Camping at Descanso Bay

Camping at Descanso Bay Regional Park

 
     

As of June 17, 2024 new fees are in effect. Fees for reservations made prior to June 17, 2024 are not affected by this change.

Reservations can be made up to 120 days in advance, from April 1 to October 15. Sites 1 - 6a and Site 24 are open from October 16 to March 31 on a first-come, first-serve basis. 


Descanso Bay Regional Park on Gabriola Island is located a short distance from the ferry terminal and is an ideal location for discovering all Gabriola has to offer. This 40-acre oceanfront park has a family-friendly campground that offers private, un-serviced, wooded sites and is easily accessible by vehicle, foot, bike, or kayak. Wander or bike along an established network of trails through the majestic forest setting of Cox Community Park located next door and explore the unique sandstone ocean shoreline in your own kayak or rent one at the park. 

PARK MAP

CAMPSITE RESERVATIONS

Making a Campsite Reservation

  • Make an online campsite reservation now.
  • Same-day reservations are NOT available online. If you do not have a reservation, you can check campground availability online to determine if there are any campsites available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  • Reservation Fee (non-refundable) - $6 per campsite, per night, to a maximum of $18 plus GST.
  • Statutory Holiday Weekends - A minimum 3-night stay is required.
    •  When the holiday falls: on a Friday - the minimum stay is Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights; on a Monday - the minimum stay is Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
  • The maximum stay is fourteen (14) nights.
  • Please review the Campground Rules prior to making a reservation.
  • For more information, please call 250-248-0500 or email DescansoBay [at] rlcparks.ca 

Payment

Full payment is required at the time you make your reservation or change an existing reservation. All reservations must be paid with a credit card.

Campsite Fees

High Season: April 1 - October 15 (reservations recommended)

     Small sites (bike in) - $22 per night, plus tax

     Regular Sites (vehicles accessible) - $25 per night, plus tax

     Reservation fee (non-refundable) - $6 per campsite, per night, to a maximum of $18, plus tax

     Extra vehicles - $11.50 per night, plus tax

     A minimum three-night stay is required on statutory holiday weekends.
     A minimum two-night stay is required if booking a Saturday in July and August.

Low Season: October 16 - March 31 (no reservations)

     Sites 1 through 6a and 24 - OPEN on a first-come, first-served basis
     Sites 7 through 32 - CLOSED   

    All sites - $12 per night, plus GST

    Extra vehicles - $5 per night, plus GST

Reservation Charges

  • Campsite reservation changes can be made by contacting the reservation call centre at 250-248-0500 or by email at DescansoBay [at] rlcparks.ca. Changes cannot be accepted online.
  • There is a non-refundable transaction fee of $10 for each reservation change.
  • Date changes need to be made at least seven (7) days prior to your arrival date.
  • After a date change has been made, the reservation can no longer be canceled.
  • All date-change requests are dependent on availability.
  • Campers with reservations made before June 17, 2024, will not be affected by the fee increase.

Cancellations / Refunds

  • Cancellations can be made by contacting the reservation call centre at 250-248-0500 or by email at DescansoBay [at] rlcparks.ca. Cancellations cannot be accepted online.
  • There is a non-refundable transaction fee of $10.00 plus GST for each reservation cancellation.
  • Reservations cancelled within seven (7) days of scheduled arrival date: no refund.
  • Reservations cancelled between seven (7) days and a month prior to arrival date, forfeit one night's camping fee.
  • Reservations cancelled more that a month prior to arrival: full refund.
  • The reservation fee is non-refundable.
  • Refunds are not given for an eviction, vacating your campsite early, or inclement weather.

Late Arrival

Check-in time: 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. Check-out time: before 11 a.m.

Please call 250-247-8255 if you need to check in late. If you do not show up on the day of your reservation or provide notice of your late arrival, your site will be held until 11:00 a.m. the following morning. After that time your reservation is forfeited.

 

Descanso Bay Regional Park Map

    

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