SMONEĆTEN Campground

Since our ferry from Anacortes, WA arrived in Sidney, BC around 5:30 PM on a Friday, we wanted a location that was easy to get to for our first couple of nights on the island. Only a short drive from the Sidney ferry terminal and an even shorter drive from the Swartz Bay ferry terminal, this campground makes an excellent base for exploring the towns of Sidney and Victoria as well as the Saanich Peninsula and the Gulf Islands.

This campground is located on a forested hill ringed by busy roads, but we noticed that traffic fell off considerably after dark so it wasn't a problem for us. Campsites are spacious and fairly private. Facilities are basic - fire pits, picnic tables, vault toilets (clean) and water taps located in several places around the campground. There are no hoo-ups, flush toilets, showers or dump stations. A ranger came by each evening to check campsite reservations and sell firewood for $7 CDN/bundle. Other than that we saw no official staff presence or volunteer camp host. Except for the slight road noise, the campground was very quiet, clean, tidy, and felt safe. We'd definitely stay here again.

We really enjoyed going to a local farmers market and visiting the Gardens at the Horticulture Center of the Pacific. Sidney has any services you might need.

Price quoted above is in Canadian funds and includes a senior discount as well as an online reservation fee ($11 CDN). I figure our nightly rate in US dollars amounted to approximately $17/night.

This is a no frills campground. Not even a dump to use on exit. But the bathrooms were clean and there were water faucets located in a few spots. Not appropriate for rigs over 25’ or so. Shaded, wooded so cool in the summer heat. But will be a bit tough for solar if you are planning a longer stay. Also located close to a busy road, so significant road noise. HOWEVER, it is inexpensive and located conveniently in between the Victoria ferry and the Swartz Bay ferries. So if you are planning a trip to the Gulf Islands from the Victoria ferry, this is a great place to overnight and stock up on food and gas before heading out further. Also close to Butchart Gardens, and to Sidney which has a wonderful “street fair” on Thursday summer nights with great street food amd music!