Whether you’re new to BC or your family has lived here for generations, you’ve noticed the rugged beauty of the mountains, crystal clear (and cold!) lakes, forests, and unbelievable wildlife. And there’s no truer test for a relationship, whether new or old, than pitchin’ a tent and sleeping under the stars together. You’ll quickly find out if you like the same sleeping bags, if they share your love for spider dogs (IYKYK), and if they hog the air mattress. But you’ll also get to sit by a fire, stargaze, share some wine out of a plastic cup, and splash in some of the most pristine lakes in the world. Memories will be made, patience will be tested, and instagrams will be taken. Read on for our favourite amazing BC campgrounds for weekend getaways. These destinations will make you pitch a tent!
Blanket Creek, Revelstoke
This campground is pretty much everything you imagined BC to be. You can swim in the ice cold but refreshing Arrow Lakes while the mountains look down on you. Spend time skipping rocks from the pebble beaches or take a walk to the swimming hole. You can swing on the swings or go watch the creek gurgle past you as it empties into the water ways. Revelstoke is only a 20 minute drive so if you forgot the provisions (wine…ahem) you can easily drive into town and get them. Showers, playgrounds, swimming hole, sandy beaches, picnic area, and the beauty of Revelstoke make this a rugged getaway (and the comfort of being 20 minutes from town). Reservations recommended in the summer at discovercamping.ca
Green Point Campground, Tofino
If you’ve wanted to stay in Pacific Rim National Park, this is your chance. Green Point Campground is the only campground in the spectacular Long Beach area of the national park reserve. Green Point Campground is a world-class destination – people from around the world have made this their first stop on the Pacific Coast Trail. Right between Tofino and Ucluelet, the Long Beach area is absolutely stunning ocean front. You can’t find sights like this anywhere in the world, we promise. Showers, some electrical service, walk-in and drive-in sites, and trails galore, this is the coastal camping experience you’ve been waiting for. Watch the tides ebb and flow, light a fire oceanside, and silently remind yourself that this is one of the most beautiful places in the world. A definite must on any camping couple’s BC bucket list, get more info here.
Davis Creek, Kootenay Lake Park
Small and tucked away in the expansive Kootenay Lake Provincial Park, Davis Creek and Lost Ledge campgrounds are definitely not for your average glamper. No hot water and no showers make for an intimate experience with your body but the views… oh my god, the views. My favourite of our amazing BC campgrounds for weekend getaways, I promise you will be speechless at the immense beauty of it all. Kootenay Lake is crystal clear and perfectly hedged by white rock beaches and sun bleached driftwood. Fish literally jump at sunset. Swimming is as cold as one would expect a mountain lake to be but so, absolutely, refreshing. A steep 40 minute drive from Nelson (the nearest bigger town) means you’ll want to make sure you’ve got all your supplies before you get there. If you don’t mind roughing it, this is your jam. Reservations recommended. More information here!
MacDonald Creek, Nakusp
Hot springs? You got it – the Nakusp hot springs are just a ten-minute drive away. The best part of McDonald Creek Park is the ferry to get here. You can’t miss the opportunity to drive through the Monashee and Kootenay ranges of interior BC, hit the ferry, and cross the Arrow Lakes surrounded by ancient giants. MacDonald Creek is a very first-timer friendly campground. Paved roads, many campsites, and a 10-minute drive to all the extra hot dogs, popsicles, and beer in Nakusp. The playground is newer, washrooms are immaculate, and hot showers can also be procured if really necessary. You can swim in the frigid waters of the arrow lakes and literally gaze at snowcapped peaks that surround you.
If that doesn’t get your blood pumpin’, we don’t know what will. Fishing is fantastic and there is a very beginner friendly hike to the mouth of McDonald Creek. Depending on when you go, the melt-off from nearby mountains makes for a spectacular show as the creek empties into the lakes. Check out all the details here!
Ucluelet Campground, Ucluelet
Tofino’s lesser known but equally cool cousin, Ucluelet offers all that you would expect from Vancouver Island. Still, Ucluelet remains a bit less busy than it’s more infamous cousin. Ucluelet campground features 15 acres and 125 sites ranging from mountain view, to harbour view, to forested seclusion. With a new washroom building slated for completion July 2021, the amenities are definitely there. The ferry ride to Vancouver Island is an iconic Canadian experience. Their office is staffed with friendly and knowledgeable staff and you’ll get to breathe that salty, delicious Ocean air as you light your fire. Firewood is available on site, as is power to some serviced sites. Not to be missed, reservations are highly recommended. Book here.
Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park
Honestly, if you love hot springs this is worth the very, very long drive. Surrounded by lush boreal forest that is a bit reminiscent of the Chronicles of Narnia, this is Canada’s second largest hot spring. Ease into the relaxing hot waters and imagine that you are in a fairy forest. It’s pretty darn romantic. The Alpha pool is open to the public and ranges from 47 to 52 degrees Celsius. As you walk the boardwalk through the boreal spruce forest to the pool, watch for moose as they frolic in the warm water swamp. This campground fills up fast so reservations are recommended when possible. If you’re looking for a romantic, magical, relaxing, super-Canadian getaway, this is your call. Book your adventure here!
Needless to say, there are hundreds of campgrounds across BC and they all have a little bit of that supernatural magic. These are just some of our suggestions for amazing BC campgrounds for weekend getaways. For more fun date ideas, check out our day dates in the Okanagan!
