10 Best Campsite for Tofino Camping
On the extreme west coast of Vancouver Island, the region around Tofino Camping is referred to as “the end of the road,” and it certainly lives up to that moniker with a wild, outpost-like vibe.
In one of Canada’s prime surfing locations, those who camp in Tofino and nearby Ucluelet are surrounded by stunning old-growth forests & long, flat beaches. The surfing at Tofino is well-known all over the world.
But even people who don’t surf come here in the summer to take in the breathtaking landscape, fantastic hiking trails, and unrivalled Pacific Ocean sunsets. Tofino, however, is a fantastic vacation spot all year round because of its consistently warm temps. The greatest and largest waves are found in the winter, and storm watching in Tofino may be a unique experience.
Tofino Camping
Whether you are searching for a relaxed summer beach holiday, a budget-friendly base for your surfing excursions, or a pleasant spot to have a family vacation.
You certainly love the outdoors since you camp. And Tofino is unquestionably one of the best locations in British Columbia for getting close to nature. On the west side of Vancouver Island, at the point of a peninsula, you will be surrounded on every side by pristine beaches, rough surf, and enchanted forests.
This stunning area is a favourite of both locals and tourists and year-round offers amazing vistas and activities for solitary or family travellers. Tofino is renowned for its incredible surfing chances, culture, and community, but a large number of visitors also come to take advantage of the town’s other attractions.
You can find fantastic hiking paths, such As the Rainforest Trail or The Wild Pacific Towpath down the road in Ucluelet, in addition to the magnificent beaches like Chesterman Beach & Long Beach and their breathtaking sunsets.
Yes, the summer months may be very busy in this area of the island. To allow yourself and the locals a little more breathing room, you might want to consider travelling during the off-peak months. You can camp while taking advantage of some of the finest storm-watching inside the province because of the warm temperatures all year round. On this list, a few of the Tofino Camping Spots spots have.
Getting to Tofino
You must first board the Horseshoe Bay ferry from North Vancouver into Departure Bay near Nanaimo if you are travelling from Vancouver. Then take Highway 19 north. At Port Alberni, proceed down the hill and turn right just at T-junction after taking exit 60 off Highway 4. After that, take Tofino’s directions.
One of the most beautiful drives on the West Coast is the one from Vancouver to Tofino. You’ll drive through dense forests, pass by ocean views, and take in all the attractions the coast has to offer. You can also stop along the road at a place like the fishing village of Port Alberni.
Best campgrounds in Tofino
Since there isn’t a campground in Tofino, British Columbia, proper, these are the Best campgrounds nearby. However, a lot of them are relatively close and offer access to beaches as a bonus.
1. Best Beach Front Camping at Bella Pacifica Campground
Bella Pacifica’s main selling point is its excellent location directly on gorgeous, sandy MacKenzie Beach, which is accessible from the Tofino townsite by way of the lovely Tonquin Trail. This is the closest the campgrounds in Tofino come to the water, with a few of the sites right up on the sand.
Sheltered sites tucked away in the trees, full RV hookups, & some on its sea view terrace with lovely views are all available for a bit more comfort and solitude.
Dogs are permitted as long they are on a leash, and numerous different routes and staircases provide access to the beach. Bookings are advised because the best locations tend to sell out quickly.
At the campsite office, you can purchase ice and firewood, and each site seems to have a picnic table and a fire pit. Three separate, spacious restrooms are available, each with toilet facilities, coin-operated showers, and outside sinks for dishwashing. Additionally, there are launderettes and free wifi.
2. The best for surfers is Surf Grove Campground
At Surf Grove, location is everything. One of Tofino’s top surfing spots and perhaps the best spot to see the sunset both happen to be Cox Bay. This is the latest campground in Tofino, and people are raving about the top-notch amenities, spotless showers, and welcoming staff.
The locations are reasonably separated, and trees have been planted to improve privacy. It is accessible all year round and will soon have more tent-only sites and RV rentals.
3. Best inexpensive campground: Green Point
The sole camping on this excellent, well-known beach is in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, which is situated on a picturesque bluff overlooking Long Beach. The large plots feel incredibly quiet and private because they are surrounded by ancient-growth forests.
Smaller and ideal for tent camping, the sites nearest to the water do have some partial ocean views. The forest loop should be significantly further back for RVs.
Long, easy walks down this expansive beach are perfect, and the campground’s paths are lit, so you can return in the dark. The most affordable camping spots in Tofino are near Green Point, but they fill up quickly, so make reservations as soon as possible.
4. The Best for RVs is Crystal Cove
There are no tent sites in Crystal Cove because it only accommodates RVs. However, if you don’t have one & would like to temporarily live a more opulent RV lifestyle (it’s all relative, of course), they do offer 10 RVs available for rent.
The campsite is a component of the Crystal Cove Beach Resort, which also provides cabin rentals. It features good, private RV sites situated on immaculate grounds with lovely gardens and common spaces and has a resort-like atmosphere that feels more like a campground than a resort.
The protected beach is ideal for children and is part of the expansive MacKenzie Beach. Every site features a fire pit, a picnic table, and 30-amp power in addition to these amenities. The ticket includes the use of hot showers and clean, contemporary restrooms. Additionally, wifi is accessible and cost-free.
On-site amenities include a children’s playground, a coffee shop where you can buy firewood bundles, as well as a selection of board games, puzzles, novels, and DVDs at the office.
5. Resort at Crystal Cove Beach
It feels like home at the Crystal Cove Beach Resort. Everyone is extremely amiable, which gives a campground a sense of community.
Like the grounds across the entire resort, this Tofino campground is well maintained. Because they are tucked away in the forest, sites provide excellent privacy. You searched the island, and this is the most kid-friendly Tofino camping we could find. The playground is fantastic, and the calmer waves at Mackenzie Beach make for a safer water trip for children.
At Crystal Cove Beach Resort, there aren’t any tenting spots available, but you may rent one of 10 opulent RVs for an upgraded glamping experience.
There are no tent sites in Crystal Cove because it only accommodates RVs. However, if you don’t have one & would like to temporarily live a more opulent RV lifestyle (it’s all relative, of course), they do offer 10 RVs available for rent.
Many paths lead directly to the magnificent Mackenzie Beach as you meander through the resort’s cabin area.
6. Glamping in Tofino at an Elevated Level
You’re missing out if you’ve never gone glamping. It certainly is the combination of both worlds when natural beauty and traditional comforts are combined in one place.
Camping in Tofino enables guests to congregate by a cosy fire and take in the calming sounds of the sea before slipping between plush sheets to get some much-needed rest. E
Everyone should experience Tofino camping at least once because it’s safe for the environment, convenient, and situated in a stunning natural setting.
We’ve distilled down the top Tofino camping spots that focus on living large to save you the trouble. You’re certain to fall in love with anything on this list, from the opulent glamping cottages of Mussel Beach to only one pod at Tofino’s distinctive WildPod site.
7. Private Getaway at Mussel Beach
Mussel Beach Private Getaway, which is conveniently situated halfway between Tofino & Ucluelet, is a total haven for glamping fans. This off-grid residence, which was created to feel miles away from Vancouver Island’s more well-known attractions, offers breathtaking ocean views, first-rate amenities, & two of the region’s warmest hosts.
The location you’re searching for if you’re here to clamp is situated between the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and the Long Beach Broken Group Islands. Visitors have easy access to nearby points of interest and nature trails from this location.
The glamping huts have a spacious interior, full or queen-sized mattresses (with sheets! ), a private outhouse, accessibility to campsite showers, a private deck with sweeping ocean views, a gas camping heater, and more.
12V solar electricity, a fire pit outside, and other amenities. Depending on the hut you choose, glamping won’t cost you much less than $150 per night, but the facilities and setting make these huts an absolute deal.
Why not reserve one of the 31 seasonal campsites at Mussel Beach if you’d prefer something less expensive but adore the area? You will be required to pay for the entire season, which can be annoying if all you want is a three-night vacation. Rates vary.
However, when you consider that you have year-round access, the prices of $900 for tropical forests and $1500 for seaside sites are a steal!
While you’re here, go kayaking, surfing, or boogie boarding on the ocean. For a more leisurely afternoon, you may perhaps sit on the shoreline while reading a book. The Wild Pacific Trail, the Ucluelet Aquarium, and the stunning Chesterman Beach should all be explored in central Ucluelet and Tofino.
Whatever you want from your Tofino lodging, Mussel Beach Private Retreat is guaranteed to please (and have you quickly making travel plans for a follow-up visit!).
8. WildPod
Visit Wildpod, the only designated glamping location in Tofino, if you’re a traveller looking for a genuinely distinctive glamping experience! Each dome provides a wonderful retreat for adult couples and offers breathtaking views of the UNESCO Clayoquot Sounds Biosphere Region.
The site’s most appealing feature is undoubtedly the views, but visitors will also find a luxurious bed with top-notch linens, a kitchenette, a propane fireplace, as well as romantic lighting. The ensuite bathroom also has a shower, luxury toiletries, panoramic windows, and blackout curtains.
As the owners believe you’d be better off viewing high-definition images out the window, there are no TVs inside the pods. The eco-friendly and comfy pods are built from reinforced steel frames, so visitors can rest easy knowing that by renting one, they’re minimising their carbon footprint.
The location of the building is ideal for getting to Tofino’s top eateries, galleries, and excursions. The town’s best attractions are all within walking distance, and you can spend the evening sipping cocktails on the waterfront. It’s important to be aware of the two-night minimum stay requirement before making a pod reservation.
They might let you stay for just one night, but you’ll have to look at the Available Dates page & get in touch with the venue directly to find out. Though a long shot, it has happened before.
9. Lodge in Clayoquot Wilderness
The beautiful resort Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge is situated along the expansive Clayoquot Sound and provides easy access to the area’s breathtaking inlets and lush woodlands. It is known for its opulent glamping tents and opulent lodges.
Twenty-five opulent canvas tents from Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge are scattered across the nearby forests. The Rainforest Deluxe tent can accommodate up to four people and has contemporary furnishings and a lovely balcony that looks out onto the Sound.
If you’re looking for something bigger, the Hillside Family tents have two bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms featuring heated floors, private balconies, showers, and a wide deck. They can accommodate up to eight people.
Although the in-room amenities are excellent, guests may also indulge in a hot stone massage at the Healing Grounds Spa, go on secluded hiking paths to see local wildlife, and explore the vast Clayoquot wilderness region.
There is sure to be something on offer that piques your interest, from horseback rides to tree climbing & mountain biking. Oh, and sign up for the Wilderness Lodge Heli Hiking tour if you want to see the best of Clayoquot Sound. It’s an unforgettable feeling to soar 3000 feet above sea level.
10. Point Way
Check out Wya Point if you’re seeking to camp in Tofino, that’s south of the junction. The proprietors of Wya Point, which is situated right on the lake, value harmony with the environment. Every lodge is constructed on cement stilts as a tribute to the as well as the owners have made sure that every piece of décor pays homage to the region’s historical traditions.
The luxurious yurts are perfect for glampers, and they are spaced reasonably far apart from one another. This provides honeymooners and couples with a level of privacy that is uncommon at other campgrounds. You will have access to a private beach, a gas stove, a BBQ, tea, and coffee, as well as daily housekeeping and access to shared bathing.
Book a room in one of the lodges if you want to turn the intensity up even more. It’s as far off camping as you’re going to get, featuring comfortable cedar beams & posts and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Not only will you have a private deck with stunning ocean views, but you’ll also get a fully functional kitchen, plush linens, as well as a wood stove to keep the lodge cosy. Although staying here will undoubtedly cost you money, the experience is guaranteed to be exceptional.
Why not try taking some surf lessons while you’re in the area? All teachers are Native First Nations Fully Certified & local West Coast instructors, and equipment rental and instruction are offered at the Way Point Surf Shop Café.
Give a try at fishing in the waters off the Pacific Northwest if you’d prefer to keep dry. You might catch anything on your fishing expedition, including Chinook and Sockeye Salmon!
For tourists & locals seeking a fantastic place to staycation, Tofino is a great place to visit. Camping in the area is highly advised due to the region’s pleasant climate and breathtaking natural scenery.
Fortunately, Tofino, British Columbia, has many top-notch campgrounds with different sorts of lodging for different types of campers. We hope this list of the best Tofino campgrounds has assisted you in finding the ideal camping location in Tofino, whether you’re looking for wilderness camping, family-friendly campgrounds, or opulent glamping.
Final Note
The opportunity to reconnect with nature while taking advantage of the many incredible activities the place has to offer, such as surfing, beachcombing, hiking, and kayaking, makes camping in Tofino on Canada’s untamed west coast an unforgettable experience.
Between stunning sunsets and excursions of old-growth forests, green point campgrounds, the charming towns of Tofino & Ucluelet provide a wealth of fantastic dining, shopping, and entertainment opportunities. Additionally, if you’re fortunate, you might even get to witness a renowned Tofino storm!
