If you're an animal aficionado looking for a fun camping adventure, there are several unique offerings in B.C.'s beautiful backyard to enjoy this summer.
Hipcamp, an online platform sharing camp space, launched in Canada in June 2021. It is the world’s largest provider of outdoor stays, offering everything from RV parks to unique accommodations on private lands to luxurious glamping experiences and more.
Hipcamp hosts can leave reviews for campers in the same way campers leave reviews for hosts. When hosts leave a review for a camper, the reviews can be seen on the Hipcamper's profile page under "Reviews."
Here are a few B.C. camping sites for animal lovers.
Hobby farm stay close to Vancouver
Called the Zipcamp and Fun Farm, this host invites you to stay on a family horse and hobby farm while you soak in the beauty of the great outdoors. The camp is located near Aldergrove Regional Park, which offers an off-leash dog park, more than 9 km of horse trails, walking and biking trails. There are also multiple local wineries, breweries and restaurants.
WIFI, outdoor cold water showers, hammocks, and the use of a BBQ or gas fire are included on a first-come, first-serve basis. Campers may also pick fresh blackberries in August when the fruit is in season.
There are 10 campsites that accommodate four guests each. The cost is $60 per night for two guests.
Family farm with a cornucopia of animals near Vancouver
This Hipcamp experience, Van Roon Family Farm Bed and Bale, offers a quaint camping experience in the heart of a family farm. Visitors will see horses, cows, alpaca, dogs, ducks, chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, and a rabbit. There are also two Papillion dogs named Cosette and Diva "who think they own the place," as well as a pair of calico cats, Molly and Dolly "who will sleep with you in your tent if you let them," according to the host.
Campers may even bring their own horses and there is a private paddock and stall provided, with water.
The tent-only camping spot is located between two driveways and costs $35 per night for four people. There are three sites that accommodate six people each.
Island campsite with a host of furry friends
This adorable campsite is located in Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island. The hobby farm is home to sheep, mini goats, chickens, donkeys, dogs and "a queen kitty," according to the host.
"Seeing goats on a roof, exploring underground caves, strolling endless beaches at low tide, and walking among ancient old-growth forests are just some of the experiences you’ll be able to tell your friends about back home."
Dashwood Meadows has three tent, campervan or trailer sites available with a firepit, hose, and picnic table available for campers to use. Each site is suitable for five guests.
There are three campsites that accommodate up to five guests each. The price is $45 per night for five people.
Hobby farm home to alpacas and goats
A second Vancouver Island offering is a campsite called Alpaca Woodland, located in between Qualicum Beach and Parksville. The sublime retreat is home to a "friendly small alpaca herd, a lone lama, and good-natured goats."
Located near a smorgasbord of outdoor experiences, the campsite is described poetically by the host: "Quiet nights with moonlight, stars, crickets singing and owls hooting."
There are three campsites available that are suitable for tents or RVs and accommodate up to six guests each. The price is $60 per night for four people.
Western performance horse campsite near Vancouver
This working performance horse training facility is located roughly 1.5 km off of Highway 1 in the Fraser Valley. It is also located very close to Bridal Falls, Harrison Hot Springs, and Sasquatch Mountain Resort.
If you stay at Jim Greendyk Performance Horses, the host says you can "spend time with [over] 20 performance horses and learn all about Western riding and reining."
There are two campsites that accommodate up to four guests; the total cost per night is $60 for two guests.
