Camping & Hiking · Scenic Views · British Columbia
A hugely popular provincial park in Parksville on Vancouver Island, with a vast low-tide beach, warm water, old-growth-style forest camping and clean showers. Sites book up fast, and there are no hookups.
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is best known for its beach. At low tide the water pulls far back, leaving a wide sandy flat full of crabs, sea stars, snails and oysters, with mountain views across the water. Visitors mention warm water for BC, calm conditions for paddling, and beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
The campground sits under huge cedars, which makes it feel like camping in an old forest, and many sites are a short walk from the beach. Reviewers describe clean, well-organized loops, clean washrooms and hot showers, and firewood sold around the campground in the evenings. There's a small selection of items at check-in and a general store just outside the park.
It's a strong pick for families, with playgrounds, picnic areas, easy trails along the waterfront and plenty of beach to explore. It's quiet at night despite being busy, and day visitors come for walks and tide-pooling.
Demand is the biggest hurdle, and sites are hard to get in summer, even into September. There are no hookups, taps don't take a hose, and the tree cover limits solar, so arrive with full water tanks. One camper found firewood pricey and the toilet paper thin. Dogs aren't allowed out on the tidal flats.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 3,349 Google reviews. Details change — confirm hours, prices and bookings with Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park directly.
