Enjoy A Family-Friendly British Columbia Campground Vacation... With Island Hospitality!

If you're a family that's looking for a really nice british columbia campground, there are plenty of great spots here on Vancouver Island!

We've got some excellent family-friendly campgrounds that are easy to get to. Camping on Vancouver Island is one of the most memorable British Columbia campground adventures you'll have.

Here's our list of favourite family-friendly private campgrounds we've discovered (so far):

CENTRAL ISLAND (Port Alberni)

• Lakeshore Campground and Cottage

  Here's a beautiful British Columbia campground situated on one of Vancouver Island's nicest lakes. Lakeshore campground has RV spots, tenting sites and a nice cozy cottage to rent. Downside: some of the RV spots are a bit cramped and might take a couple of tries to get into.

  To get here, it's roughly a 1 hour, 15 minute drive west of Nanaimo. Follow the signs to Highway 14 to Port Alberni. It's about 15 minutes west of Port Alberni.

  There's a sandy beach area (although a bit on the small side) for the kids to dig toys into, and for parents to plant their beach chairs. Water is warm for swimming.

  We camp here every July for about 4 days. The weather in July can be more unpredictable than August. But July 2006 camping was sunny and hot! We've talked to visitors from Germany who've camped here with their children twice now - and plan on coming back again!

  This is a great campground to just park it and sit back! Campers here are just super friendly, and your kids are guaranteed to make new friends before you leave. Don't miss stepping out on a clear night for a walk down to the beach. The moonlight sparkling off the water is incredible!

  Don't miss stepping out late at night for a walk down to the beachfront. The full summer moon that sparkles across the still lake water will take your breath away! A quiet, romantic moment for all you parents out there...

  We've found that the best way to make a reservation is by E-mail. If you want to book a spot, do it as early in the year as possible as they book up fast. E-mail Lianne at this address: info@lakeshorecampgroundandcottage.com. Or Click Here to visit their website to make a reservation.

  
  

• Riverbend Resort

  Another really good family-friendly campground we've stayed at and recommend is the Riverbend Resort. This resort is located on Central Vancouver Island right outside the city of Parksville - about a 15 minute drive north of Nanaimo. Turn right off of Highway 19A and head up the driveway to the office.

  This is a beautiful British Columbia campground, situated right above the Island's gorgeous Englishman River. Cool off in the river during the hot days!

  We found the owners here very helpful and friendly, and check-in/check-out was easy. Small playground available for the kids.

  Along with RV and tent sites, they have 8 cabins for rent that range from $100-135/night. Also available to rent: 3 Yurts - available for the summer at $129/night.

  Some of the RV and tenting spots aren't very private (lacks trees between sites), and sites are situated fairly close. But if privacy isn't a big deal, then you'll do just fine here.

  THINGS TO DO HERE

  The location of this campground is actually very good. You can easily access some good outdoor adventures from here. Graeme, Nolen and I took the 10 minute drive to hike nearby Englishman River Falls - a do-not-miss day hike! The falls are absolutely gorgeous and it's easy enough for kids to hike.

  West of Parksville on Highway 4, is an easy drive to Cathedral Grove - another do-not-miss area. If you want to get a sampling of the Island's majestic rainforests, this is the place to go. Hike through a series of interpretive trails. CAUTION: This is a REALLY busy place during July & August! Parking overflows onto the sides of the highway, so be careful!

  If you're not into driving, just take a short drive north into Parksville and the kids will thank you forever! Take the family to Paradise Fun Park. Enjoy mini-golf, bumper boats, arcade and excellent ice cream.

  To book this British Columbia campground here at Riverbend Resort, their toll-free number to reserve is: 1-800-701-3033. Or just Click Here to visit the Riverbend Resort website .

  
  

• Living Forest Oceanside Campground

  An excellent British Columbia campground here on Vancouver Island that we thoroughly enjoyed in 2006, and will be returning to Summer of 2007! Extra large sites - for both tents and RV's - set under huge trees with ample room for parking and kids and the dog and whatever else you're bringing! Paved roads within the campground makes this a place to bring the bikes for a reasonable workout.

  Rentals are available for canoes or kayaks. Launch them off the private beach for an afternoon of fresh ocean air and exercise. We did a half-day canoe trip on the inlet off the beach and it was fantastic - don't miss this adventure!

  Our son, Nolen, absolutely LOVES this place. Here's why: ice cream floats and other sugary fare served at the office. The large (and noisy) games room delights him. Lengthy paved roads where he bikes for hours. A challenging playground with a wild slide.

  This has become one of our favourite family campgrounds because of the general layout, and the many spots that offer a stunning ocean view. It's tiered on several levels allowing most campers (if those spots are available) to get a birds-eye view of the water. Friendly, helpful staff topped off our vacation.

  To check this campground out, Click Here for the Living Forest web site Click Here for the Living Forest web site, or call them at: 250-755-1755.
  
  
  

  You'll find the perfect British Columbia campground vacation right here on our beautiful Island! Let us know about your adventures!
  
  
  

  Camping on Vancouver Island / British Columbia Campground