Elk Falls, BC

As a campground, Elk Falls is similar to other BC prov. parks. Good sites, lots of separation, modest amount of walking (e.g. Beaver Pond trail). It's a good stopping point when headed to other places, and for restocking in Campbell River. Miracle Beach is 100% reservable, Elk Falls is less the half. In September that difference is less important.

I don't think these access warnings apply to the campground part of the park. The campground is on a tributary of the Campbell River. The Falls are further up river, just below a dam. This a day use area, separate from the campground.

Elk Falls trail map
This trail map doesn't show the campground

Of the area parks, I liked Ralph River best, but that's with a small RV. It has older forest and access to hikes at the south end of the lake. Not good for swimming, though.

Our next door neighbours just came back from Elk Falls, absolutely no problems. Buttle Lake is also very nice but about an hour from Campbell River, and the road is scenic but very winding. The ferry to the Southern Gulf Islands is often very busy so you might want to make sure that you get a reservation. There other Prov. park near Buttle called Ralph River, we found the sites too small for our larger 5th wheel.

Choices .................
I guess we will go where the mood (weather) takes us. Quite tempted by Buttle Lake I have to say, but there is a certain draw towards some salmon fishing.


Another question: Our son, who works in Vancouver will be joining us somewhere the weekend after labour day. His truck is needing some repairs so he will be on a bicycle. He has suggested meeting up on one of the Southern Gulf Islands, as he hasn't yet been to any of them. Any suggestions of the best one to visit - keeping fishing in mind (Although I am not so much of a fisher myself, so I could leave the men to it and do some exploring on my own.)

Being that it's a Provincial Park, i don't think it's very rowdy at all! We stayed there a month ago & our Son a couple of weeks ago, no issues at all. You can still hike up the river to the falls. The construction is not in the way. Hopefully the salmon are still in the river when you go...

We prefer Brown's Bay !

As you are close to Campbell River, there is Miracle Beach provincial park a bit farther south.
1/2 way between Campbell River and Courtney. I believe 1/2 the campground is reservable the other first come.

We always carried on down the highway to Buttle Lake in Strathcona Park.

The Buttle Lake campground and Ralph River campground (also on Buttle Lake) are quieter and more peaceful. The drive from Campbell River is pleasant too and not that long. Lots of hiking trails to explore.

Elk Falls can be rowdy and being close to Campbell River means it is also often a party-hardy spot, especially on weekends.