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Gather your gear, and let’s see what adventure awaits you in the Fraser Valley! If this is your first overnight outing in nature, we’ll pass on a piece of advice that will always steer you right: be prepared! There are so many outstanding local sites to camp at; it always helps to know where you’re going, how to get there, and any potential advisories for the site. It’s also best to have a reservation waiting for you when you arrive. If you’re keen to build up even more outdoorsy tips, be sure to check out this article for the different ways to camp safely and responsibly. You’ll be able to book a site on each of the park’s pages or visit the BC Parks reservation page for an overview of each one. Plus, you can see exactly what amenities and camping styles each park offers. So with that in mind, here are our top spots around the Valley to start your outdoor adventure!

1. Mission

• Rolley Lake Provincial Park

Only an hour out of Vancouver, this easy-to-get-to park is great if long car rides just aren’t your thing. Covered with tall, second-growth conifer trees, the park’s greenery surrounds a warm-water lake that is perfect for watersports and fishing. Keep in mind, though, that no motorized boats are permitted in this park, so be sure to leave the jet skis at home!

On the southwest end of the lake, there’s a marsh area with a wooden boardwalk running through it, so if you’re curious about the local birds of the area, this is where you’ll see them!

There are 64 campsites in total, with a quaint picnic area, and nearby beginner-friendly hikes that most nature novices will be able to handle. And, of course, one of the best onsite perks is the hot showers, free of charge—a pivotal amenity to have after setting up your tent!

The park is open year-round, and you can make your reservations here.

2. Langley

• Edgewater Bar Campground

A smaller group of sites and RV parks, this riverside campground has all the peaceful nature vibes of a more remote location, without being too far from all the comforts of Fort Langley. A terrific option for first-time campers who might be nervous about being too far from home, you never have to worry about running out of supplies. The park has 38 sites in total, two of which are reserved for campers with limited mobility, and all sites are connected via paved roads that RVs and trailers can easily navigate.

The park is open from March 1 to October 31, and you can reserve your campsite here.

3. Hope, Cascades, and Canyons

• Manning Park

Manning Park is home to a whopping 450 individual camping sites across 14 different areas, so it’s no wonder this is one of BC’s most popular parks. With its diverse landscape and easy access, this a top option whether you’re looking for some backcountry seclusion or a more social experience with other campers. The park has plenty of recreational opportunities, including world-class fishing and a wide variety of trails, ranging from 15-minute walks to six-day backcountry hikes. There is also the option to book cozy cabins on-site, and shower facilities are included in five of the camping areas. Walking through the sprawling treeline, you’re sure to encounter picturesque photo ops, so be ready to capture shots of the local wildlife and unique floral displays.

The park is open year-round, and you can make your reservations here.

4. Harrison

• Sasquatch Provincial Park

Known for its unique second-growth birch forest and stunning pocket lakes, Sasquatch Park has plenty of waterside sites that are perfect for unwinding. Located north of Harrison Hot Springs (another great stop), Hicks Lake and Deer Lake are excellent choices for watersports like motorboating, canoeing and windsurfing, while Trout Lake offers more calming waters, ideal for any fishing trip. If any kids in your group are interested in fishing, The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC offers a free, onsite program that will teach them all the angling basics. The park is surrounded by scenic mountain ridges and has a total of 169 camping sites, including a larger private site for groups and youth retreats.

The park is open from April 1 to October 15 in 2024, and you can book your campsite here.

5. Chilliwack

• Cultus Lake Provincial Park

One of the most well-known outdoor spots in the Lower Mainland, Cultus Lake has been a go-to destination for countless nature-seekers. The valley bottom lake is ideal for motorboating, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, or fishing, and the surrounding old-growth forest is home to over 40 km of hiking trails. The park has 176 reservable front-country sites and 24 backcountry sites that are further into the forest if you’re feeling like you need to level up your nature immersion. To go along with that theme of being off the grid, be advised that you might find your cell phone a bit spotty once you get deeper into Mother Nature. Another reason to be well prepared!

The park is open from April 12 to October 14 in 2024, and reservations can be made here.

6. Abbotsford

• Teq’géyex (Sumas Mountain) Regional Park

While this park doesn’t have campsites, it’s still well worth the drive if you’re only able to take a day trip. 1,471 hectares in total; this massive park is known for its collection of trails that connect to a wider network of paths outside the park. Ideal for anyone interested in hiking or mountain biking, the park’s most popular route, Chadsey Lake Trail, leads to a scenic and secluded lake (formerly called Lost Lake), where visitors can relax, swim and fish—so don’t forget to bring your rod!