Camping & Hiking · British Columbia
Sooke River Campground
A community-run riverside campground in Sooke, BC, praised for spotless washrooms, warm staff and plenty for kids to do. Expect damp firewood and heavy dew this close to the river.
What visitors say
Sooke River Campground sits right beside the Sooke River, close to town but with enough trees and water around it that several campers say it feels like the wilderness. Sites vary: some are open and along the water, others tucked under trees. The tide moves in and out on the river, and visitors mention seeing otters, swans, raccoons and even a bear.
The staff come up again and again in reviews. Campers describe the manager and hosts as welcoming and quick to help, whether that's lending a solo traveller a towel and toiletries or finding room for a family whose plans fell through. The bathhouse is a standout: many reviewers call it the cleanest they've seen at a campground. Showers are coin-operated, a loonie for five minutes, and change is available at the office.
It's especially good for families. There's a playground, a basketball court, a painted-rock table, a free lending library with books, DVDs and games, and a stuffed-animal program the kids enjoy. The resident campground cat is a favourite. Cyclists get a deal, and walkers can reach SEAPARC. Nearby, people head out for hikes, bike rides, kayaking up the river and the Sooke Potholes, with two grocery stores about five minutes away.
The main caveats are about the setting rather than the operation. It's a rainforest climate beside a river, so firewood can be damp and tents can be soaked with dew by morning even without rain. One camper found the insects bothersome. Pack a tarp and a way to dry gear, and bring bug spray.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 551 Google reviews. Details change — confirm hours, prices and bookings with Sooke River Campground directly.