RVezyRV rental marketplace
List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Strathcona B, BC
66 campgrounds and RV Parks near Strathcona B, BC. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
66 campgrounds
3788 campsites
208 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 Strathcona B, BC
Gorge Harbour Marina Resort
British Columbia (4 km away)
$$$$$
(15 sites)
+8
Smelt Bay Provincial Park
British Columbia (5 km away)
$$$$$
(23 sites)
+2
Taku Resort and Marina
British Columbia (16 km away)
$$$$$
Heriot Bay Inn and Marina
British Columbia (16 km away)
$$$$$
(44 sites)
+7
Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge and RV Park
British Columbia (17 km away)
+2
We-Wai-Kai Camp Site
British Columbia (18 km away)
(164 sites)
+2
Sunlund By-The-Sea RV Park and Campground
British Columbia (19 km away)
$$$$$
Thunderbird RV Park and Cottage Resort
Campbell River, BC (19 km away)
$$$$$
(92 sites)
+6
Driftwood By The Sea RV Park and Cottages
Campbell River, BC (19 km away)
$$$$$
+3
Shelter Bay RV Resort and Cottages
Campbell River, BC (21 km away)
$$$$$
(55 sites)
+7
Okeover Arm Provincial Park
Powell River, BC (21 km away)
(14 sites)
Quinsam - Elk Falls Provincial Park
Campbell River, BC (22 km away)
$$$$$
(122 sites)
+2
Most common amenities
Tables Toilets Showers Pet friendly Grills Laundry Internet Firewood Playground Dump station
Camping near Strathcona B, British Columbia
Strathcona B is the regional-district electoral area covering Cortes Island, Quadra Island, and surrounding waters in the Discovery Islands, off the east coast of Vancouver Island. Access is by ferry from Campbell River. The park is accessible by car via a ferry from Campbell River on central Vancouver Island to Quadra Island (approximately 15 minutes), then by another ferry from Quadra Island (Heriot Bay) to Cortes Island (Whaletown), approximately 45 minutes. RV travellers should plan ferry timing carefully, since sailings are limited and vehicle space fills quickly in summer.
Campground options are a mix of one BC Parks provincial campground and several private waterfront resorts. Smelt Bay is the only provincial campground on remote Cortes Island, offering 22 spacious campsites laid out in a setting in the woods, overlooking Smelt Bay. On Quadra Island, private resorts including Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge and RV Park, Taku Resort and Marina, and Heriot Bay Inn and Marina offer serviced sites near the water. Gorge Harbour Marina Resort on Cortes Island adds marina access, RV camping, and lodge rooms.
The area suits RV renters who want quiet, oceanfront sites with easy access to paddling, fishing, and short island drives, rather than long highway touring.
Things to do around Strathcona B
Water-based activities dominate. Canoeing and kayaking in the calm waters of Smelt Bay is popular, and paddlers can set in from the beach or at the natural gravel boat launch at higher tides. Saltwater fishing for salmon and rock fish can be good, and anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing. Marinas at Heriot Bay Inn and Marina, Gorge Harbour Marina Resort, and Taku Resort and Marina give quick access to Desolation Sound and the Discovery Islands for boaters and charter guests.
On shore, Quadra Island offers hiking at Rebecca Spit Provincial Park and cultural stops including the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre. On Cortes, day-use areas at Manson's Landing and Hague Lake give families warmer freshwater swimming than the ocean. Available guided experiences from local operators include kayaking tours, whale watching trips, fishing charters, and bear viewing.
Wildlife viewing is a consistent draw: bald eagles, seals, sea lions, and orcas are commonly seen from shore and ferry.
Camping spots and RV parks near Strathcona B, BC
When to visit Strathcona B
- spring
March - May
13° / 4°C 95 mmDrying out; most parks reopen by late April
- summer
June - August
22° / 11°C 53 mmPeak season; book ferries and sites well ahead
- fall
September - November
13° / 6°C 177 mmRain ramps up sharply; November is the wettest month
- winter
December - February
6° / 0°C 215 mmWet and cool; provincial campgrounds closed
The core camping season runs late spring through early fall. Smelt Bay (Cortes Island) is scheduled April 30 to September 27, and the broader BC Parks North Island region includes Elk Falls (March 20 to October 31, with winter camping year round), Loveland Bay (April 1 to October 12), and Morton Lake (April 30 to September 27). Summer brings the driest, warmest weather and the highest demand for both campsites and ferry space.
Shoulder seasons offer quieter sites but wetter, cooler conditions. In the wettest month, November, the area receives about 299 mm of precipitation across 20 rainy days, while the driest month July brings around 78 mm over 8 rainy days. Late spring is a good balance of open parks, drier weather, and lighter crowds.
Some private resorts stay open all year. All 30 RV campsites at Tsa Kwa Luten are improved and available on a year-round basis. Winter visits require self-sufficiency, as many island services run reduced hours off-season.
Top Hosts near Strathcona B, BC
Audrey36 trips - Joined Jun 2018
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We had such a great experience renting from them! Our trip was a very last-minute plan, and they were incredibly accommodating and easy to work with. Communication was excellent from start to finish, and they made the whole process smooth and stress-free. The trailer was exactly what we needed, and we really appreciated how helpful they were in making everything come together on short notice. We wouldn't hesitate to rent from them again. Highly recommend!
Salina M. - Jul 2026
Great hosts. Friendly and responsive. Trailer was exactly as described and had everything we needed for our 5 night stay. The king bed was comfy, my kids complained a bit about the bunk mattresses, they were a little thin.
Howie M. - Sep 2025
Mark was wonderful. It was my first time renting an RV and he made the process absolutely painless. The RV was perfect for our needs and included anything you might need. It was the perfect solution for a summer getaway. Thanks again Mark!!
Dominique G. - Aug 2026
We found Mark to be an excellent host! He was quick to respond with any questions we had. It was very well stocked with everything you could possibly need or want for your stay. The bed was so comfortable and everything was very clean. We had a lovely cozy stay for a week. Mark has a great knowledge of the Comox Valley, beaches, trails things to do and where many great campsites are. We will definitely rent from him again. Highly recommend.
Emma and Peter H. - Jul 2026
How to book campgrounds near Strathcona B
BC Parks and private resorts use separate reservation systems. Smelt Bay (Cortes Island) is 100% reservable, and it also has a first come, first serve overflow camping area located in the gravel parking lot in the day-use area. Reservations open months ahead through the BC Parks reservation service and are strongly recommended for July and August dates.
Private resorts book directly. Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge and RV Park, Taku Resort and Marina, Heriot Bay Inn and Marina, and Gorge Harbour Marina Resort each accept reservations by phone or through their websites. If a specific period appears unavailable, calling the resort directly may uncover availability for part of an intended stay and alternate accommodation for the remainder.
Book the BC Ferries sailing from Campbell River as a separate step. Vehicle reservations are limited on Discovery Islands routes, so line up early on peak-season mornings if travelling standby.
What to expect on the ground
Sites on the islands trend small and forested. Smelt Bay has recently rebuilt campsites in a forest setting; many are multi-level tiered sites that work well for small RVs and tenters, and larger RVs can park in the day-use overflow. Renters in larger Class A or long fifth-wheel rigs should confirm site length with the operator before booking.
Hookups vary by property. The Heriot Bay Inn RV park and campground has water, sewer, and 15 and 30 amp hook-ups. Tsa-Kwa-Luten offers 50 amp electrical hookups, and the camp host can assist with adapters for 30 amp connections.
Expect limited cell coverage in pockets, small island grocery options, and wildlife on the roads. There have been wolf and cougar sightings periodically in the park; food should be packed away in vehicles, dogs must be kept on a leash, and children should be supervised.
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 Strathcona B, BC
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Strathcona, BC?
RV rental in Strathcona, BC is more affordable than most travelers expect, especially when you split the cost with family or friends. Motorhomes near Strathcona average around $200 CAD per night, while towable trailers come in closer to $120 CAD per night, and many hosts offer 10 to 20 percent discounts on weekly or monthly bookings. To find a cheap RV rental in Strathcona, look mid-week, shoulder-season (May, June, and September), and use the price filter on RVezy to sort by budget. Pro tip: combining a smaller travel trailer with a free first-come campsite at Buttle Lake can dramatically reduce your nightly cost.
bcparks.ca/strathcona-park/What kind of driver's license do I need to rent an RV in Strathcona?
Good news, a regular Class 5 BC driver's license (or its equivalent from your home province, state, or country) is all you need to rent an RV in Strathcona, BC. There is no special RV endorsement or commercial license required for motorhomes, campervans, or travel trailers on the RVezy platform. You'll need to be 25 or older, and you'll confirm your ID through the RVezy platform during booking, which takes just a few minutes. Visiting from abroad? Bring an International Driving Permit alongside your home license. Most first-time renters are surprised how straightforward it is to get on the road toward Buttle Lake.
icbc.com/driver-licensing/visit-move-bc/Pages/Visiting-BC.aspxIs my RV rental protected if something goes wrong on the trip in Strathcona?
Yes, every RV rental in Strathcona booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can head out Highway 28 toward Gold River with confidence. The protection plan covers damage to the RV up to set limits and gives you real financial peace of mind during your trip. At booking you choose between protection plan tiers (Standard, Premium, or Peace of Mind) based on the level of coverage you want, so you stay in control of your budget. Roadside assistance is available around the clock if you get a flat near Campbell River or need help on a remote stretch of the Buttle Lake Parkway.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my Strathcona RV rental?
Booking is low-risk because RVezy sets the cancellation policy platform-wide, not the individual host, so you don't have to compare fine print between listings when shopping for a motorhome rental in Strathcona. Cancellations made within 24 hours of booking (and at least 7 days before pickup) receive a full refund of the rental cost. After that grace window, the refund amount depends on how far in advance you cancel relative to your trip start date. If your plans shift due to wildfire closures or other issues common on Vancouver Island in dry summers, head into your RVezy dashboard or contact RVezy support and they'll walk you through your options.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on an RV trip through Strathcona Provincial Park?
Absolutely, Strathcona is one of the most dog-friendly corners of Vancouver Island, and a pet-friendly RV rental in Strathcona is easy to find. Just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy and you'll see listings from hosts who welcome four-legged co-pilots. Dogs are allowed at Buttle Lake and Ralph River Campgrounds as long as they're leashed (3-metre maximum), and they're welcome on most front-country trails, though they aren't permitted in backcountry zones like Forbidden Plateau. Pro tip: Elk Falls Provincial Park near Campbell River has a fantastic suspension-bridge loop that's leashed-dog-friendly and a perfect stop on your way into Strathcona.
bcparks.ca/pets-in-parks/Can the RV be delivered to a campground or my driveway in Strathcona?
Yes, RV delivery in Strathcona is offered by many RVezy hosts, and it's the easiest way to skip the learning curve if it's your first time renting an RV. Filter your search by Delivery and you'll see hosts who will tow or drive the RV to Buttle Lake Campground, Ralph River, Elk Falls, or a private property in Campbell River or the Comox Valley, then level it, hook it up, and walk you through every system. Delivery fees are set by each host and usually scale with distance from their home base. Pro tip: delivery to Buttle Lake (about 90 km west of Campbell River via Highway 28 and Westmin Road) is especially popular because the road has tight curves first-timers may want to skip.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038798533-What-is-RV-deliveryHow far can I travel from Strathcona, and what about mileage limits?
You've got serious range from Strathcona, BC, and you can find an RV rental with unlimited mileage by using the mileage filter on RVezy or messaging hosts directly. From the Campbell River gateway to Strathcona, Tofino and Long Beach are about 220 km southwest (around 3.5 hours via Port Alberni), Victoria sits roughly 265 km south, Telegraph Cove for whale watching is about 200 km north, and Nanaimo's ferry terminals are about 155 km south. Most hosts include 100 to 200 km per day and charge a per-kilometre fee beyond that, but unlimited-mileage listings are common. Pro tip: plan your RV road trip from Strathcona around BC Ferries schedules if you're hopping to the mainland.
bcferries.com/routes-faresWhere are the best campgrounds near Strathcona to park my RV?
The best campgrounds near Strathcona offer a mix of frontcountry comfort and true wilderness. Buttle Lake Campground and Ralph River Campground sit inside Strathcona Provincial Park along Buttle Lake and are bookable through BC Parks' Discover Camping reservation system, with sites suitable for RVs up to roughly 10 m. Just outside the park, Elk Falls Provincial Park Campground near Campbell River offers over 120 vehicle sites and the famous suspension bridge. For full hookups, Pacific Playgrounds Oceanside Resort and Salmon Point Resort along the east coast are popular for RV camping near Strathcona. Pro tip: provincial park sites have no hookups, so arrive with full fresh water and empty holding tanks.
camping.bcparks.ca/When is the best time of year for an RV trip to Strathcona?
The sweet spot for a Strathcona RV trip is early June through late September, when daytime highs sit between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius and the alpine wildflowers on Forbidden Plateau are in full bloom. Buttle Lake and Ralph River Campgrounds officially open April 1 and close October 31, but snow can linger on higher trails until July. July and August are warmest and busiest, while September brings smaller crowds, fewer mosquitoes, and golden larches. Winter rentals are possible too, with Mount Washington Alpine Resort just minutes away for skiing and snowshoeing. Pro tip: book Buttle Lake sites the moment the 4-month BC Parks reservation window opens, they vanish fast.
bcparks.ca/strathcona-park/I've never driven an RV before. Will I be okay on Vancouver Island roads?
You're going to do great, first time renting an RV in Strathcona is more common than you might think, and every RVezy host provides a hands-on orientation at pickup covering driving, levelling, water, propane, and the dump valve. Most listings near Strathcona are Class C motorhomes or travel trailers under 28 ft, which handle Highway 19 and the curvier Highway 28 to Buttle Lake comfortably. You can message your host any question before booking, and 24/7 roadside assistance is one phone call away. Pro tip: if you're nervous, choose a Class B campervan rental in Strathcona for your first trip, they drive like a large van and park almost anywhere.
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/driver-safety/learn-to-drive-smartWhat happens if the RV breaks down near Buttle Lake or somewhere remote?
Help is built into every booking: 24/7 roadside assistance is included with your RVezy protection plan, covering flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, tows, and mechanical issues. That matters in Strathcona because cell coverage drops between Campbell River and Gold River along Highway 28, and fuel options are very limited along that stretch. Your host is also a direct message away and knows the rig inside out. Before pulling out of pickup, save the RVezy support line and your host's contact in your phone. Pro tip: download offline Google Maps for the Buttle Lake area and grab a paper Vancouver Island map at the Campbell River Visitor Centre, just in case.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008954-Roadside-assistanceCan I take my Strathcona RV rental on a longer road trip or across to the mainland?
Yes, an RV road trip from Strathcona can absolutely include the rest of Vancouver Island and BC's mainland, just confirm the host's travel range when you message them. Popular routes include Strathcona to Tofino (about 220 km), the North Island run to Port Hardy (about 235 km from Campbell River), and ferry crossings from Nanaimo's Departure Bay or Duke Point to Horseshoe Bay or Tsawwassen for Whistler or the Okanagan. Travel into the United States may be allowed with some hosts, and RVezy insurance can extend into the U.S., but rentals cannot cross into Mexico. Pro tip: book BC Ferries reservations in advance, RV-length surcharges apply and standby waits in summer can stretch hours.
bcferries.com/How much should I budget for fuel on a Strathcona RV trip?
Fuel is one of the biggest variables, but it's easy to budget for your RV camping in Strathcona once you know the numbers. Expect roughly 18 to 25 litres per 100 km for a Class C motorhome, 14 to 18 L/100 km for a campervan, and 16 to 22 L/100 km for a tow vehicle pulling a travel trailer. Gas in Campbell River typically runs about 10 to 15 cents per litre higher than mainland BC, and there is no fuel between Campbell River and Gold River on Highway 28, so fill up before heading into Strathcona Provincial Park. A typical 5-day loop covers 400 to 600 km. Pro tip: GasBuddy reliably tracks the cheapest stations in Campbell River and Courtenay.
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/electricity-alternative-energy/transportation-energies/fuel-pricesHow far in advance should I book a campsite near Strathcona?
For Buttle Lake and Ralph River Campgrounds inside Strathcona Provincial Park, book the moment the BC Parks Discover Camping window opens, which is exactly 4 months ahead of your arrival date at 7:00 a.m. PT. These two campgrounds are largely reservation-based in peak season and sell out quickly for July and August weekends. Private parks like Salmon Point Resort and Pacific Playgrounds open reservations even earlier, often around January 1 for the summer. Pro tip: if you miss out, services like Campnab text you when a cancellation pops up, and shoulder-season weekdays in May, June, and September are far easier to grab.
camping.bcparks.ca/What are local driving conditions like around Strathcona?
Driving around Strathcona is straightforward if you respect the terrain. Highway 19 (the Inland Island Highway) is a smooth, divided 4-lane route to Campbell River, easy for any RV. Highway 28 from Campbell River to Gold River is paved but winding with 8 to 10 percent grades approaching Buttle Lake, so take it slow and use lower gears on the descent. Watch for logging trucks weekdays, black bears and Roosevelt elk near dawn and dusk, and sudden fog around Upper Campbell Lake. Winter brings snow at higher elevations, and Mount Washington Road requires winter tires October through April. Pro tip: turn on headlights all day, it's the law in BC and helps you spot oncoming traffic on tight curves.
drivebc.ca/What amenities will I find at campgrounds in Strathcona Provincial Park?
Strathcona Provincial Park campgrounds are beautifully rustic, expect a steel fire ring, picnic table, gravel pad, pit or flush toilets, and pumped well water at both Buttle Lake and Ralph River. There are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups inside the park, so you'll run on battery, propane, and fresh-water tanks. The closest sani-dump and potable water fill stations are in the Campbell River area, roughly 50 km east via Highway 28. Maximum RV length is about 10 m, and there's a boat launch at Buttle Lake. Pro tip: fires are only allowed in the official steel rings and only when no campfire ban is in effect, check BC Wildfire Service before you light up.
bcparks.ca/strathcona-park/What will be inside my Strathcona RV rental?
Most RVs on RVezy in Strathcona come fully road-trip-ready: you'll typically find a queen or king bed, a dinette and sofa that convert to extra sleeping space, a 3-burner propane stove, microwave, fridge/freezer, full bathroom with shower and toilet, furnace, air conditioning, and seatbelted seating for travel. Many Class C motorhomes near Campbell River also include a generator, outdoor speakers, awning, and a TV with antenna (Wi-Fi is usually BYO hotspot since cell signal fades past Buttle Lake). Bedding, kitchen kits, and camp chairs are often offered as add-ons. Pro tip: check the listing's sleep count and seatbelt count separately, especially for a family RV trip in Strathcona with kids in car seats.
rvezy.com/What add-ons and pickup options should I expect when I rent an RV in Strathcona?
Hosts in Strathcona offer add-ons that make life easier: bedding and linen packages, kitchen kits, bike racks, BBQs, kayak or SUP racks, generators, camping chairs, and even pre-stocked firewood. Pickup is usually at the host's home in Campbell River, Courtenay, or Comox, with a 30 to 60 minute orientation walkthrough so you leave confident. Mileage policies typically range from 100 to 200 km per day included, with reasonable per-kilometre fees beyond that, and many listings offer unlimited mileage. Pro tip: if you're heading to Tofino or Port Hardy, mention it upfront so your host can suggest the right mileage package.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Strathcona%2C%20British%20ColumbiaHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is simple and secure: you pay through RVezy with a credit card at booking, never directly to the host in cash, which keeps your protection plan and trip support fully active. A refundable security deposit (typically a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars depending on the RV) is pre-authorized on your card before pickup and released after the RV is returned in the same condition. To avoid surprises on your Strathcona RV trip, do a thorough walkaround with your host at pickup and dropoff, take date-stamped photos and videos, and report anything unusual right away. Pro tip: return the RV with the same fuel and propane levels you received and empty grey/black tanks at a Campbell River sani-dump on your way back.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksNearby 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