There’s something about waking up in a tent with the smell of cedar and the sound of a creek nearby. Add a toddler in a sleeping bag and a lake down the path, and camping in Squamish becomes one of the best ways to spend a summer weekend. The town is surrounded by campgrounds, from busy provincial parks with sandy beaches to quiet riverside spots up the valley, and a lot of them work really well for families with little ones.
Here’s our local guide to camping in Squamish with kids: the campgrounds we’d pick, how to actually get a site, and what to bring (or rent) to make it easy.
Within the District of Squamish, camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds. That means no overnighting in parks, parking lots or on the side of the road, even in a camper van. The District lists nine designated campgrounds in and around town, run by BC Parks, BC Recreation Sites and private operators.
Campfire rules change through the summer, so check current fire bans with the Coastal Fire Centre and the District of Squamish before you light anything. And this is bear country: keep all food, garbage and toiletries in your vehicle or a food cache, never in your tent.
If you’re only going camping in Squamish once this summer, make it Alice Lake. It’s about 10 minutes north of town, and it’s built for families. There are two sandy beaches with change houses, swim areas marked with floats, a floating dock at South Beach and a playground. The campground is a short walk from the lake.
Little riders will love the beautiful new pump track at Alice Lake, which is a great reason to bring (or rent) a balance bike. For walks, the loop around Alice Lake works well with a sturdy stroller, and the Four Lakes Trail is best with a hiking carrier. There are no lifeguards, so keep little swimmers within arm’s reach. Quiet hours run from 10 pm to 7 am, which helps with early bedtimes.
Booking tip: Alice Lake is one of the most popular campgrounds in the Sea to Sky, and BC Parks says it’s usually full in July, August and September, even on weekdays. Reservations open on a rolling window, about three months ahead, at camping.bcparks.ca. Set a reminder for the morning your dates open. Some sites have electrical hookups for an extra fee.
Up Paradise Valley Road, just north of Brackendale, this private campground sits beside the Cheakamus River and has a peaceful, tucked-away feel. It has potable water and washrooms with paid showers, plus an on-site shop for coffee and ice cream, which is a big deal when you’re camping with kids. The surrounding valley is lovely for gentle river walks.
On Highway 99 just south of Alice Lake, MTN Fun Basecamp has tent and RV sites plus cabin-style rooms, which is handy if you want a bit more comfort with a baby. There are free hot showers, a small beginner bike skills track for kids and bike rentals on site. Front sites pick up some highway noise, so ask for one further back if you have light sleepers.
Right across the highway from Shannon Falls, Klahanie is the most central option on the south side of town. It has flush toilets, coin-operated showers and laundry. You can walk to Shannon Falls and the Sea to Sky Gondola. The trade-off is noise from the highway and the railway, so pack a white noise machine.
If your family is happy without showers, Squamish has a few more rustic spots:
For ocean camping, Porteau Cove Provincial Park is about 20 minutes south of Squamish, with reservable sites right on Howe Sound.
Camping with little ones is mostly about keeping everyone moving, happy and warm. A few things make a big difference:
Packing for camping already fills the car, so we keep it simple: rent the bulky gear and pick it up on your way to the campground. We don’t deliver to campsites, but you can choose free porch pickup in Squamish and we’ll coordinate a pickup time that fits your drive. Drop everything back on your way home.
Our campers’ favourites are a balance bike for the pump track and a beach kit: the pop-up sun shelter, sand toys and a Puddle Jumper. For walks and hikes, add the BOB jogging stroller or the MEC Shuttlecraft carrier. Browse all our rentals.
Looking for ideas between meals and naps? Try our guides to river swim spots, family-friendly hikes and the best playgrounds in Squamish, or see our full list of Squamish family activities.
Alice Lake Provincial Park, for its beaches, playground, pump track and easy trails. If it’s full, Paradise Valley and MTN Fun Basecamp are good family-friendly alternatives.
As early as the booking window allows. BC Parks reservations open about three months ahead on a rolling basis, and summer dates go quickly.
No. Inside the District of Squamish, camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds.
No, but you can pick up your rentals free from our Squamish porch on your way to the campground.
