10 Dog Friendly Campsites & Parks Near Vancouver

“Hey Siri, look up dog friendly campgrounds near me”. 

In our opinion summers just aren’t complete without the adventure of camping with your best friend, so we compiled a list of spots for the best dog-friendly camping in BC! 

These campsites have special pet swimming and off-leash sites so you can adventure, explore and enjoy nature with your furry friend. Whether you want to stay closer to home or venture out a bit further, possibly even to the Okanagan, these dog-friendly BC provincial parks have got you covered.

Closer to Home 

These dog-friendly campgrounds and parks are a hop, skip, and paw-swipe away from Vancouver BC. Perfect for a day trip or an overnight camping trip through the weekend.

Golden Ears Provincial Park

The beautiful Kali in front of the Steel Bridge Crossing at Golden Ears Park @kallistosxox

As one of the largest parks in the province, Golden Ears Provincial Park is a fan favorite for its easy access from Vancouver and the variety of activities it can offer. There’s an extensive trail system within the park for hiking with your doggo. Trails beyond 1 km of parkway road are considered to be backcountry, so your pup can be off-leash here as long as they are under control at all times.

Alouette Lake is a popular spot for swimming, windsurfing, water-skiing, canoeing, boating, and fishing. Keep in mind that dogs are not allowed in most areas of Alouette Lake apart from the designated off-leash area (see below). 

Driving Distance from Vancouver: 1 hr

Dog Policy: Off-leash areas are at North Beach day-use area near the outflow of Gold Creek into Alouette Lake, and at the Alouette (South Beach) day-use area between the boat launch and the canoe rental shop, accessible from parking lot #1.Trails beyond 1km of the parkway road are considered backcountry and dogs may be off a leash here but must be under control at all time

Cultus Lake Provincial Park

Local pup Markus enjoying the Chilliwack sunshine in style @markus_mcgruff

One of the most popular parks in the Lower Mainland for dog-friendly camping in BC has both scenic mountain areas and a large freshwater lake that’s warm enough for swimming! Cultus Lake has four campgrounds with enough space for your tent and the dog tent -  a day-use area for the perfect summer picnic, and lots of opportunities for fishing, water skiing, windsurfing, and hiking.

Driving Distance from Vancouver: 1.5 hrs

Dog Policy: Off-leash areas are at Shale Beach between the Jade Bay boat launch and the Entrance Bay, and between the Maple Bay boat launch and the Maple Bay day-use. 

Sasquatch Provincial Park 

Vancouverite dogmom Vanessa and her bae having a moment at Sasquatch Provincial Park @veeeemarie

Sasquatch Provincial Park is a dog-friendly camp spot located just north of Harrison Hot Springs and characterized by a series of pocket lakes, a second-growth birch forest, and scenic mountain ridges. If you’re up for some canoeing or boating, Hicks and Deer Lakes are ideal. For a more tranquil fishing experience, head out to Trout Lake with your best bud. There’s also a large day-use area if you’re in the mood for a picnic.  

Driving Distance from Vancouver: 2hrs

Dog Policy: Off-leash areas are In the Green Point day-use area on either side of the boat launch, but only 200 meters from the boat launch on the right side (northside). Also at Hicks Lake on the left side (east side) of the boat launch and Deer Lake on the right side (southside) of the boat launch.

Sunnyside Campground

A family fun trip where you, the kids, and the dogs can load up in the car and escape for the weekend. Perched on the beach front on Cultus lake boasting with not one but three dog beaches to make sure there is room for everyone to play and have fun! 

Sunnyside campground is home to RV’s, many seasonal campers, and even offers facilities such as washrooms and laundry. Their camping sites have firepits, picnic tables, and of course a place to put your tent. 

Make sure you book ahead though as space fills up quickly! 

Driving distance from Vancouver: 1.5hrs 

Dog Policy: Dogs must remain on leash on all parts of the campground excluding the dog beaches.

 Wahleach Lake (commonly known as Jones Lake)

 One of the best camping spots in BC is found about 25 minutes past Chilliwack and up a logging road. You’ll find free, backwoods camping on a beautiful lake full of glacier water from the mountain that dogs and people both love to swim in. The way in is a bit bumpy but cars of all shapes and sizes make it up there. 

Jones lake is truly backwoods camping as there are no facilities and it is first come first serve. Even thought this oasis is busy on long weekends it is definitely worth the weekend away. 

Driving Distance from Vancouver: 2 Hrs, Located 42km east of Chilliwack

Dog Policy: Dogs are allowed off-leash but please note that while you may find a nice spot it is highly likely you will have a bear stroll through your site as it starts to get dark. Wildlife are in abundance as this is their home, and keeping your pup on a leash if they are a wanderer may be the safest bet. 

Kenyon Lake Recreation Site 

Kenyon lake is a part of Stave lake located in Mission and is another backwoods camping area similar to Jones lake (no facilities). Camping with dogs just got easier since It’s free to camp here with no rules for our canine pals - but please be respectful as this is home to wildlife. 

You and your pup will need a 4x4 to get to this spot so it may be a bit trickier to navigate, but if you have the vehicle to explore then this is a quiet and stunning place to camp, especially when the stars come out. 

Driving Distance from Vancouver: 2 hours - To get here you will have to drive up a service road. Google maps will connect you to this service road through Miracle Valley just north of Mission. 

Dog Policy: No dog policy just remember that whether you take your chihuahua camping or your husky camping, to be smart and respectful of your surroundings

Further Out

These pet friendly camping spots and parks are a bit off the path, but still perfect for a long weekend getaway. Just make sure to pack all the essentials for your pup as well as yourself before heading out!

Sun Oka Beach Provincial Park

Stick connoisseur Corri showing off the selection at Sun Oka Beach North of Penticton  @mtncorri

The name says it all: Sun Oka is a shortened version of “Sunny Okanagan!” If you’re in the mood for some serious summer fun in the sun, grab fido and head out on a road trip to Sun Oka Provincial Park located South of Summerland. Don't miss the concession stand where you can grab some treats for you and your pup! This dog-friendly park provides an awesome beach, waterplay, and picnic opportunities as well as fantastic views down Okanagan Lake. Just make sure to put on ample amounts of sunscreen!

Driving Distance from Vancouver: 4.5 hrs

Dog Policy: A separate pet beach area is located around the point to the east of the main beach. It is accessed by a 200m trail through the edge of the old-growth cottonwoods. The pebbly beach extends east to where Trout Creek enters the lake.

*Please note: The dog beach does not continue across Trout Creek and dogs are not permitted on the beach on the north side of the creek. Access is also possible from a trail along Trout Creek. There are no facilities at the dog beach though it is still busy with local dog owners.

Fintry Provincial Park

Prima taking a breather among the trees at Fintry Provincial Park @primathegreatdane

If you’re willing to go the distance, Fintry Provincial Park, located around the former Fintry Estate, is not only a beautiful hidden gem but also a heritage site with a colorful history! With a large waterfront area, there are lots of opportunities here for dog-friendly camping, swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. In Shorts Creek, you will see a completely different topography with over 2 km of waterfalls surrounded by mountains and canyons and deep pools with  Make sure to take the time to visit The Fintry Manor House, garden, the barns, remnant power generation and irrigation systems which are all special heritage features. 

According to the BC Parks website, The Fintry Protected Area was established in 2001 to enhance the ecological viability of the region, protect an important California bighorn sheep habitat, and provide increased representation of the North Okanagan Basin eco-section by capturing an increased elevational gradient as well as providing a spectacular canyon and hiking and viewing opportunities. Sounds amazing to us! 

Driving Distance from Vancouver: 4.5hrs

Dog Policy: Off-leash area at the designated pet beach, watch out for signage and keep your pet on-leash at all other times. 

Ellison Provincial park 

Felines are not ones to be left behind! Adventure cat Bodhi scaling heights at Ellison @bodhi_theadventurecat (Watch out for an article on trailblazing Vancouver cats coming soon!)

The furthest out of all the provincial parks we listed, Ellison is a beautiful and tranquil area tucked away in the northeastern shore of Okanagan Lake–perfect for adventure cat and dog friendly camping in BC. If you’re in the mood to get away from it all, Ellison is a less busy area that has some gorgeous beaches for you and your bestie to get some much-needed R&R. 

Driving Distance from Vancouver: 5 hrs

Dog Policy: Off-leash area is at Sandy Beach, a pet beach, and is accessed from the trail leading out of the campground between sites 11 and 12 

 Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Known for its ancient forest, abundant marine life and fearless squirrels, Pacific Rim is nestled on the west coast of Vancouver Island in Ucluelet. Hop on a ferry with your canine and head on over to the island to enjoy some peace and quiet, this gives you the option to explore the forest or possibly even whale watch. 

Driving distance from Vancouver: 5 hours with a ferry ride

Dog Policy: Dogs must remain on leash at all times to preserve wildlife

That's it! Remember to stay well-fueled while adventuring 🍲

Dog and Dad savoring that sense of accomplishment @allarms7

That’s it for our roundup of easy-to-access and dog-friendly camping in BC. You can also check out the full list of dog-friendly parks here. Make sure to also pack some Kafka’s Organic Fresh Dog Meals in your cooler so your pup can be fueled with good nutrition on all your adventures.

Happy camping friends! 🏕️