Camping in the Alberni Valley

A Guide to Camping on Vancouver Island in and near Port Alberni – Updated for 2025!

Camping is a fun way to make memories and explore the outdoors, and can feel like an adventure even if you are only minutes from home! We are fortunate to have some of the best camping options on Vancouver Island right here in the Alberni Valley region. Each spring when camping season nears its official start there can be a rush for many of the BC Parks Provincial Campsites. To help you plan your next Vancouver Island camping trip, we have compiled a list of some of the Alberni areas most popular campgrounds. Camping local is a great opportunity to take a break and escape in our own beautiful backyard.

Here is a quick guide to finding Port Alberni camping options on Vancouver Island. A fun way to explore Vancouver Island or enjoy a family staycation in the Alberni Valley.

Backcountry Camping

If you’re an experienced hiker looking for a more ‘off the beaten trail’ camping adventure, you might enjoy backcountry camping. Check out our guide, “Backcountry Camping in the Alberni Valley” to learn all about it, along with three of our favorite Alberni Valley backcountry destinations.

NOTE We have done our best to gather current information, however prices and other details may change without notice and should always be confirmed. Please contact the campgrounds you are interested in to ensure accurate information for your trip.

Arrowvale Campground

Arrowvale Campground offers a peaceful retreat along the Somass River, perfect for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a scenic and relaxing getaway. The campground features spacious sites for tents and RVs, with options for power and water hookups, as well as charming cedar cottages and vintage trailers for a more comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy the working farm atmosphere, complete with Canadian horses, seasonal farm-fresh produce, and local honey. With a picturesque setting, walking trails, and proximity to Port Alberni’s outdoor attractions, Arrowvale provides a quiet escape while still being conveniently close to town.

Ideal if you are looking for… Peace and quiet with a family atmosphere.
Location: 5955 Hector Rd (12 minutes from Port Alberni)
Type: Private
Sites: 40 Tenting/RV (power, water), 8 Tenting, 2 Cottages, 2 Vintage Trailers
Amenities: Washrooms, showers, power and water hookups to most sites.
Reservations:  call 250-723-7948
Rates: $40.50 – $48.00
Website: arrowvale.ca
Cancellation Policy

“Stayed here a few times over the last few years. Very large campground for tents or trailers, as well as a couple very nice cabins. Cabins have a good amount of privacy, BBQ and picnic bench area outside the front doors, and a little kitchen with nice appliances. Main office has a little cafe with milkshakes, pie, and some other food as well. Owners and staff are very friendly and helpful. Easy access to the river, a few quiet swimming spots, and some nice walking trails in a few different areas.” – Kevin via Google Reviews

China Creek Campground

China Creek Campground offers an immersive Vancouver Island camping experience with stunning views of the Alberni Inlet and easy access to outdoor adventures. Relax in one of 250 tent or RV sites, whether you prefer full-service hookups or a more rustic, unserviced site. For a cozy alternative, the newly added cabins provide comfortable accommodations with beautiful inlet views. On-site amenities include a playground, bike park, and a full-service marina featuring a four-lane boat launch, fuel dock, fish cleaning station, and ice for all your fishing needs. Whether you’re here to kayak, paddleboard, or take advantage of world-class salmon fishing, China Creek Campground provides the perfect base for your Port Alberni adventure.

Ideal if you are looking for… Family atmosphere and water sports.
Location: 2011 Franklin River Rd (19 minutes from Port Alberni)
Type: Private
Sites: 70 Tent/RV (power, water, sewer), 100 Tent/RV (power, water), 80 Tent/RV (basic)
Cabins: 8 Cabins (Full Details)
Amenities: Washrooms, showers, laundry, marina
Reservations:  Online | Email | 250-723-9812
Rates: $41.33 – $61.99 (Tent and RV) | $90 – $200 (Cabins) – weekly and seasonal rates available
Website: campchinacreek.com

“Lovely campsite, washrooms and showers some of the cleanest I’ve experienced while camping. staff at the front office were so friendly and accommodating, would definitely consider returning. we stayed in Creekside spot number 5, lovely little path straight off the site down to the creek which was a nice addition!” – April,  Google Reviews

Coleman RV & Campground

Located along the banks of the Stamp River, Coleman RV & Campground is a newer addition to Port Alberni’s camping scene, offering a peaceful and natural setting for campers looking to unwind. With 34 dry waterfront sites, this campground is ideal for those who enjoy fishing, wildlife viewing, and a tranquil escape from the busyness of town. Just a short drive from Port Alberni, Coleman RV & Campground provides basic but well-maintained facilities, including flush toilets and showers, making it a comfortable spot to set up camp. Whether you’re staying for a night or an extended visit, this riverside campground offers a relaxing and scenic getaway.

Ideal for: Campers seeking a serene riverside setting​
Location: 7373 Coleman Road (17 minutes from Port Alberni)
Type: Private​
Sites: 34 dry waterfront sites
Amenities: Flush toilets, shower facilities
Reservations: Call 250-735-7576​
Rates: Contact directly for current pricing

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Macktush Campsite

For those seeking a more remote and rustic camping experience, Macktush Campground provides an ideal escape into nature along the Alberni Inlet. Accessible via a scenic one-hour drive on a forest service road, this campground offers basic tent and RV sites with limited amenities, making it perfect for campers who enjoy a wilderness setting. Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the easy access to some of the best sockeye fishing in the region, while nature lovers can explore nearby hiking trails or relax by the water. The campground also features a boat launch, pit toilets, and hot showers, ensuring a balance between off-grid adventure and essential comforts.

Ideal if you are looking for… Off the beaten path, great fishing and a rustic setting.
Location: 12951 Canal Main (1 hour from Port Alberni)
Type: Private (Managed by Mosaic Forest Management)
Sites: 72 Tent/RV (basic)
Amenities: Pit Toilets, Water, Hot Showers, Boat Ramp (Note: No power and no garbage removal available)
Reservations:  Online
Rates: RV/Campsites; $24.00 – $28.00 | Group Sites:$150 ($15 reservation fee, 2 night min stay)
Website: mosaiccampsites.com
Cancellation Policy

“Such a beautiful spot. Most affordable Oceanside camping. Lush forest, beautiful ocean, fantastic fishing, and the most hospitable and friendly people ever!!! Shout out to the host Andy and his wife. They were so friendly and went over the top to make sure our stay was good. Thanks Andy.” – Nathan, FaceBook

Stamp River Provincial Park

Stamp River Provincial Park is a hidden gem for nature lovers, offering beautiful forests, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife just a short drive from Port Alberni. The park’s main attraction is the Stamp Falls Fish Ladder, where visitors can watch thousands of chinook, coho, and sockeye salmon make their way upstream during the late summer and fall salmon run. The park also features scenic hiking trails that wind along the river, providing plenty of opportunities to take in the tranquil setting. While camping is no longer permitted in the park, it remains a must-visit destination for day trips, picnicking, and wildlife viewing in the Alberni Valley.

Ideal if you are looking for… Hiking, nature and relaxation.
Location: Beaver Creek Road (23 minutes from Port Alberni)
Type: Provincial Park
Sites: 23 Tent/RV (basic)
Amenities: Pit Toilets, Water (Note: No electrical hookups, see campsite brochure for details)
Reservations:  Online
Rates: $18.00 ($6 reservation fee)
Website: bcparks.ca
Cancellation Policy

“Our campsite was right on the river. We saw salmon jump, people catching salmon, and watched bears walk along the shore – on the other side of the river! The falls are just a short walk from the campsite. There were hundreds of salmon making their way upriver through the ladder as well as jumping up through the falls. We had a great time!! (We were there the 2nd week of September.)” – David, Google Reviews

Sproat Lake Camping

Sproat Lake Camping is a private, wilderness campground offering exclusively long-term seasonal campsites on the picturesque Two Rivers Arm of Sproat Lake. Ideal for families and individuals seeking an extended retreat, this off-the-grid experience provides campers with access to a boat dock, fire pits, and a book exchange, all under the care of a friendly on-site caretaker. Each campsite is just steps away from the lake, allowing for easy access to swimming, boating, and fishing activities. The serene environment and natural beauty make it a perfect summer getaway for those looking to immerse themselves in nature over an extended period.

Ideal if you are looking for… A long-term place to stay the season.
Location: Stirling Road (30 minutes from Port Alberni)
Type: Private
Amenities: Boat launch, docking facilities, fire pits, a book exchange, and a friendly caretaker.
Rates, Reservations and Sites:  Contact for Details
Website: sproatlakecamping.com

Sproat Lake Provincial Park

Sproat Lake Provincial Park is a popular destination for freshwater enthusiasts, offering a variety of recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, waterskiing, and windsurfing. Located 15 minutes west of Port Alberni, the park features two separate campgrounds: the Lower Campground, adjacent to the lake with 15 non-serviced sites near flush toilets and showers, and the Upper Campground, across the highway, offering 44 well-forested, non-serviced sites with pit toilets and water taps. Visitors can explore short access trails leading to one of British Columbia’s finest panels of prehistoric petroglyphs, known as K’ak’awin, adding a cultural touch to their outdoor experience. The large day-use area, complete with picnic sites, fresh water, campfire rings, and a grassy area, makes it ideal for both campers and picnickers looking to relax by the warm lake waters.

Ideal if you are looking for… Fresh water swimming and watersports, family atmosphere and close to town.
Location: Lakeshore Road (15 minutes from Port Alberni)
Type: Public (Provincial Park)
Sites: 58 Tent/RV (basic)
Amenities: Pit Toilets, Washrooms, Showers, Water (Note: No electrical hookups, see campsite brochure for details)
Reservations:  Online
Rates: $25.00 ($6 reservation fee)
Website: bcparks.ca
Cancellation Policy

“This park has it all (except for H2O and power hook ups)! The lake is the warmest on the island making for delightful swimming, boating, SUPing and fishing. The shoreline is sandy and there is a soft sand beach beside the boat launch. The day use and boat launch areas all have well appointed picnic tables and grassy fields for lounging. Campers can enjoy staying in the Tenting or the Lower campground next to the lake or the Upper campground in the woods. There are pit toilets, bear proof garbages and taps located throughout the park for your convenience…” – Jamie, Google Reviews

McLean Mill

The McLean Mill National Historic Site offers a unique camping experience that combines the charm of rustic camping with the rich history of British Columbia’s only steam-operated sawmill. Campers can immerse themselves in the past by exploring the well-preserved mill and surrounding buildings, gaining insight into the region’s logging heritage. The site provides basic camping facilities, making it suitable for those seeking a more authentic and historical camping adventure. The tranquil environment, surrounded by lush forests, allows visitors to step back in time while enjoying the natural beauty of the Alberni Valley.​

Ideal if you are looking for… Something different, local history.
Location: 5633 Smith Road (15 minutes from Port Alberni)
Type: Public (National Park)
Sites: 7 Tent/RV (power and water hookups), 2 Tent/RV (basic), 5 Tent (Walk-in)
Amenities: Portable Toilets, Water
Reservations: Online | 250 723-1376 | Email
Rates: $23.00 – $42.00
Website: mcleanmill.ca
Cancellation Policy (not available)

“Absolutely beautiful in the fall! Saw some river offers in the logging pond. Lots of trails to walk around, educational plaques everywhere. The site is right in the middle of a forest with the mountain in the backdrop. Very interesting for those interested in history. Highly recommend!” – Jennifer, Google Reviews

Taylor Arm Provincial Park

Taylor Arm Provincial Park offers a secluded and rustic camping experience along the northern shore of Sproat Lake, making it an ideal getaway for nature lovers, paddlers, and group campers. Unlike the more developed Sproat Lake Provincial Park, Taylor Arm provides a quiet and back-to-basics atmosphere, perfect for those looking to enjoy Vancouver Island’s natural beauty in a more rugged setting. The campground primarily serves group camping, making it a great option for large gatherings, family reunions, and outdoor educational trips. While amenities are minimal, campers can enjoy swimming, kayaking, and fishing in Sproat Lake, along with easy access to surrounding hiking trails. The peaceful environment and dense forest canopy provide a feeling of true wilderness, despite being just a short drive from Port Alberni.

Ideal for: Group camping, paddlers, and those seeking a rustic, peaceful setting
Location: Pacific Rim Highway (22 minutes from Port Alberni)
Type: Provincial Park
Sites: Group camping areas only – no individual campsites available
Amenities: Pit toilets, lake access, forested campsites, picnic areas
Reservations: Online
Rates: Varies based on group size; check BC Parks for details
Website: RLC Parks
Cancellation Policy

“We rented all three sites in September for our wedding and it was fabulous! We all camped for the entire weekend and used the larger of the sites as our venue! It was easy to have all of our vendors come out and the site was just what we wanted! If you are looking for a beautiful outdoor space for your wedding look no further!” – Alexandra, Google Reviews