Camping in Squamish is pretty picturesque since it is nestled between the mountains and the ocean. As a local, I’ve got insider info about the best places to camp in Squamish including free options.
Since it is a short drive from both Vancouver and Whistler, Squamish is a very popular place to camp. You need to plan ahead to get reservations or take your chances on the first-come, first-served spots.
However, with 22 campgrounds around Squamish, you are bound to find one that works for you no matter if you are RVing, tent camping or doing van life.
This post includes:
- A Squamish camping map: 22 different Squamish area campgrounds on one handy map
- Tips for responsible camping in Squamish: how to respect the wilderness, other campers, and local residents.
- Detailed listings for 22 Squamish campgrounds including rates, reservations, locations, amenities and site types
- Where to camp for free near Squamish
- Recommendations for campgrounds in Whistler, a town about 45 minutes from Squamish
- A quick overview of backcountry (hike-in) camping in Squamish
- Squamish camping FAQ including info about weather, campfires, bears, RV sani dump stations, showers, and more
Psst! Want to know what else to see in Squamish? Check out my huge list of the best things to do in Squamish!
This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.
Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn
Squamish Camping Map
Curious about where to find camping in Squamish? I made this custom Google Map for you. It includes all the campgrounds I mention in this post.
Responsible Camping in Squamish
Squamish is a gorgeous, which makes it a very popular place to camp. Unfortunately, many campers leave trash or have loud parties, which means that locals do not like campers. If you want to keep camping open in Squamish, do your part to be a responsible camper.
- Learn and follow the principles of Leave No Trace.
- Respect local residents and fellow campers by keeping music and noise low, especially at night.
- Plan ahead by making a reservation or having a back-up plan if the campground you want to stay at is full.
- Follow bear safe camping practices.
- If fires are permitted, keep yours small and inside a fire ring. Check for fire bans before making a campfire.
- Use a toilet or outhouse whenever possible. If not, go to the bathroom the Leave No Trace way by burying your waste. Don’t leave human waste or toilet paper on the ground where dogs or other humans may discover it.
- Don’t leave garbage in campsites. Bring it to garbage cans or recycling bins, even if that means driving a few kilometres with it.
- Do not pollute creeks and rivers with human waste or soap.
Porteau Cove Provincial Park Campground
The oceanside campground at Porteau Cove Provincial Park is one of the most popular places to camp in BC. Many of the campsites are right on the water with incredible views across Howe Sound. And the entire park is gorgeous – it’s on my list of the best things to see in Squamish.
The walk-in sites are very close together, but they have an incredible location right on the ocean. There are some short hiking trails in the park that lead to a spectacular viewpoint. The pier at the main parking lot is also a great place for photo ops and popular for star gazing.
Keep in mind that a railway runs right next to the campground. Trains run a few times a week, but if you are there when the train goes by, it is loud!
Location: Highway 99 between Lions Bay and Furry Creek (about 20 minutes south of Squamish)
Sites: 44 drive-in sites and 16 walk-in sites
Nightly Rates: $20/night for walk-in sites; $35/night for drive-in sites; $43/night for sites with electricity
Reservations: Yes. Required year-round.
Amenities: Pit toilets, flush toilets, showers, drinking water taps, picnic tables, fire pits.
Open: Year-round. There is no water and the fees are reduced between November and February.
More Info and Reservations: Porteau Cove Provincial Park
Psst! Porteau Cove is one of the most popular campgrounds in BC and can get booked up really fast. One of the best ways to get a spot is to use an app like Campnab or Schnerp. Read my guide to camping cancellation apps to find out how they work and which one I recommend.
Klahanie Campground
This large campground has a great location just off the highway. You can cross the highway at the crosswalk to get to Shannon Falls. From there, a short trail takes you to the Sea to Sky Gondola and the Stawamus Chief.
Many of the campsites have incredible views of Shannon Falls. A few sites at the back of the campground are situated on top of a bluff so they look down onto Howe Sound. However, the view sites cost more.
The lodge building where you check-in has had a restaurant or take-out window in previous years, but as of 2023, I think it is closed. As well, fans of the Netflix show Virgin River may recognize the exterior of the building as Fitches B&B where Mel stays at the beginning of the series.
Location: 36583 Darrell Bay Road, Squamish (5 minutes south of Squamish)
Sites: 63 sites that are a mix of serviced and unserviced RV sites, tent sites, and walk-in tent sites.
Nightly Rates: $45-90 for tent sites; $50-90 for RV sites (Rates vary depending on site type and day of the week.)
Reservations: Yes. All sites can be reserved.
Amenities: internet access, coin-op showers, flush toilets, wash stations, potable water taps, picnic tables, fire rings, firewood for sale,
Open: Year-round
More Info and Reservations: Klahanie Campground
Stawamus Chief Provincial Park Campground
The campground at Stawamus Chief Provincial Park is cheap, doesn’t require reservations, and is only 5 minutes to downtown Squamish, making it a popular place to stay. And in the summer, it is on a bus route so it is easy to get to.
This shaded campground at the base of the Stawamus Chief mountain is popular with rock climbers, many of whom camp here for days at a time to access the world-class climbing nearby.
It’s a popular spot for hikers too since it is the trailhead for the rugged and challenging hike to the top of the Stawamus Chief. This hike is a must-do and it’s on my list of the best things to do in Squamish.
The campground sits in a mature old-growth forest so it is very shady, which is great on hot days but can be chilly and dark the rest of the time. There are 12 drive-in campsites that are essentially just parking spots for vans or small RVs. The rest of the campsites are small walk-in sites best suited to 4-person tents or smaller.
Location: Highway 99, Squamish (5 minutes south of Squamish)
Sites: 57 campsites with a mix of drive-in sites and walk-in tent sites
Nightly Rates: $10/site/night
Reservations: No. All sites are first-come, first-served.
Amenities: Pit toilets, potable water taps, covered picnic shelters, food storage lockers
Open: Mid-April to mid-October. The campground is open in winter without water but no fees are collected.
More Info: Stawamus Chief Provincial Park
Squamish Municipal Campground
The District of Squamish has a small campground in a cleared area next to the Brennan Park Recreation Centre, BMX track, and sports fields. In the past, it was open to the public for first-come, first-served camping.
However, starting in 2022, the Squamish Municipal Campground is closed to the public. It is only open if you book the entire campground for special events such as sports tournaments and arts festivals.
Location: 39275 Loggers Lane, Squamish (in the Brennan Park neighbourhood)
Sites: 20-30 sites
Nightly Rates: Unknown
Reservations: Yes. The campground is currently only open for special event bookings.
Amenities: Pit toilets, potable water taps, picnic tables, fire rings.
Open: Currently only open for special event bookings.
More Info and Reservations: District of Squamish
Mamquam River Campground
This rustic campground is operated by a local non-profit and is geared toward rock climbers, mountain bikers, hikers, and kayakers who want an affordable place to camp in Squamish. The entire campground has a community feel.
The campground is right next to the Mamquam River, and it’s fun to hang out on the sandy river bank on sunny days. However, there is a gun club, an asphalt plant, and a quarry nearby, so it can be noisy during the day. It quiets down at night.
It’s a short walk to the Brennan Park Recreation Centre where you can catch a bus to downtown Squamish or other attractions around town. It’s a 5-minute drive to downtown Squamish.
There is no water source here, so bring your own. You can also collect water from the river, but boil, filter, or treat it first as it isn’t safe to drink otherwise.
Location: 2023 Centennial Way, Squamish (in the Brennan Park neighbourhood)
Sites: 76 sites with a mix of RV parking spots, drive-in sites, and walk-in tent sites. All sites are unserviced.
Nightly Rates: $10/night for walk-in sites; $20/night for drive-in sites
Reservations: Yes. All sites can be reserved between late April and late September. The rest of the year, all sites are first-come, first-served and payment is self-serve in cash.
Amenities: Communal fire rings, bear-proof food caches, picnic tables, pit toilets. No water.
Open: Year-round
More Info and Reservations: Mamquam River Campground
MTN Fun Basecamp
This conveniently located campground is right next to Highway 99 at the north end of Squamish. That makes it an easy 10-minute drive to downtown Squamish.
The campground is set in the forest at the base of Debeck’s Hill. You can hike up Debeck’s Hill (my favourite local viewpoint) or to Alice Lake right from the campground.
It’s also a great spot for mountain bikers with lots of trails right at the campground and bike rentals on-site. They even have bike rentals and a bike wash station on-site.
Location: 1796 Depot Road, Squamish (10 minutes north of Squamish)
Sites: 48 sites with a mix of serviced and unserviced RV sites and tent-only sites. They also have a small motel.
Nightly Rates: $40-80/unserviced sites (depending on size); $70/serviced sites; $149-179/motel room
Reservations: Yes. All sites can be reserved.
Amenities: Free hot showers, flush toilets, convenience store, wifi, laundry, picnic tables, fire rings, potable water taps, bike wash station
Open: Year-round
More Info and Reservations: MTN Fun Base Camp
Alice Lake Provincial Park Campground
This family-friendly campground is a worthy destination. It is just 15 minutes north of Squamish so it is easy to zip into town for groceries or dinner.
The large campground is set in a shady forest. Most of the campsites are large enough for RVs and some of them have electrical hook-ups.
The sandy beach at Alice Lake is a short walk from the campground. You can rent a kayak or SUP or swim over to the floating dock.
The park also has lots of hiking and mountain biking trails. The most popular trail is the Four Lakes Trail which loops around Alice, Fawn, Stump, and Edith Lakes. I live a short hike away from Alice Lake and love the trails here. The park is so nice that it’s on my list of the best things to do in Squamish.
Location: Alice Lake Road, Squamish (15 minutes north of Squamish)
Sites: 96 sites, most of which are big enough for RVs, some of which have electric hookups. There are also 12 walk-in tent sites.
Nightly Rates: $23 (walk-in sites); $35 (regular sites); $43 (electrical hookups)
Reservations: Yes. All sites can be reserved.
Amenities: Showers, flush toilets and pit toilets, picnic tables, potable water taps, fire rings, playground, sani station, swimming lake
Open: Mid-March to end of October
More Info and Reservations: Alice Lake Provincial Park
Cat Lake Recreation Site Campground
This lakeside campground is one of the most popular spots to camp in the Squamish area. The campground is about 20 minutes north of Squamish. It’s a short drive from the highway on a gravel road which can be bumpy but is fine for all vehicles.
The sites are arranged on walking paths around the lake, so be prepared to carry your gear for up to 10 minutes. There is no water source here, so bring your own. You can also collect water from the lake, but boil, filter, or treat it first as it isn’t safe to drink otherwise.
The main attraction here is the beautiful lake, which has relatively warm water and three different docks to jump off. There are also lots of mountain bike and dirt bike trails in the area. On summer weekends it’s a popular spot for parties.
Location: Cheekeye Forest Service Road, Squamish (20 minutes north of Squamish)
Sites: 48 tent-only sites, all of which are walk-in
Nightly Rate: $18
Reservations: No. All sites are first-come, first-serve.
Amenities: Pit toilets, picnic tables, bear-proof food lockers, fire rings, firewood for sale, swimming lake. No water.
Open: April to October
More Info: Cat Lake Recreation Site
Paradise Valley Campground
This family-oriented campground doesn’t allow generators or music, so it has a really peaceful atmosphere. However, it’s worth noting that a railway track runs along the side of the campground (trains pass a few times a week) so that can add some noise.
It is located in the Paradise Valley about 20 minutes from Squamish. The Cheakamus River is just across the street. The campground has a very natural setting with tons of trees. As well, there is a dedicated adult camping area on one side of the site for people who don’t want to camp next to screaming kids.
It is also a great location for hikers since the Thompson Trail to Brohm Lake starts right behind the campground. It’s a great trail to hike if you want to go for a swim in the lake.
Location: 3520 Paradise Valley Road, Squamish (a 20-minute drive up the Paradise Valley from Squamish)
Sites: 84 drive-in sites plus 8 walk-in tent sites
Nightly Rates: $45/night for unserviced sites or grass tenting; $65/night for serviced sites
Reservations: Yes. All sites are reservable.
Amenities: Pay showers, potable water taps, flush toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, wash sinks, bear-proof food lockers, general store
Open: Late April to early October
More Info and Reservations: Paradise Valley Campground
Levette Lake Recreation Site
This rustic campsite can only be reached by a rough 4WD drive-only road. It is located in the Paradise Valley about 30 minutes north of Squamish.
The small lake has a gorgeous setting and mountain views. The lake is warm enough for swimming. The other half of the lake has private cabins, so be respectful and keep the noise down.
There is no water source here, so bring your own. You can also collect water from the lake, but boil, filter, or treat it first as it isn’t safe to drink otherwise.
Location: Levette Lake Forest Service Road, Squamish (30 minutes up the Paradise Valley from Squamish. The last 2 km are on a 4WD-only road)
Sites: 9
Nightly Rates: $18/night/vehicle
Reservations: No. All campsites are first-come, first-served.
Amenities: Pit toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, bear-proof food caches. No water.
Open: May to October
More info: Levette Lake Recreation Site
Squamish Valley Campground
This campground is located right on the Squamish River with a private sandy beach. Keep in mind that the water is really cold and the current is fast, so it’s more of a quick dip or hang-out spot and not a swimming beach.
The campground is rustic and set in a grove of trees. Some of the campsites are right on the river and have incredible mountain views.
There is no water source here, so bring your own. You can also collect water from the lake, but boil, filter, or treat it first as it isn’t safe to drink otherwise.
Location: 12975 Squamish Valley Road, Squamish (about 30 minutes up the Squamish Valley from Squamish)
Sites: 65 sites
Nightly Rates: $20/person/night + $5/vehicle/night or $10/RV night (no hook-ups)
Reservations: Yes. Reservations are required on weekends. Weekdays are first-come, first-served.
Amenities: Pit toilets, picnic tables. No water.
Open: May to September
More Info and Reservations: Squamish Valley Campground
Free Camping Near Squamish
Since Squamish is a popular destination, there are very few free places to camp close to town.
Squamish is a very popular van life destination, which has unfortunately led to a situation with a lot of garbage, human waste, and noise. Locals were tired of disrespectful campers, so the town made it illegal to sleep in your vehicle on most roads within the District of Squamish. You also can’t camp in any municipal parks.
If you do choose to take advantage of free camping in Squamish, keep in mind that most places have no facilities so you will need to pack out all trash with you. You will also need to use Leave No Trace toilet practices – dig a cat hole 6″ deep well away from trails, camp and water and bury your waste.
If you choose to camp for free in Squamish, please respect other campers and the wilderness. Locations that have lots of garbage, human waste, damage, illegal fires, and noise complaints get shut down and closed to future campers.
Many of these campsites are located outside of cell service and the road networks can be confusing, so it’s best to use a GPS app like Gaia GPS or the Vancouver, Coast and Mountains Backroad Mapbook.
Psst! Want to save 20% off a premium Gaia GPS annual membership, which includes the maps I use on my trips? Use this link.
Here are a few legal places to camp for free near Squamish:
Squamish Walmart Parking Lot
If you are in a jam and need a place for the night, you can sleep in your RV or van for free in the Walmart parking lot. Since it is private property, Squamish’s no camping rule doesn’t apply. The Squamish Walmart is located in the industrial park just off the highway.
It’s worth noting that the Walmart parking lot has a few year-round residents. The parking lot sometimes feels a little seedy, but it is generally fairly safe.
Where: 39210 Discovery Way, Squamish
Squamish Riverside Recreation Site Campground
This free campground near Squamish has nine sites, picnic tables and a pit toilet. It is located on the banks of the Squamish River near Ashlu Creek.
The site has a history of bear issues, so keep a clean campsite and store all food and garbage inside your car.
You will have to drive a bumpy gravel road to get here, but it is usually 2WD-accessible.
Where: Ashlu Road, Squamish Valley (about 35 minutes north of Squamish in the Squamish Valley)
More info: Squamish Riverside Recreation Site
Squamish High Falls Recreation Site
This rustic camping area in the Squamish River Valley has no designated campsites or toilets. Instead, it is just a spur road with some informal campsites off the Squamish River Forest Road near the river.
The forested campsite is prone to flooding in the spring and during periods of hot weather. It is conveniently located near the trailhead for the High Falls Creek hike.
You will have to drive a bumpy gravel road to get here, but it is usually 2WD-accessible.
Where: Squamish River Forest Service Road, Squamish (about 40 minutes north of Squamish in the Squamish River Valley)
More info: High Falls Recreation Site
Hideaway Recreation Site Campground
This is a small, rustic campground with no toilets or designated campsites. However, it is located next to the Squamish River, which is gorgeous. Unfortunately, it is a common place for illegal raves so it can be very busy and noisy on weekends.
The Squamish River FSR to get here is bumpy but mostly 2WD accessible. However, the spur road into the campsite (about 100m long) is really rough and requires 4WD. Use caution in hot weather or during times of snowmelt as the road can flood.
Where: KM 26.5 on the Squamish River Forest Service Road, Squamish (about 1.5 hours north of Squamish in the Squamish River Valley)
More info: Hideaway Recreation Site
Squamish-Elaho Recreation Site Campground
This is another rustic campground with no toilets and no designated campsites. It is located near the confluence of the Squamish and Elaho Rivers. This is another place where illegal raves and parties are common.
You can get here via the Squamish River FSR and Elaho Mainline FSR. They are bumpy, but mostly 2WD accessible. Use caution in hot weather or during times of snowmelt as the road can flood.
Where: Near the intersection of the Squamish River FSR and Elaho Mainline FSR (about 1.5 hours north of Squamish in the Squamish River Valley)
More info: Squamish-Elaho Recreation Site
Molson Memorial Recreation Site Campground
The Molson Memorial Recreation site is located beside a beautiful waterfall in the upper Elaho Valley. It is a rustic campsite with no toilets or designated campsites, but it does have one picnic table. The small site fits only one or two groups. Depending on water levels, there are also lots of camping areas nearby on the riverbed.
To get here you will need to drive 28 km on the Squamish River FSR, then turn onto the Elaho FSR and continue for another 8 km where you turn off onto a spur road for the campsite. The Elaho FSR can be rough and 4WD is likely required.
Where: G-Main FSR off the Elaho Main FSR, Squamish (about 2 hours northwest of Squamish in the Squamish River Valley)
More info: Molson Memorial Recreation Site
Chek Canyon Recreation Site Campground
The Chek Canyon Recreation Site is a very popular rock climbing area located in the Cheakamus Canyon south of Whistler. To get there, you’ll need to drive a few kilometres along the steep and bumpy Conroy Forest Service Road. A 4WD or AWD vehicle is recommended.
The small site has room for three tents, along with picnic tables and a toilet. On weekends, it is usually fully occupied by rock climbers
Where: Conroy Forest Service Road (about 25 minutes north of Squamish via Highway 99)
More info: Chek Canyon Recreation Site
Forest Service Roads
The Squamish area has many forest service roads snaking uphill into the mountains. These are rough gravel roads and many require 4WD vehicles.
Some of these roads have pullouts or clearings where you can pitch a tent for the night. There are no formal facilities so you must pack out all trash and use Leave No Trace practices for going to the bathroom. Please be respectful and don’t make a mess.
To find locations, you’ll need to explore the forest service roads. You will need to go far enough down the road to be outside of the town of Squamish.
As well, the roads lead to trailheads for hiking, mountain biking, dirt biking, and rock climbing so you will need to share space with other users. Please clean up after yourself and be respectful of other users.
The road networks can be confusing, so it’s best to use a GPS app like Gaia GPS or the Vancouver, Coast and Mountains Backroad Mapbook.
Psst! Want to save 20% off a premium Gaia GPS annual membership, which includes the maps I use on my trips? Use this link.
Camping in Whistler
Whistler is just 45 minutes from Squamish so camping in Whistler can be a good way to spend time in Squamish. Here are the four main campgrounds in Whistler you should know about:
Cal-Cheak Recreation Site: 55 rustic first-come, first-served sites next to the Cheakamus River. The location is 35 minutes north of Squamish, just outside Whistler. More info: Cal-Cheak Recreation Site.
Whistler RV Park and Campground: Large RV park with tent sites located 40 minutes north of Squamish just outside of Whistler. It’s close to the highway, Brandywine Falls, and ATV trails. More info: Whistler RV Park and campground.
Whistler Riverside Camping and RV Resort: Large 156-site RV park with tent sites, yurts, and log cabins close to everything right in Whistler. More info: Whistler Riverside Camping and RV Resort
Nairn Falls Provincial Park: Beautiful provincial park next to the Green River in between Whistler and Pemberton, 1.25 hours north of Squamish. More info: Nairn Falls Provincial Park
Want to go camping in Whistler? I’ve got a whole guide to camping in Whistler that includes info for 17 places to camp in Whistler.
Backcountry Camping in Squamish
The Squamish area is home to many gorgeous hiking trails, some of which have backcountry campgrounds. Keep in mind that these campsites are several hours’ hike from the trailhead. You will need to carry in all your gear.
Most of the backcountry campsites are in Garibaldi Provincial Park including Garibaldi Lake, Elfin Lakes, and Cheakamus Lake.
Other Squamish backcountry camping options include Brew Hut, Lake Lovely Water, Watersprite Lake, and the House Sound Crest Trail.
You can find details for all of these trips in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.
Camping in Squamish FAQ
Wondering if you need a reservation to camp in Squamish? Or if you’ve allowed to have a fire. What about weather – what’s it like in Squamish? And will you see bears if you camp in Squamish? Here’s everything you need to know to plan a camping trip to Squamish.
Yes, you need to make a reservation for most paid campgrounds in Squamish. But you don’t need a reservation for many of the free campgrounds.
Squamish is one of the most popular places to camp near Vancouver, so if you show up without a reservation, you are unlikely to get a spot.
If you’re heading to a first-come, first-served campground with first-come, plan to arrive early in the day. For weekends, show up on a Thursday or Friday as everything will be full on Saturday.
Yes, as long as there is no campfire ban.
Most campgrounds allow campfires as long as you keep them inside the provided metal fire rings. Do not create new fire rings as it scorches the ground.
Plan to buy firewood locally. Do not cut down trees or branches to start a fire. This damages the ecosystem and live trees do not burn well.
In hot and dry summers, the entire region may be under a fire ban. Check the BC Wildfire Service website before you go.
The warmest months are June, July, August, and September when temperatures are usually between 10°C and 23°C (50-74°F). However, Squamish sometimes see temps as high as the mid-30s (mid-90s °F).
It rains a lot in Squamish. The driest months are June, July, August, and September. But since you can expect rain at any time of year, it’s a good idea to bring a tarp if you are camping in Squamish.
Expect to find snow on the ground and temperatures close to freezing between late November and late February, especially in the Squamish River Valley.
Yes, the Squamish area is home to both black bears and grizzly bears. Black bears are very common. Grizzly bears mostly stay in the mountains west of town.
However it is unlikely you will see a bear – they are usually afraid of humans and try to give us a wide berth.
In general, camping in Squamish is very safe as long as you keep a clean campsite. Store all food, cooking equipment, garbage, and scented products (like toiletries) in your car, RV, or a bear-proof locker. Never store them in a tent or tent trailer. Clean up all food scraps and spills. Don’t burn garbage in your campfire as it can attract animals. Read more tips for bear safety.
Yes. Alice Lake Provincial Park and Porteau Cove Provincial Park have a pay-for-use sani dump facilities. There is also a free dump station location in the Canadian Tire parking lot.
Yes. Many Squamish campgrounds have showers. But you can also take a shower at the Brennan Park Recreation Centre if pay the drop-in rate for the swimming pool. The Spot Laundry also has paid showers ($1/minute).
Use an app like Campnab or Schnerp to let you know the minute there is some availability. My guide to camping cancellation apps explains how they work and which one is better.
That’s everything you need to know to plan a fabulous Squamish camping trip. Do you have questions about finding a campground in Squamish? Let me know in the comments. I’m happy to help!
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