Trailering to Port McNeill, were to stay

A

Anita Marie

New member
We are taking the later Anacortes/Sidney ferry later this month. We don't wand to push it so we will need to stay on the road some where that night.
I was hoping someone had stayed someplace they might recommend. There is a Walmart in Campbell River that appears to let overnight camping.

Thanks
Fred
 
Fred,

Did that trip a few times with boat in tow but did not stop.

Been to Campbell River a couple of times and might suggest you look in the area of the marina. There is a BIG supermarket there and also several parking lots.
Moxies Bar & Grill WAS good but that's a couple years back.

I'm sure you will get some more up to date local answers.

Guess you are headed to the Broughtons... Jealous.

have fun

Merv & Kathy
 
In 2009, we spent the night in Jingle Pot trailer park, just north of Nanimo. No problems. We still don't know where the name came from.

Another place we camped was the Thunderbird Campground at Campbell River. It was a hoot; we backed the boat in, sat in the cockpit and could see everything going up to Alaska.

When you launch at Port McNeil, check with the Harbour Master regarding long term storage for the truck and trailer. We paid for parking at the launch ramp and found the truck and trailer had been towed upon our return. It seems the local auto parts store both offers long term parking, separate from the harbour, and also owns the towing service. Apparently they don't like you to park by the harbour but want you to use their service. We got the truck and trailer back without paying them, but it was a scary hour.

The Pt McNeil HM apologized, gave us a free slip and refunded the parking charge. I'm saying, just check.

Boris
 
Yes there is a Walmart at Campbell River, as as of last summer, 2016 June and August, there was overnight parking allowed.

There is also a gas station at Sayward Junction that has a campground attached. If you stop and fill gas, (as of last year) the campground was free. It is basic, but I was looking for park and sleep, and that worked. It is a bit behind the gas station and the trees, so somewhat isolated from the hiway and local business traffic.

I would highly recommend looking into the BC Ferry out of Tsawassen, (Vancouver) to Duke Point, (Nanaimo) and take advantaged of their Vancouver Island tourism promotion. The trailer goes for about half price. I have done that for the last 3 years, and going again soon.

As to North end of Vancouver Island, I would highly recommend Telegraph Cove, (the Building 29 side). Nice new docks, wash down by the launch -which is shared with a kayak company- and reasonable parking fee for secure, daily checked parking with truck and trailer connected. (The other side of the marina is not so much as nice.)

Harvey
SleepyC:moon

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Walmart in the Comox Valley banned overnight parking last summer. Rumour was that Walmart is banning overnight parking everywhere. Best to check ahead.

Martin.
 
Thanks Martin, Guess I should do that before I plan on showing up.

Another place I have stayed several times is hospital parking lots. Never been turned away there, and always clean restrooms.

ON EDIT: Just checked with Campbell River WM and they still do, but Courtney does not. Guess you have to drive a bit farther north to spend your breakfast money.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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Hi Fred,
On that first Desolation Sound trip where I meet you, we stayed at the "Snaw Naw As Campsite" on the way up. I don't remember it being called that then but I do recognize it on Google maps. Just north of Nanaimo We had a nice evening with some locals by their campfire on the beach. But it has been a few years.

Steve
 
Fred, We used to leave Port Angeles on the 8:20 Coho and be in the water for dinner at Port McNeill. Good provisioning in Campbell River near the Marina.

Contsct Steve Jackman at North Island Marina in Port McNeill for secure fenced trailer/truck storage.
 
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