Camping is inherently kid-friendly what with the roaming free, late nights and playing in the dirt! But really, what makes a campsite kid-friendly? Generally speaking, a campsite is great for young kids if it has a relatively safe waterfront, easy hikes, and nearby amenities such as laundry, showers and toilets. We’ve updated our list of friendly campsites to include some just a ferry ride away.

Kid-friendly campsites near the city!

Fort Camping in Brae Island Regional Park

That’s right – camping in Langley! The perfect little family getaway. With games, movie nights and a ton of outdoor activities for the kids to keep busy, parents can kick up their feet and enjoy some free time of their own. For a bit of extra luxury, upgrade to one of their tent cabins. Reserve online.

The 411 on how to reserve a campsite

Golden Ears Provincial Park

For families living in Maple Ridge, Mission and Pitt Meadows, Golden Ears Provincial Park is right there in your backyard.

Alouette Lake provides ample opportunities for swimming, boating, canoeing, windsurfing and even rustic marine-accessible campsites for the adventurous. The campsite also includes amenities such as flush toilets, showers, a playground and the Spirea Universal Access Trail, which has been designed to accommodate a range of physical disabilities.

Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park

Just a little further down the road you’ll find a relaxing campsite with a breathtaking view. You will want to return to this little piece of heaven every year. Not only will your family enjoy the scenic drive in, but you’ll have much more to take in when you get there. Fantastic hiking trials, and if your family is of the canoeing type, this is the spot you talk about for years to come.

Rolley Lake Provincial Park

A quiet place to camp with the little ones. Around the lake is completely flat, so great for setting up a tent. The lake has plenty of shallow spots perfect for little swimmers and floppers. With barbecues, washrooms and grassy areas, it’s also a great place to spend the day.

Alice Lake Provincial Park

A long-time favourite with many local families, Alice Lake has something for everyone and it’s an easy drive that can be done in an hour or two, including a bathroom break.

The campsite at Alice Lake features a calm lake with a sandy waterfront for playing and building sand castles, short hikes around the perimeter of the lake, and showers, flush toilets, electrical hookups and walk-in campsites available. In fact, Alice Lake’s popularity is its main downfall, so reserving your campsite in advance is strongly recommended.

Lightning Lake in Manning Park

A little further afield, camping at Lightning Lake in E C Manning Provincial Park is a great choice for families who don’t mind spending a little longer in the car (and once travel restrictions are over!).

Lightning Lake is a great place to rent a canoe and go exploring on the water, or drive up to the alpine meadows in July or August to witness the explosion of wildflowers without having to hike up by foot. An interpretive program at the campsite each evening is a great chance to learn about the local impact of the pine beetle.

Due to the longer drive, Lightning Lake may be a bit too far for a one-night stay, so plan on staying a couple of nights to have a chance to relax and enjoy yourself.

Sechelt on the Sunshine Coast

For those who want to go a little further, hop on a 40-minute ferry to visit this beautiful campsite. Kids will love the views from the ferry ride, and if you are lucky, you may even catch some sea-life tag along, splashing through the waves.

Explore the many coves and numerous sandy beaches found at Sechelt. Camp at Porpoise Bay Provincial Campground, with playgrounds, and a marked swimming area, the views are breathtaking. Beachcombers will love the treasure the waves bring to the shore. Spend the day creating a driftwood hut and adorning it with the abundant variety of wildflowers that grow all around. The waters on the inlet are typically very calm. Its sandy beaches are great for swimming and perfect for sandcastle enthusiasts.

Five kid-friendly camping meals

No matter where you decide to go camping as a family, remember to plan ahead. Bring more clothes for your kids, especially a toddler, than you think you’ll need, and enjoy being in the great outdoors.

Book your spot up to three months in advance through the Province’s Discover Camping (with the exception of Fort Camping) website.

Originally written by Angela Robertson and Michelle Carchrae