Elk Falls Park

This park offers 122 vehicle-accessible campsites. Approximately 25 of these sites border the Quinsam River; the rest are set in a second-growth forest. The Quinsam campground entrance is located on the west side of the Quinsam Bridge. Campsite reservations are accepted and first come, first served sites are also available.

This park offers winter camping, but no services are available during the off-season.

Several facilities in the park are wheelchair-accessible or have been designed for park visitors with mobility challenges.

• Elk Falls Day-use Area – Viewpoints and Suspension Bridge approach: 
  The paved parking includes stalls that are designated for people with mobility challenges, all pit toilets and most picnic tables are wheelchair-accessible. The trails accessing the first set of viewpoints are designed to a 5% grade or less and have hard packed trail surfaces, park bench resting spots, and safety fencing. 
  Please note: The stairs, suspension bridge, and the lower viewing areas are not classified as wheelchair-accessible.
• Quinsam River Fishing and Viewing Platform: 
  A flat concrete platform just below the Quinsam River highway bridge provides access to a holding pool for salmon before it enters into the Campbell River. In the fall it holds pink, coho, and chinook while on their way upstream. The trail is graded at more than 5% but it is smooth and can be accessed with wheelchairs, it is a short 60m away from the parking area, and is located across from the Quinsam River Campground.
• Quinsam River Campground: 
  A number of campsites have wheelchair-accessible picnic tables. The entire campsite has wheelchair-accessible pit toilets located throughout.

There is more Elk Falls Park accessibility information on our accessibility site.

This park has a day-use area, located 3km west of the campground off Highway 28. This is the closest trail head to the suspension bridge.

Pit toilets are located throughout the campground and day-use area. Flush toilets are located at the sani-station in the campground.

Cold water taps are located in the campground. Taps are shut off during the winter season.

There is an adventure playground with barrier-free play structures included. There is also a nearby play field at the campground in this park.

A sani-station is located in the campground. The sani-station is closed in the winter season.

While fires are allowed, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. Campfire rings are provided at each campsite. Firewood can be purchased from the park facility operator. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act ). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.

An extensive 6km trail system offers a variety of hiking opportunities within Elk Falls Park.

• View detailed trail information

In the day-use area there is a short trail to the magnificent old growth Douglas-fir forest. Another system of trails will take you to Elk, Moose and Deer Falls, found along this portion of the Campbell River. Detailed trail maps are located at the day-use areas and in the campground.

For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.

There are no lifeguards on duty. There are swimming holes near the falls at the day-use area of the park.

Freshwater fishing in Quinsam and Campbell River, as well as, saltwater and ocean fishing near the town of Campbell River. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate fishing licence.

Viewing platforms are located at the day-use area near the falls, as well as along the Canyon View Trail. These sites offers spectacular views of the deep rock canyons and waterfalls.

Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.

Cycling is permitted on roadways in the park and mountain bike opportunities exist on the pumphouse trails, which connect to the Snowden demonstration forest trail network. The pumphouse trail network is best accessed from near the water tower uphill of the logging road bridge over the Campbell River.

• View the trail map [PDF] 

Trail and stunt construction is prohibited.

Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are permitted on signed or designated trails within Elk Falls Park, provided they meet the definitions and criteria for e-bike use as outlined in the BC Parks cycling guidelines.