Lake Cowichan Camping Guide: A Peaceful Stop on Your Vancouver Island Road Trip
Maple Tree Growing Out of Old Growth Stump
Lake Cowichan is a large, freshwater lake located in the heart of southern Vancouver Island, and it quickly became one of the most peaceful and scenic stops on our trip. If you’re planning a Vancouver Island road trip and want a break from the saltwater and crashing surf of the coast, Lake Cowichan offers something completely different—calm, warm water, lush forest, and total tranquility.
Tucked between Port Renfrew and Nanaimo, it’s the perfect place to recharge before heading north toward Campbell River, or as a relaxing stopover after exploring the rugged beaches of Sombrio and Mystic.
Why Lake Cowichan Is Worth a Stop
Unlike the cooler waters of the Pacific or the rivers near Sooke and Port Renfrew, Lake Cowichan is surprisingly warm, making it an ideal spot for a swim, paddle, or just soaking up the sun. The lake is ringed with towering red cedars and maple trees, and the reflections on the still water in the early morning or late evening are absolutely stunning.
One of the best parts? It feels different from other popular outdoor spots on Vancouver Island. It’s quieter, more sheltered, and surrounded by lush inland forest rather than coastal cliffs.
Where to Camp: Maple Grove Campground
We had initially hoped to find a wild camping spot near the lake, but random camping at Lake Cowichan proved tricky. Instead, we opted to book a night at Maple Grove Campground, and honestly, it turned out to be one of the best decisions of the trip.
The campsite is tucked away among giant cedar and maple trees, with a soft forest floor and—amazingly—no wind at all, even when the rest of the lake was being whipped by gale-force gusts. We chose a site as close to the lake as possible, and it genuinely felt like we had the whole place to ourselves.
This campground is well-maintained, quiet, and perfect for travelers looking to escape the coastal winds and find a little peace under the trees. If you’re used to off-grid camping but still want a Vancouver Island campsite that feels wild, Maple Grove strikes a great balance.
Getting There and When to Visit
Lake Cowichan is easily accessible by road and sits directly on the route from Port Renfrew to Nanaimo, making it a logical and scenic stopover on a southern Vancouver Island loop. It’s also a solid detour if you’re heading inland toward Strathcona Provincial Park or north to Campbell River.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall. The lake is warmest in summer, but the shoulder seasons bring fewer crowds and stunning fall colors in the maple trees.
Final Thoughts
If you’re building your Vancouver Island itinerary, don’t overlook Lake Cowichan. It’s not just a lake—it’s a quiet, forest-wrapped escape where the water is warm, the trees are ancient, and the campsites are perfectly placed for peace and quiet. Whether you’re car camping, road tripping, or just looking for a break from the wind and waves, Maple Grove Campground is a fantastic spot to unwind.
