To ensure your Whistler camping experience is memorable and trouble-free, call ahead to reserve your campsite before you arrive. Space is limited and sites can book up quickly. Check Fire Bans and Area Restrictions (Whistler is located in the Coastal region) as camp fires and open grills may be prohibited during very dry weather conditions.
Campgrounds
Riverside RV Resort & Campground
On a gentle slope above Fitzsimmons Creek in a picturesque evergreen forest, these serviced RV and multi-use campsites are in the heart of nature, surrounded by spectacular views and fresh mountain breezes. The resort also offers yurts that are nestled in the woods overlooking Whistler Valley.
For reservations email: info@whistlercamping.com
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Whistler RV Park
Located on the BC Coastal mountain range, the park provides outstanding views of Black Tusk and the Whistler area mountains; the sunrises and sunsets can be truly awe-inspiring.
For reservations call: 1.888.222.2154 ext. 11
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Provincial Parks and Forest Service Sites
Cal-Cheak Area
A modest brown sign marks the entrance to the campground at Cal-Cheak Forest Service Recreation Site, 4.3 km (2.7 miles) north of Brandywine Falls Provincial Park. Visitors must cross the railway tracks, then journey a short distance beyond to reach the first of three small locales around which rustic campsites are grouped in a pleasant, heavily forested location. Just north of Cal-Cheak, on the west side of Hwy 99, is the beginning of the Callaghan Forest Road. Although the road is rough in places, particularly in spring when frost heaves the ground, if you take it easy it leads to two Forest Service recreation sites. One small campsite is at Alexander Falls, located 7 km (4.3 miles) along the road; a nest of similar sites have been fashioned by years of campers on the shore of Callaghan Lake 15 km (9.3 miles) west of Hwy 99. Of all the campsites in the Whistler region, the view from Callaghan Lake is the best.
Garibaldi Provincial Park
Camping at Garibaldi Lake in Garibaldi Provincial Park is restricted to two designated areas - Taylor Meadows and the west end of Garibaldi Lake. The hiking distance to both locations is the same, about 9 km (5.6 miles) from the Garibaldi Lake/Black Tusk trailhead, located 4 km east of Hwy 99, 19 km south of Whistler. A common trail leads to within 1 km of each, then divides. Tent pads and a covered cooking shelter are located at each. Campers must bring their own stoves and be prepared to pack out all refuse. During summer months, there is a camping fee per night, per site. When water levels in Garibaldi Lake are high, be prepared to wade a short distance along the shoreline to reach the campsites on its west side.
There are also wilderness campsites at three locations on Cheakamus Lake in Garibaldi Provincial Park. The easiest one to reach is at the west end of the lake, while those at Singing Creek and Castle Towers Creek are more remote. You'll need a boat (and a couple of hours' paddling) to reach the primitive site at Castle Towers from the launch at the lake's west end, which almost guarantees that you'll usually have the site to yourself. From the trailhead, located about 7 km (4 miles) south from Hwy 99 on Cheakamus Lake Rd, it's an easy 3.5-km (2-mile) hike to reach the first sites at Cheakamus Lake, situated beneath a sheltering old-growth forest. The sites at Singing Creek are a further 3.5 km of moderate hiking along the north side of the lake. Castle Towers Creek enters Cheakamus Lake directly across from Singing Creek.
Elsewhere in Garibaldi Provincial Park, there are wilderness campsites at Russet Lake, 2 km east of Singing Pass, and at the northwest end of Wedgemount Lake.
While your nights are filled with marshmallows and hot chocolate, your days can be filled with great Whistler activities. Here are some suggestions.
Alpine Hiking
The Whistler area is bursting with trails, hikes, climbs, and secret pathways that can take you into a pristine natural wonderland. Some routes are minutes from Whistler Village, while others take you up to the peaks of snow-capped mountains. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola connects Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains at their summits and opens up Blackcomb for summer hiking.
Grab a map and journey out on your own. Whistler Mountain Hiking Map (PDF 8.5MB) or Whistler Valley Hiking Map (PDF 5MB).
Go Fishing
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, Whistler offers an incomparable fishing experience, year-round. Travel with knowledgeable guides to local rivers, remote alpine lakes or hidden fishing holes for full, half or multi-day excursions fly-fishing or spin casting for Rainbow trout, Dolly Varden char or salmon.
Enjoy Lakes, Beaches and Parks
Some of Whistler’s hidden gems are the beautiful beaches dotted around crystal clear mountain lakes. No tides, no currents or sharp rocks here - just fresh, clean water waiting for you to jump in.
For an amazing experience check out The River of Golden Dreams. This Whistler must do links Alta Lake with Green Lake, a meandering 5 km journey of twisty, turny, rapid-free, but moving water. Flanked by lush wetlands, sections of old-growth forest, big mountain views, birds and wildlife, and rarely more than 2 or 3 feet deep in summer, the creek winds through the heart of Whistler.
Biking
You brought that bike along - now use it! Go downhill biking in the world-famous Whistler Bike Park or explore the many local lakes by cruising along the Valley Trail. Whistler also offers an abundance of cross-country trails from one end of the valley to the other.
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