A campfire ban is currently in effect for this park. For more information about campfire bans and about provincial parks with park closures and campfire bans in effect, visit the BC Parks campfire ban webpage.
CAUTION - Please be advised that
portions of the Quinsam River trail above the campground have
been damaged by flooding. Sections of trail have been eroded -
please use rerouted trail areas and keep back from river edges. Thank
you for your cooperation - BC Parks.
CAUTION - Bears can be seen in this area. Please
do your part to be bear aware.
Here's how to be Bear Aware:
Keep a clean and tidy camping site.
All food and garbage must be
stored in well sealed containers.
Store all food containers and coolers in your vehicle or RV.
Never leave cooking utensils, coolers or grease, or dishwater
lying around your campsite.
Use bear-proof garbage containers located through out the
campground
Cook and eat well away from your tent.
Avoid getting food odours and scented products on clothes
and sleeping bags.
Never feed or approach bears
Never get too close to bears
Be noisy when using hiking trails.
Keep children close by and…
Keep pets leashed, Pets can anger a bear and provoke an
attack and may bring the bear back to its owner.
If a Bear Approaches You:
Talk softly to the bear so it knows what you are.
Leave slowly - always face the bear, but don't stare
directly at him.
If the bear follows you or starts to circle you, slowly
but calmly keep backing up
If you see or are approached by a bear report it
to park operators, park rangers or to Conservation
Officer 24 Hour Hotline at 1-877-952-RAPP (7277)
Park Info
A thundering waterfall and some of the finest year-round salmon fishing in Canada are just two of the reasons Elk Falls is one of the most popular provincial parks on Vancouver Island. Add to that the extensive network of forest trails, the nearby Quinsam salmon hatchery and, in the fall, the sight of spawning salmon in the Quinsam and Campbell Rivers, and it’s easy to see why this provincial park is considered one of the best campground accommodations in the “Salmon Capital of the World”.
This convenient location - just 2 kilometers from downtown Campbell River on central Vancouver Island - provides quiet riverside camping in the heart of a world-renowned fishing area. And you don’t have to go far to find fish—from November to March, the Steelhead run right by the campsites on the Quinsam River. As spring progresses, lakes in the area--many of which have been stocked--ripple with Rainbow, Cutthroat and Dolly Varden trout. During late spring and through the summer, fishermen head to the tidal waters to fish for Chinook for coho salmon.
After a morning fishing, pack a picnic lunch and take a cool stroll to the Elk Falls day-use area. Just 3 km from the campground, this picnic area contains easy walking trails and the plunging 25-meter waterfall that gives this park its name. Hiking trails also lead to other areas in the park, which is home to the only significant stand of old-growth Douglas fir north of MacMillan Provincial Park.
The large campground at Elk Falls Provincial Park provides a convenient base camp for day tripping. Gold River, destinations in the Sayward Forest, Kelsey Bay, Rock Bay, and the parks of Quadra and Cortes Islands are within easy reach.
Park Size: 1,087 hectares
Campground Hours of Operation
All dates are subject to change without notice
Opening and Closing Campground Dates:
(campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water,
security, etc.)
Open year round
Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees:
May 1 – October 15
Campground Reservable Dates:
May 15 – September 8
Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites:
122
Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable:
(all remaining sites are first-come, first-served)
57
Note: The above information is
for the campground only. Park users can still walk into the park
if conditions such as weather permit. Check the "Attention Visitor
Notice" above for park alerts.
General Visitor Information
Visitor Safety Information (park safety, hazards, wildlife safety information, health risks)
The Quinsam Campground at Elk Falls Provincial Park is located 3 km north of Campbell River on central Vancouver Island on Hwy 28 toward Gold River. The Elk Falls day-use areas are located 3 km west of the campground off Hwy 28.
Nature & Culture
In the campground, each of the campsite posts identifies a tree, shrub or flower growing adjacent to the post or near the campsite. Here is a Guide (15 kb pdf format) explaining the plant names and additional comments.
Wildlife - Wildlife in Elk Falls Park includes a variety of small mammals and birds. Great blue herons, killdeer, Glaucous-winged gulls, crows, Chestnut-backed chickadees, Golden-crowned kinglets and starlings are the most abundant resident bird species. Mammals include deer, bears and cougars, as well as shrews, squirrels, voles, raccoons, mink, river otters, muskrat and beaver. A beaver dam and pond are located west of the campground. Roosevelt elk also utilize portions of the park for winter range. Fish species include steelhead, Cutthroat and Dolly Varden trout, Three Spine Stickleback, fresh water Sculpin and Chinook, chum, coho, pink and sockeye salmon.
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia. Warning to all mountain bikers - The new Millennium-Canyon View trail and the Quinsam River trail within Elk Falls Provincial Park are strictly for hiking and walking opportunities. Mountain bikers may use the trails on the eastern side of Elk Falls Provincial Park, access being from the water tower location at the Campbell River logging bridge. These rules will be strictly enforced with an $86 fine. If mountain bikers continue to use unauthorized trails, it may result in all trails being closed to mountain bikers.
Fishing
Fresh water fishing in Quinsam and Campbell River, as well as, saltwater/ocean fishing near the town of Campbell River. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
In the day-use area there is a short trail to the magnificent old growth Douglas fir forest. Another system of trails will take you to Elk, Moose and Deer Falls, found along this portion of the Campbell River. Detailed trail maps are located at the day-use areas and in the campground.
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.
Pets on Leash
Pets/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 and the potential for problems with bears.
Swimming
There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks. There are swimming holes near the falls at the day-use area of the park.
Wildlife Viewing
Viewing platforms are located at the day-use area near the falls, as well as along the Canyon View Trail. These sites offers spectacular views of the deep rock canyons and waterfalls.
Facilities Available At This Park
Campfires
While fires are allowed, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. Campfire rings are provided at each campsite.
Firewood can be purchased from the Park Facility 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.
Drinking Water
Cold water taps are located in the campground. Taps are shut off during the off-season.
Picnic Areas
This park has a day-use area, located 3 km west of the campground off Hwy 28. The area has 2 parking lots - one adjacent to a viewpoint and the other with picnic tables, pit toilets, and an information shelter. Trails link the parking lots. This area also offers opportunities for picnicking on the rocks near the river.
Pit or Flush Toilets
Pit toilets are located throughout the campground and day-use area. Flush toilets are located at the sani-station in the campground.
Playground
There is an adventure playground and sports field at the campground at this park.
Sani-Station/Dump
A sani-station/dump is located in the campground and is available during the collecting season.
Sani-station Use Fee: $2.00 per discharge
Vehicle Accessible Camping
This park offers 122 vehicle accessible campsites. Approximately 25 of these sites border the Quinsam River; the rest are set in a second-growth forest. The Quinsam Campground entrance is located on the west side of the Quinsam Bridge. Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $15.00 per party / night
BC Senior's Rate (Shoulder Season only):
$7.50 per senior's couple/night
Wheelchair Access
Some facilities in the park are wheelchair accessible.
Winter Camping
Winter Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $10.00 per party / night
