Squamish Campsites to Explore this Summer

Posted on by Meghan

camping-squamish

There’s nothing that says summer like camping. You know the feeling. Loading up the car until it’s bursting at the seams with gear- hardly enough space to flex your feet. That before-camping grocery store trip where you load up on marshmallows, hot chocolate, condiments and chips (the things you would probably never consider eating in real life). Then it’s the anticipation. Counting down the workdays until you can be reunited with nature, let your smoke-filled hair down and truly relax into your camping chair. Summer camping is now upon us and Squamish offers some of the best camping in the country- only 45 minutes from Vancouver. Here are some must-visit Squamish Campsites to explore his summer.

  1. Paradise Valley Campground

The name alone will make you want to pack your bags never to return again. Paradise Valley stretches along the banks of the glacier fed Cheakamus River in the most pristine setting (less than 20 minutes from downtown Squamish!) Paradise Valley Campground is situated on 30 acres and offers fishing, river rafting, kayaking, bouldering, birding, biking and hiking right from the property. The campsite features serviced and un-serviced sites for tents and RVs, and is the ideal place to adventure and explore in nature this summer.

  1. Wonderland Valley Resort

Enjoy the convenience of being close to all amenities, yet situated on 13 acres with world-class mountain-biking trails steps away from your campsite. Wonderland Valley Resort is ‘glamping’ at its finest with Wi-Fi, hot showers, a chill-lounge and kitchenette- style hotel rooms if you want ultimate comfort and convenience. Tucked away amongst West Coast rainforest, yet less than 10 minutes to the restaurants, shops and amenities of Squamish.

  1. Alice Lake Provincial Park

Rated one of the top 25 campsites in Canada by Explore Magazine, Alice Lake is the ideal spot for your summer family camping trip. With that being said, the rest of the country has discovered this little gem but if you can make a reservation and experience Alice Lake this summer it’s well worth it. With huge shaded sights, a charming lake for swimming and SUPing, a myriad of trails for hiking and biking Alice Lake is the camping experience you remember from childhood.

  1. Klahanie Campground

If you want to check out some Squamish hot spots like the Sea to Sky Gondola, Shannon Falls or the Stawamus Chief, the Klahanie campground is walking distance from all. Enjoy the majestic Shannon Falls as a background to your campsite on one side with stunning ocean views on the other. The campsite features a restaurant, boat access campsites, tent and RV sites.

  1. Cat Lake Campground

For a rugged, off the beaten bath camping experience try Cat Lake this summer. Located 10 minutes north of Squamish Cat Lake offers walk-in sites on a first come first serve basis. Cat Lake itself is a picturesque little lake popular for swimming and fishing. The campsite is heavily treed and has toilets, tables and firewood on site. Cat Lake is a great weekend escape to truly be amongst nature and enjoy the fresh crisp BC air.

  1. Porteau Cove Provincial Park

Only 30 minutes from Vancouver, Porteau Cove is a marine campsite featuring breath-taking views of the Howe Sound and a fascinating tidal and inter-tidal marine life park on the foreshores.  The campsite has a series of beachfront reservable sites, plus treed sites and a number of walk-in non reservable campsites. Enjoy activities such as beach-combing, scuba diving, stargazing, swimming, boating and much more. Offering a unique, seaside camping experience, Porteau Cove is extremely busy in the summer and should be booked well in advance.

  1. Squamish Valley Campground

Located in the scenic Squamish Valley, Squamish Valley Campground is situated in a pristine natural setting alongside the Squamish River on 195 acres. The rustic camping experience boasts abundant beauty and is the perfect place to dis-connect from a fast-paced modern life (do I hear digital detox anyone?). Activities such as hiking, fishing, river rafting, mountain biking and rock-climbing are accessible from the campsite. Book an unserviced tent or RV site on the sandy beach campsites.

  1. Whistle Punk Hollow Adventure RV Park

This great family friendly option is located in the heart of Squamish and is a comfortable camping option with all your modern conveniences at hand. Families will love the adventure golf course (mini golf), ice cream shop, free Wi-Fi and hot showers. If you don’t want to camp there are funky yurts available for rent. Only a five minute drive (or fifteen minute bike-ride) to downtown Squamish, Whistle Punk Hollow is the perfect option for the fast-paced family.

Here are eight camping options in Squamish for you to try this summer. Don’t hesitate, make your reservations now to avoid disappointment! Gather your gear, your crew and your spirit of adventure and head to Squamish this summer for some camping fun!

About Meghan

Meghan is a real estate agent who is passionate about connecting lifestyle driven individuals to her vibrant town of Squamish, BC. Meghan was born and raised in Squamish, spent 15 years living abroad, and is now back partnering with her mother Nanci Fulton who has been selling real estate in Squamish for 30 years. Meghan loves representing buyers, welcoming them to her community and helping them find their perfect place to call home.