The best RV rentals in Nanaimo, BC

You don’t have to drive far to find one of the best RV parks in Nanaimo. The Living Forest Oceanside Campground and RV Resort is a full-service facility located 3 miles (5 kilometres) from the center of the city. This waterfront property is one of the area’s top-rated RV resorts because of its scenic views, spacious pull-through and back-in sites, and various amenities. The resort has a park store, laundry room, boat rental facility, and a game room for kids. Campers can stay close to their RV and enjoy the sunbathing and swimming beach or venture out into town to ride bikes or walk along the Nanaimo Harbourfront Walkway.

Do you prefer a quiet, natural campground setting? The Englishman River Falls Provincial Park campground is less than an hour’s drive from Nanaimo and set among an old-growth forest near hiking trails, a swimming hole, and two waterfalls. This campground operates seasonally and is ideal for self-contained RVs. All campsites are primitive, but campers may use the vault toilets and drinking water taps on site. Animal lovers will like that the campground is minutes away from the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre.

RVers who enjoy primitive campsites with upgraded campground services like showers, drinking water, and a sani-dump station will find Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park the ideal place to set up camp. Popular park activities include saltwater fishing, bird watching, canoeing, swimming, and windsurfing. The oceanfront park is located 21 miles (35 kilometres) north of the city and is one of Nanaimo’s best RV campgrounds. Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is a popular destination during the summer, and because of high demand, campers must make reservations.

To get to Nanaimo from mainland British Columbia with your rental RV, you will have to travel by ferry. However, once you arrive on Vancouver Island, you can either travel in your RV and find oversized parking or take advantage of the city’s public transportation system.

The wildlife viewing opportunities in Nanaimo are incredible. The North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre is a non-profit rehabilitation facility that cares for eagles, bears, and other birds. Families can schedule a group or self-guided tour to learn what it takes to rehabilitate the animals and reintroduce them back into the wild. Add a whale-watching tour to your itinerary to see orcas, humpback whales, and other marine life. In addition, several organizations on the island offer boat tours, so you can find the best excursion for you and your family.

There are so many things to see and do with a rental camper in Nanaimo. You can take your rig to the campground and spend time enjoying activities like kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and swimming, or you can venture out into the city. Take a stroll on the Nanaimo Harbourfront Walkway or stop by the Visitor Centre or Nanaimo Museum to pick up a historic walking tour map.

Nanaimo’s diverse culinary scene is sure to fill your bellies and lift your spirits. Visit a farmer’s market or stop by one of the seafood restaurants for locally harvested items and fresh-caught fish. To taste a little bit of everything, you can schedule a food and drink tour. The Nanaimo Bar Trail and the vineyards and wineries will introduce you to local beverages and unique flavors and educate visitors on what makes Vancouver Island’s spirits and wines so special.

Summertime visitors who want to learn about Nanaimo’s culture can find an event or festival almost every weekend. The Marine Festival and World Championship Bathtub Race is a quirky local event that's entertained people since 1967. This spectacular, hosted by the Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society, is family friendly and fun! Other events like the Nanaimo Fringe Festival and Commercial Street Night Markets will give visitors a taste of life on Vancouver Island. Once you visit, you will quickly discover how a blend of culture and camping will make your trip to Nanaimo one to remember.