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. Those camping in Tofino or nearby Ucluelet find themselves surrounded by gorgeous old growth forest and long, flat beaches in one of Canada’s true surfing hotspots. 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 is also a terrific destination year-round. Winter actually provides the best and biggest waves, and Tofino storm watching can be an event in itself. 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, this guide will help you choose the perfect Tofino campground to ensure you have the best Tofino camping experience.
Check out: The Ultimate Vancouver Island Road Trip Itinerary
Tofino Campsites Map
Table of Contents
Best 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.
Bella Pacifica Campground: Best for Beach Front Camping
Photos credit: Bella Pacifica Campground
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. The best sites tend to go fast so advance reservations are recommended (and mandatory in summer).
Sites: 188
Bella Pacifica Prices
$40 – $45 Off-season
$55 -$78 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
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 is currently expanding to include RV rentals and more tent-only sites by the summer of 2021, and they are also joining forces with Pacific Surf School to add a surf shack to the beach that will offer rentals, lessons, storage, surf showers and local tips.
Sites
130 fully serviced RV campsites (open to tenting and vans also)
For 2021 they are adding:
60 new tent-only sites
5 RV rental sites
Surf Grove Prices
Full service RV site: $79 – $110 (Summer season)
Full service RV sites: $49 – $79 (Off-season)
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/
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. 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 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.
Sites
94 drive-in sites
20 walk-in sites
Green Point Campground Prices
$33 drive-in sites
$28 walk-in sites
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
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
$75 – $95 Peak Season (mid May to mid October)
$55 Off Season (mid October to mid May)
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
Other Tofino Camping Options
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.
Sites
18 beach sites
23 forest sites
15 RV sites
MacKenzie Camping Prices
Beach campsite: $45 (low season) – $65 (high season)
Forest campsite: $40 (low season) – $60 (high season)
RV sites: $50 (low season) – $75 (high season)
$5/day for pets
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/
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: $50 /night
Full-Service RV Hook-Up Site: $70 /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
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
$30
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
Website: https://www.discoverucluelet.com/choose-stay/lost-shoe-campground
Ucluelet Camping: Best Ucluelet Campgrounds
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.
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
$25 – $45 tent sites
$20 – $40 hike-in sites
$28 – $48 15-amp / water sites
$30 – $50 30-amp / water sites
$35 – $63 9 full hookup RV 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
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.
Sites
20 oceanfront walk-in sites
12 woodland sites
WYA Point Campground Prices
$75 – $99
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/accomodations-ucluelet/camping-ucluelet
Ucluelet Campground: Best for Ucluelet Access
Photo credit: Ucluelet Campground
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
$50 – $72 in high season
$35 – $48 in low season
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
Wild Pacific Camp: Best for Hikers and Kayakers with an RV
Photo credit: Wild Pacific Camp
This small, RV-only campground is located directly beside the Wild Pacific Trail, one of the best hiking trails in the region. Nearby Spring Cove is excellent for bird watching and the starting point for some outstanding kayaking routes. From the cove, you can either head around the south point to Barkley Sound, go north through the Ucluelet inlet or choose to portage across to Little Beach. Lovely Terrace Beach is just across the road and there are viewing platforms at the south end of the campground perfect for watching the sunrise (if you’re that sort of morning person).
Sites
6 RV sites
Wild Pacific Camp Price
$70 – Full service site: 30 amp power (high season: May 1st – November 1st )
$75 – Full service site 3: 50 amp power, fits oversized motorhomes/trailers
Long term weekly sites available during the off season by request.
Facilities
All sites have full hookups
Address and Contact Information
1015 Peninsula Rd.
Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0
Phone: (250) 919-8251
Email: info@wildpacificcamp.com
Website: https://www.wildpacificcamp.com
Booking.comTofino 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
$165 – $230 low season
$225 – $345 mid season
$310 – $425 high season
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
Conclusion
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!
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Other useful articles you may want to check out:
Port Renfrew: Explore Vancouver Island’s Wild West Coast
Port Renfrew Camping: Choosing the Best Campground
Cumberland BC: Hiking, Biking and Baked Goods
Hornby Island Camping and Glamping: Breaking Down All the Options
Big Damp Trees: A West Coast Recap
Squamish Camping: The Best and Worst of Squamish Campgrounds
Comox Lake: A Vancouver Island Gem
I haven’t been camping here since our kids were toddlers. When the border opens again I will save this for a trip with my new roof top camper. Best to you and Laynni
Thanks, Raul, same to you. Yeah, there are just endless cool campgrounds around the island, perfect for your new toy!
Wow! Such beautiful options!
Tofino seems to have everything, although a tad on the expensive side. If your a van dweller, is there much opportunity to boondock and not have to pay a daily camp fee. Since the pandemic, the more tourist heavy areas have closed up the boondocking option due to community complaints of being overwhelmed by inexperienced rvers littering and just being a nuisance.
I know that this has become a very contentious issue around Tofino, especially this past winter because so many people were looking for somewhere to spend the winter. And as you said, official sites can get pretty pricey so that’s another reason some vanlifers are looking to avoid them. Anyway, the short answer is I don’t really know, we definitely saw people doing it but they seemed to be trying to be very discreet so I don’t think it is widely accepted. Not sure how much they are cracking down, though.
Dean…..when are you going to youtube! The future is video! Get the skimpy budgee smugglers out and start strutting.
I’m going to be testing out a variety of budgee smugglers this summer and gauging response. Stay tuned. Incidentally, we are already on YouTube – don’t tell me you haven’t seen our famous “pig in Sifnos” video? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkRUWI389Y4
You can also watch our Pasaj-cathlons on there…