Camping in the Alberni Valley
A Guide to Camping on Vancouver Island in and near Port Alberni
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. 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
The Arrowvale grounds has scenic riverside camp-sites and two luxurious cedar cottages. It is also located in close proximity to Collins Farm, which produces grass fed beef, local polyfloral honey, as well as fresh pumpkins and delectable Maple syrup seasonally. If that wasn’t enough, Collins Farms also keeps a beautiful team of Canadian horses.
Ideal if you are looking for… Peace and quiet with a family atmosphere.
Location: 12 minutes from Port Alberni
Type: Private
Sites: 40 Tenting/RV (power, water), 13 Tenting, 2 Cottages
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
“Arrowvale Campground is a very calm place where you can discover little Trails, go fishing on the river side, take a riding lesson with Ann, buy delicious pie or syrup (self made) and and and! You have the nicest hosts and in the morning, if you get up at the right time you´ll have the most amazing view on the Arrowvale mountain when the sun rises. I´ll definitely come back to enjoy another adventure at this amazing place!”
China Creek Campground
China Creek Campground offers an immersive Vancouver Island RV camping experience. Relax in one of our 250 tent or RV campsites with beautiful forested or beachfront scenery. We have sites that offer full service hookups or authentic wilderness camping experience in un-serviced sites. Camping is available either nightly or seasonally.
Ideal if you are looking for… Family atmosphere and water sports.
Location: 19 minutes from Port Alberni
Type: Private
Sites: 70 Tent/RV (power, water, sewer), 100 Tent/RV (power, water), 80 Tent/RV (basic)
Amenities: Washrooms, showers, laundry, marina
Reservations: Online | Email | 250-723-9812
Rates: $39.93 – $59.90
Website: campchinacreek.com
Cancellation Policy
“My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at China Creek Campsite. The weather was beautiful and the bathrooms and showers were very clean, especially for a campground. There are plenty of trails that extend from the grounds so you can venture out watching all the kite boarders from the beach was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. Everything was pretty quiet at night time which was nice as I am a light sleeper and the staff were incredibly sweet and helpful (shout out to Selene in the office who went above and beyond to make our stay memorable!) We will definitely be coming back.”
Macktush Campsite
A 30-km drive from Port Alberni along Canal Main is the only motor route where you can access the north shore of the Inlet, which also takes you to Arden Creek, Nahmint Lake, Gracie Lake and the back side of Sproat Lake.
Ideal if you are looking for… Off the beaten path, great fishing and a rustic setting.
Location: 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 minimum )
Website: mosaiccampsites.com
Cancellation Policy
“This place is absolutely awesome, its location on the Port Alberni Canal makes for great fishing and kayaking. The Hot Showers here are two thumbs up all the way. The playground area for the kids will keep them busy for hours, and there are some fantastic places to swim in the river just a short ride farther. If you haven’t been camping here, you should come out, its worth the bumpy ride!!!”
Stamp River Provincial Park
Source: Reddit
Relax by the waterfall at this peaceful riverside park or explore the area by foot on hiking trails that weave their way through the lush forest, past waterfalls and river rapids. Named for the pioneer who built Port Alberni’s earliest sawmill, this park is an amalgamation of Stamp Falls and Money’s Pool provincial parks.
Ideal if you are looking for… Hiking, nature and relaxation.
Location: 23 minutes from Port Alberni
Type: Public (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
“The parking lot isn’t very big and the hike to the river is very brief, but the majestic vistas and rushing water more than make up for this. This is a great place for a picnic or just for a fun walk. The roaring water is spellbinding and, if you watch closely enough, you see the salmon make their runs upstream. I had a great time at the Stamp Falls and I recommend the park to everyone.”
Sproat Lake Camping
A private, wilderness campground offering exclusively Long-Term Seasonal campsites at Sproat Lake on Vancouver Island. Offering campsites that can be reserved for the whole summer season. With access to our boat dock and fire pits, Sproat Lake Campground is the perfect summer getaway.
Ideal if you are looking for… A long-term place to stay the season.
Location: 30 minutes from Port Alberni (map)
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
Source: offtracktravel.ca
Fresh water adventure seekers will not want to miss a visit to Sproat Lake Provincial Park in the Alberni Valley on central Vancouver Island. Located 15 minutes west of Port Alberni, Sproat Lake is a favoured location for swimming, fishing, waterskiing and, when the wind is up, windsurfing.
Ideal if you are looking for… Fresh water swimming and watersports, family atmosphere and close to town.
Location: 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
“Sprout Lake is a beautiful place to enjoy – hiking, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding – whatever water sports you enjoy – you’ll love doing them here. I was fortunate to stay at a friend’s home on the lake, we could see the famous “Martin Mars” water bomber across the lake…“
McLean Mill
Source: Mclean Mill
McLean Mill National Historic Park is not only a really cool place to learn about the Alberni Valley’s history in connection with the forestry industry, it also offers the unique opportunity to book a campsite and stay a few days to explore. They offer a mix of open and wooded [un]serviced RV sites and simple/rustic tenting. Definitely worth checking out, especially if you are into history but it’s also great for people that might want to try something new!
Ideal if you are looking for… Something different, local history.
Location: 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: Call 250 723-1376 | Email
Rates: $23.00 – $42.00
Website: mcleanmill.ca
Cancellation Policy (not available)
“Brilliant! We stayed here in our RVs for a couple of days. We were made to feel so welcome! So much to see and explore and also looked at the salmon hatchery, which is on the site. Would love to go back!”