RV Parks on Vancouver Island

Bruce Wray · 07-06-2009, 10:04 PM

We're going to be picking up our 19' in a week (

), and after a few nights around Chilliwack would like to stay on Vancouver Island to see the sights there. I'm hoping some of the "locals" to the area (you out there, Baglo?) can recommend an RV Park or two near Victoria. Even the obverse -- Parks to avoid -- would be helpful.

Thanks in advance,
Bruce Wray

PGDriver · 07-06-2009, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce Wray

We're going to be picking up our 19' in a week (

), and after a few nights around Chilliwack would like to stay on Vancouver Island to see the sights there. I'm hoping some of the "locals" to the area (you out there, Baglo?) can recommend an RV Park or two near Victoria. Even the obverse -- Parks to avoid -- would be helpful.

Thanks in advance,
Bruce Wray

Hi Bruce

Here is a map of the Provincal campgrounds on the Island, hope it helps....

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/exp.../victoria.html

gbaglo · 07-06-2009, 11:37 PM

I can't assist on campgrounds on the Island, but I can advise you this. Book reservations for the ferry. With an over-height vehicle and trailer, you don't want to spend your entire vacation in a ferry line-up. And, I'd do it now. I tried to book reservations about two weeks ago, for July 25, and the only one available was 2:30 pm. I wanted to come back on Thursday, but the only reservation available was on Wednesday ( the
next weekend will be a long weekend ).

Go to: http://www.bcferries.com/

Cost is an extra $15 each way. Last time I took the Toad over it cost me $174 each way and the price has gone up since then.

And, to search campgrounds, google Hello BC.

baglo

ronstew · 07-07-2009, 10:50 AM

Best bet for getting a ferry booking is on the Tsawwassen - Duke Point run. LINK. (I happen to live in Tsawwassen). Access from the Fraser Valley isn't the best, but you can get to Tsawwassen in 90-100 minutes from Chilliwack. Duke Point is near Nanaimo - not very close to Victoria, but excellent for accessing the rest of the Island.

Of course, weekdays are better for travel than weekends.

I find ferry fares too high, especially with a trailer. But since you are coming all the way from California, I would recommend that you take the extra trip and spend the extra money.

Ron

Jim Bennett · 07-07-2009, 11:48 AM

Bruce, I would recommend that if you are headed to Vancouver Island, that you take as much time as you can. There is so much to see and explore, and a couple days just won't suffice to see it. I can't help with the campgrounds either, as I have either been in a tent or in a motel for the most part. One trip with our tent trailer when the kids were small, we stayed at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park. We had a fantastic site there and did lots of day trips.

Now that I have the 19, I hope to get back there with it in the next few years and spend the best part of two weeks on the island.

Bruce Wray · 07-07-2009, 12:24 PM

Thanks everyone for the inputs. It looks like going to the Island isn't 1) a good spur-of-the-moment idea, and 2) should be more than just a couple-of-days trip. We'll make other plans for the Egg Nest's maiden voyage. But here's and idea: How about an Escape owners' trip there for a week next summer? Any interest? I'd be in for the second half of July or sometime in August.

Bruce

Jim Bennett · 07-07-2009, 12:40 PM

My preference for something like this would be outside of July-August because that is when things are real busy in the camping world. June is nice too, longer days and not so hot either. September is a beautiful time, with much less bugs too.

PGDriver · 07-07-2009, 08:15 PM

I agree with Jim +1^

Bruce Wray · 07-09-2009, 11:44 AM

I was born, raised, and lived the first 40 years of my life in San Diego. It was the same there: fewer crowds and best weather in September. I guess it's a west coast thing. I now agree with Jim, too.

Hokie Escape · 07-09-2009, 04:10 PM

Nope, same on the East Coast too. The Outer Banks of NC in September is heavenly! Definitely, the best time of year (as long as there is no hurricane that is).

ronstew · 07-09-2009, 04:25 PM

Same anywhere that sends the kids back to school in September.

Sadly, schmucks like me have to go back to work in September, too. So, we won't be able to join that trip.

Hokie Escape · 07-09-2009, 08:17 PM

Oh man Ron, it just hit me. You get your new camper, then have to go right back to work!!!!!!! What a bummer! Maybe they'll let you camp out in the teacher's parking lot??

GaryH · 07-17-2009, 11:01 AM

I live 5 minutes from Rathtrevor! I know it's a tough job, but someones got to do it!! :

Anyway, if you want to have a get-together on the Island, we should get some ideas together as to when & where! I could make local inquiries. Like would everyone want hookups, or dry camping? Gary

jim V · 08-15-2009, 10:20 AM

We have been staying in a great campground just outside of Campbell River on Hwy 28. It is called Parkside Campground. The sites are similar to Provincial Campground sites but have water, sewer and electricity. The bathrooms and showers are very well kept and clean. The site is very quiet and caters to the international rent a motorhome crowd. There are a few walking/biking/horse trails in the area as well.

Jim V

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