All campsite reservations must be made using the BC Parks reservations system. When reservations are not available all campsites function as first come, first served on a nightly basis.

Please note, there is no overflow camping available.

The park offers vehicle-accessible campsites in a beautiful forest setting.  This campground is ideal for tenters and smaller RVs. It is by reservations only but if campsites are not reserved, they may be used as first come, first served on a nightly basis. There is no overflow camping available.

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

Accessibility information is available for this park.

A cold water tap is located in the campground. Taps are shut off during the off-season.

Annual Drinking Water System Reports

• Smelt Bay Campground Drinking Water System Report [PDF] (2015)
• Smelt Bay Overflow Parking Drinking Water System Report [PDF] (2015)

A gravel boat launch for small boats, is available at higher tides. This boat launch is located on the beach at the northwest corner of the park.

Campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite. We encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.

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. 

This park has a day-use and picnic area beside the beach. Facilities include an information shelter, pit toilets, a grassy picnic area and a parking lot close to a sand and pebble beach. Nearby Mansons Landing Park offers additional day-use opportunities.

This park has pit toilets in the day-use area and campground.

Ocean swimming is an option at this park. There is no designated swimming area and there are no lifeguards on duty. 

There are canoeing opportunities at Smelt Bay. Paddlers can set in from the beach or the gravel boat launch at higher tides. This boat launch is located on the beach, at the northwest corner of the park.

There are kayaking opportunities at Smelt Bay. Paddlers can set in from the beach or the gravel boat launch at higher tides. This boat launch is located on the beach, at the northwest corner of the park.

Visitors can saltwater fish for salmon and rock fish 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.

Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash and under control at all times. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. 

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 Smelt Bay Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted.