina and Roscoe Bay.
Amenities: There are only pit toilets available at this campground. You can go kayaking and hiking.
Okeover Arm Provincial Park
Location: Highway 101, 19 kilometres north of Powell River.
Number of sites: 14 vehicle-accessible sites and four tent sites. The tent sites are available all year long.
Reservations: None taken
Cost: It’s $18 per party, per night, for the vehicle-accessible camping sites. There is no fee in the off season.
Amenities: At this park, there is a boat launch, campfire pits, drinking water, picnic areas and pit toilets. While here, you can canoe or kayak, fish or swim.
Inland Lake Provincial Park
Location: North of Powell River.
Number of sites: 22 vehicle-accessible sites and 3 walk-in sites on Anthony Island.
Reservations: None taken
Cost: Vehicle-accessible camping: $18 per party, per night. Walk-in camping: $5 per person, per night for everyone under six years old.
Amenities: The vehicle-accessible campground offers a boat launch, drinking water, picnic areas and pit toilets. Fires must be kept in the designated fire rings. There are no amenities available at the walk-in camping sites. At the park, you can canoe, fish, hike, hunt and swim.
Saltery Bay Provincial Park
Location: Highway 101, Powell River
Number of sites: 42
Reservations: Only 15 of the campsites are reservable; the rest are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cost: $20 per party, per night.
Amenities: Located two kilometres north of the Saltery Bay ferry terminal, this campground offers a boat launch, saltwater fishing, hiking trails, drinking water, firewood, sani-station, pit toilets and a protected swimming bay. There are also opportunities to scuba dive and canoe or kayak.
Hardy Island Marine Provincial Park
Location: This park includes Musket Island and Hardy Island, near Vancouver.
Number of sites: The park allows walk-in camping, but there are no official sites.
Reservations: None taken
Cost: Free
Amenities: None. While camping, you can go canoeing or kayaking, fishing or swimming.
Jedediah Island Marine Provincial Park
Location: Located between Lasqueti and Texada Islands in the Sabine Channel. The park is only accessibly by boat.
Number of sites: There are no developed sites – only walk-in/backcountry camping.
Reservations: None taken
Cost: Free
Amenities: There are only four pit toilets, and no other amenities. While camping, you can go canoeing or kayaking, fishing, hiking or swimming.
Buccaneer Bay Provincial Park
Location: Located in the Georgia Strait, at the south end of North Thormanby Island.
Number of sites: 5 backcountry sites.
Reservations: None taken
Cost: $5 per person, per night for everyone under six years old.
Amenities: This park only has one pit toilet, and fire rings are available at the camp sites. While here, you can go canoeing or kayaking, fishing or swimming.
Smugglers Cove Marine Provincial Park
Location: 16 kilometres west of Sechelt.
Number of sites: 5 designated sites.
Reservations: None taken
Cost: Free
Amenities: There are only two pit toilets available at this walk-in/wilderness camping location. While here, you can go canoeing or kayaking, fishing, hiking, scuba diving or swimming.
Sechelt Inlets Marine Provincial Park
Location: 20 kilometres north of Sechelt, only accessible by boat or floatplane.
Number of sites: There are seven different camping areas, with about 60 walk-in sites situated in the park. Campsites are accessed by kayak, canoe, sailboat or powerboats and are generally gravel or grass.
Reservations: None taken
Cost: Free
Amenities: These campgrounds are outfitted with pit toilets and picnic areas. While there, you can canoe or kayak, scuba dive or swim.
Mount Richardson Provincial Park
Location: North of Sechelt, with two of the camping areas only accessible by boat
Number of sites: Walk-in/backcountry camping is allowed, and there are three designated areas.
Reservations: None taken
Cost: Free
Amenities: The park has pit toilets and campfire rings. You can also go canoeing or kayaking, fishing, hiking, hunting, scuba diving and swimming.
Porpoise Bay Provincial Park
Location: Located on the southern end of Sechelt Inlet, four kilometres north of Sechelt off Highway 101.
Number of sites: 84 vehicle-accessible sites and room for 10 small tents in a backcountry, walk-in location.
Reservations: 62 of the sites are reservable. When reservations are not available, the campground is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cost: Vehicle-accessible camping will cost $29 per party, per night. Walk-in/backcountry camping is $13 per party, per night.
Amenities: There are fit and flush toilets available, a playground and showers, as well as drinking water and communal fire pits. While camping, you can go canoeing or kayaking, fishing, hiking and swimming.
Roberts Creek Provincial Park
Location: 14 kilometres west of Gibsons.
Number of sites: 21 vehicle-accessible campsites.
Reservations: None taken
Cost: $20 per party, per night. There’s a $5 fee for using the sani-station.
Amenities: This park is equipped with pit toilets, drinking water and campfire rings. There is a sani-station at the park entrance. During your stay, you can go fishing, hiking and swimming.
Plumper Cove Marine Provincial Park
Location: Across the Shoal Channel from Gibsons.
Number of sites: 20 walk-in sites.
Reservations: None taken
Cost: Walk in camping: $15 per party, per night. Dock facilities: $2 per metre, per night.
Mooring fee: $12 per vessel, per night.
Amenities: There are two pit toilets in the campground and two in the day use area. While in the park, you can go canoeing or kayaking, fishing, hiking and swimming.
Halkett Bay Marine Provincial Park
Location: Located on the southeastern shore of Gambier Island, 15 kilometres from Horseshoe Bay. The camping sites can only be accessed by boat.
Number of sites: There are three walk-in sites.
Reservations: None taken
Cost: Backcountry camping fee: $5 per person, per night for everyone over six years old. The dock facilities are available at $2 per metre, per night. The mooring fee is $10 per vessel, per night.
Amenities: There is one pit toilet and fires are not allowed. While camping, you van go canoeing or kayaking, fishing, hiking, scuba diving or swimming
Sunshine Coast Wilderness/Primitive Camping
The lion’s share of wilderness camping on the Sunshine Coast is concentrated along the Powell Forest Canoe route. As you can see on the map below, they cluster around around a scattering of inland lakes. Some are accessed strictly by car-top boat, while others can be reached on foot via trails. Most of these sites are walk-in and minimally maintained. For this reason, reservations can not be made in advance. Wilderness camping typically means pitching a tent where there’s space and only rudimentary amenities are provided, if any. (Think pit toilets and food caches.) On the up side – most are free!
Special Note About Wilderness Camping
Campers accessing back country wilderness campsites via active logging roads are reminded to use extreme caution. Most Powell Forest Canoe Route campsites are only logging road accessed, especially those north of Lois Lake. (Sites numbered #5 through #10 on the map below.) Please be aware:
- Travellers must obey all posted signs and directions
- Active logging roads see trucks operating from 5 a.m. – 6 p.m. and drivers should be aware at all times
- The speed limit is 50 km
- Always yield to logging trucks
- Be prepared for inclement weather and pack proper provisions
Dinner Rock
Location: Drive north from Powell River on Highway 101.
Number of sites: There are 13 sites at this campground, all accessible by road.
Reservations: None taken
Cost: Free
Amenities: There is a boat launch here, as well as tables and toilets. You can also hit the beach, go fishing, boating, hiking and swimming.
Appleton Creek Site & Trail
Location: North from Powell River on Highway 101.
Number of sites: There are three hike-in campsites.
Reservations: None taken
Cost: free
Amenities: There are only picnic tables and toilets available here.
Goat Lake
Location: Only accessible by boat, travel from Windsor Lake and follow the portage to Goat Lake.
Number of sites: There are eight camping sites here.
Reservations: None taken
Cost: Free
Amenities: There are only tables and toilets available at this camping location, which is at the end of the Powell Forest Canoe Route.
Dodd Lake
Location: South from Powell River
Number of sites: 13 road-accessible sites. This site is suitable for smaller motorhomes.
Reservations: None taken
Cost: Free
Amenities: There is a boat launch here, as well as tables and toilets. While camping, you can go canoeing, fishing, hiking, swimming and water-skiing.
Lewis Lake
Location: South from Powell River on Highway 99.
Number of sites: There are four campsites that are accessible from the road.
Reservations: None taken
Cost: Free
Amenities: This camping site offers a boat launch, tables and toilets. While camping, you can also go canoeing, fishing, hiking, swimming or ride pedal or motorized bikes on the trail.
Middle Point
Location: Paddlers can access this site by walking along the portage trail between Nanton and Dodd Lakes.
Number of sites: There are only two sites available at this location.
Reservations: None taken
Cost: Free
Amenities: There are only tables and toilets available here. You can also go fishing and hiking during your stay.
Beaver North
Location: Paddle north on Beaver Lake to reach this overnight stopping ground.
Number of sites: There is only one site.
Reservations: None taken
Cost: free
Amenities: There are tables and toilets at this site. While camping, you can also enjoying some fishing and hiking.
Nanton Lake
Location: Head south on Highway 99 from Powell River.
Number of sites: There are 16 sites here, all accessible from the road.
Reservations: None taken
Cost: Free
Amenities: This camping location comes with a boat launch, tables and toilets. You can also go boating, canoeing, fishing, swimming and water-skiing.
Tony Lake
Location: Head south from Powell River, along Highway 99.
Number of sites: There are only two sites available.
Reservations: None taken
Cost: Free
Amenities: Situated on a small lake, this remote location only offers tables and toilets. You can also go canoeing, fishing and hiking.
Horseshoe Lake
Location: This is a boat-in location at the end of the portage from Lois Lake to Dodd Lake. You can walk in from Lois Lake.
Number of sites: There are four camping sites available.
Reservations: None taken
Cost: Free
Amenities: There are only tables and toilets available at this remote location.
Lois Point
Location: From the Lois Lake recreation site, you can canoe or hike east along Lois Lake for about two kilometres to reach this location.
Number of sites: There are four camping sites here.
Reservations: None taken
Cost: Free
Amenities: There are only tables and toilets available at this location. You can also go canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, picnicking or ride bikes along the trails.
Lois Lake
Location: From the Saltery Bay ferry terminal, take Highway 1 north.
Number of sites: There are 15 sites here, all accessible by the road.
Reservations: None taken
Cost: Free
Amenities: There are tables and toilets available at this location, which is the starting point for the Powell Forest Canoe Route. You can also take in the beach, go canoeing, fishing, swimming and water-skiing.
Bob’s Lake
Location: Texada Island.
Number of sites: 9 sites available, accessible by road.
Reservations: None taken
Cost: Free
Amenities: This location only offers tables and toilets. You can also go canoeing, hiking or bike riding.
Private Campgrounds on the Sunshine Coast
Private campgrounds are appealing for so many reasons. Dedicated sites, well-maintained properties, power hook-ups, flush toilets, showers, playgrounds, proximity to communities, and on site convenience shops are just a few typical features. Plus they can obviously accommodate recreational vehicles of all sizes. What’s more, these days it’s easier than ever to plan a trip with many private campgrounds hosting their own websites. The ability to make reservations, sometimes well in advance, provides those planning a trip some peace of mind.
SunLund By-The-Sea Campground & Cabins
Address: 1496 Murrary Road, Lund V0N 2G0
Telephone: 604-483-9220
Email: [email protected]
Website: sunlund.ca
Number of sites: There are 33 camping sites and two cabins available for rent.
Reservations: Taken in advance
Cost: Camping sites are $32 nightly, based on double occupancy.
Amenities: Amenities at this campground include drinking water, electricity, sewer drain, picnic table and fire pit. There are also washrooms, coin-operated showers, a laundry facility, an outdoor dishwashing station and a horseshoe pitch.
Y-Knot Campground, Cabins & Charters
Address: 2960 D’Angio Road, Powell River V8A 0G2
Telephone: 604-483-3243
Email: [email protected]
Website: yknot.ca/welcome
Number of sites: There is one, full-service cabin and one campers’ cabin. There are also rustic camping sites available.
Reservations: The camping sites are on a first-come, first-served basis, but you can reserve the cabins.
Cost: The large cabin rents for $200 a day; the smaller cabin for $50 a day. Campsites will cost $15 per vehicle.
Amenities: There are barbeques at each cabin, and there are kayaks and canoes available for rent. You can also fish, hike and swim while you’re here.
Willingdon Beach Municipal Campsite
Address: 4845 Marine Avenue, Powell River V8A 5T3
Telephone: 604-485-2242
Email: [email protected]
Website: willingdonbeach.ca
Number of sites: There are 81 sites, with full and partial hook ups, available at this location.
Reservations: Call to reserve
Cost: A full hook up site is $28.50 per day; a beachfront site with electricity is $32 per day; a tenting site is $19 per day. There are additional charges for the showers, firewood and the cooking pavilion.
Amenities: At this municipal campground, you’ll be able to enjoy the beach, fishing pier, playground and mini golf. There are also coin-operated hot showers, flush toilets, laundry facilities, some cable TV and a picnic/barbeque area.
Seaside Villa Motel & RV Park
Address: 7274 Highway 101, Powell River V8A 4Z2
Telephone: 604-485-2911
Email: [email protected]
Website: seasidevillamotel.com
Number of sites: TBD
Reservations: Taken in advance
Cost: TBD
Amenities: Wireless internet, picnic tables, BBQs, coin laundry, well behaved pets welcome.
Seabreeze Resort, Cottages & Campsites
Address: 10975 Sunshine Coast Highway, Powell River V8A 0L5
Telephone: 604-487-9534
Email: [email protected]
Website: seabreezeresortbc.com
Number of sites: There are 10 cottages available to rent, as well as eight RV sites and eight camping sites.
Reservations: Can be taken in advance
Cost: The cabins range from $116 to $199 per day; the RV sites are $38 a day and the camping sites are $20 a day.
Amenities: You’ll have access to sandy beaches with great swimming opportunities, washrooms, hot showers, laundry and fire and horseshoe pits.
Haywire Bay Regional Park & Campground
Address: Powell Lake (see website below for driving directions)
Telephone: 604-483-1097
Email: [email protected]
Website: Click here
Number of sites: 43 RV and tent sites, 2 group sites
Reservations: Taken only for the group sites
Cost: $21 per site and $130 for group sites (up to 10 campers)
Amenities: There are beaches for swimming, a playground, trails, car-top boat launch, outdoor stone barbeque and a shower.
Shelter Point Regional Park
Address: Shelter Point Road, Texada Island
Telephone: 604-486-7228
Email: [email protected]
Website: Click here
Number of sites: 52 campsites and 2 group sites
Reservations: Taken only for group sites.
Cost: $21 for campsites (April – September) and $16/night (October – March), group sites: $130-$185.
Amenities: At this campground, there are sandy beaches and opportunities to swim, a boat ramp, playground, beach volleyball, concession, showers and a sani-dump.
Garnet Rock RV Park & Campground
Address: 8425 Highway 101, Powell River V8A 4Z2
Telephone: 604-487-9535
Email: [email protected]
Website: garnetrockrv.com
Number of sites: There are several camping and RV sites.
Reservations: Taken in advance.
Cost: RV: $34 per night, based on two people per RV. Tenting: $24 per night, based on two people per tent.
Amenities: There are kayak rentals available, coin showers and laundry, cable, WiFi, 30 and 50 AMP services for RV sites, an on-site payphone and beach access.
Klein Lake Recreation Site & Campground
Address: 6700 North Lake Forest Service Road, Egmont
Telephone: n/a
Email: n/a
Website: scrd.ca/Klein-Lake
Number of sites: There are 25 tenting sites and smaller RV sites.
Reservations: None taken
Cost: $12 per night, per party (cash only).
Amenities: This campground offers public toilets and a day-use picnic area. One campsite and bathroom facility is wheelchair accessible.
Katherine Lake & Campground
Address: 4955 Katherine Lake Road, V0N 2H0
Telephone: 604-883-9557
Email: n/a
Website: scrd.ca/Katherine-Lake
Number of sites: 10 campsites and 26 RV spots here.
Reservations: Taken in advance
Cost: $18 per tent and $22 per RV.
Amenities: This campground offers picnic facilities, a sandy beach for swimming, a small playground and fishing and boating opportunities. There are also washroom facilities and showers.
Pender Harbour Resort & Marina
Address: 4686 Sinclair Bay Rd, Garden Bay V0N 1S1
Telephone: 604-883-2424
Email: [email protected]
Website: phrm.ca
Number of sites: This property is open year-round and offers 30 RV sites, nine cottages and three yurts, as well as three tenting sites.
Reservations: Taken in advance
Cost: Tenting sites are $29 a night, based on a three-person occupancy. The RV sites are $49 per night, based on a three-person occupancy.
Amenities: There is a heated swimming pool, boat launch, rental boats and kayaks, a motel, a fire pit, a playground and much more!
Homesite Creek Campground
Location: 9844 Sunshine Coast Highway, Halfmoon Bay V0N 1Y2
Telephone: 604-741-8060
Email: [email protected]
Website: homesitecreek.com
Number of sites: 27 large, private campsites and five group sites. RVs are welcome.
Reservations: Taken in advance
Cost: Camping costs $16 per night.
Amenities: Situated along Homesite Creek and close to waterfalls at Halfmoon Bay/Secret Cove, this campground offers great scenery, as well as water stations, solar-heated showers, fire pits, picnic tables, outhouses and access to 13 limestone caves and trails.
Fisherman’s Resort & Marina
Address: 4890 Pool Rd, Garden Bay V0N 1S0
Telephone: 604-883-2336
Email: n/a
Website: fishermansresortmarina.com
Number of sites: This campground offers cottages and RV sites for rent.
Reservations: Taken in advance
Cost: RV sites are $35 per night, based on a two-person occupancy.
Amenities: Spectacular views, but still close to civilization, this park offers a marina, power boat and kayak rentals, a launching ramp, showers and laundry and fishing opportunities.
Bayside Campground & RV Park
Address: 6040 Sechelt Inlet Road, Sechelt V0N 3A3
Telephone: 1-877-885-7444
Email: [email protected]
Website: creeksidecampground.ca/bayside
Number of sites: Bayside offers 20 full hook-up sites and 10 partial hook-up sites for RVs, as well as 16 sites for tenting.
Reservations: Taken in advance
Cost: $25 a night for tents and $35 a night for full-service RV sites.
Amenities: Bayside has a sandy beach, perfect for swimming, a wash house with coin-operated showers, flushable toilets, a volleyball court, a horseshoe pitch and a playground.
Creekside Campground & RV Park
Address: 4314 Sunshine Coast Highway, Sechelt V0N 3A1
Telephone: 1-800-565-9222
Email: [email protected]
Website: creeksidecampground.ca
Number of sites: 38 fully serviced RV sites and several tenting sites
Reservations: Taken in advance
Cost: Both campgrounds are $25 a night for tents and $35 a night for full-service RV sites.
Amenities: Laundry facilities, fire pits, hot showers and a swimming pool.
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