Camping in the Southern Gulf Islands feels like slipping into a slower, saltier version of time. With ferry-access only, walk-in tent sites, and ocean views for days, these islands offer a camping experience that’s equal parts wild and whimsical. Whether you’re into rugged backcountry solitude or waking up steps from a local market, there’s a Gulf Island with your name on it.
In this article, we’ll discuss:
If you’re looking for a peaceful, nature-rich camping experience that’s still accessible, the Southern Gulf Islands are hard to beat. Scattered between Vancouver Island and the BC mainland, these islands offer a mix of ocean views, forest trails, and small, welcoming communities — all within a short ferry ride.
Unlike more crowded campgrounds on the mainland, sites here tend to be smaller, quieter, and more connected to nature. Many are oceanside or nestled in forest clearings, and most are ideal for tent campers, cyclists, and those traveling light. There’s very little noise aside from birds, wind in the trees, and the occasional ferry horn.
Camping on the Gulf Islands is perfect if you want to unplug, slow down, and spend time hiking, paddling, or simply relaxing outdoors. Each island has its own character — some are rustic and remote, while others have markets, cafes, and short hiking loops within walking distance of your campsite.
Getting to the Gulf Islands is part of the adventure. BC Ferries connects all of the main Southern Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, with most islands accessible in under two hours. Some islands even connect to each other, making multi-island camping trips totally doable with the right planning.
Most campgrounds are either walk-in or a short drive from the ferry terminal, so packing light is key, especially if you’re on foot or traveling by bike. Bring waterproof gear, a reliable cooler or dry food storage, and always pack in your drinking water unless you’re sure the site has a potable source.
Summer reservations for ferries and campgrounds are strongly recommended — spots fill up quickly, especially on holiday weekends. Be prepared for occasional fire bans, and know that cell service can be limited depending on the island. With a bit of planning and a flexible mindset, hopping between the Gulf Islands is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore BC’s coastline on your own terms.
Learn More: BC Ferries - Southern Gulf Islands
Pender Island is actually two islands — North and South — connected by a narrow one-lane bridge. It’s one of the easiest Gulf Islands to reach by ferry and offers a great mix of nature, hiking trails, and calm ocean views.
The main public campground is Prior Centennial, a forested site just off the main road on North Pender. It’s walk-in only, with basic amenities and a peaceful, mossy-forest vibe. You’ll often hear owls at night and wake up to deer passing through your site. It’s close to grocery stores, beaches, and several trailheads, making it a convenient but still very natural basecamp.
If you’re looking for something more remote, Shingle Bay Campground offers a more rugged, back-to-nature feel. It’s part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and sits right on the shoreline — ideal for kayak campers or anyone craving ocean sounds at night.
For a totally different vibe, Port Browning Marina offers camping right near the water with access to a café, pub, and showers. It’s not as quiet or wild, but it’s social and super convenient, especially for boaters or campers who want a little more comfort.
Camping on Pender feels relaxed and welcoming. Whether you want to hike up Mount Norman, paddle the shoreline, or just relax with a coffee and a book, it’s a perfect island to slow down and stay awhile.
Read More: Pender Island Camping Guide
Galiano is long, narrow, and deeply peaceful — the kind of place where time stretches out and the air smells like sun-warmed arbutus bark. It’s a favorite for campers looking to immerse themselves in nature without straying too far from the comforts of a ferry-accessible island.
The most popular campground is Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park, known for its white shell beaches, shallow tide pools, and sweeping sunset views. The sites are mostly walk-in, set among towering firs just steps from the ocean. Kayakers love launching here, and the nearby marina has bike rentals, ice cream, and kayak tours if you want to explore more.
For a wilder, more remote experience, head to Dionisio Point Provincial Park at the island’s northeastern tip. It’s only accessible by water, but the reward is stunning: dramatic sandstone formations, turquoise coves, and quiet, off-grid camping. There are no services, so it’s best for experienced, self-sufficient campers.
Galiano is ideal if you want to hike, paddle, and completely unplug. Trails like Bodega Ridge offer big views, while beaches and forest paths invite long, slow afternoons. This island has a rustic soul, and campers tend to fall in love with it.
Salt Spring is the largest and most populated of the Southern Gulf Islands, but it still holds plenty of charm for campers. With its mix of forested trails, oceanfront views, and a lively arts scene, Salt Spring is ideal for those who want a balance of nature and creature comforts.
The standout campground is Ruckle Provincial Park, located on the southeastern coast. This is classic Gulf Islands camping: oceanside tent sites, open meadows, and cliffs where you can spot seals and sea lions. The campground is walk-in only, which keeps it quiet and scenic, and there’s access to excellent hiking right from your tent.
For easier access and more amenities, Mowhinna Creek Campground offers drive-in sites just minutes from Ganges. It’s great for families or anyone looking for a more conventional setup close to town, while still being surrounded by trees and birdsong.
Garden Faire Campground is another low-key option tucked into the forest, a short walk from Ganges village. It has a laid-back, artsy vibe and is a favorite among travelers who want to be near Salt Spring’s shops, cafés, and Saturday market while still sleeping under the stars.
Salt Spring is a great island if you want your camping trip to include a bit of everything: hiking, swimming, espresso, and maybe even some live music or local art.
Mayne Island is a peaceful retreat for campers looking to immerse themselves in nature without going completely off-grid. The island’s vibe is calm and community-oriented, with forest trails, ocean views, and a coastline that invites long, slow explorations.
Mayne Island Campground is set on a stunning 22-acre private property with 1,800 feet of low-bank beach access and a mix of forested and waterfront walk-in campsites. It’s designed specifically for tent campers who value quiet, natural surroundings. Many of the sites overlook the sand and pebble shoreline, while others are tucked into untouched forest, offering a real sense of seclusion.
The campground is family-friendly, peaceful, and ideal for campers who want space to relax, explore, and enjoy the rhythm of the tides. With forest trails and shoreline right on the property, you don’t have to go far to feel completely away from it all.
Saturna Island is the most remote of the Southern Gulf Islands, and it feels that way in the best possible sense. With fewer year-round residents and minimal development, it’s a haven for those looking to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in nature.
Narvaez Bay Campground, part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, is a walk-in, backcountry-style site set in a quiet bay surrounded by forest and rocky headlands. The campsites are simple and serene, and the short trail in adds to the feeling of being tucked away. It’s the kind of place where you fall asleep to the sound of waves and wake up to birdsong and sea breeze.
For something a little closer to the ferry and community hub, Arbutus Point Campground offers a handful of basic walk-in sites with ocean views, just a short walk from Winter Cove. It’s less remote than Narvaez but still peaceful, with quick access to trails, tidal lagoons, and dramatic sandstone shorelines.
Saturna is ideal for hikers, paddlers, and campers who want to slow way down. If solitude, starry nights, and the chance to spot whales from shore sound like your kind of trip, this island delivers.
Gabriola Island blends creative energy with natural beauty — a place where art galleries and driftwood beaches exist side by side. It’s one of the easier Gulf Islands to reach, just a short ferry ride from Nanaimo, and makes a great weekend getaway for campers looking for ocean views without the crowds.
The main campground is Descanso Bay Regional Park, located just minutes from the ferry terminal. It offers oceanside tent sites, forested nooks, and shoreline access perfect for kayaking, swimming, or tide pooling. The vibe here is friendly and relaxed, with enough space between sites to feel private while still being close to amenities.
What makes camping on Gabriola special is the mix of nature and culture. You can spend your morning hiking to Malaspina Galleries or exploring the island’s sandstone cliffs, then head into the village for local art, wood-fired pizza, or live music before returning to your site for a quiet evening by the water.
Gabriola is ideal for campers who want a bit of both worlds — peaceful coastal camping with just enough buzz to keep things interesting.
Read More: Gabriola Island Camping Guide
Camping in the Gulf Islands is a unique experience — remote, beautiful, and refreshingly simple — but a bit of planning goes a long way in making your trip smooth and stress-free.
Many Gulf Island campgrounds are small, and they fill up quickly in peak season. Provincial and regional park sites can be booked online through BC Parks or local sites, while private campgrounds often take reservations directly through their own websites.
Most sites are walk-in or best suited for tent campers, so gear that’s compact, waterproof, and easy to carry will serve you best. Always check in advance whether drinking water is available, and plan to bring your own if needed.
Summer fire bans are common due to dry conditions. Be sure to check the current status before you go, and bring a camp stove or other fire-safe cooking method just in case.
These are small communities with limited resources. Be kind to ferry staff, follow Leave No Trace principles, and support local businesses when you can. Many of the islands are also home to sensitive ecosystems — staying on trails and keeping a light footprint matters.
Camping in BC’s Southern Gulf Islands is about more than just finding a place to pitch your tent — it’s about slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and experiencing the coast in a deeply personal way.
Here’s what to remember:
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