A few years back we booked 2 weeks exploring Northern Vancouver Island. We headed north and spent 6 nights at a private campground on the ocean, Cluxewe Resort. We wanted to change things up and decided to head to a Provincial Park. At this point in our trip, we wanted a campground on a lake with a bit more privacy and larger sites.
Our search brought us to Loveland Bay, a Provincial campground on Campbell Lake. At the time of our visit the campground only had 31 sites plus 2 group campsites. Due to its popularity the campground enforces a 7 night maximum. We reserved site 1 (now site 11) and were excited to spend some time at a lake.
The campground has since been expanded and now has 50 sites. It also appears that the 7 night limit has been removed.
Coincidently, we met a couple the week before at Cluxewe Resort. They had just come from Loveland Bay and had stayed in site 1 (now site 11) as well. They gave us the lowdown, which came with a warning about the road in. They took a wrong turn and ended up on an alternate access road. This mistake made their trip much longer and not RV friendly. We felt forewarned and confident we were not going to make the same mistake! (Famous last words.)
Our Trip
After stocking up on groceries in Campbell River we turned on Google Maps and headed for Loveland Bay. Take note: Google Maps does not seem to distinguish between highways and forestry roads. Not a great thing to learn while towing a 20 foot trailer in an unfamiliar area.
There were three possible routes so we picked the one on the road signs. After 2 wrong turns, and potholes deep enough to lose a tire, we knew things were bad. It was clear we had taken the same road our new friends had warned us about. Blair carefully maneuvered the trailer and we were back on the road that Google maps had suggested.
As we continued on it became clear route 2 was not better. Google had navigated us to a very narrow, washer board, single lane, steep logging road. The road took us up to the top of an unnamed mountain and then back down to Loveland Bay. 1.5 hours later, Google had failed us in navigation, but thankfully, Blair had persevered. He had put up with my gasps of panic and clenched fists until we finally arrived at Loveland Bay.
Upon arrival it was clear the campground views were worth the drive. Almost every site was on the lake and most have stairs or a path to give beach access. Some sites are more elevated than others and have quite a slope down to the camping area. Our site was sloped but it offered a great view and the bonus was we had cell service. We really appreciated this since we had been out of touch with family for most of the week.
Site 1 (now site 11) is next to one of the group sites which was full of several families. I often worry about taking a site near a group site. Understandably, noise often accompanies those sites. I can say this group site was well away from our campground and had no impact on our relaxing trip. The second group site is at the opposite end of the campground and not nearly as desirable.
The campground is on a man-made lake so there are several tree stumps close to the waters surface. The lake also has several small beaches scattered around it. This was ideal because we had our kayaks and the remote beaches were easy access. The lake is warm so floating, swimming and boating are favorite activities for campers.
The weather was great and we enjoyed all these activities while working on our tan. Several groups had the big floating islands tied to stumps and spent the day floating, swimming and having fun. The beach is rocky but the water is clear and there was no sign of swimmers itch. One afternoon we kayaked across to an island where we docked our kayaks and enjoyed a swim and picnic. There are several boats on the lake but we felt very safe kayaking across the lake and exploring.
One thing to note, the campground only offers well water and had a boil water advisory. Before leaving Campbell River, we couldn’t find a place to refill our freshwater tanks. We were operating on a limited water supply but were able to get by on the water we had. Kayaking to one of the small islands for a private bath and some beach time helped.
After 2 great nights at the campground we still had memories of our drive in. Before leaving we asked for directions out of the campground. This is a popular get-away so we knew there had to be a better way. As we headed out, a camper pulled in front of us. We followed them to highway 28 on a short, bumpy gravel road. The good news is it only took 30 minutes to get to the highway and much more enjoyable. I would say a trip to Loveland Bay is worth it if you take this route. It is not so worth it if you take the 1.5 hour mystery tour.
It is important to note even with the quicker trip out, access to this park is by active logging roads. The chance of encountering loaded logging trucks while traveling these roads is high.
Site Recommendations (based on the current 50 site numbering system, so many sites could not be reviewed)
This campground has several great sites but, it goes without saying, get a lake front site if you can!
Lake front sites
- 11, 12, 13 & 16: Single sites with sloped access but level pad, easy water access and very private
- 14/15 Smaller double site and quite sloped but does have lake access
- 17 Single site, does not have a slope so would accommodate a larger trailer.
- 18/19 Double site, level access and up from the lake
- 20/21 has a long sloped driveway but is large and level at the bottom. Up from the water.
- 22/23 also has a long driveway but not as sloped, the site is up from water access
- 24 Single, great site, private, a bit sloped to get in but level pad area
- 25/26 Very large double, elevate from the lake but great view.
- 27 Small site and close to the busy boat area, also at the end of a road so busier with
- 28 Single site, not on the lake side but full view of the lake and across from the swimming area.
- 29/30 Double site not on the lake but full view of the lake and easy access to the beach. Open to the road so not private.
- 31/32 Double site near the busy boat dock and beach but great view. Lacks privacy
- 33/34 Double site, level and large, great lake view
- 35,36 are very close to the second group site
Campground Pros
- Most sites are on the lake and have lake access.
- Very remote and quiet if you are looking to get away from the city.
- Several double sites.
- Warm lake, great for swimming, boating and kayaking.
- Boat launch and dock.
- Cement pads under picnic tables
Campground Cons
- The road in, it is not marked well and it is a bumpy gravel road.
- Well water that had a boil water advisory.
- Only pit toilets.
- No showers
- No sani-dump: try Elk Falls Provincial Park close to the entrance to the best road in: the one over the damn.
- Limited cell service.
Camp That Site: Enjoy BC with the right site the first time 
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