Desolation Sound Marine Park

desolation sound marine park

BC Parks
Vancouver Island · British Columbia · reservable

what to expect

There are 11 designated campsites throughout Desolation Sound, the Copeland Islands and Malaspina Provincial Marine Parks, collectively called Desolation Sound. Permits for Desolation Sound are valid for overnight use in the Copeland Islands, Malaspina, Roscoe Bay, and Desolation Sound Provincial Marine Parks. Camping is only permitted in designated campsites (tent pads).

Pit Toilets:Pit toilets are located at Grace Harbour, Tenedos Bay, Curme Islands, Bold Head, Hare Point, Feather Cove, Copeland Islands, Melanie Cove, and Roscoe Bay. Please note the outhouses throughout Desolation Sound are an open-air-privy design to provide a sanitary camping experience while protecting the Parks’ natural and cultural resources. Please bring your own toilet paper and …

the basics

flush toiletspet-friendlyaccessible
drive from vancouver
2h · 153 km
drive from calgary
10.2h · 765 km
drive from edmonton
11.5h · 865 km

stay options nearby

independent operators within search radius. campsearch may earn a commission on these links — see disclosure.

private campgrounds
camp at a private site

small farms, glamping, off-grid sites listed on Hipcamp near desolation sound marine park.

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hotel nearby
not camping after all?

hotels and inns near desolation sound marine park when plans change.

check booking.com

what to know

updated each morning from provincial parks and Environment Canada.

no fire ban active
Last checked from the provincial fire-ban feed. Check at the gate before you light — conditions change.
pet-friendly
Dogs are allowed on-leash. Pick up after them; some parks have leash-length rules at the trailheads.

what to bring

this list adapts to desolation sound marine park. no showers means a travel towel; the lake means a swimsuit;

common questions about desolation sound marine park

can dogs camp at desolation sound marine park?
Yes. Desolation Sound Marine Park allows dogs on-leash according to operator policy. Confirm specific site-level restrictions with the operator at booking time.
does desolation sound marine park have electric hookups?
No. Desolation Sound Marine Park does not list electric hookups in its amenity profile. Plan for off-grid use.
how far is desolation sound marine park from vancouver?
Desolation Sound Marine Park is 153 km from Vancouver — approximately a 2-hour drive on highway routes.
do you need reservations at desolation sound marine park?
Yes. Desolation Sound Marine Park is operated by BC Parks and uses an online reservation system. Book direct via the operator link on this page.
when is the best time to camp at desolation sound marine park?
Peak season at Desolation Sound Marine Park aligns with swimmable months — Jul through Aug. Shoulder months (May, September) offer fewer crowds.

nearby places

within ~100 km of desolation sound marine park.

data last refreshed 2026-05-14 from bc parks + open sources

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Provincial parks rely on volunteer stewards for trail maintenance, beach clean-ups, and shoulder-season hosting. Most parks run programs through their park association.

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