9 Favorite Places to Camp Near Vancouver, B.C.

From climbing and hiking to mountain biking and hot springs, Vancouver, B.C. offers a plethora of recreational opportunities for all types of adventurers. If you are unfamiliar with the area, these 20 incredible adventures will give you a good introduction to what you'll find in the Lower Mainland region. 

When a day of adventure comes to a close, the last thing you want to worry about is where you'll rest your head for the next day's adventure. While there's plenty of room and options in the backcountry, we understand that not everyone wants to hike with all of their belongings into their camp for the night. If you're looking for something a little more convenient that's still in the lush forests and near the rushing rivers, we've put together this list of nine ideal campgrounds all within an hour's drive of Vancouver, B.C.

Alice Lake Campground: Beautiful setting, summer swimming opportunities, and an ideal location for exploring Squamish. Make reservations early.

Cat Lake Campground: All sites are walk-in, but it's a great alternative to the busy Alice Lake. No reservations available. 

Stawamus Chief Provincial Park + Campground: Perfect base camp for hiking and climbing around the Chief. No reservations available. 

Porteau Cove Provincial Campground: Located in the heart of Canada's outdoor adventure playground, you find beach access to the Howe Sound from each site. Make reservations early.

Gold Creek Campground: Located in Golden Ears Provincial Park, you'll find large sites in a beautiful forested setting with lake access. Make reservations early. 

Porpoise Bay Provincial Park Campground: This is an ideal place to stay on the Sunshine Coast. Make summer reservations early. Free camping in the winter months. 

Silver Fir Campground: Located in Washington. River access to the North Fork of the Nooksack River from every campsite. Basic amenities. Reservations available. 

Silver Lake Park Campground: Located in Washington. Paradise for those who love the outdoors. From boating and fishing to horse trails and campsites, there are plenty of adventures to be had at this county park. Reservations available. 

Birch Bay State Park Campground: Located in Washington. With 170 sites spread throughout the 194-acre park, it’s pretty easy to find a quiet corner during most of the season.