Desolation Sound Marine Park

There are 11 designated campgrounds [PDF] throughout Desolation Sound, the Copeland Islands, and Malaspina Marine Parks. There is an average of nine tent pads at each campground.

Details about these campgrounds, including campground maps, access descriptions, facilities and features, are available here. 

• 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.

Camp responsibly

• These parks protect very sensitive ecosystems. Please stay on designated routes to avoid causing damage.
• Campfires are not permitted throughout the marine parks. Observe posted signs.

Registration and fees

• Fees are collected from June 1st to September 15th.
• Backcountry camping fee: $5 per person per night (age 6+)

The BC Parks backcountry permit registration service allows you to purchase a backcountry camping permit before leaving home. Although this does not reserve a campsite, it provides the convenience of prepaying for your 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.

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.

This is a very popular kayak destination. There are 11 designated campsites throughout Desolation Sound, the Copeland Islands and Malaspina Provincial Marine Park. There are several kayak rentals available in the Powell River and Lund area. There are numerous guided kayak tours available.

Most kayaker and boaters launch their vessels and start their adventure from either Lund Harbor or Okeover Harbor Government Dock to access Desolation Marine Park. Okeover Provincial Park is located next to the Okeover Harbor Government Dock. There are 21 vehicle access campsites at Okeover Provincial Park.

There are several fishing opportunities in this park including both saltwater and freshwater fishing for salmon, rockfish, oysters, prawns, cod, snapper etc. The Department Of Fisheries routinely monitors the level of marine biotoxins, bacteria and other harmful contaminants and closes bivalve shellfish areas when levels of these substances exceed safe limits.

When an area is officially “closed,” it is illegal and unsafe to harvest in that area. As a morf general rule, areas that have been assessed and deemed contaminated are clearly posted with signs indicating the area is closed. It is your responsibility to find out if an area is closed to shellfish harvesting.

Desolation Sound and Copland Island Provincial Marine Parks are within Rockfish Conservation Areas (RCAs). Hook and line fishing is not permitted in RCAs. Fishing activities are limited in RCAs. 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.

• Fishing and Shellfish Harvesting (BC Centre for Disease Control)