China Beach Campground on Vancouver Island will reopen May 15 with 13 new campsites and upgraded washroom and shower facilities. The expansion is part of a continued effort to improve accessibility and enhance visitor experiences at the popular coastal destination.
The new additions include eight drive-in tent sites and five walk-in sites, bringing the total number of campsites at China Beach to 125. These enhancements follow the addition of 33 campsites last year as part of a multi-year improvement initiative.
In addition to the new sites, visitors will find two accessible shower and flush toilet buildings, constructed using universal design principles. The updates are expected to accommodate increased demand during the busy summer season.
Reservations for the new campsites opened May 1 for arrivals between May 15 and September 1. Following that period, bookings will continue on a four-month rolling window.
According to an article published by Chek News, the expansion was completed by BC Parks in collaboration with the Pacheedaht First Nation, whose territory includes Juan de Fuca Park, home to China Beach Campground. The park is located on Vancouver Island’s southwest coast, roughly 35 kilometres west of Sooke.
The combined expansion of 46 campsites over two years cost CA$2.3 million, with further improvements scheduled this fall. The province plans to upgrade the nearby day-use parking area to accommodate more visitors and improve access.
“The new parking area will have approximately 45 new stalls, a dedicated space for RVs, and a turnaround area for large vehicles. A service centre with a pit toilet, bike rack,s and an information shelter is also part of the project,” the ministry stated.
The work at China Beach is part of a $21.5 million investment to expand and upgrade outdoor recreation infrastructure across the province. Improvements are intended to meet growing demand from both local and visiting outdoor enthusiasts.
Juan de Fuca-Malahat MLA Dana Lajeunesse said he welcomed the enhancements, recalling personal memories of visiting the beaches in his youth. “BC Parks are more popular than ever, and I’m happy to see more opportunities for families and friends to enjoy more of what B.C. has to offer,” he said.