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113 campgrounds and RV Parks near Nanaimo A, BC. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
113 campgrounds
8471 campsites
482 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $38,528/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Best campgrounds near Nanaimo A, BC
Zuiderzee Campsites
Nanaimo, BC (2 km away)
$$$$$
Mountainaire Campground and RV Park
Nanaimo, BC (6 km away)
$$$$$
(60 sites)
+9
Rondalyn | A Parkbridge Camping and RV Resort
Ladysmith, BC (6 km away)
$$$$$
(102 sites)
+9
Living Forest Oceanside Campground and RV Park
Nanaimo, BC (6 km away)
$$$$$
(302 sites)
+7
Descanso Bay Regional Park
British Columbia (10 km away)
$$$$$
(32 sites)
Page's Resort and Marina
British Columbia (13 km away)
$$$$$
(14 sites)
+6
RV Resort On The Lake
Nanaimo, BC (14 km away)
$$$$$
+3
Brannen Lake RV Park and Campsite
Nanaimo, BC (19 km away)
$$$$$
(120 sites)
+7
Chemainus Garden RV Resort
Chemainus, BC (21 km away)
$$$$$
(35 sites)
+5
Country Maples RV Resort
Chemainus, BC (24 km away)
$$$$$
(164 sites)
+9
Chemainus River Campground
Chemainus, BC (25 km away)
$$$$$
(27 sites)
Osborne Bay Resort
Crofton, BC (30 km away)
+5
Most common amenities
Tables Toilets Pet friendly Showers Internet Grills Laundry Dump station Firewood Playground
Camping near Nanaimo, British Columbia
Nanaimo sits on the east coast of Vancouver Island, roughly midway between Victoria and Campbell River, and serves as a hub for BC Ferries routes to Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen on the mainland. The area combines oceanfront campgrounds along the Salish Sea with forested inland resorts on creeks and rivers, giving RV travellers a range of hookup levels within a short drive of the city.
Close to town, Living Forest Oceanside Campground and RV Park occupies a large waterfront property where the Nanaimo River meets the harbour, with full-service sites available. Mountainaire Campground and RV Park and Zuiderzee Campsites offer additional options in the surrounding countryside, while Rondalyn, a Parkbridge Camping and RV Resort, sits in the woods between Nanaimo and Ladysmith on Haslam Creek.
A short ferry ride from Nanaimo Harbour, Descanso Bay Regional Park on Gabriola Island rounds out the local choices with rustic, forested oceanfront sites. Together, these campgrounds cover most travel styles, from full-hookup big-rig resorts to unserviced sites in a regional park.
Things to do around Nanaimo
The Nanaimo waterfront is the main draw for families, with a harbourfront walkway, a passenger ferry to Newcastle Island Marine Park, and paddling routes across sheltered inlets. Kayak and canoe rentals are available on-site at Living Forest Oceanside Campground and RV Park, and sheltered launches are common on the estuary and river mouth.
Hiking and cycling trails run through Morrell Nature Sanctuary, along the Parkway Trail, and up Mount Benson. WildPlay Nanaimo, on the Nanaimo River near the highway crossing, offers zip lines and a bungee bridge for day-trippers from the nearby campgrounds.
On Gabriola Island, sandstone formations at Malaspina Galleries, tide pools, and cycling loops fill a day trip from Descanso Bay Regional Park. Downtown Nanaimo adds breweries, the Old City Quarter, and a floating pub reachable by water taxi.
Camping spots and RV parks near Nanaimo A, BC
When to camp near Nanaimo
- spring
March - May
14° / 5°C 80 mmMild and greening up; showers common, sites open
- summer
June - August
22° / 12°C 40 mmPeak season; book waterfront sites well in advance
- fall
September - November
14° / 6°C 160 mmWarm start, wet finish; salmon run on local creeks
- winter
December - February
7° / 2°C 170 mmWet and cool; several parks stay open year-round
Peak season on central Vancouver Island runs roughly late June through Labour Day, when daytime highs sit in the low twenties Celsius and rainfall is at its lowest. Waterfront and ocean-view sites fill first, and long weekends book out well in advance at commercial parks like Living Forest and Rondalyn. Descanso Bay Regional Park operates a reservation window from April 1 through October 15, with a limited number of drop-in sites during that period held for first-come, first-served use.
Spring and fall are shoulder seasons. April and May bring milder days, greener forest, and more availability, though showers are frequent. September often carries warm, dry conditions well past summer, and salmon return to Haslam Creek near Rondalyn in autumn.
Winter camping is possible because several parks, including Living Forest and Rondalyn, stay open year-round. At Descanso Bay, only sites 1 through 6a and site 24 remain open from October 16 to March 31, on a first-come basis. Expect wet, cool weather and reduced amenities.
Top Hosts near Nanaimo A, 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
How to book campgrounds near Nanaimo
Commercial resorts around Nanaimo use their own online booking systems. Living Forest Oceanside Campground and RV Park, Rondalyn, a Parkbridge resort, Mountainaire, and Zuiderzee all accept direct reservations through their websites, and premium ocean-view or riverfront sites tend to sell out earliest for July and August weekends.
Descanso Bay Regional Park is operated for the Regional District of Nanaimo by a park services contractor. Reservations can be made up to 120 days in advance for the April 1 to October 15 high season, online or by phone; same-day reservations are not available online, and a small number of drop-in sites are held for first-come, first-served use.
For summer trips, aim to book two to three months out. Long weekends and waterfront sites often require earlier planning.
What to expect on-site
Full-service RV resorts near Nanaimo typically offer 30 and 50 amp power, water, and sewer hookups, along with laundry, showers, Wi-Fi, and a dump station. Living Forest spreads roughly 300 sites across 53 forested waterfront acres and includes a seasonal cafe, games rooms, kayak rentals, and river swimming, though there is no pool. Rondalyn adds a heated seasonal pool, hot tub, par-3 nine-hole golf course, clubhouse, and trout pond on Haslam Creek.
Regional and rustic parks are simpler. Descanso Bay Regional Park offers around 32 unserviced, wooded sites with pit toilets and potable water from on-site wells; there are no showers, and no sani-dump on Gabriola Island.
Cell coverage is generally good near the city but drops in forested pockets. Bears and raccoons are present, so food should be stored inside the RV or hard-sided containers.
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 Nanaimo A, BC
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Nanaimo?
Great news: an RV rental in Nanaimo is one of the more affordable ways to experience Vancouver Island, with most motorhomes and travel trailers ranging from about $150 to $300 CAD per night depending on RV type and season. Smaller campervans and older travel trailers sit at the lower end, while larger Class A and Class C motorhomes with premium features land higher. You can stretch your budget by traveling in May, early June, or September, when prices ease but the weather is still excellent. Use RVezy's price filter and watch for last-minute deals to find a cheap RV rental in Nanaimo. Pro tip: booking 2 to 3 months ahead for July and August gives you the best mix of selection and value.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Nanaimo%2C%20BCWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Nanaimo?
For nearly every RV rental in Nanaimo, your regular Class 5 driver's license (or its equivalent from your home country or province) is all you need. ICBC allows Class 5 holders to drive most motorhomes and to tow recreational trailers within standard GVW limits, which covers the vast majority of RVs on RVezy. Approved drivers on RVezy are generally 25 or older, and ID verification happens right inside the platform during booking. Visiting from abroad? Bring your home-country license plus an International Driving Permit for peace of mind at roadside checks. If you're eyeing a large diesel Class A with air brakes, message the host to confirm requirements before booking.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs RV rental insurance and protection included with my Nanaimo booking?
Yes, every RV rental in Nanaimo booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can hit Vancouver Island roads with confidence. The protection plan provides meaningful financial coverage for most damage to the RV during your trip, giving you real peace of mind. During checkout you'll choose from protection tiers with different coverage levels, so you can match the plan to your comfort level and trip length. You select your coverage, not the host. It's one less thing to worry about when you're winding through the Malahat or pulling into Living Forest Oceanside Campground for sunset over Nanaimo Harbour.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my Nanaimo RV rental?
Booking is low-risk: RVezy sets the cancellation policy for every motorhome rental in Nanaimo, and there's a money-back grace period right after you book so you can confirm dates, ferry reservations, and time off work without stress. After that grace window, your refund depends on how many days remain before your trip starts. If a host cancels, RVezy refunds you or provides travel credits, and the support team is reachable before, during, and after your trip. Pro tip: lock in your BC Ferries reservation right after you book the RV so your whole Vancouver Island RV trip lines up smoothly.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Nanaimo RV rental?
Absolutely, pet-friendly RV rental in Nanaimo is easy to find. Just flip on the 'Pet-Friendly' filter on RVezy and you'll see listings from owners who happily welcome four-legged co-pilots. Nanaimo is a fantastic dog town: Living Forest Oceanside Campground has on-leash trails and a pebble beach for paw dips, Westwood Lake has a popular off-leash area and shallow swimming spots, and Pipers Lagoon Park downtown is a favourite local off-leash beach with views across to Newcastle Island. Bring vaccination records, a tie-out leash, and a towel for sandy paws. Pro tip: many Vancouver Island patios (including spots along Commercial Street) welcome dogs, so your pup can join you for post-hike fish and chips.
nanaimo.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-trails/dogs-in-parksCan the RV be delivered to my campground or driveway in Nanaimo?
Yes, RV delivery in Nanaimo is one of the smartest moves for first-timers and families. Many RVezy hosts on Vancouver Island will drive the rig to your campground, vacation rental, or driveway, level it, hook up power and water, and walk you through every system before handing over the keys. Just toggle the 'Delivery' filter when you search and you'll see distance-based delivery fees right on each listing. Popular drop-off spots include Living Forest Oceanside Campground, Westwood Lake Campground, Brannen Lake RV Park, and Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park up in Parksville. It's the easiest way to rent an RV in Nanaimo without ever getting behind a big wheel, perfect if you're flying into YCD (Nanaimo Airport) and want to start vacationing the moment you arrive.
tourismnanaimo.com/How far can I drive on a Nanaimo RV rental, and what are popular road trips?
You've got plenty of room to roam: most Nanaimo RV rentals include a generous daily mileage allowance, and some hosts offer RV rental with unlimited mileage (use the filter to spot them). Popular RV road trips from Nanaimo include Victoria (113 km / about 1.5 hours south on Highway 1), Tofino and Ucluelet on the wild Pacific coast (about 210 km / 3 hours via Highway 4), Parksville and Qualicum Beach (35 to 50 km north), Strathcona Provincial Park near Campbell River (about 160 km / 2.5 hours), and Cathedral Grove's old-growth Douglas firs (just 1 hour). Pro tip: if you're heading to Tofino, fuel up in Port Alberni, as the stretch over the Hump has limited gas stations.
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cyclingWhere are the best campgrounds near Nanaimo for an RV?
You're spoiled for choice when it comes to RV camping Nanaimo style. Living Forest Oceanside Campground sits on a forested bluff overlooking Nanaimo Harbour with full hookups and is just 12 minutes from downtown. Westwood Lake Campground Resort offers serviced sites at the base of Mount Benson with swimming and trails right outside your door. Brannen Lake RV Park & Campsite is a quiet family favourite with lake access on the city's north edge. For a provincial park vibe, Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park (35 minutes north in Parksville) has shaded sites near a famous sandy beach, and Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park is a 15-minute foot-passenger ferry away for a no-vehicle island night. Pro tip: book reservable BC Parks sites the moment your dates open, four months ahead.
bcparks.ca/rathtrevor-beach-park/When is the best time of year for a Nanaimo RV trip?
The sweet spot for RV camping Nanaimo runs from late May through mid-October, when Vancouver Island serves up its driest, sunniest weather. July and August are warmest, with highs around 22 to 24 degrees Celsius (72 to 75 Fahrenheit), gentle ocean breezes, and very little rain, July averages only about 47 mm. June and September are the locals' favourites: still warm and dry, but with fewer crowds and better RV rental rates. Spring (April to May) brings cherry blossoms and lush green trails, while fall delivers storm-watching season. Winter is mild at sea level (highs around 7 C / 45 F) and rarely sees lasting snow, so off-season RV trips to the island are very doable. Pro tip: aim for shoulder-season weekdays for the quietest beaches and best ferry availability.
climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/index_e.htmlI've never driven an RV before. Will I be okay in Nanaimo?
You'll do great, first time renting an RV in Nanaimo is genuinely beginner-friendly. The Island Highway (Highway 19) has wide lanes and gentle grades, the city itself is compact, and most popular campgrounds are within a 15-minute drive of downtown. Every RVezy host gives you a hands-on walkthrough at pickup, covering driving tips, hookups, tanks, generator, awning, and slide-outs, and they're a text away during your trip. Choose a Class B campervan or smaller Class C if you want extra confidence behind the wheel, or pick delivery so the host parks it for you. Pro tip: practice a few right turns and reverse moves in the big lot at Woodgrove Centre on the north end of town before heading out.
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/driver-safetyWhat if something goes wrong with the RV on the road?
You're covered: every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance, so a flat tire on Highway 4 or a battery issue at a campsite in Parksville is just a phone call away from help. Your first stop for anything mechanical or operational is your host, they know their RV best and can usually solve small issues over the phone in minutes. For anything bigger, RVezy's support team is available before, during, and after your trip to coordinate roadside service, replacement parts, or alternate plans. Pro tip: snap a photo of the RV's emergency kit, jack, and spare tire location during your walkthrough so you know where everything is.
rvezy.com/insurance-and-protectionCan I take my Nanaimo RV rental to the mainland or across the US border?
Yes to the BC mainland and often yes to the US, but never to Mexico. Most hosts allow ferry travel from Departure Bay or Duke Point to Vancouver, just confirm in the listing details or send a quick message, and book your BC Ferries spot early since RV-sized vehicles fill fast in summer. Cross-border travel into Washington State, the Olympic Peninsula, or Oregon is allowed by many hosts, but coverage details vary by trip, so confirm in writing through the RVezy message thread before booking. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on any RVezy rental because protection and insurance won't apply south of the border. Pro tip: a Nanaimo-to-Sunshine-Coast loop via two ferries is a classic RV road trip from Nanaimo.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat kind of fuel economy and gas budget should I plan for?
Plan smart and your fuel budget stays very manageable. Most Class C motorhomes from Nanaimo average 18 to 25 litres per 100 km (roughly 10 to 13 mpg), while smaller Class B campervans can do 12 to 15 L/100 km, and travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle. Gas prices in Nanaimo typically run a bit lower than in Metro Vancouver but higher than the BC interior, so top up in town before heading north toward Campbell River or west toward Tofino, where stations thin out. Diesel is available at most Petro-Canada and Chevron stations along Highway 19. Pro tip: download GasBuddy and fuel up in Nanaimo's north end (near Woodgrove) where prices are often a few cents cheaper than downtown.
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/natural-gas-oil/petroleum-productsHow far in advance should I book a campground near Nanaimo?
For summer, book early and book smart. BC Parks provincial campgrounds (like Rathtrevor Beach, Englishman River Falls, and Newcastle Island) open reservations through the BC Parks Camping system up to four months ahead, and prime Vancouver Island sites can be gone within minutes for July and August weekends. Private parks like Living Forest, Westwood Lake, and Brannen Lake typically open bookings even earlier and accept reservations directly through their websites. For shoulder season (May, June, September), 2 to 4 weeks ahead usually works. Off-season, you can often roll in same-day. Pro tip: set a calendar reminder for your booking window's open date at 7:00 a.m. Pacific Time, that's when serious campers pounce on the best waterfront sites.
bcparks.ca/reservations/What are driving conditions like around Nanaimo and Vancouver Island?
Driving an RV around Nanaimo is refreshingly relaxed compared to a big city. Highway 19 (the Inland Island Highway) is wide, modern, and easy in a motorhome, while Highway 19A hugs the coast with slower, scenic stretches through Lantzville, Parksville, and Qualicum Beach. Watch for the winding climb on Highway 4 over the Port Alberni Hump if you're Tofino-bound, and slow down on the Malahat south of Nanaimo, especially in rain. Wildlife (deer especially) is most active at dawn and dusk, so easy on the gas in low-light hours. Winter rarely brings snow at sea level, but mountain passes like Mount Washington can. Pro tip: avoid driving large rigs through Nanaimo's narrow downtown Old City Quarter, stick to the Parkway (Highway 19) instead.
drivebc.ca/What amenities will I find at Nanaimo-area campgrounds?
Most campgrounds near Nanaimo are well set up for RVs. Private parks like Living Forest Oceanside, Westwood Lake, Brannen Lake, and Mountainaire RV Park offer full hookups (30 and 50 amp power, water, and sewer), hot showers, flush toilets, laundry, Wi-Fi, and on-site stores. BC Parks campgrounds like Rathtrevor Beach and Englishman River Falls lean more rustic with no hookups but fresh drinking water, sani-dump stations, firewood sales, and beautiful natural sites. You can dump tanks for free or a small fee at the Nanaimo Regional District Landfill on Cedar Road and at most private campgrounds. Pro tip: top up fresh water before leaving the city, some smaller Gulf Islands campgrounds have limited or seasonal water access.
rdn.bc.ca/regional-landfillWhat's actually inside the RV I'm renting?
Most RVs on RVezy in Nanaimo come fully road-trip ready. Expect a real bed (often a queen) plus convertible dinette and bunk options, a kitchen with a propane stove, fridge/freezer, microwave, sink, pots, dishes, and cutlery, a bathroom with toilet and shower, a furnace and air conditioning, and seatbelted seating that matches the sleep count listed. Most rentals include linens, towels, and a basic outdoor setup (camp chairs, BBQ, levelling blocks). Many list features like generators, solar, Wi-Fi boosters, backup cameras, TVs, and Bluetooth stereos right on the page. Always check the listing's full amenity list before booking. Pro tip: message your host to ask about kayak racks or bike racks, plenty of Nanaimo hosts include them, perfect for paddling Newcastle Island Channel.
tourismnanaimo.com/things-to-do/outdoor-adventure/What add-ons and pickup options are available with a Nanaimo RV rental?
Hosts on RVezy in Nanaimo love offering extras that make your trip easier. Common add-ons include kitchen kits, bedding packages, camp chairs, BBQs, generators, paddleboards, bike racks, and pet cleaning fees, each listed with transparent pricing on the listing page. For pickup, most hosts meet you at their home base in or near Nanaimo (often a quick drive from the Departure Bay or Duke Point ferry terminals), and many also offer RV delivery to your campground or vacation rental. Mileage policies vary by listing, some include 100 to 200 km per night, others offer unlimited mileage, so filter accordingly if you're planning a big loop. Pro tip: build in an extra hour at pickup for your walkthrough so you can really learn the systems before heading out.
tourismnanaimo.com/plan-your-trip/getting-here/How does payment and the security deposit work?
Payment is simple and secure: you pay through the RVezy platform with a credit card at the time of booking, with no cash exchanges with the host. Your total is shown clearly upfront and includes the rental rate, protection plan, service fee, and any add-ons you selected. A security deposit is pre-authorized (held, not charged) on your card before pickup, and the amount is set by each host and shown on the booking page. As long as the RV is returned in the agreed condition for cleanliness, fuel, and tank levels, the hold is released after your trip. Pro tip: take date-stamped photos and a quick walkaround video at both pickup and drop-off, it's the single best way to avoid any post-trip surprises on your Nanaimo RV rental.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksNearby cities with campgrounds
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