Discover the best campgrounds near Port Alberni, British Columbia with swimming

Canada
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British Columbia
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Port Alberni

97% (1145 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Port Alberni

Available this weekend

Dog-friendly getaways

93%

(172)

Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

16 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Halfmoon Bay, BC

Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat is an Award-winning Glamping Nature Retreat. We are centrally located on the Sunshine Coast (only a 40-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay) on a spectacular 10-acre ocean-view property. We run a small, organic farm and host guests in intriguing tiny homes and glamping tents. We have everything from a converted schoolie with a woodstove and an ocean view, furnished RV's with large decks, to gorgeous, furnished campsites in the woods. Check out our micro cabins, RV's, and assortment of glamping tents. Our property is a nature oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Just 20 minutes north of Sechelt, we're close to beaches and lakes. Enjoy our recreation area with a large pond (much smaller in the summertime), our small playground for young kids, and our small orchard with several small ponds. Explore our walking trails, visit our chickens, or sit near our seasonal waterfall. There are many spots on the property to sit and chill. We've also been Airbnb hosts for over 13 years.

theDoighouse Earthship

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Qualicum Bay, BC

Have you ever imagined a house built from tires, dirt, pop cans, and concrete? Welcome to theDoighouse Earthship, an eco-retreat nestled in the forest, mere minutes from Qualicum Bay waterfront. Our location is a haven for adventurers and peace-seekers alike, offering easy access to the natural wonders of Vancouver Island. Just an hour north of Nanaimo, our property serves as an ideal base for day trips to Hornby, Denman, and Lasqueti Islands. Or don’t leave the island and spend the afternoon eating delicious fresh-made doughnuts at the famous Old Country Market in Coombs, home to the iconic goats on the roof, it’s only a 20-minute drive from our doorstep. Or 10 minutes to the waterfront and delicious ice cream at the Cone Zone. Stay local and discover forest trails, a children's playground, and a bike park right in our neighbourhood. Lighthouse Country area teems with opportunities for exploration, from pristine beaches including Sunny Beach and scenic Spider and Horne Lakes to an array of hiking paths, or if you climb, consider the Horne Lake Caves! Use your All Trails App to discover the Wilson Woodlot and Lost Runners Trails. Urban legend has it that it was the running shoes that were lost, not the people wearing them! Or stop here for a night en route to and from the mainland to Ucluelet or Tofino for world-class surfing, or if skiing is your calling, Mount Washington is just a 45-minute drive away. You can pitch your tent in our gardens, park your RV on the edge of the forest, or stay in our cozy tiny cabin. You can wander in the gardens and check out a young permaculture food forest filled with fruit and hazelnut trees, berries, and all that good stuff! Our Earthship, currently under construction, is all about exploring a low-impact lifestyle, off-grid living in an energy-efficient dwelling built from recycled materials. It is love for the planet, and people and sharing of abundance that makes this project come alive. Attend a group tour, or arrange for your own private tour where Tony will spend a couple of hours with you, sharing theDoighouse project, and answering any and all questions you may have. We also offer workshops and other onsite activities. For more info check out our website www.thedoighouse.com/events. On arrival, you will be greeted by Bentley (our standard poodle), Mabel (mouser extraordinaire) and the 'hens' who generously gift fresh eggs daily. Come visit, tour, and stay. Susan and Tony Doig

94%

(90)

Island Gertie

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Gabriola Island Trust Area, BC

The Gertie Bus is located a 5 min walk to a beautiful white sand beach (at low tide). There are walking trails all around and lots of beach access. Tucked into the front of our property in the quiet of Gabriola island you’ll find the converted Gertie bus with all the amenities you need. The bus has a gas stovetop/oven, bar fridge and sink with grey water system. Equipped kitchen and sofa area to hang out. The standard queen bed is great for sleeping in and relaxing with that second cup of coffee. Mountain biking, hiking, swimming and whale watching are just steps away. There is beach access across the street through a private park with picnic tables, a very old eagles nest and a private access to a rocky beach perfect for sunsets. The home itself has a pottery studio on the main floor with a full time studio Practice. Give Paige a ring if you’d like a tour, she’s usually working away. Our family lives on the top floor. Outside the bus is are lush veggie gardens, fruit trees and a nice private outdoor dining area. A BBQ and solar lights also help with evening hangouts. Family friendly! Also we love animals but we ask that you clean up after your pet and keep any animals that aren’t so great with kids and other animals on leash. We have a dachshund on the property that is friendly and old ( barks at strangers but is all bark I assure you, he just wants to be friends)

Goats and Boats

2 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Parksville, BC

Welcome to Goats and Boats, 40 acres of poplar trees planted in straight(ish) rows about 25 years ago. Since then the alders and the evergreens have started to join the party in a big way. The property is a work in progress with a little more space opened up each year. We don't have a lot for amenities, but we have quiet space in nature and animals to visit on your way to/from the outhouse. If you are wanting quiet spaces in nature, that is what we have. We have some grassy areas for tents and RVs. Pets are welcome, but they need to be leashed in respect for the goats' peace and freedom. We are on a gravel road about 2 km from the popular Coombs market (with goats on the roof!). We are a young-ish professional couple with an ever increasing number of very friendly Nigerian dwarf goats, some rabbits, some ducks and two pigs. The number of animals is subject to vary without notice! So ask us before booking if it's important to you. But there are always goats roaming the yard, rabbits running about daily. Deer show up occasionally. As you can see in the photos, our property is more wild. It is not a manicured park but we do try to take good care of it and we hope you will too. There are a lot of activities in the area including go-karts, hiking in provincial parks (Englishman River Falls Parks, Qualicum River Falls Park). Mt Arrowsmith is a challenging hike about 30 minutes drive away. Cathedral Grove is about 20 minutes away. There is lovely swimming and great beaches at Parksville and Qualicum, and much more.

99%

(54)

Decourcy Meadows

1 site · RV4 acres · Ladysmith, BC

Decourcy Meadows is a peaceful forested site within a short walking distance to a safe local swimming beach. We are an RV-only campsite. The site is level and can accommodate vehicles up to 40ft in length. Electrical, sewage, and potable water hookups included. Amenities include a picnic table, wifi and a fire ring and some fire wood supplied at no cost. If there is a campfire ban in effect we will provide a propane campfire. The property is about half natural forest and so it's not unusual to see local critters, large and small peeking out! There are several hiking trails in the area and local parks as well. There are 3 artisans on Decourcy Drive. The world-famous Crow and Gate pub is 4 km from here and the historic Wheat Sheaf Hotel (Pub) is about 5 km. Local restaurants and Cafes, Groceries, Pharmacy are 5 km. We are a quiet country getaway located 25 minutes from Nanaimo Departure Bay Ferry Terminal. Duke Point Terminal is about 20 minutes. Picturesque town of Ladysmith is about 25 minutes south and the very Unique town of Chemainus is 35 minutes and very worth seeing.

12 top campgrounds near Port Alberni with swimming

99%

(67)

Goats and Boats

2 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Parksville, BC

Welcome to Goats and Boats, 40 acres of poplar trees planted in straight(ish) rows about 25 years ago. Since then the alders and the evergreens have started to join the party in a big way. The property is a work in progress with a little more space opened up each year. We don't have a lot for amenities, but we have quiet space in nature and animals to visit on your way to/from the outhouse. If you are wanting quiet spaces in nature, that is what we have. We have some grassy areas for tents and RVs. Pets are welcome, but they need to be leashed in respect for the goats' peace and freedom. We are on a gravel road about 2 km from the popular Coombs market (with goats on the roof!). We are a young-ish professional couple with an ever increasing number of very friendly Nigerian dwarf goats, some rabbits, some ducks and two pigs. The number of animals is subject to vary without notice! So ask us before booking if it's important to you. But there are always goats roaming the yard, rabbits running about daily. Deer show up occasionally. As you can see in the photos, our property is more wild. It is not a manicured park but we do try to take good care of it and we hope you will too. There are a lot of activities in the area including go-karts, hiking in provincial parks (Englishman River Falls Parks, Qualicum River Falls Park). Mt Arrowsmith is a challenging hike about 30 minutes drive away. Cathedral Grove is about 20 minutes away. There is lovely swimming and great beaches at Parksville and Qualicum, and much more.

Decourcy Meadows

1 site · RV4 acres · Ladysmith, BC

Decourcy Meadows is a peaceful forested site within a short walking distance to a safe local swimming beach. We are an RV-only campsite. The site is level and can accommodate vehicles up to 40ft in length. Electrical, sewage, and potable water hookups included. Amenities include a picnic table, wifi and a fire ring and some fire wood supplied at no cost. If there is a campfire ban in effect we will provide a propane campfire. The property is about half natural forest and so it's not unusual to see local critters, large and small peeking out! There are several hiking trails in the area and local parks as well. There are 3 artisans on Decourcy Drive. The world-famous Crow and Gate pub is 4 km from here and the historic Wheat Sheaf Hotel (Pub) is about 5 km. Local restaurants and Cafes, Groceries, Pharmacy are 5 km. We are a quiet country getaway located 25 minutes from Nanaimo Departure Bay Ferry Terminal. Duke Point Terminal is about 20 minutes. Picturesque town of Ladysmith is about 25 minutes south and the very Unique town of Chemainus is 35 minutes and very worth seeing.

Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

16 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Halfmoon Bay, BC

Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat is an Award-winning Glamping Nature Retreat. We are centrally located on the Sunshine Coast (only a 40-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay) on a spectacular 10-acre ocean-view property. We run a small, organic farm and host guests in intriguing tiny homes and glamping tents. We have everything from a converted schoolie with a woodstove and an ocean view, furnished RV's with large decks, to gorgeous, furnished campsites in the woods. Check out our micro cabins, RV's, and assortment of glamping tents. Our property is a nature oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Just 20 minutes north of Sechelt, we're close to beaches and lakes. Enjoy our recreation area with a large pond (much smaller in the summertime), our small playground for young kids, and our small orchard with several small ponds. Explore our walking trails, visit our chickens, or sit near our seasonal waterfall. There are many spots on the property to sit and chill. We've also been Airbnb hosts for over 13 years.

theDoighouse Earthship

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Qualicum Bay, BC

Have you ever imagined a house built from tires, dirt, pop cans, and concrete? Welcome to theDoighouse Earthship, an eco-retreat nestled in the forest, mere minutes from Qualicum Bay waterfront. Our location is a haven for adventurers and peace-seekers alike, offering easy access to the natural wonders of Vancouver Island. Just an hour north of Nanaimo, our property serves as an ideal base for day trips to Hornby, Denman, and Lasqueti Islands. Or don’t leave the island and spend the afternoon eating delicious fresh-made doughnuts at the famous Old Country Market in Coombs, home to the iconic goats on the roof, it’s only a 20-minute drive from our doorstep. Or 10 minutes to the waterfront and delicious ice cream at the Cone Zone. Stay local and discover forest trails, a children's playground, and a bike park right in our neighbourhood. Lighthouse Country area teems with opportunities for exploration, from pristine beaches including Sunny Beach and scenic Spider and Horne Lakes to an array of hiking paths, or if you climb, consider the Horne Lake Caves! Use your All Trails App to discover the Wilson Woodlot and Lost Runners Trails. Urban legend has it that it was the running shoes that were lost, not the people wearing them! Or stop here for a night en route to and from the mainland to Ucluelet or Tofino for world-class surfing, or if skiing is your calling, Mount Washington is just a 45-minute drive away. You can pitch your tent in our gardens, park your RV on the edge of the forest, or stay in our cozy tiny cabin. You can wander in the gardens and check out a young permaculture food forest filled with fruit and hazelnut trees, berries, and all that good stuff! Our Earthship, currently under construction, is all about exploring a low-impact lifestyle, off-grid living in an energy-efficient dwelling built from recycled materials. It is love for the planet, and people and sharing of abundance that makes this project come alive. Attend a group tour, or arrange for your own private tour where Tony will spend a couple of hours with you, sharing theDoighouse project, and answering any and all questions you may have. We also offer workshops and other onsite activities. For more info check out our website www.thedoighouse.com/events. On arrival, you will be greeted by Bentley (our standard poodle), Mabel (mouser extraordinaire) and the 'hens' who generously gift fresh eggs daily. Come visit, tour, and stay. Susan and Tony Doig

Island Gertie

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Gabriola Island Trust Area, BC

The Gertie Bus is located a 5 min walk to a beautiful white sand beach (at low tide). There are walking trails all around and lots of beach access. Tucked into the front of our property in the quiet of Gabriola island you’ll find the converted Gertie bus with all the amenities you need. The bus has a gas stovetop/oven, bar fridge and sink with grey water system. Equipped kitchen and sofa area to hang out. The standard queen bed is great for sleeping in and relaxing with that second cup of coffee. Mountain biking, hiking, swimming and whale watching are just steps away. There is beach access across the street through a private park with picnic tables, a very old eagles nest and a private access to a rocky beach perfect for sunsets. The home itself has a pottery studio on the main floor with a full time studio Practice. Give Paige a ring if you’d like a tour, she’s usually working away. Our family lives on the top floor. Outside the bus is are lush veggie gardens, fruit trees and a nice private outdoor dining area. A BBQ and solar lights also help with evening hangouts. Family friendly! Also we love animals but we ask that you clean up after your pet and keep any animals that aren’t so great with kids and other animals on leash. We have a dachshund on the property that is friendly and old ( barks at strangers but is all bark I assure you, he just wants to be friends)

Valinore Glamping

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Parksville, BC

Valinore is a beautifully forested 4 acre property. Tucked away and private, but close enough to adventure such as beaches, rivers, lakes as well as markets, restaurants and much more. Our yurts are comfortable and cozy. The site is rustic but contains everything you need for a relaxing and refreshing stay. The location is a few kilometres off of Alberni Hwy and a short drive away from beaches, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, Goats on the Roof, and many hiking and biking trails. The site is also within biking distance to some trails. The Errington Farmers market is a walk or bike ride away. And only a short car ride away are several other nearby markets including Goats on the Roof and the Qualicum Beach Farmers Market.

97%

(79)

3 sisters ranch

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Parksville, BC

Close to all the amenities the Oceanside area of Vancouver Island has offered. Quick access to Parksville, Qualicum, Coombs, The amazing beaches of. Qualicum. Parksville and Rathtrevor 15 and 10 minutes away. 1:45 minutes to Tofino and our amazingly rugged and world renowned West Coast experience surfing amazing scenery. Epic Mountain biking at your doorstep. DH At Hamerfest is a 10 minute drive or a 45 minute pedal away cross country. Fine dining and all amenities including urgent care after riding is only 10 minutes away. Great hub to experience Vancouver Island from. While the fire ban is on, it is generated towards open fires. Propane fire pits and cook stoves are always welcome.

Peacock Camping (Vancouver Island)

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Black Creek, BC

Learn more about this land:We are located on a beautiful farm with lots of animals to see! Our property is in Black Creek, BC. We have one private site available for tent and RV/trailer campers. The site is level and grassy and it can accommodate vehicles up to 30ft in length. We provide a picnic table, wifi, and potable water. Campfires are permitted when there is no fire ban.Black Creek is a small town located on the eastern shore of North Central Vancouver Island, home to stunning beaches and outdoor recreation. At nearby Saratoga Beach, the tide goes out for over a quarter of a mile, creating a hard-packed oceanfront playground perfect for children to safely explore. Miracle Provincial Park is close by with a picnic area overlooking the water and a series of lovely trails winding through lush forest. You can visit the Oyster River Hatchery, check out the seals and sea lions in Seal Bay Regional Park, do some saltwater fishing for salmon, or even rent a go-cart and race around the Saratoga Speedway, or just watch others do it.

Portal Retreat

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Port Alberni, BC

The "Portal Retreat" is here: Unplug, relax, and unwind! Bonus: A 3-minute walk to the lake! Come and explore the glamping " Portal" style. We offer a unique experience just steps away from beautiful Sproat Lake. This is a retreat-type space and is specifically set up to help you get away from your busy life. There are books, games, hummingbirds, deer, and all that nature has to offer including the Lake, a stone's throw away for a quick dip to rejuvenate the mind and body. The Portal is 18 feet long and 8 feet wide and is your very own private space. Featuring a beautiful deck for relaxation, reading, star gazing, yoga, or alfresco dining, with the interior offering a queen bed, sofa, and artisanal water - Oh so cozy and romantic. There is a fancy new outhouse that flushes water and is equipped with a sink. This space is best suited for a single, a couple, and possibly a fur baby and/or little one. We are located on a quiet residential street 20 minutes from Port Alberni and en route to Tofino or Ucluelet. We have walking and mountain biking trails minutes from the house. If you are bringing a fur baby, please let us know. It must be on a leash at all times. Please bring your fur baby's favorite blanket or bed to sleep on. We can also provide a comfy hound bed in the room at your request. We kindly ask that you keep your fur baby off the furniture and bed, and that you please not leave your pet unattended. The Portal has no internet and reception is spotty. There is one outlet for charging, etc. Parking is on-site. Local food options include the "The Fish & Duck Pub" which is just a short walk away. Call Doordash to deliver a meal from one of our local restaurants, such as Sproat Lake Landing, or bring a picnic to enjoy. Additional Extras: Canoe $40.00 per day $200 deposit. Please bring your own PFD and any personal protective gear you may require. Very Important: BYO your own ice, cooler, pots, pans, stove, and all cooking utensils. Subject to availability, Ice can be supplied and is $5/bag We supply plates, cutlery, & cups. We have recycling & garbage. Additionally, there is a full campfire ban in effect at all times on the property. We understand that life happens, but please try to arrive no later than 8:30 p.m. for check-in. We do need our beauty sleep.

93%

(41)

Riverside Mini Goat & Pony Farm

2 sites · RVs20 acres · Parksville, BC

Enjoy the tranquillity of our 20-acre farm, surrounded by the Little Qualicum River and old-growth forest. We have 2 riverfront campsites that feature their own beach, the remaining 2 sites are along a stunning tree line of old growth forest. These sites offer more shade than our river front sites and are a short walk to the river. Several of our sites can accommodate up to a 40 foot trailer. We are an RV site only as we currently do not offer rest room facilities. They are under construction currently. We will soon be able to offer an our door shower and flush toilets! The farm is a 5-minute walk to the beach, a 5-minute drive to town, as well as 5 minutes to the local golf course. The river has many wonderful places to float along, as well as some incredible swimming holes. It is a favourite place for river fishing during the fishing season. Our farm has mini goats, lambs, pigs, ducks, chickens, cows, turkeys and rabbits. we are happy to take you on a tour upon request. Our farm is on a natural breeding ground for bald eagles so it is near certain that you will see several of them each day. Our campground is for those who appreciate nature, enjoy private campsites, and support local farmers.

98%

(214)

Dashwood Meadows

3 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Qualicum Beach, BC

Welcome to Dashwood Meadows! We are located in Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island. This is a hobby farm with sheep, mini goats, donkey, dog and cat. We grow berries, plums, cherries, nuts and wildflowers. Child-friendly and family friendly environment. You can walk the labyrinth of forest trails nearby. There is a beach 9 km from the farm. Lakes, rivers, waterfalls, provincial parks, caves, golf courses, children's playgrounds and country markets, all within less than an hour's drive. In Qualicum Beach, you will find amazing sandy beaches, picture-perfect views, world-class biking and hiking trails, salt-tinged ocean air, and the small town charm of our communities. Seeing goats on a roof, exploring underground caves, strolling endless beaches at low tide, and walking among ancient old-growth forests are just some of the experiences you’ll be able to tell your friends about back home.

84%

(222)

JX Campground (Tofino-Ucluelet JCT)

18 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Tofino, BC

Welcome to JX Surf Shop and Campground! We are located just 10 minutes outside of beautiful Ucluelet and only 5 minutes away from the Pacific Rim National Park. We have 30amp-powered sites with water hookups as well as tenting sites. We also offer overnight parking for those sleeping in their cars. We share property with other great businesses! -JX Surf Shop has rentals and can also book surf lessons for you! -TickinT-Bird rents E-bikes so you can bike to all the beaches in the Pacific Rim National Park. 9am-4pm -Puna Food Truck offers apres-surf pocket food & coffee. South American style empanadas in veggie, chicken, and ground beef options. Rolled and baked in the house with organic flours. 8am-5pm - Tommy's Pizza offers unforgettable Neapolitan-style pizzas. Skip the dishes while camping and be delighted! 3pm-9pm Wednesday to Monday - SunRay Food rtuck has smoothies, baked goodies and variety food like Tacos, Falafel, Quinoa bowls, Sandwiches, Wraps, Hot Dogs and much more for everyone. 9am-3pm Thursday to Monday - Kikan Food Truck is a modern eatery serving Asian soul food from 12pm-4pm Wednesday to Sunday Camp Surf Dine and Ride at JX Campground **Please note that JX Campground is for short term camping only. Vehicles, tents, trailers must leave the property after a maximum stay of one week. Thank you for your understanding.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Port Alberni with swimming guide

Overview

Looking for the perfect camping spot near Port Alberni, British Columbia where you can swim? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 690 options to choose from, you're sure to find the ideal campsite for your swimming adventures. Whether you prefer lakes, rivers, or even swimming holes, there's something for everyone. And with average prices starting at just $55 per night, camping has never been more affordable. Check out some of our top campsites with rave reviews: Shangri La Push (690 reviews), sol duc rainforest retreat (232 reviews), and Dawleys SolDuc River Campground (165 reviews). With facilities like toilets, pet-friendly sites, and proper rubbish disposal, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. Plus, if you're looking to spice up your adventure, popular activities like climbing, boating, and biking are just a stone's throw away. So pack your swimsuit and get ready for an unforgettable camping trip!