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Advisories

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Total number of campsites
Total reservable frontcountry sites: 18
Total groupsites: 1
Total walk-in sites: 18
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Reservations

Campsite reservations are accepted and first come, first served sites are also available. Group campsite reservations are accepted at this park through the BC Parks reservations system.

All campsite and group site reservations must be made through the BC Parks reservations system. When reservations are not available all campsites function as first come, first served.

Group camping

There are five group campsites at this park. They come with a picnic shelter, tables, fire rings, barbecues, fresh water, as well as a pit and flush toilets. The group campsites are located within a five minute walk from the dock and are open all year, when accessible. Food lockers are supplied to protect food from raccoons. Click here for reservation information.

Sites 1, 2, and 3

Youth group camping fee$1 per person (6+), with a $50 minimum and $150 maximum. Children under 6 are free!
Regular group camping fee$80 per group site per night, plus $5 per adult (16+, minimum charge for 15 adults), plus $1 per child (6-15). Children under 6 are free!

Sites 4 and 5

Youth group camping fee$1 per person (6+), with a $50 minimum and $150 maximum. Children under 6 are free!
Regular group camping fee$50 per group site per night, plus $5 per adult (16+, minimum charge for 15 adults), plus $1 per child (6-15). Children under 6 are free!

For information on the youth group policy see the group camping page.

Walk-in camping

Walk-in camping is allowed at 18 designated sites in the park. These sites are located in the forest, approximately a five minute walk from the dock and shower building. Food lockers are supplied to protect food from raccoons. 

Walk-in camping fee$18 per party per night
BC seniors’ rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only)$9 per senior party per night

For information on the BC seniors’ rate, see the camping fees page. 

Winter camping
 
Walk-in camping fee$11 per party per night
BC seniors’ rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only)$9 per senior party per night

For information on the BC seniors’ rate, see the camping fees page. 

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Accessibility information

Accessibility information is available for this park.

Drinking water
Cold water taps are located throughout the park. Taps are shut off during the off-season. The water is provided through the City of Nanaimo’s municipal water system and is tested regularly throughout the year.
Playground
There is an adventure playground at this park.
Campfires

While fires are allowed at the campsites, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. Campfire rings are provided at each individual and group campsite. 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.

Picnic areas

This park has a large day-use and picnic area with a playground, picnic tables, information shelter, swimming beach, toilets, horseshoe pits as well as a large grassy area. This popular day-use area is located at the entrance area to the park.

There is a public wharf that can accommodate over 50 boats. 

Mooring (to buoy) fee$14 per vessel per night
Dock facilities use fee$2 per metre per night
Pit or flush toilets
Pit toilets are located throughout the park and in the campground. A flush toilet building is located near the entrance to the park, approximately 50 metres from the dock.
Showers
There are coin operated hot showers in the toilet building, approximately 50 metres from the dock.
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Hiking

A well developed 22km trail system on Newcastle Island provides access to all locations on the island. These easy hiking trails lead from the dock and day-use area and link with other trails at various locations in the park. Directional signs are located along the trails.

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.

Swimming

There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks. Pleasant swimming is offered at Kanaka Bay and east of the foot passenger ferry docks.

Fishing

Children will enjoy fishing from the wharf. Salmon fishing in nearby waters can be rewarding. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Interpretive programs

A park interpreter is in attendance during the summer to provide visitor information and to interpret the Newcastle Island’s unique human and natural history. Contact the park operator for information about dates, time of walks, talks and other program details. Interpretive signage is also located at various points of interest along the trails.

Pets on leash

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.

Cycling

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 Saysutshun (Newcastle Island Marine) 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.