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120 campgrounds and RV Parks near Chemainus, BC. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
120 campgrounds
9233 campsites
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From $15/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $38,528/year.
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Best campgrounds near Chemainus, BC
Chemainus Garden RV Resort
Chemainus, BC (1 km away)
$$$$$
(35 sites)
+5
Country Maples RV Resort
Chemainus, BC (3 km away)
$$$$$
(164 sites)
+9
Chemainus River Campground
Chemainus, BC (5 km away)
$$$$$
(27 sites)
Osborne Bay Resort
Crofton, BC (9 km away)
+5
Cedar Beach Resort &Campground
British Columbia (15 km away)
$$$$$
(23 sites)
+6
Riverside RV & Camping
Duncan, BC (17 km away)
Rondalyn | A Parkbridge Camping and RV Resort
Ladysmith, BC (18 km away)
$$$$$
(102 sites)
+9
Zuiderzee Campsites
Nanaimo, BC (19 km away)
$$$$$
Mowhinna Creek Campground
British Columbia (19 km away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
+3
Stoltz Pool - Cowichan River Provincial Park
British Columbia (21 km away)
$$$$$
(43 sites)
+2
Mountainaire Campground and RV Park
Nanaimo, BC (21 km away)
$$$$$
(60 sites)
+9
Montague Provincial Marine Park
British Columbia (24 km away)
$$$$$
(40 sites)
Most common amenities
Tables Pet friendly Toilets Showers Internet Laundry Grills Dump station Playground Firewood
Chemainus camping overview
Chemainus sits on the east coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia's Cowichan Valley, between Duncan and Ladysmith along the Trans-Canada Highway. The area has a mild coastal climate, with relatively dry summers and wet winters, which makes it a workable RV destination across most of the year. The town is best known for its outdoor murals and small-town main street, and it functions as a practical base for exploring Salt Spring Island, the Cowichan Valley wine region, and the beaches along Stuart Channel.
RV travellers have a mix of private, full-service resorts and simpler riverside campgrounds to choose from. Country Maples RV Resort is a family-friendly campground resort along the Chemainus River, open year-round, with a mix of full and partial hookup RV sites, dry camping and tenting. On the water in nearby Crofton, Osborne Bay Resort has 60 Full Service Sites and 36 Partial Service Sites, plus cottages and a Ready-to-Stay RV.
Chemainus Garden RV Resort, Chemainus River Campground, and Riverside RV & Camping round out the closest options, giving flexibility on hookup level, budget, and whether the priority is oceanfront, riverside, or highway-access convenience.
Things to do around Chemainus
The town centre is walkable and geared to short strolls: mural tours, artisan shops, cafes, and the Chemainus Theatre. The murals depict local logging and Indigenous history, and the town makes an easy day trip for guests looking for art and small-town character. Kids can burn energy at Waterwheel Park in town, and Fuller Lake is just south for a swim.
On the water, saltwater fishing is popular in Sansum Narrows between Vancouver Island and Salt Spring Island, and boat launches are available in Crofton and Maple Bay. Hikers can head up Maple Mountain, Mt. Richards, or Mt. Prevost, and there are several golf courses in the area including Mount Brenton in Chemainus. The Crofton ferry to Salt Spring Island is a straightforward day trip from any of the local campgrounds.
Camping spots and RV parks near Chemainus, BC
When to visit Chemainus
- spring
March - May
10° / 4°C 80 mmCool and drying out, good shoulder-season availability
- summer
June - August
20° / 11°C 35 mmWarm, dry peak, book private resorts well ahead
- fall
September - November
14° / 7°C 115 mmMild early, wet late, November the wettest month
- winter
December - February
5° / 1°C 170 mmWettest season, mild but rainy, some sites reduced-service
The best time to camp near Chemainus is summer, roughly late June through August, though September is also strong for RV travellers who prefer fewer people and quieter sites. July is the driest month, with roughly 27 to 36 mm of precipitation over a small number of rainy days, and this is also when private RV resorts fill fastest. Book well ahead for long weekends, especially the BC Day weekend in early August and Labour Day in early September.
Shoulder season, roughly late April through June and again in September, is often the best trade-off for RV travellers: sites are easier to secure, temperatures are comfortable, and the murals and trails are quieter. November is the wettest month, receiving approximately 203 mm of precipitation over about 19 rainy days.
Winter camping is possible because several private parks stay open year-round, but expect rain, short daylight hours, and reduced services at some smaller riverside sites. Snow at sea level is uncommon but not unheard of.
Top Hosts near Chemainus, BC
YI YI111 trips - Joined Jun 2020
Great RV, flexible pick up / delivery times, and great communication, thank you! 👍
Dan L. - Jun 2026
Mr Yi has been very helpful in sharing the information about the vehicle. For me it was the first experience. Mr Yi's inputs were very helpful. The vehicle was in a very good condition and my family enjoyed a lot. Mr Yi was very flexible and accommodative regarding the time. I will say it exceeded my expectations in all aspect. Thanks
Arvind J. - May 2025
Great host and great trailer
Andrew S. - Jul 2026
Marty is so helpful, thank for our first trailer experience. Marty have different options with different size of trailers, we can experience 15 ft next time
HAKAN S. - Jul 2025
Booking a campsite near Chemainus
Most campgrounds in the immediate Chemainus area are privately owned and booked directly through each operator's website or by phone rather than through a central reservation system. Chemainus Garden RV Resort, Country Maples RV Resort, Chemainus River Campground, Osborne Bay Resort, and Riverside RV & Camping all take reservations on their own platforms, so it pays to compare hookup levels and site types (pull-through, back-in, waterfront, treed) before locking one in.
For provincial parks in the wider Cowichan Valley and south Island, reservations go through the BC Parks reservation service. BC Parks now requires reservations three months ahead of the scheduled arrival date, instead of four. Long summer weekends are among the most competitive dates, so campers should be online at 7 a.m. Pacific time when their target date opens.
A typical Chemainus RV trip mixes a night or two at a private resort with hookups and a night or two at a provincial or regional park for scenery.
What to expect on-site
Private RV resorts in the Chemainus area generally offer full or partial hookups, hot showers, laundry, and dump stations. Country Maples RV Resort has 175 full and partial hookup RV sites, including 8 pull-throughs, with 15, 30, and 50-amp electrical service, plus dry camping and tenting. At Osborne Bay Resort, full hookups include 30-amp electrical and water connections with a dump station, and guests have Wi-Fi, cable TV, showers, flush toilets, laundry, picnic tables, and grills; the resort is pet-friendly.
Riverside sites tend to be more rustic with treed, private stalls and simpler facilities. Cell coverage is generally reliable along the Trans-Canada corridor. Deer and eagles are common in the area, so store food securely and keep dogs leashed.
Own an RV? Earn up to $38,528/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Chemainus, BC
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Chemainus, BC?
Great news: an RV rental in Chemainus is one of the most affordable ways to explore Vancouver Island. On RVezy, travel trailers typically start around $100 to $160 CAD per night, Class C motorhomes range from $200 to $300, and luxury Class A rigs sit a bit higher. Because Chemainus hosts are individual owners (not a corporate fleet), pricing is competitive year-round. To save money, book midweek, travel in the shoulder season (April to early June or mid-September to October), and use the price filter to set your range. Pro tip: many Cowichan Valley hosts offer multi-night discounts of 10 to 20 percent for stays of a week or more, perfect for a slow mural-and-wine-country getaway.
vancouverisland.travel/regions/chemainusDo I need a special licence to rent an RV in Chemainus?
You're in luck: a regular Class 5 driver's licence (or its equivalent from your home country) is all you need to rent an RV in Chemainus, BC. No commercial licence, no RV endorsement, no air-brake ticket required for the motorhomes and trailers on RVezy. You must be 25 or older, and the platform confirms your ID digitally before pickup. Visiting from outside Canada? Your valid home-country licence works in British Columbia for up to six months, and pairing it with an International Driving Permit makes things smoother at pickup if your licence isn't in English. That's it, you're ready to roll down the Trans-Canada Highway toward Willow Street.
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/roadsafetybc/high-risk/without-valid-dlIs my RV rental in Chemainus protected if something goes wrong?
Yes, every booking on RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can drive into the Cowichan Valley with real peace of mind. The protection plan covers damage to the vehicle during your trip and provides meaningful financial protection for renters. During checkout, you choose your coverage level based on the deductible and limits you are comfortable with. Hosts do not pick the coverage; you do. That means whether you are parked at Country Maples RV Resort or driving Highway 1 north to Nanaimo, you know exactly what is protecting you and your trip.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my Chemainus RV booking?
Booking is low-risk: RVezy sets a consistent cancellation policy across the platform, not individual hosts, so you do not have to compare fine print between listings when you rent an RV in Chemainus. The refund amount depends on how far in advance you cancel relative to your trip start date, and the policy is shown clearly before you confirm your booking. If a host ever cancels on you, RVezy refunds your booking or offers travel credits so your plans stay on track. Pro tip: book early to lock in the best units for summer (Chemainus Theatre Festival weekends fill up fast) knowing the platform policy gives you defined flexibility.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a pet-friendly RV rental in Chemainus?
Absolutely, a pet-friendly RV rental in Chemainus is easy to find. Just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy and you will see listings where the host welcomes dogs (and sometimes cats). Chemainus is wonderfully dog-friendly: Kin Park has ocean access, Askew Creek Park has shaded forest trails right downtown, and the Cowichan Valley is laced with leashed-walking trails perfect for long strolls. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm any pet fee and size or breed notes, then pack a towel for sandy paws after the beach.
bcparks.ca/plan-your-trip/know-before-you-go/pets/Can the RV be delivered to my campsite in Chemainus?
Yes, RV delivery in Chemainus is one of the best ways to skip the stress of driving a big rig. Many hosts on RVezy will deliver the RV directly to Chemainus River Campground, Country Maples RV Resort, or even a private driveway in the Cowichan Valley, set it up on the pad, level it, connect hookups, and walk you through every system. Just use the Delivery filter and enter your destination address. Delivery fees usually scale with distance (often a flat fee within 25 km of Chemainus, then per-km after that). Pro tip: delivery is gold for first-timers, families with young kids, or anyone flying into Victoria International Airport (YYJ) about an hour south.
discovervancouverisland.com/regions/cowichan-region/chemainus/How far can I drive on a Chemainus RV trip, and how does mileage work?
You have plenty of range for a classic Vancouver Island RV trip. Each host on RVezy sets their own mileage policy, many include 100 to 200 km per night free, and some offer an RV rental with unlimited mileage, which is ideal for island loops. From Chemainus you are about 80 km south of Victoria (about 1 hour 15 minutes), 25 km north of downtown Duncan (about 25 minutes), 35 km south of downtown Nanaimo (about 40 minutes), and roughly 215 km from Tofino's surf beaches on the west coast. The mileage allowance is shown clearly on every listing before you book. Pro tip: if you are planning to reach Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, filter for unlimited-mileage listings to keep the budget predictable.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Chemainus%2C%20British%20ColumbiaWhere are the best campgrounds near Chemainus, BC?
You are spoiled for choice for RV camping near Chemainus. A few favourites: Country Maples RV Resort on the Trans-Canada Highway offers full-hookup sites with 15/30/50-amp service along the Chemainus River; Living Forest Oceanside Campground in nearby Nanaimo has waterfront sites; and Transfer Beach Park in Ladysmith is just a short drive north. For provincial parks, Bamberton and Goldstream south toward Victoria are popular choices, as is Rathtrevor Beach further north near Parksville. Pro tip: book private resorts directly on their websites and use BC Parks reservations at camping.bcparks.ca three months ahead for provincial sites.
bcparks.ca/reservations/frontcountry-camping/When is the best time of year for an RV trip from Chemainus?
The sweet spot for a Chemainus RV trip is May through October, when daytime highs sit between 18 and 25°C and rainfall drops to its lowest. July and August are warm, dry, and packed with the Music in the Park series and Chemainus Theatre Festival shows, expect highs around 24°C and cool 12°C nights perfect for the RV furnace. May, June, and September deliver shoulder-season magic: fewer crowds, cheaper rates, and lush Cowichan Valley greenery. Winters are mild by Canadian standards (5 to 9°C daytime) but wet, so many hosts still rent year-round if you're chasing storm-watching on the coast. Pro tip: book your RV rental BC dates as soon as theatre tickets go on sale, the calendar fills quickly.
climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/I've never driven an RV before, what's it like for a first-timer in Chemainus?
First time renting an RV? You'll be fine, and Chemainus is one of the easier places in BC to learn. The Trans-Canada Highway through the Cowichan Valley is wide, well-maintained, and mostly two to four lanes with gentle curves. Every RVezy host gives a hands-on walkthrough at pickup covering propane, water, waste tanks, slide-outs, and the dash, no one hands you the keys and waves goodbye. Choose a smaller Class C motorhome or campervan rental Chemainus listing if you want extra confidence. Pro tip: do a short loop on Henry Road or out to Crofton before tackling the highway, and remember Chemainus's town centre on Willow Street is compact, so park at the visitor centre lot and walk.
icbc.com/road-safety/sharing/Pages/large-vehicles.aspxWhat if something breaks down during my Chemainus RV rental?
You're never on your own. Every RVezy booking comes with 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection package, covering flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, and towing if needed, anywhere on Vancouver Island from Victoria to Port Hardy. For mechanical or system issues (furnace not igniting, water pump quirks), your host is your first call, they know their RV best. RVezy's support team is also available before, during, and after every trip through the app or website. Pro tip: save the roadside number in your phone before leaving Chemainus, and snap a photo of the RV's licence plate and VIN so info is ready if you ever need to call from a remote spot like Cowichan Lake.
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/traveller-information/routes-and-driving-conditionsWhat are the best RV road trips from Chemainus?
An RV road trip from Chemainus opens up all of Vancouver Island. Top routes: head about 80 km south to Victoria (1 hr 15 min) for Butchart Gardens and the Inner Harbour; drive about 35 km north to Nanaimo (40 min) and ferry to Gabriola Island; tackle the roughly 215 km west to Tofino and Ucluelet (about 4 hours) for Pacific Rim surf beaches; or wander the Cowichan Valley wine route just 25 km south through Duncan and Cowichan Bay. Travel to mainland BC via BC Ferries from Nanaimo or Victoria is straightforward; cross-border travel into the USA may be permitted with host approval, but Mexico is not covered. Pro tip: book ferry reservations in advance for any RV over 20 feet.
bcferries.com/routes-faresWhat kind of fuel mileage should I budget for my Chemainus RV rental?
Realistic expectations make budgeting easy. Campervans (Class B) get 18 to 22 mpg (roughly 11 to 13 L/100 km), Class C motorhomes average 10 to 14 mpg (17 to 24 L/100 km), and big Class A rigs land around 7 to 10 mpg. Most RVs in Chemainus run on regular gasoline; a few diesel pushers exist. Gas prices in the Cowichan Valley typically sit a few cents below Victoria and Vancouver. Fill up in Duncan or Ladysmith where stations are easy to access with a trailer. Pro tip: for a 500 km loop from Chemainus to Tofino and back in a Class C, budget around $180 to $220 CAD in fuel, then add campground fees of $30 to $80 per night.
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/natural-gas-oil/petroleum-productsHow far in advance should I book campgrounds near Chemainus?
For summer (mid-June to Labour Day), book as early as you can. BC Parks uses a three-month rolling reservation window at camping.bcparks.ca, releasing dates daily at 7 a.m. Pacific Time, so popular Vancouver Island parks like Goldstream, Bamberton, and Rathtrevor Beach disappear within minutes when their date opens. Private parks near Chemainus like Country Maples RV Resort take direct bookings on their websites and tend to fill 4 to 8 weeks out for July and August. Shoulder season (May, September, October) is much more relaxed, often a week or two ahead is enough. Pro tip: set a calendar reminder for exactly 7 a.m. PT, three months before your arrival date, the BC Parks system rewards punctuality.
bcparks.ca/reservations/frontcountry-camping/What are driving conditions like around Chemainus?
Driving an RV around Chemainus is straightforward and scenic. The Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) runs right through town with wide shoulders and easy pull-offs. Henry Road takes you into the village past Mount Brenton Golf Club, while Chemainus Road winds along the coast through Crofton. Watch for two things: occasional deer crossing in early morning and evening, and slower traffic during the Thetis Island ferry queues at the downtown terminal. Winter brings rain rather than heavy snow at sea level, but the Malahat summit south toward Victoria can get slick, check DriveBC before heading out. Pro tip: avoid driving the Malahat between 3 and 6 p.m. on Fridays, that's the busiest stretch in southern Vancouver Island.
drivebc.ca/What amenities will I find at Chemainus-area campgrounds?
You'll find well-equipped campgrounds throughout the Cowichan Valley. Country Maples RV Resort offers full hookups (water, sewer, 15/30/50-amp electric), Wi-Fi, laundry, showers, a heated pool in summer, mini-golf, and a dump station. Chemainus River Campground has water, toilets, showers, laundry, and a dump station for $60 and up per night. Most private parks include picnic tables and fire rings; provincial parks like Bamberton and Goldstream have pit or flush toilets and shared water taps but typically no hookups. For potable water and dumping between trips, Country Maples and most full-service parks let non-guests use the dump for a small fee (usually $10 to $15). Pro tip: top up water before heading to a provincial park, hookup-free sites are more common than serviced ones in BC.
bcparks.ca/plan-your-trip/things-to-do/camping/What is included inside a typical RV rental in Chemainus?
Expect a fully equipped home on wheels. Most motorhome rental Chemainus listings come with a queen or king bed, dinette and/or sofa that converts to extra sleeping space (sleeps 4 to 8 total), a kitchen with fridge/freezer, stove, microwave and sink, a wet or dry bathroom with toilet and shower, furnace, air conditioning, hot water, and a propane tank filled before pickup. Many include a TV, Bluetooth stereo, outdoor awning, and camp chairs. Wi-Fi and generators are common add-ons rather than standard, so check the amenities list on each listing. Every RV has seatbelted seats matching its sleep count. Pro tip: filter by Sleeps count to match your group, and message the host to confirm bedding and kitchenware are included (most Chemainus hosts include both).
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Chemainus%2C%20British%20ColumbiaWhat add-ons and pickup options are available with Chemainus RV rentals?
Hosts offer plenty of useful add-ons to customize your trip. Common options in Chemainus include linen and towel packages, kitchen kits, outdoor BBQs, bike racks, kayaks, generators, and extra propane. Pickup logistics are flexible: meet the host at their location near Chemainus or arrange RV delivery to your campground or a Victoria International Airport hotel. The standard rental day is 24 hours, with pickup and drop-off times set by each host and shown on the listing. Mileage allowances and any overage rates are listed clearly on each page. Pro tip: bundle delivery, setup, and a linen package on your first trip, it turns the RV into a fully prepped vacation rental waiting for you near Willow Street.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsHow do payment and the security deposit work on a Chemainus RV rental?
Payment is simple and secure: you pay through RVezy with a credit card at the time of booking, with no cash exchange with the host. A separate pre-authorized security deposit is held on your card a few days before pickup and released after drop-off, assuming no damage or extra cleaning is needed. The deposit amount varies by RV and protection plan and is shown before you confirm your booking. To keep things smooth, do the pre-trip walkthrough carefully with the host, photograph the interior and exterior at pickup, and return the RV with the same fuel and propane levels. Pro tip: budget for fuel, any optional cleaning or dump fee, and any mileage overage, those are the only post-trip charges most renters ever see.
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