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Pathfinder Camp Resorts Parksville
Overview
Pathfinder Camp Resorts Parksville offers a refreshed and welcoming environment for travelers exploring the beauty of Vancouver Island. Formerly known as Parry’s RV Park, this destination has undergone significant updates to provide a high-quality camping experience. The resort focuses on maintaining a peaceful woodland atmosphere while offering the modern conveniences today’s RVers expect. Whether you are stopping for a few days or staying for a season, the park serves as a reliable and comfortable home base.
Location & Surroundings
Located in the heart of Parksville, British Columbia, this resort is uniquely positioned along the banks of the Englishman River. The surrounding landscape is characterized by towering trees and the gentle sounds of flowing water, providing an immediate sense of escape. Its proximity to the Island Highway makes it easily accessible, yet it remains far enough removed to offer a quiet, nature-focused setting away from the bustle of city traffic.
Amenities & Park Features
The park is well-equipped to handle various RV sizes with its spacious, level sites. Each site provides full hookups, including 30 or 50-amp power, water, and sewer connections. Guests can enjoy the seasonal heated swimming pool, which is a major highlight for families during the summer months. Other essential features include updated laundry facilities, clean washrooms, and a playground for children, ensuring a convenient and well-rounded stay for all visitors.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Adventure is never far away, as the park is just minutes from the famous Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park and its expansive sandy shores. For a unique local experience, a short drive leads to the Old Country Market in Coombs, known for its goats on the roof. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate being close to Englishman River Falls Provincial Park, where hiking trails and stunning waterfalls showcase the rugged beauty of the region.
Who This Park Is Best For
This resort is ideal for family vacationers seeking a safe and engaging environment for children, thanks to the on-site pool and river access. It also appeals to retirees and long-term travelers who want a riverside retreat with easy access to the amenities of Parksville. If you value a blend of forest scenery and resort-style amenities, this park is an excellent choice for your next Vancouver Island road trip.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Internet
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
April Krupek
I don’t often leave reviews—positive or negative—but I felt this one was important for anyone who may be sensitive to smells. The campground staff were friendly and efficient, and the facilities for children were excellent with great playgrounds and a nice pool. The river was beautiful, and it was a bonus to have flush toilets, showers, and laundry available. While the sites lack privacy, they are adequate. Unfortunately, the intermittent—at times nearly constant—smell of sewer gas throughout much of the campground was almost unbearable. It woke us during the night and made sitting or eating outside nearly impossible. After three days, we left with headaches, nausea, and dizziness (and no, alcohol was not a factor). The system all looks brand new, but something must be seriously “off,” as we frequently stay at sites with hookups and have never experienced this issue before. Sadly, we won’t be returning.
M L
We had a great time! The late check-in was awesome and the location was top notch. Having a gate card was a great feature that allowed us to enjoy our late night evening without having to rush back to our lodging. The campsite was clean and so were the facilities. My only small complaint, there was no hot water even after inserting my loonie. Other than that, 10/10 experience. We will definitely be back again. 😊
Tara Jean Stevens
Camping at Pathfinder is officially a family tradition! We'll be back next year for our 3rd year in a row. There's so much to love, like riverside tent sites, nice facilities (bathrooms, showers, laundry, pool, store). The biggest draw here for my family is the private river access, with shallow areas for wading, and, deeper areas for some fun, safe, & entertaining cliff jumping. Bring your snorkels, tubes, and water shoes. Is it perfect? No. There's very little privacy between sites, and there is an unfortunate stench of sewer. But, that smell is mostly contained to the back few rows of RV sites, and it's my understanding that this is not a permanent issue. Thank you to the owners and staff, and see you in 2026!
Ella Arnold
Stayed 2 nights and would absolutely go back! The staff are funny and kind and even escorted and helped us pull into our site. Makes it even better that it was a pull through site which makes it easier for people. Bathrooms are super clean and I love the cedar vibe to it. Laundry room is open 24 hours as well as the bathroom. Hot showers ($1 - 5 minutes). Lots of activities for kids with 2 play areas, a pool, office with candy and ice cream, go karts ($10 for ½ an hour and $15 for 1 hour), themed activities every weekend, colouring contests, a few basketball hoops, and a river with jumping spots. The location is great too as town is not far away (maybe 15 minutes not even) but it feels like you're separated from everything. Lots of trees as well so most sites have lots of shade. Definitely recommend!
Stevie M
Great camping spot! Our family stay here from May to September. This is our second year and we still love it as much as the first one. Staff is great ! Tony and his wife are amazing. They all make my kids feel welcome and keep them busy lol! 😂 Weekly activities, Saturday movie night in the park. Beautiful river for swimming ! We bring our paddle boards and it’s always a blast ! They also have a heated swimming pool if you find the river to cold (Englishman river). Dog friendly as well ! I have read a lot of bad reviews and I’m honestly shocked.. I have camped a lot, and this is by far the best spot, local to us. Sure the septic smells here and there, I mean, it’s like this everywhere I have been. Don’t let the bad reviews drive you away. ❤️