Where to Camp Around Vancouver and the Lower Mainland

A quick drive from Vancouver’s city centre can take you to one of a dozen nearby campsites

With the non-existent spring we had this year, Vancouverites are chomping at the bit to get their camp on. To make up for lost time we have sourced out some nearby, inexpensive camping options where you can dust off your camping gear and warm up for some more intricate, long-distance camping missions throughout the summer.

There are dozens of campgrounds within the confines of the Lower Mainland: from North Vancouver and Coquitlam to White Rock and Langley. While many of those within city limits are combined with RV parks, they still offer treed tenting areas and simple amenities to make for an easy urban escape. Venture a tiny bit further and you have themore rugged options of Squamish or Chilliwack.

Camping Essentials

If you're planning on a camping excursion, don’t you dare leave without your:

• Tent/all tent poles
• Rope
• Cooler
• BBQ/stove
• Propane
• Sleeping mats
• Matches/lighter
• Flashlight/lantern
• Extra batteries
• First-aid kit
• Water
• Bug spray
• Hammer
• Toilet Paper
• Dish Rag
• Bucket
• Swiss army knife
• Duct tape
• Deck of cards
• Frisbee
• Food
• Dishes
• Sunscreen

Camping 10 minutes from Vancouver

West Vancouver

Capilano RV Park & Campground – 295 Tomahawk Avenue, West Vancouver

Just minutes from downtown, across the Lions Gate Bridge, is Capilano RV Park.This site is pretty wide open in its urban setting; however, if you are looking for a quick getaway for the kids, or you are driving through the city on your way to Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal or the Sea to Sky Highway and need a cheap place to pull over, it's an option. Close to hiking, tourist sites and shopping. Call604-987-4722 or reserve online.

Camping 30 to 45  minutes from Vancouver

Anmore

Anmore Camp & RV Park – 3230 Sunnyside Road, Anmore

This pet-permitted, 100-site campground and RV park is located north of Port MoodynearBuntzen Lake. One of the more wooded, rural sites within city limits, this one comes with individual tent sites, fire pits, apool, shower, laundry, store and plenty of opportunity for canoeing and fishing. Camping rates start from $25, RV sites from $32. Call 604-469-2311 or check out their website for more info.

Fort Langley

Parklander – 9451 Glover Road, Fort Langley
This campsite and RV park is within walking distance to historic Fort Langley and just a 45-minute drive from Vancouver centre. Close to White Rock beaches and the US border, the options for day trips are endless. Campsites range from $23 to $28 for 2-person tent sites. Call 604-460-8300 or visit their website for reservations.

Squamish

Eagle Vista RV Resort & Campground – 1940 Centennial Way, Squamish

Perfect for the glamper (person who likes to camp with luxury), Eagle Vista has yurts and RV sites in addition to campsites. It also boasts the Smokin’ BBQ Restaurant open Tuesday to Sunday. Campsites start at $38 and yurts (which can sleep up to six) are $125 per night. Call 604-898-3343 or visit Eagle Vista to reserve.

Squamish Valley Campsite & RV Park – Squamish Valley Road, Mile 16.5, Squamish

For such a reasonably quick drive from the city, the Squamish scenery never fails to impress. The 250-acre campsite is situated on over one mile of sandy beach, with riverfront fishing, waterfalls and glacier views. Rates start at $30. Visit Squamish Valley Campsite or call 604-898-9310.

Surrey

Dogwood Campgrounds – 15151 112th Ave, Surrey

With 150 tent sites and 200 full RV hookups, you can escape city life, without really leaving the city. From Highway 1 take exit 50, and follow thesigns. Enjoy the on-site pool, hot tub, laundry and general store. A two-person tent site costs $28 for the night, $4 per extra adult, $3 for teens and $2 for kids under 12. Reserve a spot here.

Hazelmere RV Park & Campground – 18843 8^thAve, Surrey

A country experience within the city, Hazelmere offers a tenting area, RV park and cabins that sleep up to 5 people. The 32-acre park setting is located on Little Campbell River. Amenities include an outdoor pool and hot tub, basketball and volleyball courts, laundry, bathrooms and free mini golf. Tenting starts at $32, RVing at $36 and cabins at $70. Visit Hazelmere RV Park & Campgroundor call toll free 1-877-501-5007.

Peace Arch RV Park – 14601 40^thAve, Surrey

With 27 acres and 290 sites, this escape is minutes away from beaches and the border. Equipped with a pool, playground andpicnic areas, the site is a 45-minute drive from downtown Van

Camping 60-90 minutes from Vancouver

Chilliwack

Vedder River Campground – 5215 Giesbrecht Road, Chilliwack

Worth the drive, this campsite is located on the Vedder River, just south of Chilliwack. There’s great salmon and trout fishing just steps from your tent, and beautiful Cultus Lake is only a quick drive away. Rates start at $26 for this 200-site campground. Visit their site or call 604-823-6012 to book.

Cultus Lake

Sunnyside Campground – 3405 Columbia Valley Hwy, Cultus Lake

Surrounded by beaches and gorgeous mountain views, this campground offers 65 acres of campsites. Family-friendly, the property has on-site washrooms, showers, playgrounds, boat launch and sandy beaches; plus the grounds are located near mini golf, go-karts and waterslides. Rates start at $32, with waterfront sites for $43. Call 604-858-5253 for reservations.

Harrison

Old Orchard Campground – 1401 Kennedy Rd, Kent

Located in the heart of Sasquatch Country, 110 kilometres from Vancouver and a 10-minute drive to the famous Harrison Hot Springs, Old Orchard Campgrounds is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast. With nearby hiking, fishing, boating, mountain biking, and golfing, there are endless options for outdoor entertainment. Rates start at $25 for a regular site, $35 for waterfront. Visit Old Orchard or call 604-799-0319.