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Brannen Lake RV Park & Campsite
Overview
Brannen Lake RV Park & Campsite offers a classic Vancouver Island camping experience on the shores of its namesake lake. Established as a family-owned destination for over fifty years, this park focuses on providing a peaceful environment where nature takes center stage. It serves as a comfortable base for exploring the central island while offering a variety of on-site recreational activities centered around the water and the surrounding forested hills.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in a quiet valley just northwest of downtown Nanaimo, the park feels secluded despite being minutes from major services. The landscape is defined by the clear waters of Brannen Lake and the lush greenery typical of the Pacific Northwest. Visitors can enjoy the transition from the bustling ferry terminals to a serene, lakeside setting where the sound of the wind through the trees replaces the noise of the city.
Amenities & Park Features
The park caters to diverse camping styles with both full hookup RV sites and rustic tenting areas under the canopy. Essential facilities include clean washrooms, hot showers, and laundry services to ensure a comfortable stay for long-term guests. The highlight of the property is the private access to the lake, featuring a sandy swimming beach and a dedicated boat launch for those looking to explore the water by kayak or motorized boat.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
While the lake provides endless entertainment, the local area is rich with exploration opportunities. Hikers will enjoy the challenge of Mount Benson Regional Park, which offers panoramic views of the Georgia Strait. For a more relaxed pace, the nearby Woodgrove Centre provides ample shopping and dining, while the downtown Nanaimo waterfront is perfect for a stroll along the seawall or catching a passenger ferry to the nearby islands.
Who This Park Is Best For
This location is ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize water-based recreation and a quiet, community-oriented atmosphere. It is particularly well-suited for travelers who want to be close to the Nanaimo ferry terminals but prefer a natural retreat over a generic roadside stop. If you value a traditional camping vibe with easy access to both wilderness and urban conveniences, this park fits your travel style perfectly.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Internet
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Rob Krauzig
Huge spots but can be very confusing to find them as roads look like spots and spots look like roads. Way finding needs work. Way too little staff on. Garbage overflowing at the start of the weekend, stinking garbage area within steps to playground (hope it’s not a area frequented by bears) Very tight roads with un trimmed branches at corners to help with clearance’s. Arrow pointing left to a spot that is actually on the right. Dead end roads where every RV park in existence has loops. I was stuck at a gate and was told it could not be open ! My 40’ class a had no room to turn around. Chloe was able to help me but because she was alone it took a long time for her to help me. Website congratulates itself on a 30 year family run park as of 2015 ? A decades old website page. Unfortunately the “family” is nowhere to be found. They make you fill out a paper registration card “for their records” but will not provide you with an actual receipt ! They charge and interrogate visitors $5.00 all because there is no staff to simply show a presence. So their solution is to close loop / turn around roads, grill and charge visitors. I saw one golf cart in the week I was there when there should have been several passes / day as the grounds are quite expansive. Website makes you believe that it’s lakeside, the image galley has several if not a majority of pictures taken with kids in the lake etc but it’s a ~20-30 min walk if you don’t walk the wrong trail ;) most drive as the park is not lakeside. The prison across the lake however is lakefront, that’s a strange one, on would think that it would need to relocate the minute it needed to upgrade codes etc, beautiful prime lake front property occupied by a prison!!
Sarah Asselin
We try and come here once or twice a year and it's amazing. Great sites, so much tree coverage which is perfect for the summer heat, and the walk to the beach is beautiful. My favorite camping spot.
Brad Bowman
The campground itself was great! The playground was awesome for kids, the sites were spacious, the lake was fantastic. My only negative comment was the picnic tables were really low to the ground. It was hard for adults to get in and out of them.
Gail Wiebe
A wonderful campground! From the moment we arrived - the staff were super friendly & helpful! The campsites were beautiful - spaced nicely apart and our site was very private! Washrooms & laundry were very clean !
Jokarainbowarrior
It was really nice and peaceful. Our site was right by the park, which the park was definitely worth it and being well used by kids and big kids too. The road to the lake is beautiful and the beach at the lake was clean and sandy. Nice little dock as well. The washrooms were clean and the staff were friendly. We are mountain bikers, disc golfers and hubby also does dirt jumping and he took advantage of all of these sports while we stayed at the campground.since all of these sports were just up the road. We also have paddleboards; however, the weather and water were still a little too chilly for me. Next time. 😁. I will definitely stay here again. Hope this helps anyone curious if staying here is the right choice, don't look any further it definitely is.