BC camping is about as ideal as camping gets. This westernmost province in Canada offers some of the most breathtaking scenery that you will find anywhere on the planet, for starters. It also offers hundreds of parks with camping facilities, as well as numerous camper-friendly recreation sites and a significant number of private campgrounds. For the RVing crowd, there are also RV parks that beckon with their wonderful locations and their full or partial hookups. The Redstreak Campground in Kootenay National Park, for example, has full hookup sites for RV travelers. The options are complete when it comes to British Columbia camping, so camping enthusiasts are encouraged to get creative.

Some of the best BC camping can be done in the province's delightful national parks. The Kootenay National Park offers a variety of campgrounds for both tent campers and RV travelers, and as is true of so many other British Columbia parks, there are rudimentary backcountry sites that can be used for extended treks into more isolated areas. Other national parks in the Canadian Rockies offer campgrounds for nature enthusiasts to take advantage of, and nearby Glacier National Park isn't to be overlooked. Should you plan on securing a spot at one of the BC campgrounds that can be found at a provincial park, a wealth of activities can be enjoyed on the side. These parks are ideal for recreational pursuits of all kinds, including fishing and hiking. Most are vehicle accessible, as is true of more than 300 provincial parks with campgrounds.

Many BC campsites are basic and cater to true nature enthusiasts who are interested in staying at a site that is off the beaten path. Many times, you will have to get a special permit to access these kinds of sites, the likes of which are most often found in backcountry locations. At vehicle accessible campgrounds, such as those that can be found at Pacific Rim National Park on Vancouver Island, the facilities are usually more complete and can include fire rings, firewood, picnic tables, water, and either flush or pit toilets. Other facilities that many vehicle accessible BC campsites offer are kitchen shelters, showers, and food storage facilities.

British Columbia Map

If you want to enjoy a certain amount of creature comforts during your BC camping trip, finding a spot at one of the province's private campgrounds might just be the best option. Most of the private campgrounds have flush toilets, RV hookups, showers, and even Internet access. You might even find a supply store on the grounds. As for the those who like to enjoy more authentic wilderness experiences, many of the campsites found near British Columbia's rivers, lakes, and hiking trails are the most ideal. Facilities at these more rustic BC campgrounds tend to only include pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables.

Mid-May to the early part of September is prime BC camping season. If you want to avoid the crowds, the campgrounds across the province are busiest in July and August. British Columbia camping can be enjoyed year round, as some of the campgrounds don't close, and as you might imagine, sites are easier to come by in the chillier winter season. Whatever your camping preferences, British Columbia can meet your needs, and chances are good that you'll want to come back for more if you're lucky enough to camp in this most splendid land.