Camping is a wonderful way to enjoy B.C.'s beautiful wilderness when you need time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
While many campsites near Vancouver require booking in advance and have daily fees, there are several camping areas where you can go for a spontaneous last-minute trip and you won't pay a dime.
Whether you want to be in the mountains or by a lake, here are seven free campsites near Vancouver.
Mount Seymour
Mount Seymour is just over a 30-minute drive from Vancouver. Wilderness camping in this area is free as long as it's north of Brockton Point.
BC Parks says campfires are prohibited on its website and recommends people bring a camp stove for cooking.
Jones Lake
BC Hydro's Jones Lake Reservoir, located east of Chilliwack, is another great location for free camping.
There are two recreation areas located north of the reservoir that have designated wheelchair-accessible campsites, pit toilets and picnic tables.
You can also go swimming, boating, fishing, hiking and mountain biking in the area.
Seton Lake
The Seton Lake recreation area is located in Lillooet and operated by BC Hydro.
The area has one campground and three picnic areas. You can also go boating, canoeing, fishing and hiking.
Squamish River
Squamish River Campsite is a popular fishing and camping spot that has several amenities for campers. The area has nine tent areas, tables, fire rings and two outhouses.
Campers are warned that the site is prone to flooding from Squamish River during high rainfall so keep that in mind when planning your visit.
The area also has a history of black bears and grizzly bears so keep all food and garbage stored in vehicles as there is no garbage pick-up service.
Upper Campbell Reservoir
Upper Campbell Reservoir is another BC-Hydro-operated site located on Vancouver Island with beautiful views of the Campbell River watershed and the mountains.
The campground has 21 formal campsites, trails, a beach area and an informal boat launch for 4x4 vehicles launching small boats.
The maximum campers can stay is 14 overnights per year. Camping and fires on the beach are prohibited.
Elbow Lake
Elbow Lake has a mid-sized recreational site with several campsites available along the shoreline of the lake facing the Cariboo Mountains.
While there is no designated boat launch, small boats can still launch from shore, as per the Sites and Trails BC website.
There are also tables and toilets on site.
Trout Lake
Trout Camp, located on Trout Lake, is a small campsite suitable for one or two groups, according to the Sites and Trails BC website.
The campsite is located at the south end of the lake with an outhouse and two tables.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
Animals on the campground.
Animals on the campground.
Campsite.
Campsite.
Screenshot of the BC Parks campsite reservation system.
Screenshot of the BC Parks campsite reservation system.