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Advisories

Camping

Total number of campsites
Total boat-accessible sites: 20
Marine-accessible camping

There are 11 designated campsites [PDF] throughout Desolation Sound, the Copeland Islands and Malaspina Marine Parks. There is an average of nine tent pads at each site. These three parks are grouped together for the backcountry registration system and described as Desolation Sound Parks .

For details about these campsites, including campsite maps, access descriptions, facilities and features, see Desolation Sound Marine Park: Backcountry camping.

  • Camping is only permitted in designated campsites.
  • Campers must use tent pads, please prevent erosion by placing tents, and other equipment on the tent pads.
  • Campsites are available on a first come, first served basis. Please do not hold sites for other parties.
  • Campfires are not permitted throughout the marine parks.
  • These parks protect very sensitive ecosystem values.  Please stay on designated routes to avoid causing damage to these park values.
Backcountry Camping Fee: $5.00 per person per night (6 years of age or older). Fees are collected from June 1st to September 15th.

Get a Backcountry Permit for Desolation Sound

The BC Parks reservations system allows you to purchase a backcountry camping permit before leaving home. Although the system does not reserve a campsite, the system provides visitors the convenience of prepaying for their trip and not having to carry cash. We encourage all visitors to register online so we can reduce the need to collect fees in the field.

If the online system is not available to you then you can pay with cash at Okeover Park or Lund Harbour. Look for the registration information at the BC Parks kiosks.

Okeover Park is located next to the Okeover Harbour Government Dock. There are 21 vehicle-access campsites at Okeover Park. Many people will camp at Okeover Park and get an early start the next day to explore the Desolation Sound Parks. There is a campground attendant at Okeover Park.

Pit or flush toilets

Pit toilets are located at Grace Harbor, Tenedos Bay, Curme Islands, Bold Head, Hare Point, Feather Cove, Copeland Islands, and Melanie Cove. There are no flush toilets.

Many of the outhouses throughout Desolation Sound are an open-air-privy design. This simple outhouse design is a cost effective way of providing a sanitary camping experience.  While the open-air-privy design experience may be slightly more adventurous than the traditional outhouse building, it will also provide a much more pleasant view and allow for a fresh air experience. Please bring your own toilet paper.

Please note that all outhouses in Desolation Sound have above ground pump out tanks. Due to the shallow soils and potential for exposing cultural features buried in the ground, digging traditional outhouse holes is not possible. Please do not put garbage in the outhouse tanks! It is very costly to pump out tanks, so please only human waste in the tanks.

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Swimming
Swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities are available throughout the park although no support facilities exist. This is a cold ocean environment.
Canoeing
There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park. It is an excellent destination for kayakers, since it is a good stopover point between Lund and Desolation Sound. Rentals are available in nearby Lund, adjacent to the park on the mainland. Canoeists and kayakers can access both of the camping areas.
Fishing

Tidal fishing is available. Rockfish Conservation Areas occur within this park. Fishing activities are limited in Rockfish Conservation Areas. Before you go fishing please refer to the Rockfish Conservation Area descriptions available from Fisheries and Oceans Canada DFO. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Wildlife viewing
There is no viewing platform but the park provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities for bald eagles, harbour seals, sea lions and even the occasional deer.
Scuba diving
The park is made up of many islands, channels and reefs that present excellent diving opportunities. There are no facilities or commercial operators active within the park, so scuba divers must be self sufficient.