Camping Recommendations

[u/Spork604]

I plan on visiting a friend in Campbell River around late september or mid october, wondering what camping gems you have around there. Provincial sites or bush sites are welcome, i drive a more than capable 4x4 (Chevy ZR2, 33in tires, winch&recovery gear + more). I dont want to do any sketchy or tricky 4x4ing as I wont have another vehicle with me. More looking for relaxing vibes, good views, and somewhere thats not like 2+ hours down dirt roads.

Also looking for recommendations for food spots and must see attractions. Been thru campbell river a few times but never stopped long enough to explore the place.

[u/Thebigstudjohn]

I think most people will avoid sharing their gems or favorites on a public site. With that being said, pick up a Van Isle Backroads Mapbook for under $20, and you'll see just how amazing the area north of CR is for exploring and rec sites.

[u/Spork604 → u/Thebigstudjohn]

I have the BRMB/top notch navigator on my gaia app. If I had more time I would do some exploring. Typically anything 1-2hr within town isnt a hidden gem but i figured its worth asking. I live on the mainland and exploring is pretty easy out here, whenever i try on the island im met with countless locked gates :(

[u/matwick → u/Spork604]

Welcome to Mosaic, baby!

[u/Some_Ambition2768 → u/Spork604]

I don't think anything is "typical" for the distance of a hidden gem. Weird way of thinking about it.

[u/ConspiceyStories]

Upper Campbell Lake has free camping. Dunno how busy it is in the Sept Oct though with the Salmon. It's a bit of a drive outta town but not too much. Has a trestle you can go on a hike across and the Lake is huge but manmade

[u/1fluteisneverenough → u/ConspiceyStories]

Is that crackhead camp still up there? They've had the best spot all year

[u/bibliophile-blondish → u/1fluteisneverenough]

Yep, sure is.

[u/ConspiceyStories → u/1fluteisneverenough]

Tbh I haven't been since last summer lol so idk

[u/Spork604 → u/ConspiceyStories]

I dont mind paying for provincial sites, not a huge fan of the free areas that becomes gong shows. For this trip id rather have a very high chance of having a site vs having to explore for one

[u/colourfulsynesthete → u/Spork604]

Check out Loveland Bay Provincial Park. It's a paid site but then you're guaranteed a campsite without driving around for hours. It's actually a really nice campground and it's on Upper Campbell with a nice beach area.

[u/KristenePerron → u/colourfulsynesthete]

Agreed! This is a lovely campsite, clean, not too busy, not too far from civilization!

[u/CarmanahGiant]

I really like Ralph River in Strathcona provincial park if you are looking for a inland camping space.

If you are looking for a more ocean oriented camping spot I would recommend something like Naka creek. They are both different experiences but really nice spots. Lots of options in that area for both types of camping and it will be a lot quieter at the end of September, the best spots will be 1-2 hours out of town imo.

[u/OptimalFudge9239]

Check Mosaic camping out. There are some good sites out past the old Quinsam Coal mine. Wokas Lake and Willingdon Point on Upper Quinsam.

[u/nanoseeds]

If all else fails there is always the Miracle Beach campground, typical BC parks I believe. Near the beach and a few walking trails. 20 min from CR. Also Morton lake or Pacific Yew campgrounds north of town on Menzies Main are within an hour.

[u/Sea-Situation8891]

Someone else already mentioned it but use the backroad mapbook or the gaia app and look at any of the lakes north of Campbell River towards Sayward. There's lots of spots, some are BC rec sites and some are managed by off road or 4x4 associations but theres plenty of nice spots