How much does it cost to rent an RV on Vancouver Island?

Here's a breakdown of average RV rental costs in Nanaimo, BC based on current listings: Class A Motorhomes : Average $209 per night Class B Campervans : Average $160 per night Class C Motorhomes : Average $222 per night Travel Trailers : Average $110 per night Fifth Wheels : Average $129 per night Pop-Up Trailers : Average $81 per night A vehicle like the 2022 Thor Echelon Class C is listed at $222 per night, and a 2020 Taxa Outdoors Tiger Moth travel trailer is listed at $66 per night.

How old do you have to be to rent an RV in BC?

To rent an RV in British Columbia through Outdoorsy, the minimum age is 25.

How do I get to Vancouver Island with an RV?

You can reach Vancouver Island with an RV by taking a ferry from the mainland. The most common routes are from Tsawwassen (near Vancouver) to Swartz Bay (near Victoria) or Duke Point (near Nanaimo), and from Horseshoe Bay (near West Vancouver) to Departure Bay (in Nanaimo). BC Ferries operates these routes and offers reservations for RVs to ensure availability.

How much does it cost to park an RV in Nanaimo, BC?

Parking an RV in Nanaimo can vary depending on the campground and amenities. On average, it costs between $35 and $60 per night for a full hookup site, which includes water, electricity, and sewer connections. Some premium campgrounds may charge higher rates, especially during peak season.

Do you need a special license to drive an RV in BC?

You don't need a special license to drive an RV in BC. A Class 5 driver's license is enough to rent and drive an RV in the province.

RV rental Nanaimo, BC: Motorhome rentals, camper van rentals and more

Name: Nanaimo, nanaimo
Address: Nanaimo, BC

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Discover Nanaimo RV rentals for memorable road trips

Nanaimo is one of the portals to Vancouver Island, home of countless outdoor activities perfect for exploring in a motorhome rental. This large city is on the southeast side of Vancouver Island and is easily accessed by the Vancouver city ferry. Like many other Canadian towns, this one also started as a Hudson Bay Trading outpost in the mid-19th century. Coal was the main export from Nanaimo, and relics from that time can still be found all over.

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The Great Outdoors

The coastline around Nanaimo makes it a sought-after destination for paddlers. Kayakers can explore beaches only accessible by boat, rocky bluffs, estuaries, and small islands. Canoe and kayak destinations near Nanaimo include the Newcastle Island Provincial Marine Park, the Nanaimo River Estuary, and Protection Island. The tides will heavily influence where you can go, so be sure to check on them before getting on the water.There are over 100 miles of hiking trails for all preferences and abilities in and around Nanaimo. One of the easiest is the Colliery Dam Nature Trail, a flat interpretive trail along the river that’s especially known for being dog-friendly. One of the most scenic – but challenging – trails is the five-mile Mount Benson Trail. This tough climb takes you to a hilltop park that affords 360-degree views that are spectacular year-round. You’ll also find several waterfall hikes in the area too, including Little Qualicum Falls, Englishman River Falls, and Ammonite Falls.Nanaimo is an excellent mountain biking destination with some of the best trails on Vancouver Island. Cyclists can find trails suitable for all styles and abilities. You’ll find four miles of single track and wide trails at Westwood Lake and 38 miles of trails at Doumont. There’s also a bike park in the middle of Nanaimo where you can practice tricks and jumps. The Nanaimo Parkway Trail is a more peaceful trail, connecting many of Nanaimo’s parks via a 12-mile paved path.

Camping in Nanaimo

The surrounding area has countless opportunities for you to base your rental RV in Nanaimo and set out to explore.Brannen Lake RV Park has 120 sites with a mix of hookup options, from primitive to full-service. The sites are either pull-through or back-in, and all have picnic tables and fire pits. Other amenities include laundry, hot showers, and internet. There are many opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, swimming, and fishing at Brannen Lake. The campground is open year-round, has a convenience store, and also welcomes your pets. Brannen Lake RV Park is only 15 minutes from the ferry dock.The Living Forest Oceanside Campground and RV Park is one of the larger RV parks near Nanaimo, with 300 sites. This campground is also open year-round, and RV sites have either 30-amp and 50-amp hookups, and there's a dump station on-site. The campground is on a beautiful property with forested, beachside, and riverfront campsites. Three sides of the RV park are surrounded by water, and you can stretch your legs on the hiking trails next to the river.Ten minutes from the ferry dock, you’ll find the Jingle Pot RV Park and Campground. Amenities at this campground include hot showers, laundry, and internet. There are a total of 120 sites, including pull-through sites for larger RVs. You can reserve either serviced or non-serviced sites. This campground is known for its beautifully-landscaped grounds with rock gardens and colorful flowers. Pets are welcome at Jingle Pot.Another year-round option for your camper rental in Nanaimo is Westwood Lake RV Camping. This campground has 52 sites, 43 of which have full hookups, and the rest have 30-amp and water service. Westwood Lake RV Camping features hiking and biking trails, canoe and kayak rentals, and beaches for swimming. Campground amenities include hot showers, laundry, and internet. Each site has picnic tables and fire pits, and pets are allowed. This campground is located between the Departure Bay and Duke Point ferries. Some sites are right on the lake while the rest are within easy walking distance.

Exploring the City

The harbor at Nanaimo brings in some great fresh fish, and there are some fantastic restaurants to sample the local seafood. You can also book a variety of tours from the harbor, from full-day trips on large catamarans to small group tours in kayaks. Visit remote beaches, play with the harbor seals, or go diving in the kelp forests.

Popular RV Types & Amenities

Airstream Camper Camper Van Cheap Class A Class B Class C Motorhome Pet Friendly Pop Up Camper Small Sprinter Van Toy Hauler Travel Trailer Unlimited Miles Westfalia

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Popular nearby hiking trails and campgrounds

Hiking TrailLocation
Channel Trail to Giovando Lookout, BCNanaimo, BC
Newcastle Island Bates Trail, BCNanaimo, BC
Morrell Nature Sanctuary, BCNanaimo, BC
Westwood Ridge, BCNanaimo, BC
Extension Ridge Trail Loop, BCNanaimo, BC
Piper's Lagoon Park Trail, BCNanaimo, BC
Linley Valley/Cottle Lake Trail, BCNanaimo, BC
Humility Trail, BCNanaimo, BC
Mount Benson, BCNanaimo, BC
Lost Lake Trail, BCNanaimo, BC

CampgroundsLocation
Lynden / Bellingham KOA, WAWhatcom County, WA
Log Cabin Resort, WAClallam County, WA
Klahowya Campground, WAClallam County, WA
Olympic Peninsula / Port Angeles KOA, WAClallam County, WA
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground, WAClallam County, WA
Burlington / Anacortes KOA, WASkagit County, WA
Riverview RV Park, WAClallam County, WA
Jefferson County Fairgrounds Campground, WAJefferson County, WA
Fort Casey Campground, WAIsland County, WA
Dungeness Forks Campground, WAClallam County, WA

Recent RV rental reviews in Nanaimo

Anna H.

December, 2025

Alexis and her husband were a great couple to deal with. Excellent communication and very friendly. It’s a beautiful RV. We rented it as an overflow for guests at Christmas. I’d rent from them again :)

Gnomadic Adventure Services

Mark T.

December, 2025

Kevin was very easy to get hold of and answered all of my questions before booking as this was the first time I had rented an RV. The RV itself was extremely clean and comfortable and was very roomy when extended. It had everything in the RV so did not have to bring too much except ourselves and our clothes and food. We had a great experience and had 4 adults who had plenty of room. Highly recommend.