Camping & Hiking · Scenic Views · British Columbia
A seasonal regional park campground on the Saanich Peninsula, BC, with a long beach and views to the Gulf Islands and Mt. Baker. Sites are open, and facilities are basic, with no showers.
Island View Beach Regional Park Campground is all about the beach. It's long, with sand, stones and plenty of driftwood logs for kids to climb, and on clear days you can see the offshore islands, Mt. Baker and the Twin Sisters. Visitors love waking up by the water, and one watched falcons circling all day. A beach mat makes it easier for people with mobility challenges.
The campground itself is simple. RV and trailer sites are wide open, separated only by a section of fence, and some sit beside the road and walking trail. Tent sites are a little better but have no proper pads, and one camper warns about fallen apples from overhead trees and the critters they attract. Toilets are portable units, there are no showers, and water comes from a single potable tank rather than at the sites.
It suits people who want a quiet beach night rather than full amenities. Reviewers call it clean, peaceful and generator-free, with friendly attendants and a picnic shelter for groups. There are a few short walks, though private land limits exploring. It's a handy stop before the Swartz Bay ferry.
Booking can be tricky. One recent visitor found you can't reserve within 24 hours of arrival, and the number posted for walk-ups goes to a municipal office that closes in the evening. At about $25 a night, a couple of campers felt the facilities should be better. Book ahead and bring water containers.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 276 Google reviews. Details change — confirm hours, prices and bookings with Island View Beach Regional Park Campground (May-Thanksgiving) directly.
