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124 campgrounds and RV Parks near North Cowichan, BC. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
124 campgrounds
9795 campsites
487 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near North Cowichan, BC
Riverside RV & Camping
Duncan, BC (6 km away)
Osborne Bay Resort
Crofton, BC (6 km away)
+5
Chemainus River Campground
Chemainus, BC (7 km away)
$$$$$
(27 sites)
Country Maples RV Resort
Chemainus, BC (8 km away)
$$$$$
(164 sites)
+9
Chemainus Garden RV Resort
Chemainus, BC (11 km away)
$$$$$
(35 sites)
+5
Cedar Beach Resort &Campground
British Columbia (14 km away)
$$$$$
(23 sites)
+6
Mowhinna Creek Campground
British Columbia (15 km away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
+3
Stoltz Pool - Cowichan River Provincial Park
British Columbia (16 km away)
$$$$$
(43 sites)
+2
Montague Provincial Marine Park
British Columbia (23 km away)
$$$$$
(40 sites)
Ruckle Provincial Park
British Columbia (24 km away)
$$$$$
(86 sites)
SMONECTEN (McDonald Park) Campground - Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
North Saanich, BC (26 km away)
(49 sites)
Bamberton Provincial Park
British Columbia (27 km away)
$$$$$
(53 sites)
Most common amenities
Tables Pet friendly Toilets Showers Internet Grills Dump station Laundry Playground Firewood
Camping near North Cowichan
North Cowichan sits in the Cowichan Valley on southern Vancouver Island, roughly halfway between Victoria and Nanaimo along the Trans-Canada Highway. The district covers the communities of Duncan, Chemainus, Crofton, and Maple Bay, and gives RV travellers quick access to the Cowichan River, Cowichan Lake, and the Gulf Islands ferry links.
The area is a mix of private RV parks with full hookups and provincial park campgrounds with basic services. Riverside RV & Camping and Chemainus River Campground sit close to the rivers, while Osborne Bay Resort, Country Maples RV Resort, and Chemainus Garden RV Resort offer serviced sites suited to larger rigs.
Cowichan River Provincial Park runs a linear corridor of protected land along the river, with the Stoltz Pool campground providing drive-in sites without hookups. Gordon Bay Provincial Park on Lake Cowichan is the nearest large lakefront provincial campground. The valley is known for mild temperatures, wineries, and salmon fishing, making it a workable base for day trips north to Nanaimo or south to Victoria.
Things to do near North Cowichan
Tubing the Cowichan River is the signature summer activity. Rental tubes and a shuttle service operate out of Lake Cowichan, and the river carries floaters through calm pools and small rapids over several hours.
The Cowichan River Footpath runs along the river between Glenora and Skutz Falls, connecting swimming holes, fishing spots, and salmon-viewing points at Skutz Falls and Marie Canyon. Cowichan Lake, reached via Gordon Bay Provincial Park, has a sandy swimming beach, boat launch, and trout fishing.
Off the water, Duncan is known for its outdoor totem pole collection, and the surrounding valley supports wineries, cideries, and farm stands. Chemainus is a short drive north and is known for its outdoor murals and harbour walks.
Camping spots and RV parks near North Cowichan, BC
When to visit North Cowichan
- spring
March - May
14° / 4°C 90 mmRain eases; parks reopen; book long weekends early
- summer
June - August
23° / 11°C 35 mmPeak bookings; fire bans common; warm lake and river
- fall
September - November
15° / 6°C 140 mmSalmon runs; quieter sites; rain builds through November
- winter
December - February
7° / 1°C 195 mmWettest season; heavy rain, most parks on limited service
Peak RV season runs from late May through early September, with July and August the busiest months for both private RV resorts and provincial park campgrounds. Cowichan Lake water warms enough for comfortable swimming through this window, and river tubing is at its peak. Long weekends fill first, and popular provincial sites can sell out within minutes of their booking window opening.
Spring and fall are quieter shoulder seasons. April, May, September, and October bring cooler nights, more rain, and better campsite availability. Fall also brings the salmon spawning runs on the Cowichan River, which are visible from Skutz Falls and Marie Canyon.
Winter camping is possible at a limited number of private parks that operate year round and at Cowichan River Provincial Park with reduced services, though rainfall is heavy and many facilities close. Fire bans are common during dry summer stretches and can restrict campfires at short notice.
Top Hosts near North Cowichan, BC
Excellent! Wonderful experience and great host. Very accommodating and kind. Thanks again!
Felicia L. - Aug 2026
A wonderful host of a reliable RV!
Jesse M. - Jul 2026
Mark67 trips - Joined Aug 2018
This was our first time renting a trailer and it was awesome! Mark and his wife were lovely people and it was a pleasure meeting and communicating with them. We had everything we needed in the trailer and it worked perfectly for where we were with no hookups. Anytime we had questions, Mark was very quick to answer and explained everything about the trailer before they left. Thank you so much guys! :)
Jasmyne D. - May 2026
It was my first RV experience. I used it so safely and comfortably.
EJ L. - Sep 2025
How to book campgrounds near North Cowichan
Private RV parks in the area, including Riverside RV & Camping, Osborne Bay Resort, Country Maples RV Resort, Chemainus Garden RV Resort, and Chemainus River Campground, take direct bookings through their own websites or by phone. For summer weekends and long weekends, reserving several weeks or months ahead is standard.
Provincial park campgrounds such as Cowichan River (Stoltz Pool) and Gordon Bay are booked through the BC Parks reservation system at bcparks.ca. BC Parks uses a three-month rolling window, so arrival dates open exactly three months in advance at 7:00 a.m. Pacific. Non-residents of British Columbia pay an added surcharge on stays starting in mid-May. Unreserved provincial sites are released on a first-come, first-served basis.
What to expect on the ground
Private RV parks in the Cowichan Valley typically offer 30-amp service, with some 50-amp pull-throughs suitable for larger motorhomes and fifth wheels. Full hookups, dump stations, laundry, and Wi-Fi are common at the resort-style parks. Provincial park sites are more basic: no hookups, pit or flush toilets, potable water taps, and picnic tables with fire rings.
Cell service is reliable in and around Duncan and Chemainus but drops off in Cowichan River Provincial Park and along the back roads to Lake Cowichan. Bring cash or a card loaded for firewood, and expect posted fire bans in mid to late summer.
Wildlife in the area includes black bears, deer, and Roosevelt elk, so standard food storage practices apply. The Trans-Canada Highway is the main artery, and grocery, fuel, and dump stations are easy to find near Duncan.
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 North Cowichan, BC
How much does it cost to rent an RV in North Cowichan, BC?
An RV rental in North Cowichan is one of the more affordable ways to explore Vancouver Island. On RVezy, travel trailers typically start around $125 to $150 a night, while motorhomes and Class C rentals average about $200 to $275 a night, and many hosts offer weekly and monthly discounts. To find a cheap RV rental in North Cowichan, search shoulder-season dates in April, May, or late September when the Cowichan Valley is still gorgeous but prices drop noticeably. Pro tip: filter by travel trailer if you already have a tow vehicle, or pick a host who offers delivery so you can skip the tow entirely and put those savings toward a tasting tour of local Cowichan wineries.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=North%20Cowichan%2C%20British%20ColumbiaDo I need a special license to rent an RV in North Cowichan?
A regular Class 5 BC driver's license (or the equivalent from your home province, state, or country) is all you need to rent an RV in North Cowichan. No commercial license, air-brake endorsement, or RV-specific certification is required for the motorhomes, campervans, and travel trailers available on RVezy here. You'll need to be 25 or older, and ID verification happens right through the RVezy platform when you book, so there's nothing extra to chase down. Visiting from overseas? Bring your home license plus an International Driving Permit from your local automobile association and you're set. Most first-time renters in the Cowichan Valley are surprised by how straightforward the paperwork really is.
icbc.com/driver-licensing/visit-move-bc/visiting-bcWhat kind of protection is included with my RVezy booking?
Every RV rental in North Cowichan booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can hit the Trans-Canada Highway with real peace of mind. The protection plan covers most damage to the vehicle during your trip, and you choose your coverage level at checkout to fit your comfort and budget. Higher-tier plans reduce your out-of-pocket responsibility if something unexpected happens on the road to Lake Cowichan or up the Malahat. Pro tip: review the protection options carefully at booking, the higher tiers are especially reassuring for first-time renters.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my North Cowichan RV rental?
Booking is low-risk, RVezy applies a consistent cancellation policy to every reservation, including a money-back grace period right after you book so you can lock in your dates with confidence. The exact refund depends on how far out you cancel relative to the trip start date, and the policy is the same whether you are renting a campervan in Duncan or a fifth wheel in Chemainus. If a host cancels, RVezy refunds the guest or provides travel credit. Pro tip: book early to secure the best summer rigs, then use the grace period to finalize your Cowichan Valley itinerary before the window closes.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on an RV trip in the Cowichan Valley?
Absolutely, a pet-friendly RV rental in North Cowichan is easy to find. Just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy and you'll see motorhomes, campervans, and trailers whose owners welcome four-legged co-pilots. The Cowichan Valley is a dream for dogs: Stoney Hill Regional Park has off-leash forest trails with ocean views, Bright Angel Provincial Park has shaded riverside walks along the Koksilah, and most provincial campgrounds allow leashed pets at no extra charge. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm any pet fee or shedding rules, and pack a towel for muddy paws after Cowichan River swims, the trails get gloriously soggy in spring.
bcparks.ca/about/pets-in-parks/Can the RV be delivered to my campsite or vacation rental?
Yes, RV delivery in North Cowichan is one of the most popular options on RVezy, and it is a game-changer if it is your first time renting an RV. Many local hosts will tow or drive the motorhome directly to your chosen campground (Cowichan River Provincial Park or Gordon Bay Provincial Park, for example), level it, hook up power and water, and walk you through every system before they leave. That means no highway driving, no backing into a tight site, and no figuring out the awning on your own. Use the Delivery filter when searching, then message the host with your destination, shorter distances often come with a flat delivery fee.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=North%20Cowichan%2C%20British%20ColumbiaHow does mileage work and how far can I realistically drive?
Most hosts in North Cowichan include a daily kilometre allowance (commonly 150 to 200 km per day), and some offer RV rental with unlimited mileage, perfect for a longer Vancouver Island loop. From North Cowichan you're about 60 km north of Victoria, 50 km south of Nanaimo, 110 km to Port Renfrew on the wild west coast, 170 km to Tofino via Highway 4, and 240 km up to Campbell River. Each listing shows the included kilometres and the per-kilometre rate after that, so there are no surprises. Pro tip: if you're planning a big Tofino-Ucluelet loop, filter specifically for unlimited-mileage listings, you'll save real money on a Cowichan Valley road trip that stretches across the island.
tranbc.ca/Where are the best campgrounds to stay near North Cowichan?
You are spoiled for choice, the best campgrounds near North Cowichan blend riverside forest with quick access to wineries and beaches. Top picks include Cowichan River Provincial Park (riverside sites along a designated BC Heritage River), Gordon Bay Provincial Park on Lake Cowichan (sandy beach, swimming, family-friendly), Bamberton Provincial Park (a long sandy beach on Saanich Inlet), and Osborne Bay Resort in Crofton (oceanfront sites with sunset views). Pro tip: provincial-park sites book up fast for July and August, so reserve through the BC Parks reservation system as soon as the booking window opens.
bcparks.ca/reserve/When is the best time of year to visit North Cowichan in an RV?
North Cowichan has Canada's mildest climate, so the RV season here is genuinely long. July and August are prime time, with average highs around 24°C (75°F), dry sunny days, and the lowest rainfall of the year, ideal for swimming at Lake Cowichan and tubing the Cowichan River. June and September are the local insider's secret: temperatures still in the low 20s°C, far smaller crowds, and easier campsite availability. Spring (April-May) is lush, green, and great for wineries; winters are wet and cool (highs near 7°C / 44°F) but rarely snowy, so RV camping in North Cowichan is technically possible year-round. Pro tip: aim for the second week of September, the weather often holds and provincial campgrounds open up.
climate.weather.gc.ca/I've never driven an RV before, will I be okay?
You'll do great, first time renting an RV in North Cowichan is one of the friendlier places in Canada to start. Your host gives you a full walkthrough at pickup covering driving, the propane system, water tanks, the awning, and slide-outs, and you can text them throughout your trip with questions. The roads around the Cowichan Valley are forgiving: Highway 1 is wide and well-paved, and side roads to wineries and campgrounds are gentle and low-traffic compared to the Sea-to-Sky or Highway 4 to Tofino. Pro tip: choose a Class B campervan or smaller Class C for your first trip, they handle like a tall van and fit in any provincial-park site without stress.
icbc.com/road-safety/safer-driversWhat happens if the RV breaks down during my trip?
You are never on your own, 24/7 roadside assistance is included with every RVezy booking, so a flat tire on the Malahat or a dead battery at Gordon Bay is just a quick phone call away. You can also message your host directly through the RVezy app, most owners know their rig inside-out and can troubleshoot small issues over the phone. RVezy customer support is reachable before, during, and after your trip if you need help coordinating repairs or finding a nearby service shop in Duncan or Nanaimo. Pro tip: snap a few photos of the RV exterior and dashboard during your walkthrough so you have a quick reference if anything comes up on the road.
rvezy.com/insurance-and-protectionWhat are the best road trips from North Cowichan?
An RV road trip from North Cowichan unlocks the best of Vancouver Island in just a few days. Popular routes include heading 110 km west to Port Renfrew for Botanical Beach and the Avatar Grove old-growth forest; driving 170 km up Highway 4 to Tofino and Ucluelet for Pacific Rim National Park; cruising 60 km south to Victoria for Butchart Gardens and the Inner Harbour; or going 240 km north to Campbell River for whale watching and the start of the Discovery Coast. Cross-border travel into the U.S. is allowed on many listings (ferry to Port Angeles is right there), but trips to Mexico aren't covered. Pro tip: confirm cross-border permission with your host in writing before booking.
hellobc.com/things-to-do/road-trips/How much should I budget for fuel on a Cowichan Valley RV trip?
Fuel is one of the most predictable parts of your budget. Expect Class C motorhomes to average 18-22 L/100 km (roughly 11-13 mpg US), campervans around 12-14 L/100 km, and travel trailers depending on your tow vehicle. Gas in the Cowichan Valley typically runs a few cents below Victoria prices, with stations in Duncan, Chemainus, and Mill Bay along Highway 1. For a typical 4-night loop covering 400 km, plan on roughly $120 to $180 CAD in fuel for a mid-size motorhome. Pro tip: fill up in Duncan before heading to Lake Cowichan or Port Renfrew, prices climb the farther west you go, and stations get sparse past Mesachie Lake.
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/natural-gas-oil/petroleum-productsHow far in advance should I book campgrounds near North Cowichan?
Plan ahead and you'll get your pick of the best sites. BC Parks (which manages Cowichan River, Gordon Bay, and Bamberton) opens reservations on a rolling four-month window through its official reservation site, and July-August weekends often sell out the moment they open. Private parks like Van Isle Cowichan RV Park and Cowichan River Campground generally take bookings 6-12 months in advance and fill up by late spring. For a shoulder-season trip in May, June, or September, 3-4 weeks ahead is usually plenty. Pro tip: set a calendar reminder for exactly four months before your desired arrival date, log into the BC Parks site at 7 a.m. PT, and you'll snag prime waterfront sites at Gordon Bay.
bcparks.ca/reservations/What are the driving conditions like around North Cowichan?
Driving in and around North Cowichan is refreshingly easy. Highway 1 (the Trans-Canada) is the main artery, two to four lanes, well-paved, and gently rolling through farmland and forest. The main thing to know is the Malahat, the scenic mountain pass between Mill Bay and Victoria, which has a few tight curves but is fully RV-friendly and well-signed. Winter rarely brings snow at sea level, though the Malahat can occasionally get a dusting from December to February. There are no significant height-clearance issues for standard RVs on local routes. Pro tip: avoid the Malahat between 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. on weekdays, commuter traffic into Victoria can slow things to a crawl, especially in summer.
drivebc.ca/What hookups and dump stations can I expect at Cowichan campgrounds?
Most Cowichan Valley campgrounds are well set up for RVs. Private parks like Van Isle Cowichan RV Park and Cowichan River Campground offer 30-amp electric, water, and sewer hookups at full-service sites, plus on-site sani-dump stations. BC Provincial Parks (Gordon Bay, Cowichan River, Bamberton) are mostly non-serviced but offer potable water taps, flush toilets, and shared sani-dump stations for a small fee. Public dump stations are also available at the District of North Cowichan public works yard and in nearby Duncan. Pro tip: top up fresh water before leaving the campground, and empty grey/black tanks on your way out, the dump station at Van Isle Cowichan is one of the easiest pull-throughs in the valley.
bcparks.ca/cowichan-river-park/What is actually inside the RVs I can rent in North Cowichan?
RVs on RVezy in North Cowichan come fully equipped to live comfortably on the road. Expect a real bed (queen is most common), a kitchen with a fridge, stovetop, microwave, sink, and cookware, a bathroom with toilet and shower, dining seating with seatbelts for travel, propane heat, and roof or dash air conditioning. Many motorhome rental listings in North Cowichan also include a TV, Bluetooth stereo, outdoor awning, BBQ, camp chairs, and a generator for off-grid stays. Wi-Fi varies, but cell service is solid across most of the Cowichan Valley. Pro tip: check the listing amenities and ask the host about included kitchen kits and bedding, many bundle them in at no extra charge.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=North%20Cowichan%2C%20British%20ColumbiaWhat add-ons can I get and how do pickup and drop-off work?
Hosts in North Cowichan offer a great menu of add-ons to make your trip easier, common ones include linen and kitchen packages ($30-$75), generators, propane fire pits, bike racks, kayaks, camp chairs, BBQs, and of course delivery and setup. Pickup is usually at the host's home in or near Duncan, Chemainus, Crofton, or Mill Bay, with a 30-60 minute walkthrough included. Drop-off is at the same location unless you've arranged delivery. Mileage policies and pet fees are set by each host and shown clearly on the listing. Pro tip: book the linen and kitchen kits even for short trips, it saves the hassle of packing pots and pillows on the BC Ferries crossing over from the mainland.
bcferries.com/How does payment and the security deposit work?
Payment is simple and secure, you pay directly through RVezy with a credit card when you book, and the platform holds and releases funds, so you never hand cash to the host. A refundable security deposit is placed on hold (not charged) before your trip starts, and is released back to your card after the RV is returned in the same condition. The deposit amount is shown clearly on each listing before you book. To avoid any issues, do the walkthrough carefully at pickup, take date-stamped photos inside and out, and report any pre-existing dings on the platform. Pro tip: return the RV with full fuel and propane and clean dishes, that is the easiest way to get your full deposit back fast.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksCan I take my RV rental on the BC Ferries or across the US border?
Yes to both, with a little planning. Many North Cowichan hosts allow their RVs on BC Ferries (Duke Point, Departure Bay, and Swartz Bay are all within easy reach) so you can extend your trip to the Gulf Islands, Sunshine Coast, or back to the mainland. Cross-border travel into Washington State via the Black Ball Ferry Line (MV Coho) from Victoria to Port Angeles is allowed on many listings, just confirm with the host and check that coverage extends to the US. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals. Pro tip: book ferry reservations for your RV exact length well in advance during summer, and budget for the oversize-vehicle fare which is based on total length.
bcferries.com/routes-fares/ferry-faresNearby cities with campgrounds
Vancouver, BCVictoria, BCChilliwack, BCNanaimo, BCLangley, BCMaple Ridge, BCSurrey, BCRichmond, BCKamloops, BCAbbotsford, BCLantzville, BCPitt Meadows, BCWhite Rock, BCSaanich, BCMission, BCLangford, BCTzeachten 13, BCColwood, BCBurnaby, BCNew Westminster, BCSquamish, BCNorth Vancouver, BCSooke, BCPort Coquitlam, BC