If you’re looking for one of the best Tofino camping spots, Bella Pacifica Campground should be on your list of contenders. This is the campground that we stayed at while we were in Tofino and we loved it!

Nestled right in between gorgeous woodland space and the serene, sandy MacKenzie Beach, your trip will not be short of natural beauty or areas to explore.

Because it is one of the most popular Tofino camping spots, it’s recommended that you book your stay as soon as possible to guarantee your perfect family trip! Especially if you want those beachfront spots, you need to book in October for the following Summer.

Welcome to Bella Pacifica Campground

Arguably one of Bella Pacifica Campground’s best features is the multiple walkways that take you directly to the sandy MacKenzie Beach. The campground is practically right on the beach and many sites boast a beach view, although all sites are merely a short walk away from the beachfront.

The natural surroundings at Bella Pacifica Campground are what make it one of the most popular Tofino camping spots. And it’s why we chose to stay here. It’s so very special. 

Tofino Beach Camping at Bella Pacifica Campground

Bella Pacifica Campground has over 100 campsites available, meaning that there are plenty of options, and you’re bound to find at least a few that match your and your family’s needs perfectly.

Not all sites are suitable for large vehicles, so it’s important to check on their website before booking, where everything is clearly explained. In fact, many sites are quite small and best for tenting. The Seaview Terrace sites are where the larger RVs hang out.

The Beachfront sites are the most sought-after sites as you are literally right there beside the beach. They are amazing. Can you imagine parking yourself there for a week or 2? Best. Ever. We were not so lucky to get one of these spots because we didn’t book back in October.

Even the Seaview Terrace spots have amazing views although they are not right on the beach.

Truth be told, I love the privacy and majesty of the forest sites.

I am a dendrophile through and through. And these trees? Well, they offer one of the most astonishing experiences of The Wild I could ever ask for. I want to be with them. Some people want the ocean, I want the trees. The beautiful thing about Bella Pacifica Campground, is you get to pick your wild.

This photo does not do the beauty justice that we got to share the week with, but if you watch the video, you can feel their powerful presence.

The peak season for Bella Pacifica Campground is in effect on all long weekends and from the middle of May to the end of September. 

MacKenzie Beach

For most people, the proximity of MacKenzie Beach to Bella Pacifica Campground is by far the best feature of the campground. The large sandy beach is sheltered and ideal for families, and also dog friendly! 

Unfortunately, if you’re big into surfing, MacKenzie Beach may not be for you. There is an island out front of the beach which breaks the surf, meaning that surfing is only possible in big winter storms. However, this does mean that it is usually a perfect beach for swimming and paddling.

Surf Grove Campground and Cox Bay would be your better bet if you want direct access to one of the best surfing beaches on the island.

We loved the calm waters, soft sands, and beautiful sunsets at Mackenzie Beach. 

The beach is also perfect for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and kayaking, which are fun activities tourists commonly enjoy – so be sure to check that out!

Or, if you’d prefer something a bit more relaxed, you may like to walk from one end of the beach to the other, to marvel at the interesting rocks and trees found at the cliffs and headlands on either side. And during low tide, you’ll even be able to access the small islands that are blocked off during high tide!

Bella Pacifica Campground Amenities

The amenities at Bella Pacifica Campground are nothing fancy but that wasn’t why we chose this campground. The beauty of the campground far supersedes these indoor spaces.

If you are after fancy washrooms, the facilities at Surf Grove Campground are about as luxurious as you can get at a campground. Not to mention direct access to one of the best surfing beaches in Tofino.

Crystal Cove Beach Resort, just down the beach also has lovely indoor facilities for showering, laundry, and toilets – alongside beautifully manicured Tofino camping spots.

I’ll be the first to admit, I drooled over them both while we took our tours. They are also amazing Tofino camping options.

If you are after campsites with direct oceanfront views or spectacular raw and wild old forested sites, then Bella Pacific Campground is your best bet. It’s all about what is most important to you. 

While there is free Wi-Fi, we found it was only accessible at certain points of the campground. The laundry facilities had 2/3 machines out of service while we were there and cost $3 per wash and $3 per dry.

The washrooms certainly level up from pit toilets, but they are still fairly basic. The showers were $2 for 2 mins. I had a hard time with 4 mins and usually added another toonie. So, for Steve and I to shower, it was at least $8. Make sure to add this to your budget.

There was a nice spot to do dishes with hot water. I made the trek there every night with my headlamp as the sun had long gone down after our day of adventures.

Bella Pacifica Campground is family-focused, meaning that they offer a quiet time from 10 pm to 8 am to ensure their young campers get plenty of down-time! We found that to be the case. Even the fabulous music next door at Mackenzie Beach Resort shuts down early.

And while dogs are welcome, the campground asks that you keep your furry friends on a leash at all times.

To get to this picturesque campground, travel north via the Island Highway from Victoria, and take Highway 4 to Port Alberni. Once you’ve traveled through scenic Port Alberni, you should turn right at the T-junction at the end of the road. During your journey, be sure to follow signs for the village of Tofino, which is about 3km away from the campground, and MacKenzie Beach.

Things to do in Tofino or Ucluelet

• Surf (or watch the surfers) at Long Beach, Chesterman Beach
• Hike to the magnificent views at Cox Bay Lookout
• Explore the Rainforest Trail in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
• Wander along the rugged coastline on the Wild Pacific Trail