The Camping Experience at Goldstream Provincial Park

There are 159 campsites at this park. Campsite reservations accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.
There are no wilderness/walk-in campsites at this park.
There are group campsites available. Contact the District office for more details on these group sites.
There is a large day-use/picnicking area with a shelter, picnic tables and a parking area. Nature walks and trails of varying length offer the opportunity to see some of the park's more notable features. The Freeman King Visitor Centre can be reached by trail from the day-use area parking lot. The centre is open daily.
Some facilities and hiking trails in the park are wheelchair accessible. At the campground, there is a disabled access washroom and disabled access campsite. Contact the District Office for more information.
Cold water taps are located throughout the park. Taps are shut off during the off season.
Pit and flush toilets available.
There are hot shower facilities at the campground in this park.
Sani-station/dump available at the campground during the collecting season.
PLEASE CONSERVE FIREWOOD. Campfire pits are provided. Group campfire facilities and/or limited burning hours may be designated at some campgrounds. Fire bans may be implemented during extremely hot weather conditions. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.
Electrical hook-ups are not available at provincial parks.
Regularly scheduled interpretive programs are featured in the park, normally during the summer season. Programs may include guided walks, slide shows, children's programs and special events.
There are various trails throughout the park totaling a distance of approximately 16 km. Some of these trails are:

Arbutus Loop - passing through an interesting stand of arbutus trees (15 minutes); Arbutus Ridge - passes through the drier upland with colourful flowers along the way from April to June (1 1/2 hours one way); Gold Mine - crosses the Niagara Creek near the brink of 47.5 metre Niagara Falls with a short side trail providing access to a spectacular railway trestle (1 hour one way); Lower Goldstream - look for mink and river otter, spawning salmon in autumn and salmon fry in summer (15 minutes one way); Upper Goldstream - parallels the Goldstream River and passes by some of the oldest and largest trees in the park (1/2 hour one way); Prospector's - along the trail are giant Douglas fir, oak and arbutus trees (1 1/2 hours one way). There are also short 5 - 15 minute walks along the river bank and through tall timber. For your own safety and preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.

No playground available at this park.
There is river swimming near the gatehouse at the campground.
There are NO LIFEGUARDS on duty at provincial parks.
No canoeing or kayaking at this park.
No boat launch is available at this park.
There is river fishing allowed in this provincial park. Check notice board for updates.

All anglers must have a VALID BC Angling fishing license; refer to current BC Environment Fishing Regulations Synopsis.

Bicycles must keep to roadways.
No horseback riding at this park.
Note that back country areas are usually not suitable for dogs due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.

Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behavior and must dispose of their excrement.


Park Hazards

Mt. Finlayson Trail Caution - trail is steep and rugged; dress for the terrain and weather; stay on the marked trail; allow adequate time for return in daylight; take the same trail up and down; trails beyond summit are closed.

Bears - To avoid problems with nuisance animals such as bears, lock your food in your vehicle at night. Be sure to use the garbage containers provided and maintain a clean campsite. Never feed or approach bears.

Fees, Check-in/Check-out Procedures and Operating Dates

Open all year. Fees for services collected approximately March to October. There is a winter fee with nil services provided now charged from approximately November to March; campers must be self-sufficient. If required, contact the District Office to confirm dates, as they may be subject to change.

All fees include the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The maximum length of stay in any provincial park is 14 nights per park, per calendar year. Some provincial parks may limit maximum length of stay to seven nights. Limits will be posted in the park.

Check-in for reservation holders is 1 p.m.; non-reservation holders 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Check-out time is 11 a.m. Gates open 7 a.m., close at 11 p.m.

For more information

- BC Parks
South Vancouver Island District


What you should know before you go

BC Parks is dedicated to preserving the natural state of parks while also providing recreational access to its features. Park regulations and policies protect park values, ensuring a quality experience for all visitors, both today and in years to come.

Please obey the following camping ethics and regulations

Dogs must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in the day-use/beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behavior and must dispose of their excrement.

Campfires may not be permitted in all parks. Some parks may use communal fire rings. Please help conserve firewood. Keep your campfire small and leaving your campfire unattended is a serious offense. To preserve vegetation and ground cover please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite.

Parking is permitted only in designated areas and on the gravel portion of campsites. Parking is not permitted on roadsides.

Swimming areas protect swimmers within marker buoys. All watercraft and water-skiers must stay outside markers. Lifeguards are not in attendance.

Vehicles used in parks must be licensed and operated by licenses drivers.

Visitors must leave by 11:00 p.m. Only registered campers are allowed in the campsite after 11:00 p.m.

Excessive noise is not permitted. Please remember that sound travels further in open air, especially music and loud talking.

Liquor consumption is prohibited anywhere in the park with the exception of your campsite.

Barbecues must be used on the ground unless barbecue attachments are provided on picnic tables.

Bears - To avoid problems with nuisance animals such as bears, lock your food in your vehicle at night. Be sure to use the garbage containers provided and maintain a clean campsite. Never feed or approach bears. For more information on bear safety, click here.

Trees and shrubs are easily damaged; do not use them for wiener sticks. Leave flowers and others plants to grow.

Trails are planned to take you safely through the most interesting and beautiful parts of our parks without damaging sensitive and unique plant and wildlife habitats. Stay on the trails.

Bicycles may only be ridden on park roads and on designated trails. Consult the park host, park brochure or information shelters for information about nearby cycling opportunities.

Firearms - For your safety, firearms are prohibited.


Remember you can always take pictures - please leave it as you found it so that future visitors may also enjoy the park.

LEAVE NO TRACE Ethics - These are not to be rules but a personal commitment to preserving our environment. People or groups that don’t practice these ethics will force agencies to place more controls on park users for the future. Certainly this is not the preferred route and BC Parks would much rather protect provincial parks relying more on personal ethics than the enforcement of regulations and restrictions.

Here are seven key principles of Leave No Trace that we want you to practice:

  • Plan ahead and prepare.
  • Camp and travel on durable surfaces.
  • Pack it in - Pack it out.
  • Properly dispose of what you cannot pack out.
  • Leave what you find.
  • Minimize use and impact of fires.
  • Minimize noise and visual intrusion.

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