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Loveland Bay
Overview
Loveland Bay Provincial Park offers a quintessential Vancouver Island camping experience on the quiet shores of Lower Campbell Lake. This park is characterized by its lush forest canopy and serene waterfront, providing a peaceful escape for those who want to disconnect. Unlike commercial resorts, this provincial site emphasizes the natural environment, offering spacious, gravel-padded sites that provide a high degree of privacy. It is an ideal spot for travelers who appreciate a rustic atmosphere and the soothing sounds of the Pacific Northwest wilderness.
Location & Surroundings
Located approximately 18 kilometers west of Campbell River, BC, the park is accessible via a mix of paved and well-graded gravel logging roads. The park sits within a sheltered bay, protecting the shoreline from heavy winds and creating calm waters perfect for recreation. Surrounded by second-growth Douglas fir and hemlock trees, the area feels secluded despite being a relatively short drive from the Salmon Capital of the World. The elevated position of many sites offers glimpses of the water through the thick greenery.
Amenities & Park Features
This is a dry camping destination, meaning it is best suited for self-contained RVs as there are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups available. The park provides essential facilities including pit toilets and hand-pumped well water. Each campsite is equipped with a heavy-duty picnic table and a fire ring for evening gatherings. For water enthusiasts, the park features a concrete boat launch and a designated swimming beach, making it easy to transition from the campsite to the lake for a day of sun and fun.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw at Loveland Bay is the water, where visitors enjoy kayaking and canoeing along the shoreline. Fishing is also a popular pastime, with the lake being home to cutthroat and rainbow trout. Just a short drive away, you can explore Elk Falls Provincial Park, which features a dramatic suspension bridge and thundering waterfalls. For those seeking a challenge, the nearby Ripple Rock Trail offers a rewarding hike with panoramic views of the Discovery Passage and passing cruise ships.
Who This Park Is Best For
Loveland Bay is a premier choice for outdoor enthusiasts who prefer boondocking and a back-to-basics lifestyle. It is perfectly suited for families looking for a safe, lakeside environment where children can swim and explore the woods. Because the sites are tucked into the trees, it is best for small to mid-sized RVs and camper vans. If your travel style prioritizes stargazing and campfire conversations over luxury amenities and high-speed internet, this park will feel like a true sanctuary.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Wayne's Ambo World
One of the nicest campgrounds I have been at this year. Very well maintained sites for trailers tents and RVs
Lyndsay Van Achte
Very nice provincial camp site. Here are some things to note: - Check the map before you go. The signage is good until you hit gravel. Once you are on the gravel logging roads, the signs are not as clear. The gravel is hit and miss whether it will be in good condition or not. When I went recently, the road was great. The last time I went, it was terrible. - Amenities: updated pit toilets (all well stocked with TP and hand sanitizer), well pump with drinking water, beach area for camping guests, picnic tables at beach area and in sites, dish water disposal areas, garbage and recycling cans, upgraded paths and walkways to connect sites, nice open sites, many are double sites, lots of trees between sites, most are very private, many sites have beach access, boat launch, dock. - to note: no day use area for non campers (the beach area is meant for campers only), no running water, no showers, small campground with a limited number of sites, I believe all sites are reservation only- no walk in, no cell service (I like this), lot of deadheads in the water (be careful if boating - this campground would mostly be appropriate for a small boat), can be quite a lot of black flies. Overall, this is a great campsite - if you can get a reservation. It is wonderful that they have expanded this campground but, unfortunately, it is still not enough to meet the demand.
Scott Van Achte
Awesome little campsite! Great swimming. Views from most sites. Majority are on the water. If you’re into it, crayfish are easy to catch. Tasty but small. Kids caught a dozen in short order using hotdogs for bait. Road in can get rough so take it easy.
Frank Faubert
Because it's out of the way and on logging roads, you need to really want to come here. Once you get here, it's fantastic. The park is incredibly well maintained and the staff is excellent to deal with.
Katerina Pittroff
Had to go on logging roads BUT they were well maintained and even got to see a black bear. The campground itself was super well maintained, with park staff seen frequently checking sites/roads/toilets throughout the day. The campsites were amazing, being groomed post stay, fire rings are sturdy and seem new. The sites are large enough for a couple people staying on site. Trails accessible mid-loop for easy access to beach. The lake is absolutely beautiful, with stunning forests surrounding it, and a view of Strathcona park. 10/10 will come here again.