In short. Vancouver Island has saltwater fishing on three sides and freshwater lakes and rivers inland. Pick the area first, then the campground. Salt water needs a federal tidal licence and fresh water needs a BC freshwater licence.
Rules change. Seasons, closures and limits change often and can change mid-season. We link to the official pages rather than repeat them, so check them before every trip.
Licences and rules
- Salt water (tidal): fishing in tidal waters is managed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. See the DFO Pacific recreational fishing pages for licences, area rules and fishery notices.
- Fresh water: lakes and rivers are managed by the Province of BC. Licences are sold through the WILD system. See BC freshwater fishing and the regulations and in-season changes, including the Vancouver Island (Region 1) section.
- Towing a boat: BC requires watercraft to be transported with the drain plug removed and water drained on dry land, and anglers are asked to clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
Choose your fishing area
- Campbell River and Discovery Passage
- Tofino, Ucluelet and Clayoquot Sound
- Port Alberni, Alberni Inlet and Barkley Sound
- Sooke, Victoria and the Juan de Fuca Strait
- Comox Valley, Parksville and the Strait of Georgia
- Cowichan Valley and Cowichan Lake
- Port Hardy, Port McNeill and the North Island
- Gold River and Nootka Sound
Fish named for this region: Salmon, Trout. Read the species guide.
Campbell River and Discovery Passage
- East coast
- Salmon, plus freshwater lakes and the Campbell and Quinsam rivers
Campbell River bills itself as the salmon capital of the world, and the saltwater of Discovery Passage is the draw for most visiting anglers. Inland, the Strathcona-area lakes and the Campbell and Quinsam rivers add freshwater options. Quadra Island is a short ferry ride away.
We list 20 campgrounds and camp sites in this area. Compare RV campgrounds on Quadra Island (Heriot Bay); Browse the regional campground directory.
Access and RV services at campgrounds in this area
Loveland Bay Provincial Campground
Water: Lower Campbell Lake
- Boat launch
- Yes, a rustic ramp for small boats
- Fishing from shore or a dock
- Not stated
- Fish cleaning
- Not stated
- RV power
- Not stated
- Big rigs
- Not stated
Good to know: The wharf is described as a boat tie-up, not a fishing dock. Reached by logging road.
Sources: BC Parks · Explore BC Parks
McCreight Lake Campground (recreation site)
Water: McCreight Lake
- Boat launch
- Yes, a steep gravel ramp with very limited turnaround
- Fishing from shore or a dock
- Not stated
- Fish cleaning
- Not stated
- RV power
- Not stated
- Big rigs
- No. The official record says it is not suitable for trailers or motorhomes
Good to know: The record shows the site as open, but a comment says it was closed for an unsafe outhouse. Confirm before you go.
Sources: Sites and Trails BC
Morton Lake Campground
Water: Morton Lake
- Boat launch
- Car-top boats and canoes only, to neighbouring Mohun Lake. There is no ramp into Morton Lake
- Fishing from shore or a dock
- Not stated
- Fish cleaning
- Not stated
- RV power
- Not stated
- Big rigs
- Not stated
Good to know: Not a launch for a trailered powerboat.
Sources: BC Parks · Explore BC Parks
Quinsam Campground (Elk Falls)
Water: Quinsam River
- Boat launch
- Not stated
- Fishing from shore or a dock
- Not stated
- Fish cleaning
- Not stated
- RV power
- None. No hookups
- Big rigs
- Not stated
Good to know: A BC Parks advisory mentions an accessible fishing platform across from the campground and a temporary closure. We could not confirm it is open now.
Sources: BC Parks · Explore BC Parks
Brown's Bay Resort
Water: Discovery Passage
- Boat launch
- Yes, a resort marina launch for boats and kayaks
- Fishing from shore or a dock
- Yes, a fishing pier
- Fish cleaning
- Not stated
- RV power
- 30 or 50 amp, with water and sewer
- Big rigs
- Not stated
Good to know: Confirm public access and fees for the launch. The marina lists parking but not trailer parking. Fish freezers are listed, not a cleaning station.
Sources: RV park page · Marina page
Coastal Sands Resort
Water: Saratoga Beach (the strait is not named)
- Boat launch
- Not stated
- Fishing from shore or a dock
- Not stated
- Fish cleaning
- Not stated
- RV power
- Power, water and sewer, amps not stated
- Big rigs
- Not stated
Good to know: Beachfront. A one-vehicle parking policy does not tell us about boat-trailer parking.
Gooseneck Lake Campsite
Water: Gooseneck Lake
- Boat launch
- Not stated
- Fishing from shore or a dock
- Not stated
- Fish cleaning
- Not stated
- RV power
- Not stated
- Big rigs
- Not stated
Good to know: The operator page would not load for us, so nothing else is confirmed. Ask the operator.
Sources: Operator
Miller Creek Campground (recreation site)
Water: Lakefront sites (the lake is not named in the record)
- Boat launch
- Yes, a day-use launch and dock
- Fishing from shore or a dock
- Not stated
- Fish cleaning
- Not stated
- RV power
- Not stated
- Big rigs
- Not stated
Good to know: The record says the dock is not identified for fishing. It also says the site is closed for the season and reopens in May 2027.
Sources: Sites and Trails BC
Checked October 13, 2026 from the pages linked under each campground, which are park, operator or government pages. Not stated means the page we read does not say; it does not mean the campground has none. Parks with several campground loops are one entry, because launches and cleaning areas belong to the park. Ramp sizes, seasons and conditions change, so confirm with the campground before you tow.
Tofino, Ucluelet and Clayoquot Sound
- West coast
- Salmon, halibut, lingcod and rockfish offshore
The open-ocean side of the island. Most fishing here is by boat out of Tofino or Ucluelet, so look for a park near a launch or a charter dock.
We list 17 campgrounds and camp sites in this area. Compare RV campgrounds near Tofino.
Access and RV services at campgrounds in this area
Green Point Campground (Pacific Rim National Park Reserve)
Water: Bluff above Long Beach, with beach access
- Boat launch
- Not stated
- Fishing from shore or a dock
- Not stated
- Fish cleaning
- Not stated
- RV power
- 15 and 30 amp at drive-in sites, with a shared sani-dump
- Big rigs
- Not stated
Good to know: Most drive-in sites take trailers and RVs, but sizes and turning radii differ by site. Buses are not permitted.
Sources: Parks Canada: camping · Parks Canada: fishing
Long Beach Campground (Long Beach Golf Course)
Water: Not on the water. A base near Long Beach
- Boat launch
- Not stated
- Fishing from shore or a dock
- Not stated
- Fish cleaning
- Not stated
- RV power
- 30 amp, six full-service sites
- Big rigs
- Not stated
Good to know: No launch, shore fishing or boat-trailer parking is stated.
Sources: Operator
Secret Beach Campground and Kayak Launch
Water: Barkley Sound
- Boat launch
- Yes, on-site boat and kayak launches. Confirm boat type and terms
- Fishing from shore or a dock
- Not stated
- Fish cleaning
- Not stated
- RV power
- None. No RV hookups in 2026
- Big rigs
- Not stated
Good to know: Truck-and-trailer parking at the marina is listed. The kayak-launch platforms are tent platforms, not vehicle sites. The operator's main season ended September 30, 2026.
Surf Grove Campground
Water: Beach access at Cox Bay
- Boat launch
- Not stated
- Fishing from shore or a dock
- Not stated
- Fish cleaning
- Not stated
- RV power
- 30 amp with water and sewer in the Groves; 15 amp semi-serviced loops
- Big rigs
- Not stated
Good to know: The 15 amp tidal loops take trailers up to 24 ft and small Class C motorhomes. No limit is stated for the full-service area. Beach access does not tell us about shore fishing or a ramp.
Sources: Operator · Full-service sites · Semi-serviced sites
Surf Junction Campground
Water: Not on the beach. A forested base
- Boat launch
- Not stated
- Fishing from shore or a dock
- Not stated
- Fish cleaning
- Not stated
- RV power
- 15 and 30 amp with water, and full-service 15 and 30 amp options
- Big rigs
- Not stated
Good to know: Large RV sites are advertised without a stated length. Fishing visitors are mentioned, but not fishing from the campground. The operator's 2026 season ended October 12.
Sources: Operator · Rates and rules · FAQ
Checked October 13, 2026 from the pages linked under each campground, which are park, operator or government pages. Not stated means the page we read does not say; it does not mean the campground has none. Parks with several campground loops are one entry, because launches and cleaning areas belong to the park. Ramp sizes, seasons and conditions change, so confirm with the campground before you tow.
Long Beach Golf Campground
Private · Tofino
Bella Pacifica Campground
Private · Tofino
Tsawaak RV Resort
Private · Tofino
Ucluelet Campground
Private · Ucluelet
Port Alberni, Alberni Inlet and Barkley Sound
- West coast
- Salmon in the inlet and sound, plus lakes and the Stamp River
Alberni Inlet is a long protected arm of the sea that runs from Port Alberni out to Barkley Sound, so it is a popular way to reach the west coast without an open-ocean crossing. Lakes such as Sproat and the Stamp River add freshwater fishing.
We list 11 campgrounds and camp sites in this area. Compare RV campgrounds near Port Alberni.
Arrowvale Campground & Farm
Private · Port Alberni
Lower Campground
Provincial · Port Alberni
Upper Campground
Provincial · Port Alberni
Sooke, Victoria and the Juan de Fuca Strait
- South coast
- Salmon and bottomfish in the strait
The closest saltwater fishing to the Victoria ferry terminals, with public launches and marinas along the strait.
We list 24 campgrounds and camp sites in this area. Compare RV campgrounds near Sooke; Compare RV campgrounds near Victoria.
Jordan River Regional Park campground
Municipal · Sooke
Salish Seaside RV Haven
Private · Esquimalt
Pedder Bay RV Park
Private · Sooke
The Ledge Campground
Private · Sooke
Comox Valley, Parksville and the Strait of Georgia
- East coast
- Salmon in the strait and trout in nearby lakes and rivers
The sheltered inside waters of the Strait of Georgia, within easy reach of the Highway 19 corridor and the ferries at Nanaimo and Comox.
We list 43 campgrounds and camp sites in this area. Compare RV campgrounds near Comox; Compare RV campgrounds near Parksville.
Puntledge RV Park and Campground
Private · Courtenay
Qualicum First Nation Campground
Private · Bowser
Cape Lazo RV Park
Private · Comox
Fillongley Provincial Campground
Provincial · Fanny Bay
Cowichan Valley and Cowichan Lake
- South island, freshwater
- Trout and river fishing
A freshwater area: Cowichan Lake and the Cowichan River are among the best known trout waters on the island. Rules here change from year to year, so check the in-season notices before you go.
We list 22 campgrounds and camp sites in this area. Compare RV campgrounds near Duncan.
Island View Beach Regional Park Campground
Municipal · Mill Bay
Port Hardy, Port McNeill and the North Island
- North island
- Salmon, halibut and lingcod on the open coast
The north end of the island is remote, with long drives and fewer services, and fishing is mostly by boat. Plan fuel and supplies before you head up Highway 19.
We list 22 campgrounds and camp sites in this area. Compare RV campgrounds near Port Hardy.
Cluxewe Resort
Private · Port McNeill
Port Hardy RV Resort & Cabins
Private · Port Hardy
Gold River and Nootka Sound
- Mid island
- Salmon in Nootka Sound and trout in nearby lakes
A quieter area reached by a paved road from Campbell River, with saltwater in Nootka Sound and freshwater at Upper Campbell Lake and Buttle Lake.
We list 9 campgrounds and camp sites in this area. Browse the regional campground directory.
Compare campgrounds for boat fishing
These campgrounds are on or near the water. The table shows what each park or operator says about launches, shore access and RV services. Source numbers link to the pages we read on October 13, 2026.
| Campground | Water | Launch | Shore access | RV services | Before you tow | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ripple Rock RV Park (Brown's Bay Resort) | Discovery Passage (salt water) | Resort boat and kayak launch | Fishing pier and beach | 30 or 50 amp power, water and sewer hookups at each RV site | Ramp size, water level and boat-trailer parking are not stated. Ask the park before you tow. Tide limits are not stated. | 1 2 |
| Rathtrevor Beach Park | Salt water off Parksville | No ramp at the park. BC Parks lists French Creek Marina, about 8 km north, as the nearby launch | Beach and shoreline; BC Parks describes limited salt-water fishing | Hookups, dump and fill are not stated | Check tides and the marina's ramp before you tow. | 1 |
Not stated means the page we read does not say; it does not mean the park has none. Ramp sizes, fees and conditions change, so confirm with the park. This table does not cover seasons, limits or licences.
Gear for this water
- Shore fishing essentials. A compact rod and reel suited to your target fish. Search on Amazon
- River & fly-fishing kit. A rod/reel combination suited to the planned method. Search on Amazon
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