The Gold River Municipal Campground has been around as long as I can remember. In the old days it was named The Lions Campground. The significance of its location is paramount to its success. I decided to spend a few days there this winter to see how it has faired over the years and also because a lot of you keep asking me about it.
I remember when I first moved to Gold River 30 years ago I was smitten by the beauty and friendly community. Today that still hasn’t changed in fact if anything the community has gotten more friendly and of course the beauty is everywhere around you for many kilometers.
There are many lakes and trails around the community from which to get out and fish or just plain hike around. The Gold River campsite has a few trails that lead to the river itself through the many trees that surround the campground.
Over the years the campground hasn’t changed much as there is still no potable water or amenities other than the basics. But the campground is mainly used by anglers who come to Nootka Sound every summer to fish for salmon and don’t want to travel the Head Bay Forestry Road or stay at marinas in the sound.
They prefer to tow their boats down to the Mowachaht/Muchalaht boat ramp and launch from there while leaving their vehicles and trailers in the parking area. At the end of the day they pull out their boats and trailer them back to the campground.
Hopefully this article will help other campers whom have never been to Gold River to come and check it out. There is so much more going on here than just fishing.
Gold River Campsites
The road into the campsites had a few potholes when I arrived in Feb 2026 but overall in good shape. My pickup/slide in camper and utility trailer hardly felt anything as I went through them slowly. I counted 17 regular campsites and a large overflow area with more picnic tables and fire rings near the end of the campground.
All campsites have picnic tables and fire rings except one which only has a fire ring. I am guessing a picnic table will be there during the peak season. There are 4 pit toilets grouped into twos and placed in the middle of the campground and at the end in the loop. They are in dire need of some attention.
The campground is surrounded by second growth timber with a few old growth stands mixed in. There are grassy areas near the end of the campground with a large gazebo type structure as well.
There is a boat ramp just before the entrance to the campgrounds but it looks like it hasn’t been used in quite some time. It wasn’t designed for backing down trailers but for unloading them onto a set of metal rollers with a steep drop to the river itself. While I was there the water wasn’t high enough to launch even if you dared try. I am guessing this was built for the Steelhead fisherman/guides back when fishing was allowed on the Gold River.
Some Tidbits
2025-2027 Fishing Regulations
How to Get to The Gold River Campground
Find your way to Vancouver Island, drive north to Campbell River and head west to Gold River. From the village of Gold River it is another 5 km west of town towards the ocean.
Use the form below to find out how to get to Gold River Campground From Your Starting Point Using Google Maps.
Gold River Campground Pricing
At the time of this writing in 2026 the price at the campground was $25 per vehicle per night. For groups over 6 unless it is a family the price changes to $25 per person per night. There is no rate discount for seniors.
There are other restrictions like what constitutes a vehicle ie: Truck with a slide in camper = 1 vehicle, Truck with a slide in camper towing anything = 2 vehicles, Truck/car towing a boat on a trailer or utility trailer (think quads) = 2 vehicles, Truck towing a travel trailer = 1 vehicle, Motorhome towing anything = 2 vehicles, 2nd car/truck = 2 vehicles.
Unfortunately I found this to be a little restrictive to my liking but it is what it is. There are other options like Muchalat Lake Recreation Site when it is open for a better price but it is also further from town on a poorly maintained gravel road.
Unfortunately this is a “first come, first served” type of campground so reservations are not available but contact the camp host below to inquire about availability of campsites.
The camp host was friendly and helpful providing me with answers to all my questions and gave me permission to post his phone number (778-554-1601) here and said he will respond to all calls/text messages.
Walk Thru Video of The Campground
Summary of Gold River Campgrounds
Overall I was pleased with my stay at the campgrounds and found the camp host to be easy to talk to. The weather was a mixed bag with some sunny days and rainy days. My stay was for 5 days.
If I had one thing to gripe about (which I didn’t) was the overall condition of the pit toilets. Hopefully come summer they will be cleaned and emptied regularly as I understand the lack of campers during the winter months contributed to their condition.
A bonus is only being a short distance from town where I found everything I forgot to bring with me available. The convenience/deli store is well stocked with lots of staples. The gas station as you come into town also has a good selection to compliment the deli.
If you take a drive down to the ocean where the Uchuck docks along with the marina and float plane dock you will some beautiful waterfalls along the way.
And if you are a golfer, I’ve been told that the Gold River Golf Course is one of the nicer courses for its size on the island. Also not far from the campground. Don’t forget to check out both Antler and Star Lakes both of which have excellent fishing opportunities.
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