Camping is one of the most celebrated outdoor pursuits to enjoy the sheer beauty of Whistler wilderness. Summer or winter, you’ll find families with kids, van-lifers, and RV campers throwing a picnic at some of the most popular campsites in the backcountry of Whistlers.
Most of these grounds are dispersed around the backcountry area where camping is more enjoyable as you get closer to the woods and the views are more impeccable. You can take a short drive away from Whistler Village with your camping gears and spend a day or two in the wild hiking, swimming, kayaking, and more.
Read on to find out our five best Whistler campgrounds and essential tips before venturing out.
What to Know About Camping in Whistler
Can You Camp in Downtown Whistler?
It’s hard to find a decent campground near the downtown core. Take time to travel a little further afield out of town and you’ll find plenty of them at a reasonable rate. Plus, car and van camping is not allowed neither on the streets of Whistler nor parking lots.
Attempting to do so will result in a fine for illegal camping.
Can You Camp for Free in Whistler?
Camping for free is not possible in your vehicle on roads or in parking lots within the Resort Municipality of Whistler. Outside of this territory, there are some potential options to camp for free in Whistler, including the Wedgemont Trailhead north of Whistler, Callaghan Lake Provincial Park, and the Cheakamus Canyon south of Whistler. Other than these three places, check out some forest service roads to camp for free in Whistler.
The graveled forest service roads in Whistler are dispersed uphill into the mountains and may require 4WD vehicles. Some of them are equipped with pullouts and clearings to pitch your tent.
But other than that, there may not be formal facilities around so you have to clean up after yourself and leave no trace behind before leaving the area. Aside from the Riverside Drive north of Whistler, consult this backroad mapbook or GAIA GPS to check out other road networks.
Should You Reserve Your Spot in Advance?
Yes, if the campground you’re going to accept reservations. Summer is the peak season and slots are sold out fast. We recommend looking out two to three days up to a week before you go camping to make sure the slots are available.
Some of the campgrounds are operated on a first-come-first-serve basis such as the Cal-Cheak Recreation Site Campground, which means you don’t need a reservation for these sites.
What Should You Know about Campfires in Whistler?
Campfires are allowed at some of the campgrounds but only with fire sticks for sale. Fire is a real concern during the dry season, which means campfires may be banned as early as May. If you’re new to Whistler, check out Fire Bans and Restrictions before venturing out.
What Is the Best Time to Go Camping in Whistler?
Summer is when the air is crisp and the weather is the most bearable around 25 C, making it an enjoyable time to go camping for families with kids on the summer holiday. Reservations are highly recommended during those months. If you wanna make sure there is a spot guaranteed and no crowds getting in the way, set out in the shoulder seasons from mid-April to mid-May or September and October.
Some campgrounds are also open year-round even in winter. If winter camping is your thing, look for the months between November and April for an adventurous camping trip.
Be Bear Smart!
Camping in Whistler means you’re likely to encounter black and grizzly bears. Don’t leave your food or drink outside and make sure to clean your kitchen utensils thoroughly to avoid attracting them. Store your food properly in a designated bear-proof container and follow the campground guidelines for disposing of food waste.
Don’t attempt to come close to the bears or try to feed them. Bring a bear spray along and contact the hotline at hotline 1-877-952-7277 in case of emergency.
Find RV Sani Dump Stations in Whistler
Some of the campgrounds such as Whistler Riverside RV Resort & Campground and Whistler RV Park are fully equipped with sani dumps as well as pit and flush toilets. If the campground you’re going to does not have it available, check out this list to find the nearest RV dump listings and locations.
5 Best Campgrounds in Whistler
1. Whistler Riverside Camping and RV Resort
Camping at Whistler Riverside is unlike anywhere else. This is one of the best places in the province to take your glamping experience to the fullest. This incredible campground is within a short walk away from Whistler Village where all the main happenings take place.
Whistler Riverside Camping and RV Resort spans over 40 acres, hosting a series of tent sides along the river, log cabins, and yurts. You can also sign up for a deluxe RV area any time in the year and benefit from its gorgeous views at a slightly higher rate.
Not far away from the campsites, you can stop by an on-site café to wind down after a long day outdoors. Swathing around this area is a network of restaurants, trails, and activities to rock summer and winter in your own way.
Opening time: year-round.
Check-in:
Cabin & Yurt Rentals: 4:00 PM and must check in during office hours
All other site types: 2:00 PM
Check-out:
Cabin & Yurt Rentals: 11:00 am
All other site types: 12:00 noon
Facilities and regulations:
- Snowshoe rentals
- Hiking, biking & cross-country skiing
- Beach volleyball
- Outdoor area & games
- Riverside Market carries firewood, propane, ice and ice cream, and laundry products.
- Comfort Stations have toilets, free showers, and the luxury of heated floors for those cooler days.
- Riverside Lodge building features a payphone, book exchange, board games, and local information, as well as our reception desk
- Free WiFi
- Laundry
- BBQ Area
- Two sani stations
- Parking
- Please be aware that only 1 RV or travel trailer and 1 vehicle are permitted per site, space allowing. Additional vehicles will have to be parked in the overflow car parks, charges will apply.
Prices and reservations:
| Season/Type | Nightly Rate Starting from |
| Peak – Log Cabins | $153.00 |
| Peak – Rustic Yurts | $99.00 |
| Winter Peak – Log Cabins | $357.00 |
| Winter Peak – Rustic Yurts | $210.00 |
| Off Peak – Log Cabins | $120.00 |
| Off Peak – Rustic Yurts | $78.00 |
- Prices do not include taxes.
- Prices are subject to change.
- No refunds will be given for guests choosing to leave early.
- Base rates are based on 2-person occupancy. Charges will apply for additional occupants. RV Sites maximum 6 adults/site, a total of 8 guests. Cabins max occupancy 4 persons, yurts max occupancy 5 persons.
- Please be aware that tents are only permitted in the multi-use and walk-in tent area of the Resort.
- Deposit taken on booking reservation via credit card
1-3 night stay – 100% deposit
4-7 nights – 50% deposit
8+ nights – 25% deposit
Cancellation RV & Tents:
- If more than 14 days’ notice is given, a $20 admin fee plus tax will be charged
- If less than 14 days’ notice is given, the full deposit amount will be forfeited
Cancellation Cabins & Yurts:
- If more than 30 days’ notice is given, a $20 admin fee plus tax will be charged
- If less than 30 days’ notice is given, the full deposit amount will be forfeited
No Shows & Late Arrivals:
- Reserved sites are held until 11 am the day after the scheduled arrival date.
- If you do not notify the Property of late arrival, you will be considered a no-show and your reservation will be canceled. All deposits received will be forfeited and the property will have the right to give the site away to other visitors.
Minimum Stays RV & Tent Sites:
- No minimum night stays are required for Overnight Voyageur bookings; 2-night minimum stay for rental units (Yurts and Cabins)
- NOTE: Minimum age restriction for Cabin/Yurt bookings is 25 or older. Must produce a valid CC upon check-in ID may be asked to verify age.
- All changes should be informed by email or phone.
Address: 8018 Mons Rd, Whistler, BC V0N 1B8.
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2. Whistler RV Park and Campground
Further afield to the south, Whistler RV Park is a bigger campground tucked away in the woods. Here you can camp at one of the 44 seasonal, non-serviced RV sites and 102 large pull-through sites opening out to the gorgeous mountain and valley. While RV is the main focus of the park, you can also find numerous sites to pitch a tent in summer.
Visitors to the sites have full access to electric, sewer, and water hook-ups. Other than that, the park has been remodeled to game up your camping experience with whiffle golf and Frisbee golf sites located right on the site. If you’re coming from and to Whistler Village, the park offers shuttle services throughout the summer so you can get rid of the hassle of self-navigating.
Its excellent location in the remote setting allows you to fill your calendar with a heap of outdoor activities at any time of the day. This place is an incredible site with proximity to famous natural attractions near Whistler such as the waterfall at Brandywine Provincial Park and the extensive network of biking trails. Hit one of the snowmobiling terrains on Brandywine Mountain in winter or tackle the Brew Lake Hiking Trail in summer – you name it!
Opening time: year-round.
Facilities and regulations:
- Washrooms
- Pull-thru Sites
- Pets Allowed
- Tent Camping
- Electric 50 AMP
- Electric 30/20/15 Amp
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Fire rings
- Picnic tables.
- Wiffle golf course and frisbee golf course.
- Snow bike and snowshoe rentals in winter.
- Dish-washing station.
Prices and reservations:
- RV camping May 1st to Oct 1st: $65 per night (plus taxes) and $70 (plus taxes) per night on weekends and Holidays
- RV camping October 1st to May 1st: $50 per night (plus taxes)
- Summer tent camping May 1st to September 30th: $45 per night (plus taxes)
- The nightly rate includes 2 adults and 2 children.
- Each additional adult is $10 per night.
- Pets are charged at $5 per pet per night.
Address: 55 BC-99, Whistler, BC V0N 1B1.
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3. Cal-Cheak Recreation Site Campground
No reservation accepted – you just come, pitch a tent, enjoy, and leave without a trace. That’s the beauty of camping in such a wilderness as the Cal-Cheak Recreation Site.
Operated on a first-come, first-served basis, Cal-Cheak is not a glamping paradise. But when it comes to forest bathing and being one with nature, Cal-Cheak is second to none.
This is a day-use area without any power or sewage services on the site. However, they have plenty of hoses for water, pit toilets, picnic tables throughout its 55 drive-in sites, and firewood for sale. Cal-Cheak is a heavily forested campground connected with plenty of recreational activities nearby.
Choose one from numerous hiking and white-water kayaking options or hit the nearby suspension bridge passing Callaghan Creek. Alternatively, you can hit the Sea-To-Sky Trail, a family-friendly hiking trail. Cal-Cheak is only 15 minutes away from downtown Whistler with unrivaled privacy under the shades and direct access to either the Cheakamus River or Callaghan Creek.
Opening time: April – October.
Facilities and regulations:
- Mountain biking
- Hiking
- Pit toilets
- Tables
- Wheelchair accessible toilet in the first area called “Callaghan camp”
- This site is within the Resort Municipality of Whistler, therefore a campfire ban may be in effect, please check with the RMOW website for campfire bans.
Prices and self-reservations: $15.00
- Cal-cheak is a first come first served campsite; no reservation system exists.
- Self-register and pay the camping fees using the yellow collection box. A site operator will be by periodically to check the sites and sometimes sell firewood.
Address: Cal Cheak, Whistler, BC V0N 1B1.
4. Nairn Falls Provincial Park Campground
Nairn Falls Campground appears as one of the most beautiful camping areas in Whistler and only 25 kilometers north of the village. This is a big campground that expands over 42 acres hidden completely in the pristine forest by beautiful rivers and mountains.
This gorgeous hidden gem is a perfect base to soak in the sheer beauty of the Whistler-Pemberton section of the Sea-to-Sky Corridor. It’s home to 94 sites both for tents and RVs with no hookups. But rather than a fancy glamping place, Nairn Falls’ claim to fame is all about the nature and serenity brought about by the forested and shady campsites.
Come and pitch a tent. Once you’re done, follow a short trail from there crossing the forest to a set of waterfalls, and spend a few moments in peace lazing by the beautiful Green River cascading from a small rocky canyon. Nairn Falls Campground is also connected with the base of Mt Currie. Thanks to the spectacular beauty, Nairn Falls fills up fast during the summer months and weekends.
Opening time: May 15 until September 15.
Check-in time: 1 PM.
Check-out time: 11 AM.
Facilities and regulations:
- There are wheelchair-accessible pit toilets available.
- Picnic tables.
- Two hand pumps are located in the park. The pumps are shut off during the winter months.
- Bike trails.
- Disc golf course.
- Swimming holes.
- Gates open at 7:00 am and close at 10:00 pm.
- There is a sani-station located at the full-service tourist information center welcoming visitors to Pemberton.
- Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may bring your own wood.
- Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented.
- To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park.
- Maximum of 2 vehicles per site; there is no extra parking available.
- No gatehouse but there is a locked but campable gate in the off-season.
- There are no facilities or services available.
- Pets are allowed.
- Some trails and campsites have steep banks and drop-offs.
- Use extreme caution when walking near the river’s bank.
- Quiet Hours are 10 pm to 7 am: Music, generators, etc. must be shut off completely between these hours.
- Generator use is only permitted between the hours of 9 am – 11 am, and from 6 pm – 8 pm.
Prices and reservations:
- $6.00 per campsite, per night, to a maximum of $18.00 (plus tax)
- $6.00 per campsite, per night, to a maximum of $18.00 (plus tax) + $5.00 call center surcharge per reservation (plus tax)
- No fees in the off-season.
- Camping fees include parking for one vehicle. Additional vehicle fees can be prepaid in conjunction with a reservation (subject to space availability).
- You can have up to 3 reservations in your cart; however, each reservation is processed separately. A reservation charge applies to each reservation in addition to camping fees and other park-user fees.
- The Seniors Discount and the Social Services Camping Fee Exemption may apply to camp fees but do not apply to reservation charges.
- Reserved sites are held until 11 AM the day after the scheduled arrival date.
- If you do not notify the park operator directly of late arrival, you will be considered a no-show and your reservation will be canceled.
- A camping party is defined as 1– 4 persons 16 years of age or older and up to a maximum of 8 persons including children 15 years of age and younger.
- Only one camping party per campsite is permitted unless otherwise authorized in the park.
- To make a reservation for a statutory holiday weekend, you are required to book a minimum of 3 nights.
- When a statutory holiday falls on a Friday, the minimum stay is Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
- When a statutory holiday falls on a Monday, the minimum stay is Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.
- When a statutory holiday falls on any other day, no minimum stay applies.
- Full pre-payment of all camping fees and reservation charges is required to secure a reservation.
- Reservation holders must be at least 16 years of age and are responsible for the actions of all party members.
- Reservations for campsites can be made up to 4 months in advance of your arrival date.
- Reservations are not transferable.
- Arriving at the park with more people or vehicles than stated in your reservation may result in additional fees, or unavailability of additional accommodation
- Refunds are not given for an eviction, vacating your campsite early, or inclement weather.
- Only the person whose name is on the reservation has access to change or cancel it.
- To change your reservation to a different campground/park, you must cancel and re-book.
- Reservations for campsites can be made up to two months in advance of your arrival date. If your reservation is made within the first week of the two-month window before your arrival date (the “restricted booking period”), you are not permitted to make changes to your arrival date.
- Reservation charges, change fees, and call center surcharges are non-refundable.
- Cost to change/cancel more than 7 days before your arrival date: $6.00 change fee (plus tax) per campsite.
- Cost to change/cancel within 7 days of your arrival date: $6.00 change fee (plus tax) per campsite.
- Cost to change/cancel on your arrival date: $6.00 change fee (plus tax) per campsite.
- Any request for a change/cancellation/refund after arriving in a park must be arranged through the park operator prior to leaving the park and will be assessed at the park operator’s discretion.
Address: Whistler, BC V0N 1B4.
5. Alice Lake Provincial Park Campground
Here comes your next favourite lakefront camping paradise in Whistler! Alice Lake Campground is the place you want to send your family and kids to hang out at the amphitheater, playground, and the Beachside Café to pop in and wind down any time you want.
It’s home to 108 campsites and 55 of which are equipped with electrical hook-ups. Some of the sites are walk-ins and cycle-ins. Campsites 17 and 18 are wheelchair accessories. The most scenic campsites scatter along the lake and spiral up the hill. By nighttime, you can get to the beach looking for the open sky and cosmic wonders like a moonrise.
The dense forest provides enough shades for all campsites so you don’t have to suffer from the summer heat. Swathing around the lake is an impressive set of mountain views, the rolling hills, and three other freshwater lakes to go fishing and swimming. SUP is also available for rent around the area so you can work out in the scenic view.
Opening time: March through until the end of October.
Check in time: 1:00 pm and 10:00 pm.
Check out time: 11:00 am
Facilities and regulations:
- Two shower and washroom buildings
- Pit toilets.
- An amphitheater
- Playground
- Beachside Café from May to October, weather permitting.
- Canoe, kayak, and standup paddleboard rentals are available seasonally.
- Standup paddle board lessons and standup paddleboard yoga is also available.
- Electrical hook-ups.
- Each site provides 30-amp service with one standard RV receptacle (NEMA TT-30) and one 15-amp standard household receptacle (NEMA 5). There is an additional electrical service charge of $8/night for these sites (whether the power is in use or not).
Prices and reservations: $35/night.
- Reservations are available from May through September and are strongly recommended especially during the peak season months of July, August, and September.
- Gates open at 7:00 am and close at 11:00 pm.
- Please note that dogs must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed on the Alice Lake Trail, beach, playground or picnic areas.
- Quiet Hours are 10 pm to 7 am: Music, generators, etc. must be shut off completely between these hours.
- Generator use is only permitted between the hours of 9am – 11am, and from 6pm – 8pm.
Address: BC-99, Squamish, BC V0N 1H0
Don’t forget to check out other useful resources before you venture out to Whistler this time: