Local family camping within British Columbia is more popular than ever! If you're in the same boat as us, you're likely having trouble getting any campground reservations at BC provincial parks through the Discover Camping website even though BC residents are being given priority. Luckily, it appears that Metro Vancouver families also have the option of booking holidays at private campgrounds and others run by local municipalities. We've pulled together information on a number of these campgrounds that are relatively close to home for Metro Vancouver families and still have some spots available for camping this summer! We'll be trying out a few of these ourselves for the first time this summer - have you been to any of them before or do you have any other suggestions? Happy camping!
The Klahanie Campground is located on Hwy 99 "Sea to Sky highway" halfway between Vancouver and Whistler, just 5 km south of Squamish. Within walking distance, they have the Shannon Falls provincial park, the Sea-To-Sky Gondola, hiking trails, rock climbing, Stawamus Chief, and many other recreational activities. RESERVE YOUR CAMPGROUND ONLINE.
The Mamquam River Access Society is a non-profit association that built value-priced camping on the spectacular Mamquam River in Canada's adventure paradise, Squamish BC. They offer group sites, drive-in sites, forested walk-in sites, firepits and firewood, with various physical distancing restrictions in place for this summer. RESERVE YOUR CAMPGROUND ONLINE.
Paradise Valley Campground is a family-oriented, music free camping oasis located in the heart of Sea to Sky Country. Acoustic guitars & singing welcome! Tenting & full-service sites available, with options to book cabins. They are considered a front-country campground, sharing 28 acres of coastal rain-forest with guests. They offer private sites, clean washrooms, pay showers and immaculate riverside trails.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT ONLINE.
Located on the Fraser River in Brae Island Regional Park in Fort Langley with 156 large campsites for tents & RVs, 5 family tent cabins and an on-site store, Fort Camping lets you breathe that good country air, while being close enough to the city to enjoy everything it has to offer. They usually offer children's programs with camp leaders, but those seem to be on hold for this summer. RESERVE YOUR SPOT ONLINE.
Vedder River campground has re-opened for this summer with camping options for tents, trailers, and RVs. Located in the heart of the Fraser Valley on the banks of the Fraser River, this campground is a great kid-friendly vacation spot just a 10-minute drive from Cultus Lake, and nearby hiking, rafting, kayaking, mountain and more. On-site amenities include washrooms, showers, fire pits, picnic tables, and a sani-dump. Your pet is welcome too! RESERVE YOUR SPOT ONLINE.
Just a short drive from Vancouver, Cultus Lake is a sparkling gem in the crown of the Fraser Valley. With beautiful beaches and a large and clean freshwater lake surrounded by spectacular mountain views, it is a very special place. Families will love Sunnyside Campground, which is owned and managed by Cultus Lake Park! RESERVE YOUR SPOT ONLINE.
Just a 30-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale, then a 1-hour drive up the beautiful Sunshine Coast, is Katherine Lake Campground located right near Pender Harbour. This picturesque lake offers picnic facilities, a sandy swimming beach, a small playground, fishing, boating, 19 RV spots and 10 campsites, washroom facilities with showers, and an on-site caretaker. Ccamping season runs from May until mid-September. Reservations must be made over the phone. RESERVE YOUR SPOT ONLINE.
Whistler Olympic Park RV & Campground is your gateway to outdoor recreation and relaxation just south of Whistler. The campground provides 39 spacious campsites with full-service and unserviced options. Enjoy comfortable amenities, scenic views and a unique, secluded and historic setting in nature, surrounded by the stunning beauty of evergreen forests, valleys and mountain ranges! Open from June 30 to October 2, 2023. RESERVE YOUR SPOT.
Wherever you end up camping this summer, be sure to check out our Easy 5-Night Family Camping Menu and our 23 Tips for Camping with Babies & Toddlers. Happy camping!
Born & raised in Vancouver, and co-founder of Healthy Family Media and the Healthy Family Expo, Angela is a reformed divorce lawyer turned healthy family champion! By day, she thrives on connecting conscious brands with busy Vancouver families. By night, you’ll find her wrangling two feisty daughters, choosing between instant pot or healthy freezer meals for dinner, and singing with MomChoir. She especially loves sharing her favourite family-friendly finds with other Lower Mainland parents!
