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Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park

rathtrevor beach

BC Parks
Vancouver Island · British Columbia · reservable

what to expect

Majestic old growth trees, beautiful ocean sunsets and an inviting, wide sandy beach with campsites nestled amongst mature Douglas fir trees makes Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park in Parksville one of the premier vacation destinations on Vancouver Island. At low tide the ocean recedes almost a kilometer, providing an ideal place for visitors of all ages to play in the sand and explore the shoreline. When the tide rolls in over the sun-baked sand, the warmed water is unbeatable for swimming and salt water fun. Rathtrevor Beach is ideal for a relaxed family outing. Simply sit back and soak up the seaside atmosphere or take a walk through the wooded upland area of the park. All campsites are within a 5-minute walk to the 2 km stretch of sandy beach. The park also featu…

the basics

watersewershowersflush toiletspet-friendlyaccessible
drive from vancouver
1.1h · 83 km
drive from calgary
10h · 750 km
drive from edmonton
11.7h · 880 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 rathtrevor beach.

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rv rental
renting an rv?

this park supports rvs. find a vehicle for your dates.

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hotel nearby
not camping after all?

hotels and inns near rathtrevor beach when plans change.

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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 rathtrevor beach. the lake means a swimsuit;

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common questions about rathtrevor beach

can dogs camp at rathtrevor beach?
Yes. Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park allows dogs on-leash according to operator policy. Confirm specific site-level restrictions with the operator at booking time.
does rathtrevor beach have electric hookups?
No. Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park does not list electric hookups in its amenity profile. Plan for off-grid use.
how far is rathtrevor beach from vancouver?
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is 83 km from Vancouver — approximately a 1.1-hour drive on highway routes.
do you need reservations at rathtrevor beach?
Yes. Rathtrevor Beach Provincial 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 rathtrevor beach?
Peak season at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park aligns with swimmable months — Jul through Aug. Shoulder months (May, September) offer fewer crowds.

nearby places

within ~100 km of rathtrevor beach.

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

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volunteer at bc parks

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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