French Beach Park

There is one group campsite at French Beach with a maximum group size of 50. The group site is open during the main camping season. French Beach group site has the following amenities:

• Hot water and double sink under private shelter. Shelter also has electrical plug-in for small appliances only.
• Several tables and lots of counter space.
• Group fire pit with seating.
• Wheel chair accessible pit toilets.
• Beach access approximately 100 metres away.
• Parking in gravel parking lot for RVs.
• Large grass tenting area.
• Very private location.

Find out more about group camping reservations.

Youth group camping charges per night are $1 per person (6+), with a $50 minimum and $150 maximum. See the camping fees page for more information about youth groups.

This park has vehicle-accessible campsites, located in the forest approximately a 5– to 10-minute walk from the beach. Campsite reservations are accepted and first come, first served sites may also be available.

Vehicle-accessible camping fee: $26 per party per night

The winter fee is in effect during the off-season, with no water, no firewood, and no sani-station available.

Accessibility information is available for this park.

This park has a large, grassy day-use and picnic area with picnic tables, fire rings, fresh water taps, and pit toilets. The day-use area is located next to the sand and gravel beach.

Pit toilets are located throughout French Beach Park. There are no flush toilets.

Cold-water taps are located throughout the park. Taps are shut off during the off-season.

• Drinking Water System Report: French Beach [PDF] 

There is a playground available at this park.

There is a sani-station is available at this park, subject to freezing conditions. Facilities are located alongside Highway 14, west of the park entrance.

The sani-dump is closed during the winter season, due to freezing temperatures.

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, as well as communal rings in the day-use area. 

Fires are not permitted on the beach. 

Firewood can be purchased from the park 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.

Approximately 2km of maintained hiking trails travel through the park. Trails lead through salt marsh and second-growth forest of douglas fir, sitka spruce, western hemlock, and western red cedar, connecting with shoreline walks along the beautiful beach. This trail system is accessible from the day-use area and 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 is no designated swimming area at this park, however French Beach is located on the Pacific Ocean and there are opportunities for swimming. The water is very cold. Bring good footwear if you want to walk along the sand and gravel beach. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.

There are saltwater fishing opportunities at this park. Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

There are interpretations services available at this park. For more information, please contact the park operator.

In addition to offering fabulous views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains, French Beach is an excellent location for whale watching. Magnificent gray whales pass by the park as they migrate to northern feeding grounds in the spring and return in the fall. Roaming pods of resident killer whales are often seen offshore, as well as otters, seals, and sea lions. French Beach is also a good location to see bald eagles, ospreys, and a variety of seabirds.

Pets and all 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.

Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within French Beach Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.

There are opportunities for windsurfing at French Beach.

French Beach Park is open year-round with limited services.