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93 campgrounds and RV Parks near Nanaimo G, BC. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
93 campgrounds
5652 campsites
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From $15/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $38,528/year.
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Best campgrounds near Nanaimo G, BC
Paradise Sea Side Resort
Parksville, BC (3 km away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
+5
Paradise Sea Shell Motel and RV Park
Parksville, BC (3 km away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
+2
Park Sands Beach Resort
Parksville, BC (4 km away)
$$$$$
(88 sites)
+5
Surfside RV Resort Ltd.
Parksville, BC (4 km away)
$$$$$
(231 sites)
+3
Pathfinder Camp Resorts-Parksville
Parksville, BC (6 km away)
Pathfinder Parksville
Parksville, BC (6 km away)
$$$$$
(131 sites)
+8
Riverbend Cottage and RV Resort
Parksville, BC (6 km away)
$$$$$
(131 sites)
+7
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
Parksville, BC (7 km away)
$$$$$
(174 sites)
+3
Coombs Country Campground RV Park
British Columbia (7 km away)
$$$$$
(97 sites)
+10
Riverside Resort Qualicum Beach
Qualicum Beach, BC (9 km away)
$$$$$
(43 sites)
+8
Cedar Grove RV Park and Campground
Qualicum Beach, BC (9 km away)
$$$$$
(108 sites)
+6
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
British Columbia (10 km away)
$$$$$
(105 sites)
Most common amenities
Tables Toilets Showers Pet friendly Grills Internet Laundry Playground Firewood Dump station
Campgrounds near Nanaimo
Nanaimo sits on the east coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, and most RV parks travellers associate with the city are actually clustered a short drive north around Parksville, where the shoreline flattens into long sandy beaches. That corridor along Highway 19A is the practical base for an RV trip: full-hookup private resorts sit near the water, and BC Parks operates the region's largest public campground just south of Parksville at Rathtrevor Beach.
On the private side, Park Sands Beach Resort is set on Parksville Beach next to the community park, Paradise Sea Side Resort and Paradise Sea Shell Motel and RV Park offer smaller oceanside options, and Surfside RV Resort Ltd. is a gated oceanfront property. Pathfinder Parksville is inland along the Englishman River, offering river access rather than beach frontage.
Booking patterns split cleanly: private resorts handle their own reservations year-round, while the provincial park runs on the BC Parks Discover Camping system.
Things to do near Nanaimo
The defining feature of this coast is the tide. At low tide the ocean recedes almost a kilometre, providing an ideal place for visitors of all ages to play in the sand and explore the shoreline, and when the tide rolls in over sun-baked sand, the warmed water is good for swimming. Rathtrevor Beach anchors most family days, with a 2 km stretch of sand and interpretive programs at the park's Nature House.
Beyond the beach, Rathtrevor Beach Park is ideal for a relaxed family outing, all campsites are within a five-minute walk of the beach, and the park also has a large day-use and picnicking area, plus 5.5 km of hiking trails. Nearby day trips include Englishman River Falls and Little Qualicum Falls provincial parks, the shops at Coombs, and the ferry connections at Departure Bay in Nanaimo for trips to the mainland or Gabriola Island.
Camping spots and RV parks near Nanaimo G, BC
Seasonal info for Nanaimo camping
- spring
March - May
14° / 4°C 70 mmBrant geese and herring spawn draw shoulder-season visitors
- summer
June - August
23° / 11°C 35 mmPeak season; Rathtrevor books out at the four-month window
- fall
September - November
14° / 6°C 130 mmQuieter sites; rain ramps up sharply by November
- winter
December - February
7° / 0°C 165 mmWet and mild; Rathtrevor open year-round with no services
Summer is the anchor season. July and August bring the driest weather, the warmest water, and the tightest availability. Rathtrevor Beach fills first: reservations are available through BC Parks' Discover Camping website and are strongly recommended from May through the Labour Day weekend in September. Private resorts along the Parksville waterfront also book heavily on weekends and long weekends through this period.
Spring and fall are quieter and rewarding for wildlife. In spring, large numbers of seabirds congregate for the annual herring spawn, and from February to April, Rathtrevor Beach is one of Vancouver Island's best spots for viewing migrating Brant geese. Shoulder-season rain is common, but Vancouver Island's east coast is drier than the west coast.
Winter is wet, mild by Canadian standards, and low-key. Rathtrevor is open and operational year-round, with a winter fee in effect from October 27 to March 13 and no services during that period.
Top Hosts near Nanaimo G, BC
Jessica314 trips - Joined Jun 2020
5.0
Jessica was amazing, she helped me in my first time ever renting a RV and after her tips now I want to do it all over again. 🙏🏼
leandro A. - Aug 2026
5.0
Had a great RV rental experience. Jess was very responsive to all inquiries.
Jessika H. - Aug 2026
MH
Marty72 trips - Joined Aug 2016
5.0
Quick, easy, straightforward. The trailer was exactly what I needed. Marty is very accommodating and easy to work with. It was my second time renting this trailer and I will rent it again next year.
Scott L. - Sep 2026
5.0
Marty was fantastic to work with, very relaxed, flexible and easy-going. The Trillium was perfect for our needs -towed it to Tofino in our Honda Odyssey without issue.
Daamiann S. - Aug 2026
How to book near Nanaimo
Reservations for Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park are made through the BC Parks Discover Camping system at camping.bcparks.ca. Regular campsites can be booked up to four months in advance and up to two days prior to your arrival date. For peak weekends, plan to book at the four-month mark the day the window opens. Group sites and picnic shelters can be booked up to one year in advance.
Outside the reservable season, sites are first-come, first-served, and these are easiest to get mid-week if you show up right after the 11 am check-out time.
Private parks including Park Sands Beach Resort, Paradise Sea Side Resort, Paradise Sea Shell Motel and RV Park, Surfside RV Resort Ltd., and Pathfinder Parksville book directly through their own websites or by phone, and generally accept reservations further out than the provincial system.
What to expect near Nanaimo
Sites at the private resorts on this coast are typically full-hookup, and many are laid out close together in a resort format rather than spaced through forest. Park Sands Beach Resort sits near downtown Parksville and the community park, and Surfside RV Resort Ltd. is a gated oceanfront property.
Rathtrevor is different in character. The park has 225 campsites, 4 group sites, 2 picnic shelters, tent-only sites, plus 25 walk-in tent-only sites, a nature house, gift shop and concession, along with 4 shower buildings, 2 flush bathrooms in the day-use area and a sani-station. Sites are wooded, without hookups, and a short walk from the beach.
Expect deer, eagles, and Brant geese in season, cool ocean water, and rain gear as standard packing even in shoulder season.
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 G, BC
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Nanaimo?
Great news: an RV rental in Nanaimo is one of the most affordable ways to explore Vancouver Island. Most travel trailers and campervans on RVezy run between $100 and $250 CAD per night, with larger Class A and Class C motorhomes ranging from $250 to $400. You can save by traveling in the shoulder months of April, May, or late September, when the weather is still mild but summer pricing drops. Use the price filter to find a cheap RV rental Nanaimo locals love, and message hosts directly about multi-night discounts. Pro tip: booking 2 to 3 months ahead for July and August locks in the best rates before the BC Ferries summer rush.
tourismnanaimo.com/What kind of driver's licence do I need to rent an RV in Nanaimo, BC?
A regular Class 5 (or Class 7 Novice) BC driver's licence is all you need to drive most RVs available on RVezy in Nanaimo, including Class B campervans, Class C motorhomes, and travel trailers. In BC, a standard Class 5 licence covers motorhomes and trailer combinations under the non-commercial weight thresholds set by ICBC. Visiting from another province? Your home licence is accepted. International travelers should bring an International Driving Permit alongside their original licence. RVezy renters generally must be 25 or older, and ID is verified in the platform when you book. No commercial licence or special endorsement is needed for the vast majority of motorhome rental Nanaimo listings.
icbc.com/driver-licensing/types-licences/Licence-classes-and-typesIs my RV rental protected if something goes wrong on the trip in Nanaimo?
Yes, and this is one of the top reasons first-time renters feel confident booking an RV rental in Nanaimo through RVezy. Every booking includes a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance automatically. As the guest, you choose your protection level at checkout (Standard, Premium, or Peace of Mind), so you can match coverage to your comfort level. The plan covers eligible damage to the RV during your trip and is designed to give you real financial peace of mind. Pair that with the host's in-person walkthrough at pickup and you have a clear safety net from the moment you grab the keys until you return them.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat is the cancellation policy if my Nanaimo plans change?
You can book your Nanaimo RV trip with confidence. RVezy sets the cancellation policy (not individual hosts), and there is a grace period after booking during which you can cancel for a full refund of the booking total. After that, the refund amount depends on how far in advance of your trip start date you cancel. If a host cancels on you, RVezy helps rebook you or provides a refund or travel credit. The full policy is shown during checkout, so you will know exactly what applies before you confirm. Booking early is low-risk and locks in the best rigs for peak summer dates.
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 Nanaimo?
Yes, your dog is going to love this trip. Plenty of pet-friendly RV rental Nanaimo options are available on RVezy, just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter to see hosts who welcome four-legged co-pilots. Vancouver Island is incredibly dog-friendly: Westwood Lake Park has off-leash hours and a swimming beach, Pipers Lagoon Park offers tide-pool walks, and Brannen Lake RV Park & Campsite has water access for swims. Many campgrounds ask you to bring proof of vaccinations, so toss the paperwork in the glove box. Pro tip: pack a towel for sandy paws after Neck Point Park, one of Nanaimo's prettiest oceanside dog walks.
nanaimo.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-trails-amenities/dogs-in-parksCan the RV be delivered to my campground or the ferry terminal in Nanaimo?
Yes, and it is the easiest way to start your trip. Many hosts offer RV delivery Nanaimo wide, including drop-offs at Departure Bay Ferry Terminal, Duke Point Ferry Terminal, Nanaimo Airport (YCD), and popular campgrounds like Living Forest Oceanside Campground or Westwood Lake RV Camping. Use the Delivery filter when you search, then message the host to confirm the address and any delivery fee. They will level the RV, hook up power and water, walk you through every system, and hand you the keys, so first-time renters skip the stress of driving a big rig through downtown traffic. Pro tip: delivery to your campsite is ideal if you are flying into YCD without a tow vehicle.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106054-Delivery-optionsHow far can I drive on my Nanaimo RV rental, and what does the mileage policy look like?
You've got plenty of road ahead. Most RV rentals in Nanaimo come with a generous daily kilometre allowance (typically 200 to 300 km per day), and some hosts offer unlimited mileage, just check the Unlimited Mileage filter on RVezy. That's perfect because the best Vancouver Island road trips eat up kilometres fast: Tofino is about 210 km (3 hours), Victoria 113 km (1.5 hours), Strathcona Provincial Park 160 km (2.5 hours), and the northern tip at Port Hardy roughly 390 km. If you're planning a big island loop, message the host before booking and ask about a higher allowance, many will customize it for the right trip.
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/traveller-informationWhere are the best campgrounds near Nanaimo for an RV trip?
You're spoiled for choice. Top picks for RV camping Nanaimo travelers love include Living Forest Oceanside Campground (forested oceanview sites with full hookups, 10 minutes from downtown), Westwood Lake RV Camping and Cabins (family-friendly with lake swimming), Brannen Lake RV Park & Campsite (spacious sites with lake access), Jinglepot RV Park and Campgrounds (open all year), and Mountainaire Campground and RV Park (40-acre property 5 minutes from YCD airport). For provincial parks, Englishman River Falls and Little Qualicum Falls are 30 to 45 minutes north. Pro tip: book ocean-view sites at Living Forest in February if you want a July weekend, they go fast.
bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/englishman_rvr/When is the best time of year to rent an RV in Nanaimo?
July and August are the sweet spot for an RV rental in Nanaimo. The city enjoys its driest, sunniest weather then, with daytime highs typically around 22 to 24 degrees Celsius (72 to 75 Fahrenheit) and very little rainfall. June and September are excellent shoulder-season choices, with comfortable mid-teens to low-20s temperatures and fewer crowds at popular spots like Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park. Winters are mild (rarely below freezing at sea level) and wet, which makes off-season storm-watching road trips from Nanaimo to Tofino a uniquely memorable experience if you do not mind rain on the windshield.
climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_1981_2010_e.html?searchType=stnName&txtStationName=NanaimoI've never driven an RV before. Will I be okay on Vancouver Island roads?
You're going to be fine, and first time renting an RV in Nanaimo is genuinely one of the easier places to start. Your host gives you a full walkthrough at pickup, covering propane, water, slides, generator, dump valves, and driving tips, so you leave knowing every system. The Inland Island Highway (Highway 19) has wide lanes and gentle grades, making it beginner-friendly for the run north to Parksville, Qualicum Beach, and Campbell River. Stick to daylight driving for your first leg, take the bypasses around downtown, and remember Vancouver Island deer are most active at dawn and dusk. Pro tip: ask your host about a practice loop near pickup before heading out.
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/traveller-information/routes-and-driving-conditionsWhat happens if I have a flat tire or breakdown during my Nanaimo RV trip?
Take a deep breath, you are covered. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance, so a flat tire on Highway 4 to Tofino, a dead battery at Rathtrevor Beach, or a tow on the Pacific Rim Highway is one phone call away. Your host is your direct line for vehicle-specific questions (where is the spare, how does the generator restart), and RVezy customer support is available before, during, and after the trip. Save the roadside number in your phone and keep a printed copy in the glovebox, since cell service can be patchy near Cathedral Grove and inside Strathcona Provincial Park.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106774-Roadside-assistanceCan I take my Nanaimo RV rental on the BC Ferries to Vancouver, or down to the US?
Often yes, but always ask the host first. Most hosts allow BC Ferries crossings between Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) or Duke Point and Tsawwassen, which opens the entire BC mainland for your RV road trip from Nanaimo. Reserve a vehicle spot in advance through BC Ferries since RV-length spaces fill up. Cross-border travel into Washington State may be permitted depending on the host and insurance coverage, message them and confirm in writing before booking. One firm rule: travel to Mexico is not allowed on any RVezy rental because insurance won't cover it. Pro tip: a Sunshine Coast loop via two ferry hops is unforgettable.
bcferries.com/What kind of fuel mileage should I expect, and how much should I budget for gas?
Plan smart and your fuel budget stays predictable. Class B campervans on Vancouver Island typically return about 18 to 22 miles per gallon (around 11 to 13 L/100 km), Class C motorhomes about 10 to 14 mpg, and large Class A units 7 to 10 mpg. Gas prices in Nanaimo tend to run higher than the Canadian average, so fill up at the Costco on Mary Ellen Drive or stations along the Inland Island Highway before heading to remote spots like Tofino, where pumps are pricier. A typical week-long Vancouver Island loop in a Class C runs roughly $300 to $500 CAD in fuel. Pro tip: GasBuddy works well across the island for live pricing.
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/natural-gas-oil/petroleum-productsHow far in advance should I book a campground for my Nanaimo RV trip?
For peak summer (late June through August), book 2 to 4 months ahead, especially for waterfront sites at Living Forest Oceanside Campground, Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, and Englishman River Falls Provincial Park. BC Parks uses the Discover Camping reservation system, which opens bookings up to 4 months in advance on a rolling daily basis, so set a calendar reminder for the exact date your trip falls inside that window. Private RV parks like Brannen Lake and Westwood Lake take direct bookings online and often have weekday availability even in July. Pro tip: midweek arrivals (Sunday to Wednesday) dramatically improve your odds of last-minute scores.
camping.bcparks.ca/What are the local driving conditions like around Nanaimo?
Driving in and around Nanaimo is refreshingly manageable. The Inland Island Highway (Highway 19) is a divided, wide-laned freeway that handles RVs beautifully, while the Old Island Highway (19A) is the scenic coastal alternative through Parksville and Qualicum. Watch for ferry-traffic surges around Departure Bay and Duke Point at sailing times, slow down on the winding Highway 4 through the Port Alberni Summit and Cathedral Grove en route to Tofino, and stay alert for deer and the occasional black bear at dawn and dusk. Winter brings rain (rarely snow at sea level), and DriveBC.ca offers live road cams. Pro tip: avoid Highway 4 in late afternoon when logging trucks share the road.
drivebc.ca/What amenities will I find at Nanaimo-area campgrounds?
Vancouver Island campgrounds are well equipped. Most private parks near Nanaimo, including Living Forest Oceanside, Westwood Lake, and Mountainaire, offer 30 and 50 amp electrical hookups, potable water, sewer connections, hot showers, laundry, and Wi-Fi. Provincial parks such as Englishman River Falls and Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park are more rustic with flush or pit toilets and potable water but no hookups, so plan around your fresh and grey tank capacity. Sani-dump stations are available in the Nanaimo area along Highway 19 and at several full-service campgrounds. You can refill fresh water at any full-service campground or municipal tap. Pro tip: pack a 50-foot drinking-water hose, since hookup distances vary by site.
bcparks.ca/rathtrevor-beach-park/What features and amenities come standard in a Nanaimo RV rental?
You are getting a fully outfitted home on wheels. Most RVs available for rent in Nanaimo include a full kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave), a private bathroom with shower, a propane furnace, air conditioning, sleeping for 2 to 8 depending on the unit, seatbelts for travel passengers, and a dinette that converts for extra sleeping. Many include a TV, Bluetooth stereo, outdoor awning, and solar or generator power. Onboard Wi-Fi depends on local cell signal, which is strong in Nanaimo and Parksville but spotty toward Tofino and Port Renfrew. Each listing photo gallery shows exactly what is included, so you can match the RV to your family's must-haves before booking.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Nanaimo%2C%20BCWhat popular add-ons can I get with my RV rental, and how does pickup work?
Hosts in Nanaimo offer some fantastic add-ons that make life easier: bedding and linen packages, full kitchen kits, camping chairs and tables, BBQ grills, bike racks, kayak and SUP carriers, generators, and even pre-stocked pantry boxes. Fees vary by host and are listed transparently on each RVezy listing. Pickup usually happens at the host's address in Nanaimo, Lantzville, or Cedar, and includes a 30- to 60-minute walkthrough of every system. Many hosts also offer delivery (see the Delivery filter), which is gold if you're arriving via BC Ferries or YCD. Pro tip: add the bedding kit, it saves packing space for ferry travelers with limited luggage.
bcferries.com/routes-fares/schedulesHow does payment and the security deposit work when I rent an RV in Nanaimo?
Payment is secure and straightforward. You pay through the RVezy platform with a credit card (never directly to the host) when you book, and your reservation is confirmed once the host accepts. A separate security deposit is pre-authorized on your card shortly before pickup and released after the trip, provided the RV is returned in the same condition with no damage or excess cleaning required. Deposit amounts vary by RV and are shown clearly during booking. To avoid issues, do a careful walkaround at pickup with the host, take date-stamped photos, and return the RV with the fuel and propane levels noted in your rental agreement.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksWhat are the best road trip destinations to reach from Nanaimo by RV?
Nanaimo is a perfect launchpad for an unforgettable Vancouver Island RV trip. Top routes from Nanaimo include Tofino and Ucluelet for surf and old-growth rainforest (about 210 km, roughly 3 hours via Highway 4), Victoria for the Inner Harbour and Butchart Gardens (about 113 km, 1.5 hours south on Highway 1), Strathcona Provincial Park for alpine lakes and Mount Washington (about 160 km, 2.5 hours), the Comox Valley for cidery tours and beach time (about 110 km, 1.5 hours), and Telegraph Cove for whale watching (about 390 km, 5 hours). Pro tip: the quirky village of Coombs (famous for goats on the roof) is only 30 minutes away and makes a great first-night stop.
bcparks.ca/strathcona-park/Nearby cities with campgrounds
Vancouver, BCVictoria, BCChilliwack, BCNanaimo, BCLangley, BCMaple Ridge, BCSurrey, BCRichmond, BCAbbotsford, BCLantzville, BCPitt Meadows, BCWhite Rock, BCSaanich, BCMission, BCLangford, BCTzeachten 13, BCColwood, BCBurnaby, BCNew Westminster, BCSquamish, BCNorth Vancouver, BCSooke, BCPort Coquitlam, BCStrathcona D (Oyster Bay - Buttle Lake), BC