Great news for campers on Vancouver Island—China Beach Campground is getting a boost just in time for summer.
While part of Juan de Fuca Park remains off-limits to hikers due to weather-related damage, visitors to the nearby China Beach campground will soon have access to 13 brand-new campsites, along with accessible washrooms and showers.
According to the BC government, the additions bring the total number of sites at the popular Vancouver Island campground to 125. Eight of the new sites are drive-in tent spots, while the remaining five are walk-in. The upgrades also include two accessible shower and flush-toilet buildings, designed using universal design standards wherever possible.
“For so many people, camping is a way to connect with family and friends, and spend time together in nature,” said Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks. “That’s why we’re building more capacity with new, accessible campsites on Vancouver Island as more people choose to vacation within Canada and support our economy.”
The expansion was done in collaboration with the Pacheedaht First Nation, on whose territory Juan de Fuca Park is located.
See also: Vancouver Island’s popular Juan de Fuca Trail to remain closed this summer
China Beach campground officially opens for the season on May 15th. Reservations for the new sites will be available starting May 1st, for arrival dates between May 15th and September 1st. After that, bookings will follow a rolling four-month window.
This isn’t the first wave of upgrades—33 sites were added in spring 2024 as part of a $2.3-million expansion. And more changes are still to come.
Later this year, the nearby day-use parking area is also getting a makeover. Plans include around 45 new parking spots, a turnaround for large vehicles, a designated RV space, plus a service centre with a pit toilet, bike racks and an information shelter.
“I’m pleased that BC Parks is delivering opportunities for more people to enjoy the natural environment at our doorstep,” said Juan de Fuca-Malahat MLA Dana Lajeunesse. “I was fortunate to spend my childhood here, and I have many fond memories of the spectacular beaches in the area. BC Parks are more popular than ever, and I’m happy to see more opportunities for families and friends to enjoy what BC has to offer.”
The campground and parking lot upgrades are part of a broader five-year, $21.5-million investment aimed at expanding outdoor recreation opportunities across the province. That includes everything from adding new campsites and trails to improving accessibility and existing facilities.
A few fast facts about Juan de Fuca Park:
- The park spans 1,528 hectares along the rugged southwest coast of Vancouver Island.
- It includes beaches, campgrounds, day-use areas, and the iconic 47-kilometre Juan de Fuca Marine Trail.
- The Marine Trail and its backcountry campsites will remain closed this summer for repairs, with a phased reopening expected.
- Since 2017, over 2,000 campsites have been added to BC Parks and recreation sites.
- Out of the 10,700 campsites managed by BC Parks, about half are first-come, first-served.
