I grew up camping with my family and wanted my kids to have the same summer experiences playing with new kids, spending long hot days swimming and snacking, and sleeping (sort of) outdoors. So when we bought a “vintage” (re: old!) tent trailer, I knew we had to take it for a little test trip before venturing off for bigger and longer camping trips. Now, before you read on,there is something important to note: I have no camping ‘hacks’ to share– I’m just trying to have a good time with my kids and figure it out as I go along. With that said, let me tell you about this fabulously accessible and easy-to-reserve local campground!
BC has so many beautiful provincial campgrounds, but it can be a real challenge to book a site unless you have your vacation dates organized 4 months in advance, and are on the computer the second it opens ready to book. It can feel like The Hunger Games, and we wanted to try a different experience but still stay close to home. Serendipitously, I happened to see a friend’s images online about their trip to Fort Camping and I knew we had to give it a try.
The site we had was large enough for the trailer, a truck, and our large table cover with room to play and sit around the fire.
Fort Camping is located in Fort Langley in Brae Island Regional Park, making it the perfect location for families, new campers, and those wanting to spend some time exploring. The campsite has different options for each type of camper; there are RV sites, tent and tent trailer sites, basic cabins, a group campsite, and a deluxe RV for rent that sleeps 4 people. What really sold us on this campsite, in addition to the ease of booking and the location, was the multitude of fun activities available for kids and families.
The playground in a middle of a grassy field.
Fort Camping has a little playground for kids, access to a small beach and ample walking trails, and a huge grassy field for playing on. Plus, they have oodles of games and activities running. Grab your kids for an evening game of giant Jenga or giant checkers, rent pedal bikes to ride through the campground on, and participate in unbelievable kids activities and theme weekends all throughout July and August. We were there over Western Weekend and enjoyed the treasure hunt, hayride, and making ooey gooey slime— all led by park leaders for kids (and those young at heart!) all throughout the weekend. They even have a giant waterslide that goes up on warm weekend days, but we just missed that activity on our arrival day.
Western Weekend photo booth setup
Fort Camping also operates a little store on site that sells firewood, ice, camping essentials such as s’more ingredients, and anything else newbie campers might forget. This was a special treat for us when we realized we forgot to pack coffee and wondered how we were going to make it through the weekend without it! The store also sells ice cream cones, so you and the kids can grab a special after-dinner treat each night.
Giant Jenga– just one of the many games and activities available.
If you’re looking for middle-of-nowhere secluded campsites with absolute peace and quiet, then this is not the campsite for you. However, if you have kids and you want to start camping as a family, or you are looking for a place to set up and let your kids roam free with amazing activities to keep them occupied then you will love this campground. The bathrooms had hot showers and fully functioning toilets, and they were so clean!
Shade in the morning at the beach. We dipped into the water but mostly played on the sand.
We can’t wait to return next summer and bring our bikes so we can cycle into Fort Langley to take in some of the great events and explore the shops. If you want to squeeze in one last trip of Summer 2024, there are still a few sites left in August. Fort Camping also offers Fall and Winter camping options, and its parent company, Pathfinder Camp Resorts, also runs a campground in Parksville and Agassiz– both of which we hope to try next summer!
Fort Camping:
Address: 9451 Glover Road, Langley Township
Website: www.fortcamping.com
