Camping & Hiking · British Columbia
A hike-in backcountry campground on Garibaldi Lake, BC, 9 km and about 1,000 m of climbing from the trailhead, with tent pads, cooking shelters and access to Panorama Ridge and Black Tusk. Reservations are required.
Garibaldi Lake Campground is a backcountry site reached on foot, 9 km from the parking lot with around 1,000 m of elevation gain. The first 6 km climb steadily through switchbacks, and the last stretch is gentler. Backpackers consistently rank it among BC's best campgrounds for the lake itself, especially in the late afternoon once the day hikers have gone.
There are about 50 tent pads spread through the woods, some wooden platforms and some dirt, so few have lake views. Facilities include several cooking shelters, picnic tables, food hangs for bears and outhouses. Bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Campfires aren't allowed. Rangers are described as helpful.
Most people use the campground as a base for day hikes to Panorama Ridge and Black Tusk, or a walk through Taylor Meadows. Reaching the campground takes roughly three to four hours with a pack, and a round trip is a full day. It's best suited to hikers with some fitness and experience, since carrying camping gear up that grade is a real effort, and the descent is hard on knees.
Snow lingers late. Campers in late June found tent pads still buried and had to dig them out with shovels from the shelters, and nights were cold. Arrive by midday on weekends to get a clear pad, or go midweek to avoid the crowds. Book your visit ahead, bring plenty of water, and leave dogs and drones at home.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 107 Google reviews. Details change — confirm hours, prices and bookings with Garibaldi Lake Campground directly.
