Camp Near Vancouver BC

[Ed Emerick]

Hey Group,
I am planning on spending a week in Vancouver this summer and need some help!

Where to camp? We want to be near the city center but safe. Also anything you can recommend to do in the are would be great. There seems like there is a TON to do but someone might have an insider's perspective.

We like urban, and crowds and mayhem.

I see a ton of campgrounds in Surrey, seems like its 23 miles from Vancouver, checked out Capilano RV Park but they don't take pets, we have a dog and a cat.

Thanks for the insight!!!!!

[Old Fulica]

Hi Ed
When we first purchased our AS 2 years ago we had to stay in it for a week before our new home was ready. Living in Surrey, we decided on the Peace Arch (Surrey Campgrounds, RV Parks - Peace Arch RV Park). The highway leads right into Vancouver. Many fulltimers live here and it has everything. The Hazelmere is a little further out but I think that would also be very good with a more country atmosphere. They are also close to the pretty little oceanside town of White Rock.
Hope that helps.

[safari57]

Ed

Hazelmere RV Park and Campground in South Surrey is a very nice place. It is a drive into Vancouver but after rush hour it is a 40 minute max trip through a tunnel that goes under one arm of the Fraser River and then a bridge that goes over another chunk. And I know they take pets because Deamart had his puppies there this summer, as did many others.

As for things to do heck, we live here so we never do anything here. I'll have to ask and get back to you on that. You will want to check out Stanley Park, a beautiful place, and also consider the two hour trip up to Whistler where the 2010 Olympic Games are being held in February. It is a year round resort.

What is nice about Hazelmere is it is just 8 blocks north of the border and that way you are not dragging your trailer through our crazy traffic.

Anyway, I'll see what all I can find and get back to you. There is another park at Fort Langley but of the two, having stayed at both, I'd go to Hazelmere. It is where the WBCCI local chapter held their Vintage Trailer meet this August. You will need reservations any where up here during the spring summer fall period. And when you get close to coming let us know. Maybe we can buy you a coffee and grab a visit for a bit if you have the time.

Barry

[JimW]

Hi Ed,

We really liked Burnaby Caribou RV Park in Burnaby, of course, east of Vancouver. It has great access to downtown (11 miles?) by interstate, bus, and Sky Train. I'd recommend public transportation because parking is tight. Don't miss the Sea Bus, then. It's a cheap boat tour across the harbor (harbour).

The most reasonable and accessible campground was in Richmond a few years back, but it is now the Olympic skate rink. We really missed it.

We are looking forward to going back next August or September.

There's so much to see and do, enjoy!

Jim

[wkerfoot]

Ed,

Whatever you decide, take a trip to Vancouver Island for The Butchart Gardens - Image Gallery Both during the day and at night.

Bill

[cameront120]

I'll second Caribou RV in Burnaby.

BCRV: Camping, tenting at BC RV Park for travel in Vancouver, B.C., Canada

It's right near the skytrain which will take you right downtown. If you like shopping, hit Robson Street. Commercial Drive is a great neighborhood for funky little shops and cafes. Chinatown is always fun. Gastown is good, as is Yaletown. And you have to go to Granville Island. Other than Commercial Drive, all these places are within walking distance of downtown. Be sure to visit Stanley Park, which contains the Vancouver Aquarium. If you like walking, there is the sea wall that lets you walk the perimeter of the park. It's fantastic in the early morning before it gets busy. There are a ton of night clubs and great restaurants. If you want to know anything specific, just let me know and I'll try to point you in the right direction.

More good info here:

Inside Vancouver

Vancouver hotels, attractions, things to do - Tourism Vancouver is the official source of tourist information for Vancouver BC Canada

[Ed Emerick]

Thanks gang for the info so far!
One question about Cariboo RV Park, will the allow a 59 Airstream in it? I checked them out before the this post started and thought "nice place but old trailer"..........

I will be taking my 59 this trip, it looks nice but it is old.

Thanks again, can't wait for this trip to start!

[3Ms75Argosy]

We liked Cariboo RV park.. nice walking trails behind it too. Didn't have any issues with our 75 Argosy... I'm sure the 59 would be fine.
Marc

[cameront120]

They had no issues with my '72. Chances are they wouldn't know the difference between a '59 or a 2009!

[safari57]

I have not seen or heard of a Canadian CG that has an age limit that is enforced. So far, typically, with our '51 they come out to admire and it is not nearly as shiny as others, but they love it.

Barry

[Ed Emerick]

Hey all,
Thanks for the info, I think I have found the campground now its time to plan my 4 or 5 days in Vancouver.

I have been there a number of times for work but Sandy has never been. I keep telling her it is the best city I have ever been to, now I have to show her!

Its been a number of years since I was there but can't wait to see if I remember it like I think I do, one of the prettiest areas in North America.

[Stovebolt]

I will have to agree with Barry on Hazelmere Camp ground. My car club has a BBQ there every year, and the facilities are fantastic. AND it is a 5 min drive to White Rock Beach. Literally you turn left out of the campsite, drive 5 mins and if you don't turn left at the bottom of the hill, you will get wet. And as your driving to the beach, you'll drive over the 99, (I-5 in Washington) and that takes you right to Vancouver. So it's pretty good choice in my books.

Oh, and Hi Barry! It's Tyson with the 59 Parkwood!