Parksville on Vancouver Island is a fantastic destination for camping enthusiasts. It offers a variety of campgrounds that cater to different preferences, from family-friendly sites to more rugged, nature-immersed spots.
This article shares a list of all reputable campgrounds in Parksville and briefly details each location. They are listed from south to north. Please note that this is a list article, not a review of each campground. Please research each place to ensure it is the right fit for you.
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
Rathtrevor is the most coveted among the campgrounds in Parksville.
Location: On Rathtrevor Beach (1240 Rath Rd)
Highly sought after, Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park offers campsites nestled among an old-growth woodland and a wide sandy beach.
Highlights:
- Beach Access: Renowned for its expansive sandy beach, which is ideal for swimming, beachcombing, sandcastle building, and spectacular sunsets.
- Spacious Sites: Over 200 vehicle-accessible non-serviced campsites. Most sites are shaded and provide a bit of privacy with mature Douglas fir trees.
- Activities: Nature trails, interpretive programs, and playgrounds make it perfect for families.
- Facilities: Flush toilets, showers, and an on-site sani station.
Riverbend Cottage & RV Resort
Location: Near Englishman River (924 Island Hwy E)
Riverbend Resort offers over a hundred fully serviced RV sites equipped with water, power, sewer, and cable hookups. These sites can accommodate various types of RVs, ranging from tent trailers to class-A motorhomes. Additionally, each site comes with amenities such as a firepit and picnic table.
Highlights:
- Riverside Camping: Riverbend has a private beach for guests, a short walk from the resort.
- Variety of Accommodations: The resort offers tent sites, RV sites, and fully equipped cottages and yurts.
- Pet friendly
- Facilities: Full hook-ups for RVs, clean washrooms, showers, and laundry facilities.
Pathfinder Camp Resort
Location: Near Englishman River (380 Martindale Road)
Pathfinder Parksville is another campground located along the Englishman River. Its great location and family-friendly amenities make it an ideal spot for days filled with adventure and sightseeing.
Highlights:
- Unique Amenities: Swimming pool, camp store, bike rentals, playground, and fun planned activities and events on weekends during the summer.
- Full-service sites: 30 and 50-amp full hookup sites
- Riverside Camping: Tent sites are situated along the river
- Facilities: hot showers, free wifi, laundry
Heart Haven RV Family Campground
Location: Centrally located and on the Englishman River (745 Island Hwy)
Centrally located, Heart Haven Campground is close to restaurants, shopping, and many of Parksville's natural wonders. The Englishman River runs through the backyard, and many of the sites have a river view.
Highlights:
- Long-term stays: Heart Haven has a dedicated area open for long-term stays year-round
- Fully-serviced sites: 30 amp power, water, sewer and cable hookups available.
- Facilities: Coin-operated showers, pet-friendly, basketball hoop and sand play area
Campgrounds in Parksville: Downtown Area
Surfside RV Resort
Location: On Parksville Beach and adjacent to Englishman River Estuary (200 North Corfield Street)
Surfside RV Resort offers 335 fully serviced RV sites with ocean, estuary, and mountain views. This full-amenity resort has a membership option, giving access to a clubhouse, pool, and hot tub, along with the security and privacy of a gated community.
The resort is also available for nightly stays (3-night minimum), with a few added stipulations and policies (for instance, your RV can't be more than 15 years old with full hookups).
Highlights:
- Large sites (averaging 2300 sq feet) with full underground services
- Tennis and volleyball courts, horseshoe pits
- Clubhouse with pool table, darts, shuffleboard and lounge area
- Oceanfront pool with hot tub and sundeck
Park Sands Beach Resort
Location: Downtown Parksville and on the Beach (105 E Island Hwy E)
Park Sands Beach Resort offers year-round beachfront camping in the heart of Parksville. Each site has full hookups with power, water and sewage. The resort is right next to Parksville Community Park, where you can find beach volleyball, playgrounds, food trucks, and many other fun activities.
Highlights:
- Beachfront Location: Situated right on Parksville Beach, offering stunning views and beach access.
- Family-Friendly: Adjacent to Parksville Community Park, offering a range of family activities
- Convenience: Walking distance to Parksville’s shops, restaurants, and attractions.
- Facilities: Full hook-ups for RVs, coin-operated laundry and showers, Wi-Fi, and a convenience store.
Pacific Palm RV Resort
Location: Downtown Parksville on the Beach (161 Island Highway West)
Parksville's newest RV Resort, Pacific Palm, offers 84 full-service 50-amp sites. Enjoy amazing panoramic views of the Georgia Strait and distant mountains. You will find numerous restaurants, shopping, and Parksville Community Park within walking distance of the resort.
Amenities:
- Complimentary WIFI
- Clean washroom facility with coin-operated hot showers
- Coin-operated laundry facilities
- Spacious lounge with TV, tables and chairs
- Billiard and Ping-Pong Table
- Convenience store
- Picnic tables on every site
Paradise RV Park
Location: Central Parksville and right on the beach (375 W. Island Hwy)
At Paradise RV Park, enjoy beautiful views and direct beach access from this private, oceanfront resort. All RV pads include full site hook-ups (water, sewer, 30/50 amp electrical). Other amenities include complimentary WiFi and mini-golf passes.
Highlights:
- Proximity to Town: Close to Parksville’s amenities.
- Family Fun: This resort includes complimentary access to Paradise Mini Golf & Fun Park, with two 18-hole mini golf courses, bumper boats, an arcade, and a cafe serving delicious and refreshing treats.
- Beachfront Access: Direct access to a beautiful sandy beach.
- Facilities: Full hook-up sites, clean washrooms, and coin-operated laundry facilities.
Camping Near Parksville
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
Location: Southwest of Parksville, in Errington (2245 Errington Rd)
Englishman River Falls is another beloved Provincial Park near Parksville that offers great camping. This beautiful 97-hectare park offers 104 spacious vehicle-accessible sites nestled in a mature forest. 72 of these sites are reservable, with the remaining set aside on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the busy summer season.
Camping is available from late April until the end of September, which means winter camping isn't permitted here.
Highlights:
- Waterfalls: Stunning waterfalls and picturesque swimming holes.
- Quiet and Secluded: A more tranquil option with just over 100 campsites nestled in the forest.
- Hiking Trails: Several trails provide access to the waterfalls and surrounding forest.
- Facilities: Basic amenities, including pit toilets and potable water.
Coombs Country Campground
Location: Just outside Parksville, in Coombs (2619 Alberni Hwy, Coombs)
This 34-acre RV Park offers 100 spacious woodland campsites shaded by fragrant red cedar. They have both full and partial-service RV sites and unserviced camping sites.
This campground has a rustic, good old-fashioned camping vibe. It offers some added amenities to help those who wish for a few creature comforts. It's also only a five-minute walk to the famous Coombs Market.
Highlights:
- Variety of Sites: The campground offers tent sites and RV sites with full or partial hook-ups.
- Family Activities: Features a 2.5-acre swimming lake, pool and hot tub, playground, and seasonal activities.
- Facilities: Full amenities, including showers, laundry, and a camp store.
- Convenient Location: Within a 5-minute walk to the quirky village of Coombs
Tips for Parksville Camping
- Reservations: During the summer months, campgrounds fill up quickly. It's always best to book in advance.
- Local Attractions: All of the above-mentioned campgrounds are near prime Parksville attractions. Make sure you visit a few!
- Wildlife: Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including deer, eagles, and seals.
- Leave No Trace: Practice responsible camping by keeping the area clean and respecting nature.
RV Rentals
If you are looking for an RV rental, there are two sites I recommend. They run much like a vacation rental site (like Vrbo) but for RVs!
Between the two websites, there are many local options available. Just type in the location/area you want to rent from, and a list of options will pop up.
Why Choose Parksville for Your Next Camping Adventure?
Parksville’s campgrounds offer a wonderful blend of natural beauty, family-friendly amenities, and proximity to local attractions.
Whether you’re looking for a beachfront site, a quiet forest retreat, or a campground with plenty of activities for kids, Parksville has something to suit every camper’s needs.
Enjoy your camping adventure in this beautiful part of Vancouver Island!
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