The Tofino area, on the far west coast of Vancouver Island, is known as “the end of the road”, and it definitely lives up to the name with a wild, outpost feel. Tofino camping options and the nearby Ucluelet campgrounds are popular because they are surrounded by gorgeous old growth forest and long, flat beaches with tremendous surfing. In fact, Tofino surfing is famous around the world.
But even non-surfers flock here in summer to enjoy the spectacular scenery, phenomenal hiking trails and incomparable Pacific Ocean sunsets. With mild temperatures year-round, though, Tofino camping is a terrific alternative year-round. Winter actually provides the best and biggest waves, and Tofino storm watching can be an event in itself.
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Of course, with demand for Tofinfo campgrounds increasing exponentially in recent years, Tofino camping prices have soared as well. It is no longer a cheap place to lay your tent or park your RV but hopefully the incredible scenery and terrific activities can make it worth the trip.
Nonetheless, there are still plenty of exceptional Tofino camping alternatives to choose from, whether you are looking for a laid-back summer beach vacation, a cheap base for your surfing adventures or a comfortable place to take a family vacation.
Now, on to our Tofino camping guide. Hopefully it will help you choose the perfect Tofino campground for your visit.
You should also check out: The Ultimate Vancouver Island Road Trip Itinerary
10 Outstanding Tofino Campgrounds
These are the best campgrounds near Tofino as there is not actually a campground in Tofino, BC itself. However, many are quite close with the added benefit of access to beaches.
1. Bella Pacifica Campground: Best for Beach Front Camping
Located at the end of beautiful Tonquin Trail leading from the Tofino townsite, Bella Pacifica’s big calling card is its enviable spot right on stunning, sandy MacKenzie Beach. Tofino campsites don’t get much closer to the ocean than this, with some of the sites right up against the sand.
Those sites are smaller, best for tenters or vanlifers, have 15 amp power and water and you get to watch the sunset from the comfort of your own camp chair.
For a little more comfort and privacy, there are sheltered sites back in the trees, as well as some that offer full RV hookups, and some on the sea view terrace providing some nice views as well. There are several different beach access trails and staircases and dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash.
They are open from March to November and the best sites tend to go fast so advance reservations are recommended (and mandatory in summer).
Sites: 188
Bella Pacifica Prices
$65 – $75 Off-season
$105 -$130 Peak season (mid May to mid September)
Facilities
Each site has a picnic table and fire pit and you can buy both firewood and ice at the campground office. There are 3 separate, large washrooms with flush toilets, coin-operated showers and outside sinks for washing dishes. There are also laundry facilities and free wifi.
Address and Contact Information
P.O. Box 413
Tofino BC V0R 2Z0
Phone: (250) 725-3400
Email: campground@bellapacifica.com
Website: https://www.bellapacifica.com
2. Surf Grove: Best for Surfers
At Surf Grove, it’s all about location. Cox Bay is simultaneously one of the best surfing beaches in Tofino and potentially the best place to watch the sunset as well. This is the newest of the campgrounds in Tofino and has been getting rave reviews for the excellent facilities, clean showers and friendly staff.
It is just steps from the beach and offers thoughtful touches like a keypad security gate, beach showers and a dog wash.
The sites are decently spaced and they have planted trees to increase privacy (although that will take some time). It is open year-round and recently expanded to include RV rentals and more tent-only sites, and they have joined forces with Pacific Surf School to add a surf shack to the beach that offers rentals, lessons, storage, surf showers and local tips.
Sites
135 fully serviced RV campsites (open to tenting and vans also)
64 new tent-only sites
Surf Grove Prices
Full service sites: $50-75 (off-season) / $130-220 (summer)
A-Frame Tents: $126 (off-season) / $320 (summer)
RV Rentals: $199 (Off-season) / $430 (summer)
Facilities
All sites include water, electric (30-amp), fire pit and a picnic table. There is a sani dump, bathrooms, showers and even wifi.
Address and Contact Information
1451 Pacific Rim Highway PO Box 1109
Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0
Email: info@surfgrove.com
Phone: (250) 725-2750
Website: https://surfgrove.com/
3. Green Point: Best Budget Campground
Located on a scenic bluff overlooking famous Long Beach, this Pacific Rim National Park Reserve campground is the only one on this superb, popular beach. The spacious sites are located within the old growth forest and feel very secluded and private. Following national park pricing, it is by far the cheapest Tofino camping option.
The sites closest to the water are smaller and best for tent camping but many of them do have partial ocean views. RVs are better off staying slightly back in the forest loop.
This enormous beach is ideal for long, flat walks and the campground has lights along the paths to help you get back in the dark. Sites at Green Point are the cheapest places for camping in Tofino and book up early so try to plan ahead. Most high season dates fill up as soon as reservations open in January (or April in 2021). Also, because it is located within Pacific Rim National Park, you will need a park pass to stay here.
Plus, if you are interested in a little more comfortable Tofino camping experience, you could try to reserve the oTENTik luxury camping site. These soft-sided tents hold up to 6 people and include tables, chairs, firepit, terrace and even flush toilets.
Sites
94 drive-in sites
20 walk-in sites
1 oTENTik
Green Point Campground Prices
$36 drive-in sites
$31 walk-in sites
$133 oTENTik
Facilities
Fire pits, picnic tables, free wifi, potable water, new washrooms with showers and flush toilets and bundles of firewood for sale. The drive-in sites have electrical hookups and there is a sani dump on site.
Address and Contact Information
BC-4 Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0
Phone: (877) 737-3783
Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/activ/camping#LBU
4. Crystal Cove: Best for RVs
Specifically catering to the RV crowd, Crystal Cove does not have any tent sites. However, they do have 10 RVs for rent if you don’t have one and would like to live a more luxurious RV lifestyle for a while (it’s all relative, of course).
The campground is part of the Crystal Cove Beach Resort that also offers cabins and has nice, private RV sites set in pristine grounds featuring lovely gardens and common areas and feels more like a resort than a campground.
Located on huge MacKenzie Beach, the protected beach is perfect for kids, not to mention the fascinating rocks at low tide and the ability to walk out to several islands and islets at low tide. The beach also connects to the Tonquin Trail from Tofino.
Sites
58 RV Sites
10 RV rental sites
Crystal Cove Prices
$110 – $135 Peak Season (mid May to mid October)
$90 – $115 Shoulder Season (early March to mid May)
$70-90 Off Season (mid October to early March)
Facilities
Every site has water, sewer and 30-amp power, as well as the obligatory picnic table and fire pit. The washrooms and hot showers are clean, modern and included in the price. Wifi is also available at no extra cost.
There is a coffee shop on-site where you can get firewood bundles, plus a children’s playground and the office has a selection of board games, puzzles, books and DVDs.
Address and Contact Information
1165 Cedarwood Place
Tofino, BC
Phone: (250) 725-4213
Email: info@crystalcove.ca
Website: https://www.crystalcove.ca/tofino-rv-park-camping
5. MacKenzie Beach Camping
Another MacKenzie Beach option, the beach sites here are walk-in only and offer amazing views of the ocean at the cost of very little privacy. Forest sites set back in the trees have more privacy and enough room for a vehicle. There are also fully serviced RV sites a few minutes from the beach. They are open year-round.
They also have cabins and Airstreams for rent if you’re willing to splash out for more comfort.
Sites
18 beach sites
23 forest sites
MacKenzie Camping Prices
Campsite: $50 (low season) / $70 (shoulder season) $90 (high season)
RV sites: $55 (low season) / $70 (shoulder season) / $85 (high season)
$10/day per child (age 2-18)
They also charge a $20 non-refundable reservation fee
Facilities
The RV sites all have sewer, potable water and 30-amp power. The washrooms have heated floors and token-operated hot showers ($2 / 3 minutes), and there is a free cold-water shower outside.
There are coin-operated laundry facilities, a hot water wash basin outside and free wifi. The general store sells snacks, drinks and supplies, including breakfast and firewood.
Address and Contact Information
1101 Pacific Rim Highway
Tofino BC V0R 2Z0
Phone: 1 (250) 725-3439
Email: stay@mackenziebeach.com
Website: https://mackenziebeach.com/rvs-and-camping/
6. Long Beach Campground
This central option located between Tofino and Ucluelet has a nice, old growth forest setting and a more basic feel than some of the others. While the location can be handy for exploring the area, it is a bit of a drive to get to any of the beaches.
It is also very close to the airport so there can be some noise from the planes (although they don’t get a whole lot of air traffic out this way) and there is a golf course on the same property.
Sites
76 campsites
6 fully serviced RV sites
Long Beach Camping Prices
Campsites: $55 – $65 /night
Full-Service RV Hook-Up Site: $80 /night
$5 fee for pets
Facilities
Every site has a picnic table and fire pit and there are potable water taps located throughout the campground. Most of the toilets are outhouses but there are modern flush toilets and free hot showers in the main building. They also provide bundles of firewood.
Address and Contact Information
1850 Pacific Rim Hwy
Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0
Phone: (250) 725-3314 (March – October)
(250) 725-3332 (November – April)
Email: campinglbgc@gmail.com
Website: https://www.longbeachgolfcourse.com/camp#camp-ground
7. Lost Shoe Campground
Closer to Ucluelet than Tofino, this simple, dry camping spot is located about a 10-minute drive from Long Beach near the highway junction. It is a basic place with a friendly owner and is the cheapest campground in Tofino or Ucluelet. They are known for a young crowd and a very relaxed attitude toward rules. Probably not the best choice for families.
Sites
20
Lost Shoe Camping Price
$40
Facilities
Sites have picnic tables and fire pits, and there are portable pit toilets and a water hose. They also sell bundles of firewood.
Address and Contact Information
2660 Tofino-Ucluelet Highway
Phone: (250) 726-8229
Ucluelet Camping: Best Ucluelet Campgrounds
8. Surf Junction Campground: Best for Surfers on a Budget
Just 5 minutes by car to Wickaninnish Beach, one of the most popular surfing beaches in the area, Surf Junction is just far enough away from the beach enough to be quiet and is popular with families. They even have saunas and hot tubs to enjoy after a long day in the cold water and campground staff can book surf lessons for you through Surf Junction Surf School.
Surf lessons start at $95 as part of a group and $185 for a private lesson. Or if you just want to rent a board, you’re looking at $46-58 for 6 hrs, $58-69 for 24 hrs all the way up to $138-150 for 72 hrs.
Sites
48 tent sites
3 hike-in sites
6 15-amp / water sites
9 30-amp / water sites
9 full hookup RV sites
Surf Junction Prices
$37-52 hike-in sites
$42-60 regular tent sites
$42 – $65 elec / water sites
$52 – $80 full service sites
Facilities
There are potable water taps and compost toilets throughout the campground, plus four flush toilet buildings and coin-operated hot showers. The sauna and hot tub are free for campers, plus there are several dishwashing stations and a children’s playground. Every site has a picnic table and fire pit and if you need additional parking you can get an extra spot for $15/night.
There is a free wetsuit washing station and a wetsuit drying station that costs $5 for your entire stay. On-site there is also a covered communal picnic area and a campground store where you can pick up basic supplies.
Address and Contact Information
2650 Tofino-Ucluelet Hwy
Ucluelet, BC
Phone: 250-726-7214
Toll Free: 1-877-922-6722
Email: surfjunctioncampground@gmail.com
Website: https://www.surfjunction.com
9. WYA Point Resort Campground: Best for Getting Away from the Crowds
WYA Point is a unique, secluded Ucluelet camping option down a rough dirt road that is owned and operated by the Ucluelet First Nation (also known as Yuu-tluth-aht First Nation). Offering the only beachfront campsites south of the highway junction, WYA Point boasts beautiful sandy coves with calm, clear water and fascinating, rocky tide pools.
It is separated into two sections: Ocean and Woodland. The ocean sites are right next to the beach but are walk-in only. Wheelbarrows are available to help haul your gear to these prime spots. Woodland sites are hidden away in the rainforest not far from the beach, some of which still have ocean views. These ones are spacious enough for a truck camper or even a small RV (under 25 feet).
Popular Half-Moon Bay and Willobrae hiking trails can be accessed directly from the campground. WYA Point also has luxury lodges and yurts if you’re looking for something a little more upscale.
Sites
20 oceanfront walk-in sites
12 woodland sites
WYA Point Campground Prices
Current prices unavailable
Facilities
All food, dishes and cooking gear must be safely stored in the shared bear-proof shacks provided (a short walk from the campsites). Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. There is a communal dishwashing station and a communal washroom with flush toilets and hot showers.
Address and Contact Information
2460 Willowbrae Road
Ucluelet, British Columbia V0R3A0
Phone: 1 (844) 352-6188
Email: info@wypoint.com
Website: https://www.wyapoint.com/
10. Ucluelet Campground: Best for Ucluelet Access
Located right in the historic fishing village of Ucluelet, this big campground has tent, trailer and RV sites with a variety of services and views. It doesn’t have the wilderness feel of some of the forest campgrounds and a lot of the sites are better for RVs because of the lack of privacy, but there are some quieter tent sites back in the trees.
Either way, the big draw is being close to all the attractions, shops and restaurants of Ucluelet. So if you want to be camping in Ucluelet this is the place for you.
Sites
125
Ucluelet Campground Prices
They charge different prices throughout the year so the exact figures will depend on which month you want to stay.
Unserviced $30-67
Partially serviced $35-85
Fully serviced $38-85
Facilities
Sites vary from no-service to partial to full-service, all with picnic tables and fire pits. There are clean washroom and shower facilities, as well as water stations.
Address and Contact Information
260 Seaplane Base Road
Ucluelet, Vancouver Island, BC
Phone: (250) 726-4355
Email: camp@uclueletcampground.com
Website: www.uclueletcampground.com
Tofino Glamping
Not everybody owns an RV or relishes the thought of sleeping in a tent. Maybe for you, camping is more about being close to nature and the beautiful beaches and less about roughing it. If so, then maybe glamping is just the ticket. And this is the closest you will find to a camping in Tofino option.
Wild Pod
This unique place features a set of futuristic waterfront geodesic domes within easy walking distance of the shops, restaurants and adventure outfitters of Tofino. Located at the very tip of Grice Point, they combine comfort and shelter with spectacular views of the harbour, local wildlife and those famous Tofino sunsets and/or storms.
Each pod fits up to 2 adults and features a 5-metre panoramic window and a cedar deck with a pair of Adirondack chairs. No kids, pets or smoking.
Sites
6 domes
Wild Pod Prices
$225 – $310 low season (Nov-Mar, closed mid-Dec thru Jan)
$320 – $425 shoulder season (Apr-May / Oct)
$390 – $495 high season (Jun-Sep)
Facilities
Each dome has its own en suite bathroom and shower, a queen bed, blackout curtains, kitchenette, propane fireplace and free wifi.
Address and Contact Information
174 West Street
PO Box 148
Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0
Phone: (250) 725-2020
Email: glamping@wildpod.ca
Website: https://www.wildpod.ca
Other Tofino Accommodation
Not everyone is looking to camp for their entire stay and, let’s face it, some of the hotels are actually cheaper than camping. If you are thinking of combining some Tofino camping with a few nights in one of the comfortable, beautiful hotel or resort options, here are some of the best choices.
Long Beach Lodge Resort
Long Beach Lodge Resort boasts lovely rooms, luxury amenities, a highly-rated restaurant located right on arguably the nicest beach in the Tofino area and was ranked as the 16th-best hotel in all of Canada in 2022 by TripAdvisor. From the stunning location on wild, wonderful Cox Bay Beach you can watch the surfers, beach walkers, passing eagles and frolicking families from one of the classic Muskoka chairs or the impressive dining room.
Some of the rooms have balconies and ocean views, the perfect choice for one of the best sunset spots on all of Vancouver Island. They also offer private surf lessons to guests. It is the perfect place for a memorable Tofino stay.
Click here for prices and availability at Long Beach Lodge Resort
The Inn at Tough City
Another excellent choice is The Inn at Tough City, which is made of recycled bricks from downtown Vancouver and features some fascinating, campy decorations. Each room has a deck or balcony with ocean views, there is a good sushi restaurant on-site and it is close to many other Tofino restaurants.
Click here to check prices and availability at The Inn at Tough City
Seafarers Bed & Breakfast
Seafarers Bed & Breakfast is located south of Tofino on Chesterman Beach, just a 2-minute walk from the water (and close enough to hear the waves). Each room has its own unique theme and some feature a jacuzzi, perfect for warming up after spending the day surfing in the frigid Pacific waters.
Click here for prices and availability at Seafarers Bed & Breakfast
Other Ucluelet Accommodation
Ucluelet may lack the name recognition of Tofino but it isn’t far away and is a very nice little beach town in its own right. It is also your best bet for finding some “budget” options (prices are all relative in the area but certainly never qualify as cheap).
Sounds of the Sea
Probably the pick of the less expensive options, Sounds of the Sea is conveniently located right next to the Wild Pacific Trail and very close to the famous lighthouse (although a fair walk from the main beaches). A nice, modern place with comfortable suites, it is a good choice if you have a car to visit the beaches near Tofino.
Click here for prices and availability at Sounds of the Sea
6 Amazing Things to Do in Tofino
There are dozens of other terrific places to visit and things to do in the Tofino area. Here are just some of the highlights we would recommend:
1. Catch some waves
Surfing in Tofino is among the best in the world. So if you are a fan of riding the waves, this is definitely the place to be.
2. Bundle up for some storm watching
Storm watching in Tofino can be epic, especially in the winter months. Cox Bay is one of the top places to see the wild stuff, especially at Pettinger Point. Look for the small path at the north end that cuts through the Pacific Sands Resort. And even if the weather is disappointingly fine Cox Bay is a superb place to watch the sunset.
3. Do some beach hopping
Long Beach is massive (16 km long), flat, wild and one of the most famous surfing spots in Canada.
Grice Bay can provide amazing reflections from roadside viewpoints on a calm day.
Wickaninnish Beach is another fantastic surfing and walking beach. Lismer Beach at the south end is particularly scenic with a fun islet and a lot of tide pools.
4. Go for a hike
Tonquin Trail is an easy hike that starts right in Tofino and hits several great viewpoints and beaches.
The Rainforest Loops in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve are two short, easy walks on boardwalks through old growth forest.
At the very bottom of Ucluelet, check out part of the Wild Pacific Trail – either around a beautiful peninsula to Amphitrite Lighthouse Point or up the coast from Brown’s Beach to experience some of the best wild coastal views on the island.
Put on your best waterproof footwear for the nice – but very muddy – walk to the Canso Plane Crash site, the remains of a WWII plane.
If you have the time, consider taking a boat across the bay from Tofino to hike the Lone Cone trail, an iconic climb to an extraordinary viewpoint.
5. Enjoy a boat tour
There are also popular boat tours that visit nearby hot springs and a variety of whale watching tours available – most hotels can arrange something or direct you to the right place.
6. Try a seaplane adventure tour
Finally, the coolest way to arrive in Tofino can actually be called an activity in itself. You can book a seaplane transfer directly from Vancouver to Tofino, enjoying incredible views of the city, Vancouver Island and Clayoquot Sound before landing on the water at Tofino Resort & Marina. The crazy thing is that it only costs about the same as the ferry to the island and saves a good 4-5 hours of driving.
Tofino Camping Map
Click the star to save this map to your Google Maps – then find it under Saved/Maps (mobile) or Your Places/Maps (desktop)
How to Get to Tofino
If you’re planning to do some Tofino camping this summer (or winter), be mentally prepared for a bit of driving. Tofino and Ucluelet are truly located at “the end of the road” on the far Pacific side of Vancouver Island. The closest town of any size is Port Alberni, roughly 2 hours away.
To get to the main Vancouver Island centres you are looking at an even longer drive:
Nanaimo to Tofino: 210 km / 3 hrs
Comox to Nanaimo: 230 km / 3 hrs
Victoria to Tofino: 315 km / 4.5 hrs
Most visitors from other parts of Canada (or the world) fly into Vancouver or Victoria and rent a car. We’ve used Discover Cars from the Vancouver airport (and in many other countries). We’ve found they usually have the cheapest deals and have always been very reliable.
Meanwhile, for checking out flights we usually find that SkyScanner is the fastest and most accurate site.
Finally, the coolest way to get to Tofino is actually an activity in itself. You can book a seaplane transfer directly from Vancouver to Tofino, enjoying incredible views of the city, Vancouver Island and Clayoquot Sound before landing on the water at Tofino Resort & Marina. The crazy thing is that it only costs about the same as the ferry to the island and saves you all that driving.
Trip Planning Resources
Here is a list of the most important resources we use when planning our travels, all in one convenient spot. Full disclosure, when you use any of these links to reserve or sign up for something, we receive a small commission which is greatly appreciated. However, your price does not change and we have only included products and websites that we can honestly recommend.
- DuckDuckGo is now far and away the best search engine for travel planning. While Google still provides quick answers to a specific questions, the rest of the results are completely overrun by ads and big company sites with only vaguely related info. DuckDuckGo, on the other hand, still offers useful lists of firsthand articles and posts about potential destinations, perfect for planning your next trip.
- We book the majority of our hotels on Booking.com. With frequent stay discounts, thousands of reviews and free cancellation, it is very rare for us to have a bad hotel experience these days.
- Wise is by far the best international multicurrency bank account we’ve found. We can now send and receive money in half a dozen different currencies, convert to dozens more with no exchange premium and pay or withdraw local currencies. Highly recommended.
- When travelling we always get SIM cards with data for our phones. Local SIM cards are sometimes a bit cheaper but if you have a relatively new smartphone (iPhone XR or newer, Samsung S20 or newer) you can just buy an eSIM online, get a QR code by email and you’re good to go. After extensive research we have found that JetPac sim cards usually have the best coverage and prices.
- If you’re interested in local guided tours, including everything from city tours to cooking lessons to adventure activities, check out the huge range of options at Get Your Guide.
Tofino Camping Summary
Camping in Tofino on Canada’s wild west coast can be a transformative experience, allowing you to get back to nature while enjoying the many phenomenal activities the area has to offer, from surfing and beach combing to hiking and kayaking. The wonderful towns of Tofino and Ucluelet have plenty of terrific eating, shopping and entertainment options to enjoy in between fabulous sunsets and old growth forest explorations. And if you’re lucky, you might just get to do a little famous Tofino storm-watching!
Other useful articles you may want to check out:
The Ultimate Vancouver Island Road Trip Itinerary
Port Renfrew: Explore Vancouver Island’s Wild West Coast
Port Renfrew Camping: Choosing the Best Campground
Hornby Island Camping and Glamping: Breaking Down All the Options
Salt Spring Island Camping and Glamping
Squamish Camping: The Best and Worst of Squamish Campgrounds
Cumberland BC: Hiking, Biking and Baked Goods
