Campgrounds and RV parks near Capilano 5, BC

The North Shore is built around outdoor access. Grouse Mountain, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Lynn Canyon, and Stanley Park are all within a short drive of the Capilano area, and the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal is close by for day trips to the Sunshine Coast or Vancouver Island. Head north on the Sea-to-Sky Highway and Porteau Cove opens up saltwater activities. The park's foreshore features tidal and inter-tidal marine life with a good diversity of species, and a scuba diving area with sunken ships and artificial reefs enhances the sub-tidal marine life. Porteau Cove is also a popular area for stargazing and scuba diving, with a man-made reef and two sunken vessels. Inland, Anmore Camp and RV Park sits near Buntzen Lake, with hiking trails around the lake suited to a range of experience levels.

The Lower Mainland has a mild oceanic climate, so RV camping runs year-round at the private parks. Capilano RV Park and Burnaby Cariboo RV Park and Campground Vancouver both operate year-round with full hookups. Summer is by far the busiest window, with July and August drawing peak crowds and the driest weather. Provincial park camping follows a clearer seasonal pattern. Porteau Cove is open year-round, with peak season running June through September when the day-use beaches are busy and the campgrounds packed. April, May, September, and October have mild weather but are often crowded. The campgrounds have full services, including hookups, flush toilets, and hot showers, from March to early November, with partial services in winter. Winter brings persistent rain rather than deep cold at sea level. Winter camping is permitted at Porteau Cove, but services are limited, and only portions of the campground may be vehicle-accessible with access potentially restricted due to snowfall. Snow accumulates quickly at higher elevations on the North Shore mountains and along the Sea-to-Sky.

The private parks nearest Capilano 5 are urban RV parks, not wilderness campgrounds. Expect paved or gravel sites in tight configurations, full hookups, and neighbouring properties in view. Capilano RV Park offers a mix of site styles from full hookups to tenting, along with laundry facilities and family-oriented amenities. Big-rig owners at Burnaby Cariboo should note that although the park can accommodate large motorhomes, many sites are relatively narrow. Porteau Cove feels different. The park features 44 electrified vehicle-accessible sites with many waterfront campsites, plus 16 walk-in sites without power, a shower and washroom building, and a sani-station. Adjacent train tracks are active and occasional noise disturbance may occur.