Nestled on the picturesque Cortes Island in British Columbia, Smelt Bay Provincial Campground offers a tranquil escape into nature. This campground is perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat, surrounded by lush forests and stunning coastal views. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, Smelt Bay provides a unique camping experience that feels like you're alone in the wilderness.
The campground features several sites, most of which have stairs leading to separate tent areas, ensuring privacy and a sense of seclusion. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and a fire pit, ideal for cozy evenings under the stars. While the campground offers basic amenities like non-flushing pit toilets and water access, it’s the natural beauty of the island and the nearby beaches that truly make this destination special.
Customer feedback highlights the charm and uniqueness of Smelt Bay Provincial Campground. Visitors appreciate the seclusion and the thoughtful layout of the sites, with many noting how it feels like a true escape into nature. The friendly park employees and the resident park warden kitty add a welcoming touch to the experience. While the campground may lack some modern conveniences, the beauty of the island and the serene atmosphere more than make up for it. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a first-timer, Smelt Bay Provincial Campground promises an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
RV camping
Hiking
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Restroom
Running water
Tent sites
Camping fee
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
Dogs allowed
Beautiful small campground that has a cookhouse around the sites in the round a bout. Most sites have stairs either going up or down to set up your tent in a seperate area, which is great to have it separate from the picnic table/fire pit. It feels like you're alone in the wilderness. Our camping cat approves of the site and loved the park employees and the park warden kitty. Several bathrooms (non flushing) no showers, water available near host. Firewood $10 per bundle if bought at campground.
Small campsites. Hauling water is all uphill. Pit toilets are all downhill. The beauty of the island and the beaches make up for all the things that are lacking.
Everything about this campsite is great except they don’t have a cache for food. I arrived by bicycle and was concerned animals were going to get my food. Most people but not everyone travels by car!
I have to give it a one star for the most disgusting bathrooms i have ever encountered in a campground. Such a beautiful area but the filthy pit holes and smell are beyond gross . The amount of leather jackets trapped and buzzing around you is very off putting. Never ever again.
Cortes calm. The sites are small yet well appointed with decent-sized tent pads in most (all?). Their loos destroy all the old cliches about dirty, smelly houses; these smell gently of fresh wood. And, gents, there are urinals - a fine convenience in the conveniences. There's an awesome shelter with a cooking bench and a wood stove that we expect to use when the rain starts tomorrow.