8 scenic beach campgrounds to check out in BC
Beach camping is truly the holy grail of outdoor experiences in British Columbia, and campers have no shortage of options to choose from. Whether you want to extend your next lake day into the weekend, or plan a trip to the Island, here are 8 scenic beach campgrounds to visit in BC before summer ends, or even into fall.
Miracle Beach Park
Situated between Courtenay and Campbell River, Miracle Beach Park offers visitors 192 reservable front-country campsites and 202 car-accessible sites. Visitors can lounge on an extensive sandy beach all weekend long, or go for a dip at the south beach day-use area.
Where: Comox Valley, BC
Juan de Fuca Park
Whether you want to catch some waves or hike through 47 km of wilderness, there is plenty to do at the famed Juan de Fuca Park. Campers will find over 140 campsites at the China Beach Campground, and hikers can journey across the famed Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, which follows 47 km of untamed wilderness from Sombrio and China beaches to Parkinson Creek, and the spectacular Botanical Beach.
Where: Southern Vancouver Island, BC
Sasquatch Park
Situated just north of Harrison Hot Springs, this provincial park offers campers a quieter alternative, characterized by a series of ‘pocket lakes:’ Hicks, Deer, and Trout Lakes. All offer visitors views of scenic mountain ridges and second-growth forest. Oh, and all are popular among hikers, wildlife viewers, and picnickers!
Where: North of Harrison Hot Springs, BC
French Beach Park
Whether you want to enjoy some breathtaking sunsets, hike through lush forests, dip into the cool waters of a pebble beach, or a combination of the three – there are plenty of ways to keep yourself occupied at the beautiful French Beach Provincial Park.
For campers, French Beach offers year-round, vehicle-accessible camping in a truly stunning natural setting. Park amenities include a picnic/day-use area, a sani-station, pit toilets, and fresh water.
Where: Between Sooke and Jordan River, BC
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Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Ranked #2 on a list of the “most epic camping destinations in Canada,” Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is known for its unparalleled mix of old-growth rainforest, sandy beaches, and historic hiking trails. In particular, Long Beach is revered for its sun-warmed waters, offering drive-in and walk-in campsites right on the beach.
Where: Ucluelet, BC
Porteau Cove Campground
Situated along the Sea to Sky Highway on a scenic fjord, this popular BC park is renowned for its windsurfing, hiking, and fishing options. Its crystal blue waters and pebble beach make for the perfect place to take a dip at during the summer months, or set up at one of the park’s waterfront campgrounds.
Where: Squamish-Lillooet
Cultus Lake Park
Cultus Lake Park offers one of the most accessible lake days near Vancouver, at just an hour and a half’s drive from the city. With crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and almost 300 front-country campsites to choose from, there’s plenty of fun to be had here!
Where: Chilliwack, BC
Rathtrevor Beach Park
With its expansive sandy shores, old-growth forests, and rich tide pools, Rathtrevor Beach Park is the ultimate getaway from the city. At low tide, the ocean can recede up to 1 km, leaving stretches of sand that heat up under the sun, warming the waters once it’s high tide again.
Note that this beach is wheelchair accessible, complete with a Mobi-Mat and a recently paved day-use parking lot for greater access.
Where: Central Vancouver Island, BC
So here you have it, campers! Make sure to head to these campgrounds sooner rather than later if you want to snag a spot!
