Camping in Tofino and Ucluelet, BC: Reviews, tips and more
The western reaches of Vancouver Island seem ready-made for camping adventures. As Canada’s most direct path to the Pacific Ocean, the dreamy beaches and rocky outcroppings between Tofino and Ucluelet are a haven for people who love the outdoors. Whether you’re rolling up in a campervan with a surfboard strapped to the roof or you prefer to pitch a tent in the ocean breeze, we’ve got you covered in this guide to camping in Tofino and Ucluelet, British Columbia.
As a start, you’ll find a review below of Tsawaak RV Resort and Campground, where my daughter and I stayed in August 2024 as part of an EV camping trip hosted by Destination British Columbia. The additional tips and information here were gathered through independent research, including conversations with locals across multiple visits. Over time, this article will be updated with more campground reviews as we have an opportunity to experience each one.
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A review of Tsawaak RV Resort and Campground
A stay at Tsawaak RV Resort and Campground puts you within easy reach of Tofino’s top destinations and offers a window into Vancouver Island’s Indigenous culture.
Tsawaak RV Resort and Campground is owned and operated by Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, one of nine nations of the Nuu-chah-nulth people located within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The resort is on Tla-o-qui-aht territory. When you camp here, you’re being welcomed into their home and invited to share their goals of conservation and respect for nature and the land.
This year-round resort has one of the best locations in Tofino. MacKenzie Beach is just a two-minute stroll away, while Tofino is a quick five-minute drive or half-hour walk. Drive for less than 10 minutes and you can be at the boundary of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
Tsawaak has 34 spacious RV campsites, including 24 back-in and 10 pull-through. All RV sites permit up to two dogs on leash and are serviced with water, sewer, and either 20-amp or 50-amp plugs with available adapters. We were able to charge our EV overnight at our 50-amp site with management’s support.
The 13 mini cabins, with designs inspired by traditional longhouses, offer beds with linens, mini-fridges, coffee machines, interior heating, and household power outlets. Five additional sites are set aside for tents and small RVs and would be ideal for camping in an SUV. At one RV site, a fully equipped rental trailer is available. Every site has a picnic table and a fire pit.
New and modern camping facilities
Tsawaak RV Resort and Campground first welcomed visitors in the summer of 2023. As a result, the on-site facilities are still new, modern, and designed with accessibility in mind.
The barrier-free campground store sells a variety of snacks and camp-friendly foods as well as authentic Indigenous art. The amenities block has free, spacious, and accessible showers, an indoor dishwashing station, and laundry facilities. Ice, firewood, and propane fire pit rentals are available on site. The entire campground is covered by fast and free Wi-Fi.
There are two things worth keeping in mind when deciding to book at Tsawaak. Because the campground is so new, the trees planted between the campsites are still young and don’t yet provide much privacy. There’s also no sani-dump on site, but the one at the Tofino Co-op is free to use with a fuel purchase.
Bookings for Tsawaak RV Resort and Campground open up to 365 days in advance, including an option for long-term stays. A camping adventure here is a wonderful way to support an authentically Indigenous-owned business on Vancouver Island’s beautiful west coast.
Other campgrounds in Tofino and Ucluelet
Green Point Campground
Green Point Campground, operated by Parks Canada, is the only frontcountry campground within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. It’s also the only campground with direct access to Long Beach, which is widely regarded as one of the best beaches in British Columbia and is one of Tofino’s biggest draws.
The campground is open from early May through mid-October. It has 94 drive-in sites with electrical service, 20 unserviced walk-in sites, one unserviced walk-in group campsite, and one Parks Canada oTENTik semi-permanent camping structure. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire pit. Potable water, flush toilets, showers, an RV sani-dump, and firewood for purchase are available within the campground.
Reservations for Green Point Campground open each January and are in extremely high demand. Most people hoping to book specific dates access the reservation system as soon as it opens. Watch the Parks Canada website for more details on when this date is set for ahead of each camping season.
Frontcountry campgrounds
Other well-rated frontcountry campgrounds in the Tofino area include Bella Pacifica Campground, Crystal Cove Beach Resort, and Surf Grove Campground.
In Ucluelet, well-rated options include JX Campground, Lost Shoe #2 Campground, Surf Junction Campground, and Ucluelet Campground.
Backcountry camping
Backcountry camping in the Tofino and Ucluelet area is available only within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve at designated campsites on the Broken Group Islands and along the West Coast Trail.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about camping in Tofino and Ucluelet
Can I go to Tofino or Ucluelet without a camping reservation?
Arriving to Tofino or Ucluelet without a camping reservation is not a good idea. Most campgrounds book out months in advance, and cancellations are uncommon. If no sites are available, you’ll need to drive at least an hour and a half back across the island to the next closest campgrounds in Port Alberni. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Can I camp for free in Tofino or Ucluelet?
Boondocking or backcountry camping outside of designated campsites is not permitted in Tofino or Ucluelet. This rule is strictly enforced. Unauthorized camping puts undue strain on local resources, infringes on Indigenous territorial rights, and puts the area’s fragile rainforest at risk. Please plan ahead and book a campsite in advance.
How far in advance do I need to make a reservation for camping in Tofino and Ucluelet?
Camping reservations for Tofino and Ucluelet should be made as far ahead of time as possible. The Parks Canada reservation system for campsites at Green Point Campground typically opens in January for each summer season. Other campgrounds in the area take reservations as far ahead as a year in advance.
How long should I plan to camp in Tofino and Ucluelet?
Plan to camp for at least two nights to enjoy the area’s beautiful beaches, hikes, and other attractions. Parks Canada has a maximum stay duration of seven consecutive nights at Green Point Campground. Other campgrounds in the area permit longer stays, and some have monthly rates available.
Are fire bans common in Tofino and Ucluelet?
Fire bans are becoming more common on Vancouver Island and throughout British Columbia in the summer months. The natural environment and isolation that make Tofino and Ucluelet so beautiful also leave them vulnerable to natural disasters such as wildfires. Please respect fire bans when they’re in place to keep these communities and their residents safe.
Are Tofino, Ucluelet, and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on Indigenous territory?
The communities of Tofino and Ucluelet as well as Pacific Rim National Park Reserve are on the traditional territory of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations. Of the 14 Nuu-chah-nulth Nations on Vancouver Island, nine are located within the park and surrounding region. Respecting the land, engaging with cultural interpretation opportunities within the park and elsewhere, and learning more about Nuu-chah-nulth language and traditions are wonderful ways to actively engage in reconciliation during your stay.
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