Key Takeaways
- Cluxewe RV Resort on northern Vancouver Island offers stunning oceanfront campsites and is managed by the Kwakiutl people.
- Visitors can experience breathtaking views, including whale sightings and relaxation by the ocean, making it a magical destination.
- The resort provides various amenities, including a sani-dump, camp store, and fishing opportunities, enhancing the camping experience.
- Limited freshwater supplies pose a challenge for firefighting, making rainfall crucial for the surrounding forests’ safety.
- The resort is conveniently located with attractions nearby, such as Telegraph Cove and U’mista Cultural Centre, enriching the travel experience.
This RV Resort On Northern Vancouver Island Is Magical
I am perched at a campsite near the ocean at a place the Kwakiutl people call Cluxewe (Clook-sea-we) RV Resort on Vancouver Island. This gorgeous oceanfront resort at Vancouver Island’s northern tip is run by the local Kwakiutl people. The name Cluxewe means “where the river meets the sea” in the Kwakiutl language.
But to many people, this place is much more than that. It’s a place of renewal and refreshment. It’s a place where they can camp at an oceanfront campsite and relax. Imagine watching whales and dolphins, and cruise ships traveling through the Broughton Straight right from your campsite! People who come from all over the world to stay here and find peace and wonder within themselves. Today I’m mostly inside, contentedly listening to peaceful drops of rain on the roof of this new RV I call “Sweet Daisy Mae”.
Yay! It’s Raining On Northern Vancouver Island!
I was so happy to feel rain drops today. Rain is such a welcome relief right now because the dust-dry forests that surround me and everyone else represent a very real fire-danger. Especially with the coming up camping season. I only had one campfire here before the fire service banned campfires in theCoastal Fire Centre Region.
BC’s wildfire management service is divided into 6 regions. Each of them declares the level of fire danger, according to temperature, windspeed and humidity levels. When there is a combination of 30 degree temperature, 30 kmph winds, and 30% humidity, they ban all fires because the danger is too extreme. Meaning a fire can easily start from a small spark. With that being said, rainfall is a big relief. All fire services on Vancouver Island (and the people they serve) have been on edge with the lack of rainfall this year.
Vancouver Island is a big island. However, water is a precious resource here. In spite of being surrounded by salt water, there is limited water here that can be used to fight forest fires. That’s because salt water is damaging to firefighting equipment.
The fire service depends on freshwater supplies to fight fires and being on an island means we depend on rainfall to replenish water tables and groundwater supplies. So rain is always a good thing. Two big wildfires are currently burning down island. Smoke driven by recent Northwest winds are stirring up consternation and conjecture amongst all the pundits of Facebook.
Cluxewe Resort Is Vancouver Island At It’s Best
Cluxewe RV Resort is one of the nicest resorts we’ve stayed at in terms of sheer natural beauty and friendliness. There are many campsites (including some full service ones) right on the beach. I chose one that’s nestled on the estuary in a hedge of broad leaved thimbleberry shrubs and Alder trees.
Crows, rock doves, robins and eagles are keeping Annie and Jolene’s bird dog instincts sharp as they investigate our campsite. That also means every walk on the roads and trails that traverse this park are punctuated by stops with both dogs transfixed on a bird.
I like it because it gives me a chance to slow down, and enjoy my amazing surroundings whether we’re at a beach or on a woodland trail. By following my dogs’ points, I sometimes get to see birds I wouldn’t even notice on my own. With that in mind, it’s safe to say that every birdwatcher should have at least one pointer! Haha!
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Know Before You Go
Cluxewe Resort is situated 357km North of Nanaimo, between Port McNeill and Port Hardy. To get there from BC Ferries, follow the signs north toward Campbell River on Highway 19. There are plenty of places to pick up provisions along the way. Be sure to pick up water somewhere along the way, since the water at Cluxewe isn’t considered potable.
Continue North from Campbell River, to Port McNeill. Nine kilometres (5.5 miles) north of the Port McNeill turnoff, you’ll see a blue highway sign directing you to turn right onto Cluxewe Campground Road. Follow it for 1 kilometre (.6 miles) and you’ll come to Cluxewe Resort.
Not To Be Missed Adventures Along The Way
Just south of Port McNeil, you’ll find Telegraph Cove, a magical launch point for fishing and wildlife tours. Also, be sure to check out U’mista Cultural Centre in the Village of Alert Bay, located on Cormorant Island. This unique attraction includes a museum and cultural showcase dedicated to linking the locals Kwakwaka’wakw people’s past, present and future. Malcolm Island, home to Sointula, the former utopian Finnish village, is an equally charming attraction.
Amenities
- Sani-dump for RVs ($10.00 plus tax for each use)
- Firewood and ice available for purchase at the office
- BBQs available for rent at the office
- Camp store with sundries and souvenirs
- Resort office
- Boat launch
- Beachfront fishing (seasonal; tidal waters license required)
- Fish cleaning station
- Combined public washroom and coin-operated showers
- Coin-operated washer and dryers
- Freezers for guest use
- Books, puzzles and games exchange for guest use
- Children’s playground
- Covered group gathering sites
- Picnic tables
- Fire pits
Internet And Cell Phone Service
Internet and cell phone service at Cluxewe Resort is spotty. If you use Starlink, choose your site carefully so you’ll have an unobstructed satellite signal.
Rates
Power Only (RV & Tents)
Ocean View (126 & 127)
- $220.15 per week*
- $37 per night*
- Power and Water (RV & Tents)
- Ocean View (50-57)
- $39 per night*
- $232.05 per week*
- Wood Land (94-98)
- $36 per night*
- $214.20 per week*
Full Service
Ocean View (46, 46A, 47, 80-83, 111-115)
- $43 per night*
- $255.85 per week*
Wood Land (1-45, 84-86, 89-93, 119-123, 117-152)
- $38 per night*
- $226.10 per week*
Lynne Fedorick is an RV expert and experienced outdoor author who has written hundreds of articles for RV Life, RV Trader, and other leading publications. She evaluates RV gear, portable power systems, and emergency preparedness equipment for real-world RV travel. Lynne is the founder of RVAdventureGuide.com, offering RV travel tips, reviews, and destinations from a uniquely Canadian perspective.
WOW took a look at the campground and the surrounding area…..Beautiful place…Greetings from Southern California.
Thanks Gary! It’s a gorgeous spot. I hope you get a chance to explore it for yourself one of these days. 🙂
Thanks, Gary! Greetings from Winnipeg!