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French Beach
Overview
French Beach Provincial Park offers a quintessential West Coast experience on the shores of the Juan de Fuca Strait. Spanning over 59 hectares, this park is famous for its 1,600-meter-long pebble beach and lush coastal forest. It provides a serene escape for those looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Vancouver Island. Unlike a commercial resort, it focuses on preserving the environment while offering a rugged, authentic camping atmosphere where the sound of the waves dominates the landscape. It is a premier destination for those who want to experience the untamed Pacific coastline in its most natural form.
Location & Surroundings
Located roughly 20 kilometers west of Sooke along the scenic West Coast Road, the park sits nestled between the deep forest and the Salish Sea. The Olympic Mountains in Washington State are often visible across the water on clear days, providing a dramatic backdrop for sunset photography. The area is characterized by towering Sitka spruce and Douglas fir trees, creating a cool, shaded environment for campers. The drive to the park is part of the experience, winding through the rugged coastline of the Shirley district, offering glimpses of hidden coves and misty forests along the way.
Amenities & Park Features
The park features 69 vehicle-accessible campsites designed for a rustic dry camping experience. While there are no electrical or water hookups available at the individual sites, the park provides essential facilities for visitors:
- Pit toilets and seasonal hand-pumped drinking water stations for basic needs.
- A spacious picnic area with plenty of green space for afternoon gatherings.
- A dedicated children's playground located just a short walk from the beach.
- Individual fire rings and picnic tables provided at every designated campsite.
These features ensure that while you are effectively off-the-grid, you have the basic necessities required for a comfortable and traditional stay in the woods.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the nearby Sheringham Point Lighthouse or take a short drive to the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail for more intensive hiking opportunities. The beach itself is a prime spot for whale watching, particularly for spotting gray whales during their spring and fall migration periods. Visitors often spend their days beachcombing, exploring tide pools at low tide, or birdwatching for local eagles and ospreys. For those needing supplies or a hot meal, the town of Sooke is a short drive away, offering local markets and coastal dining.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for self-contained RVers who value privacy and nature over high-end luxury amenities. It is a fantastic choice for families seeking a screen-free getaway where kids can roam the beach and explore the temperate rainforest safely. Travelers who enjoy wildlife viewing and quiet coastal evenings will find the setting particularly rewarding. It is best suited for those comfortable with a boondocking style of camping in a peaceful, forested environment located right on the ocean's edge, away from the noise of the city.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Jordan Buren
A really beautiful park, has camping and a great day use area Only a 3-5 minute walk from the car park to the beach The beach is sandy which is nice since there aren’t too many Sandy beaches on the island At the south end of the beach there are some small tide pools The day use area has about 5 campfire rings, some picnic tables, a children’s playground, lots of grass, and a toilet
Timara Laframboise
Gorgeous views, the only downside is that there’s no onsite office so for questions you just have to wait for someone to come around when they do their rounds! Besides that overall nice camp. No showers but nice scenery. All campsites had trees surrounding to provide bit of privacy. Water and pit-toilets.
Tatianna Landry
Booked this back in March (had to book 2 months in advance online) was SO WORTH IT. We lucked out in the weather, and the campsite was so clean and well kept. We were a 5 min walk from the ocean and they had a brand new children's playground. There is drinking water and pit toilets available on site. And you can have fires (there are picnic tables and fire pits in each campsite) There were two bears when we stayed. Although we did not see them, it's important your food stays in your vehicle. (They have steel containers If you come with no car) One thing to note is there is no service when you are at the campground. So keep that in mind prior to your visit. You can technically get roaming from the US but we opted not too. When you arrive you check the sign of the list of campsites to find yours, and a park ranger will meet you on their rounds for check in. I only had to show my ID for check-in. They also sell wood but it was cash only. I couldn't get over how green the trees were and how calming the ocean sounded. I HIGHLY recommend this campsite. We will definitely go next year.
Un VaxD
A very scenic drive alongside the Coast, beautiful sights and stops all the way here. So many beautiful beaches and trails ❤️ So much to see and do. One trip at a Time 😀 I'll see it all 😊 sooner or later. Some sections of this highway is rough for a highway. This is another big beach with lots of parking.
Booyaka Stubbs (ExplorewithStubbs.com)
Just a handful of people here during the Thanksgiving weekend. Very peaceful and we thoroughly enjoyed the drive here. Love day trips and joyrides to new places. Definitely coming back here again and I highly recommend this place for a beautiful view here and along the drive getting here. Not a cloud in the sky when we came and the sun was shining, reflecting off the water like a mirror. Saw a few crabs and fish while the kids tossed rocks at the surf, great place to unwind and relax, perhaps have a picnic 😀. Loads of places to chill and eat, at least 4 portable toilets that we saw, playground for the kids. The hill back up can seem unusually steep so keep an eye on the older folks please..
