Everybody knows Sunshine Coast for its picturesque nature, and what better way to immerse yourself in its natural beauty than to spend a night (or more) in nature? The great thing about the Sunshine Coast is we’ve got something for everyone – whether you’re bringing the kids for their first camping trip or you’re the type who likes to disappear into the woods for a week. Just hop on the ferry at Horseshoe Bay from Vancouver and you’re in a different world. Here’s our take on four spots we love, from the easy ones right up to the adventures that’ll test your stamina.
1. Porpoise Bay: The Family Favourite
This one’s your bread and butter campground, folks. Right outside Sechelt, easy to find, and about as accessible as camping gets around here. The inlet gets far warmer than the open ocean, making it a breeze (pun intended) to swim in or paddle on. Generations of families come back to Porpoise Bay Provincial Park year after year, which tells you something. Watch seals play and hunt, then catch the sunset from the beach. The trails are nice and gentle, perfect for an evening stroll or to rip around on your bike after dinner. Plus, if you forget something, town’s just a few minutes away.
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The ins and outs of camping at Porpoise Bay (Sunshine Coast)
What’s Great:
- Drive right up to your site with all the comforts – hot showers, real bathrooms, the works
- That gentle lagoon is pure magic for families – warm water and safe for the little ones
- Easy walking/biking trails, and you can launch a kayak or paddleboard right from camp
What’s Not:
- Good luck getting a spot on summer weekends – book way ahead or forget about it
- Can get pretty busy and noisy when it’s packed with families and friends
- You’ll pay for all those amenities ($35/night including reservation fees)
2. Klein Lake: Where the Crowds Can’t Find You
If a family-friendly provincial campground like Porpoise Bay is too noisy for your taste, take a longer drive up to Klein Lake Recreation Site. It does take some effort to get here, including unpaved forestry roads – but once you’re there, you’ll notice how muc
h calmer it is. The water’s so clear you can see right to the bottom, and perfect for a swim on a hot day. There’s no reservations; just first-come, first-served. Even on the busiest weekends there are some sites to grab if you show up early enough in the day. Many of the sites are right along the lake, and even the ones that are not are just a short walk away. This is also a great place to stop for a night if your journey involves a trip on BC Ferry via Earls Cove to Powell River.
Tradeoffs Of Camping At Klein Lake, Farther Past the Townships
What’s Great:
- No reservations required, cheaper fees ($18/night as of 2025) – just drive in and talk to the host
- Less people, less noise, less light pollution – the stargazing is amazing here
- Crystal-clear swimming and great hiking through some beautiful old forest
What’s Not:
- Those forestry roads are rough – drive with caution (and don’t run over any turtles)
- Basic facilities only – we’re talking pit toilets, no showers, and pack-out-your-garbage
- No running water – bring a water filter for the lake water, or a massive container of water
3. Tetrahedron Park: For the Serious Hikers
Alright, this one’s not for everybody. You’ve got to earn these campsi tes with a pretty solid hike – we’re talking hours with a full backpack. But the quiet solitude and the sense of accomplishment when you get there? There’s nothing else like it! They’ve got some rustic cabins if you can snag one, but honestly, a tent under those stars might be the better choice.
Mt. Steele cabin is the highest one, perched 1,500m above sea level. On a clear day, you can see forever from the peak – mountains, ocean, islands stretching out like a painting. A nearly 21km round trip with over 1,000m of elevation gain, this hike is not for the faint of heart (or body) but it’s well worth the effort. The hike to McNair cabin is the furthest route at nearly 23km, situated by McNair lake which lies beyond Chapman lake.
Edwards cabin and Bachelor Cabin are closer to the trailhead. These are great options if you prefer a shorter hike, or as stopovers to spend a night on your way into or back from Mt. Steele or McNair cabins.
It’s free to camp up here, and no reservations are required. If you stay in one of the cabins, pay your share of donations to the Tetrahedron Outdoor Club (or bad karma will come your way!).
It rarely gets crowded here, but make sure to always pack your backcountry tent and sleeping gear in case the cabins are occupied. And never forget that mountain weather can change real fast, so pack your mountain essentials!
The Costs & Rewards of Camping At Tetrahedron Provincial Park
What’s Great:
- Not crowded – you’ll most likely encounter a handful of fellow hikers, but overall very quiet
- No bookings required – not many dare this hike, so you earn your campsite through sweat and grit
- The cabins provide shelter in case of rain or cold, along with very basic amenities such as a table and a countertop.
What’s Not:
- The hikes are no joke – for experienced backpackers with the right equipment only
- Weather up there has its own rules – can go from sunny to stormy real quick
- No signal, no amenities, no civilization – this could be a huge pro however (depends on who you ask)
4. Nine Mile Beach: A True Marine Adventure
This one is as unique as a camping adventure can get. You can’t drive here, can’t hike here – you paddle in or you don’t get in at all. You’ll need a canoe or a kayak to paddle in for a couple of hours to reach this peaceful beachside campsite (you can rent them at Pedals and Paddles in Sechelt).
You might see eagles fishing, seals popping their heads up to check you out, and bioluminescence if you’re lucky. You’ll be far away from any sign of civilization once you’re here, with a pit toilet and a few fire rings. There’s no showers, no running water, no electricity here at all, so make sure you pack in all that you need in your boat, and pack everything (including garbage) out. Adhere to the Leave No Trace principles at all times!
The Glory and Cautions Of Camping at Nine Mile Beach (Sunshine Coast Inlet)
What’s Great:
- Pure wilderness and peace, oceanfront bliss, and no light pollution
- No crowds, no fees, no reservations – just you and nature working it out
- Wildlife viewing that’ll blow your mind, both getting there and once you arrive
What’s Not:
- Must arrange ahead to rent a kayak or canoe if you don’t have your own (and be proficient in paddling)
- Weather, winds & tides call the shots – sometimes you get wet, sometimes it can take 2X the time to paddle in or get out.
Moving to Sunshine Coast Gets You A Much Bigger Backyard and Ocean Access
After all these years living here, I still shake my head at how lucky we are. Most places, you’ve got to choose – either you live somewhere convenient or you live somewhere beautiful. Here on the Sunshine Coast, you get both. These four spots are only a small part of why people move here and never want to leave. Whether it’s a short weekend hike, or a weeklong hiking/paddling trip, there’s something for everybody here at Sunshine Coast. This isn’t just about camping – it’s about having real adventure and real peace within reach of home.
If you are curious of the real estate market conditions in Sunshine Coast as you contemplate making a move, here’s a handy guide to all 5 major towns and the latest MLS® listings for sale:
- Townhomes in Gibsons gives you the perfect middle ground of space, accessibility and price
- Waterfront homes at Roberts Creek are simply glorious, if you have the money for it
- Condos in Sechelt are worth a look if you want something smaller and convenient in town
- Land and Lots in Pender Harbour will let you build your dream home your way, and farther away
- Waterfront mansions at Halfmoon Bay are just exquisite, and even more remote and quiet
Where in the Sunshine Coast have you ventured to? Tell us more in the comments below!