What Is Naka Creek Recreation Site
Naka Creek Recreation Site is a nice open area campground on the ocean with a boat launch and 9 campsites. 8 have picnic tables and fire rings. There are 3 pit toilets and lots of overflow areas used for camping. 5 of the campsites are in a forested area next to the ocean which has a beautiful long washed rock beach.
The beach slopes downward at an angle that provides depth suitable for beach casting. Along the beach is a kelp bed that gives cover for small bait fish thereby attracting the attention of larger fish.
The walk along the beach is a favourite among those I met while camping there. There is a cut in the rock face to the north that at first I thought was a cave. Upon further examination I determined it was possibly where a big tree fell away from the bluff taking all the sediment with it. Either way it was a pretty cool place to visit.
One of the highlights of my trip was the hike to the Naka Creek Waterfall. Roughly 5-10 minutes from the campground it is an amazing thing to see. If I had to guess I would estimate the water falls about 60+ feet into a deep pool and flowing downstream from there.
This beautiful campground is another of the many recreation sites managed by Recreation Sites and Trails BC.
Where Is Naka Creek Campground Located
Drive north on Vancouver Island to Campbell River and then head towards Sayward. From the Sayward Road junction travel another 27 or so km to the Eve River Main road. If you require fuel or forgot something there is a Coop grocery store and Coop gas station/convenience store at the Sayward junction.
Once you turn onto the Eve River Main road it is another 30km to Naka Creek Recreation Site. Along the way you will pass by the Montague Creek Recreation Site and also the Junction Pool Recreation Site. Both are on the Eve River and nice in their own way but nothing compared to Naka Creek campground.
Eve River Main road is in great shape as it is graded regularly because of active logging in the area. Pay attention and drive slow as you will meet logging trucks and company vehicles along the way. You will see signs for Naka Creek along the way.
At roughly the 16 km mark you will turn left on to the E & N Hookup road and travel another 14km. This road is narrow and rough and they are actively logging in this area also. Take your time and stay as close to the edge of the road without putting yourself in harms way with the soft shoulder if possible.
I met a “Fat Boy” (wide load) logging truck and had to come to a complete stop near the bush on the edge of the road because I was in a narrow spot on the road. I got over as far as I felt safe to do so and he got by. He stopped and waiting to ensure I was able to get back on the road which was decent of him.
After that experience I crawled along and took corners wide and didn’t cross the narrow bridges until I could see the other side. I think the next time I visit I will spend the day at Junction Pool Campground and leave for Naka Creek after 5pm to ensure no one is working. I’ve lived on the island for over 57 years and met lots of logging trucks. This was the first time I can remember where my heart and adrenaline got the best of me.
How To Find Your Way To Naka Creek Recreation Site Using Google Maps
Just fill in your current location where you will be leaving and the map will open with all the pertinent information for your travels.
Fishing At Naka Creek Recreation Site
I didn’t have a saltwater fishing license so I didn’t fish at the recreation site. I did however try my luck in the creek at various pools with a single barbless hooked spoon and the occasional fly. I had a couple of strikes but didn’t get to see anything.
Talking to some of the other campers there I learned that fishing for salmon and halibut is productive year round so next time I will come prepared. I also learned that crab and prawn fishing is good once you find the right spots and take account the large tide movements. Many traps have been lifted off the bottom and floated away because of the tides.
There was a seal working the beach next to the kelp bed while I was there and occasionally I witnessed a nice fish in his mouth when he surfaced. Evidence that beach casting might be the way to go for me as I don’t have a boat I trust in the ocean.
I remember my childhood days beach casting at the old King Coho Resort in Comox where I hooked many 20+ lb. salmon. That beach was similar in structure to Naka Creek Recreation Site but King Coho had a steeper slope for depth.
If you do have a boat you may want to travel to Robson’s Bight just to the north where Orcas rub the beach when ever they are in the area. This is a protected area so learn the rules and adhere to them please so we can continue to enjoy this magnificent event in the future.
Tidbits
Walk Thru Tour Video Of Naka Creek Campground
Summing Up Naka Creek Recreation Site
I highly recommend this amazing campground if you are a saltwater angler or even if you love camping on the ocean. While I was there many cyclists spent the night there as they were biking a popular route on the north island. I was amazed at their resilience and determination to make the trip on those roads.
I met bikers from the Netherlands, Australia, Germany, UK, Vancouver and even the US. It is awesome that Vancouver Island is known for its great biking routes.
Wildlife in the area is pretty diverse with many deer grazing on the large areas of grass in the overflow spots. I also spotted loons and ducks in the ocean every day I was there. I got some photos of the deer but the ducks and loons were harder to get as they spooked easily.
Never got to see any whales but did see lots of sea birds, eagles and multiple song birds. And of course the seal that seemed to hang out along the beach all the time I was there.
If I had one gripe it was the garbage left behind by some campers. Stuff like pop/beer cans, old broken chairs, even a couple of older travel trailers, a boat and truck canopy. Not sure if the larger garbage is a remnant of the old logging camp that used to be here many years ago. Both me and my father worked for Beban Logging back then.
Still all in all this recreation site was one of the better ones I have visited in my travels on the north island. I definitely will be back for another visit. This time I will clear some room in my utility trailer to haul some of the smaller garbage out with me if it is still there.
Campfire Etiquette
Don’t forget to be a responsible camper and pack out what you pack in along with anyone’s garbage left behind if you can. Also remember that campfire etiquette is a must to ensure this pristine wilderness remains as is. Never be a lazy camper it just isn’t worth it.
The law states that you keep a shovel and 20 litre pail of water nearby in case sparks land on the many grasses and pine needles etc that are around the campground area. Never leave a campfire unattended for any reason and ensure it is out before going to bed and leaving for home.
For more information on the current status of campfires and bans visit the BC Wildfire Service.
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