The best campsites in Campbell River allow you to set up your tent or RV amongst the tranquil forest, lake, and river ecosystems we are so renowned for, while still providing quick access to downtown and its amenities, tours, and restaurants.
Here, it’s easy to find a great place to bask in natural surroundings. The Campbell River area has many options for campers, including BC Parks campgrounds, RV parks, private campgrounds and glamping opportunities.
Quinsam Campground
On the western outskirts of Campbellton, as Highway 28 begins in the direction of Gold River, you’ll find the Quinsam Campground in Elk Falls Provincial Park. Here, you can reach the Quinsam River trails and the Campbell River Canyon View Trail without getting in your car, while still being a 5-10 minute drive from the downtown core. The Quinsam Campground has 122 vehicle-accessible camping spots to choose from, and some back directly onto the beautiful Quinsam River. Reservations are recommended in the summer season especially, although there are a number of sites reserved for first come, first serve guests if you’re feeling lucky last minute.
Campbell Lake Campgrounds
A little further northwest of town, there are a series of campsites along the shoreline of beautiful Campbell Lake (popular for swimming, fishing, and kayaking). These campsites are operated by a mix of BC Parks and Recreation Sites and Trails BC. They are about a 30-minute drive from downtown on a mix of highway and gravel forest service road (2WD is fine, but you should travel with good tires and a spare). The road over Brewster Lake Dam is closed until 2029, so access is north of town via Duncan Bay Road, then Gordon Road, before joining the Loveland Bay Forest Service Road.
Loveland Bay Provincial Park has 54 campsites right beside the lake which are predominantly vehicle-accessible. Miller Creek has 47 campsites that are bookable in advance (although it’s only open from May to September), while others, like Big Bay, are only first come, first served with just 6 sites available.
Camping Safety
It’s important to note that despite your proximity to residential areas, our campsites back onto our incredible, biodiverse forest and wilderness areas, where wildlife can be present. Always secure food and other attractants in a hard-sided vehicle when you’re not using them.
Camping Supplies
If you’ve forgotten any supplies, the independent outdoor store River Sportsman is the closest store to all the campsites.
