Arbutus Point Campground is located on Saturna Island in the Southern Gulf Islands of BC, Canada. We are centrally located by the BC Ferries Terminal and Lyall Harbour wharf. The campground has walk-in sites for tents and has 5 wall ocean view wall tents. Amenities include our designer outhouse, drinking water, showers, and picnic tables. Within walking distance is the restaurant (child friendly) pub, kayak and bicycle repair shop, car fuel dock, a coffee shop with ice cream, treats and crafts. A great jump off point to explore Saturna’s trails, beaches and wildlife.
My wife and I enjoyed the time we spent in one of the two glamping cabins at the Artbutus Point Campground. The cabin was warm and dry and the beds were comfortable. Our only complaint was of being asked to pay to park our car on the campground. But the manager refunded the parking fee when we parked on the road that runs beside the campground.
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from dmdean, Manager at Arbutus Point Campground
Responded Jan 24, 2020
Thank you for your review. Due to zoning restrictions and setbacks we are very parking limited on site, with only space for 4 or 5 vehicles. As these are at a premium and because we can’t offer them to everyone the owner asks a fee. There is free roadway parking within a short walk, but for the convenience some people opt for on site parking.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Great campground, super views, clean washrooms and shower building. It's also close to the ferry terminal, which is great because we were on bikes with bike trailers, And it's close to a great pub where we watched the sun set over the water and had a delicious meal. We'll definitely be back.
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from dmdean, Manager at Arbutus Point Campground
Responded Jan 24, 2020
Thank you! We are glad you enjoyed your stay. We agree that the pub deck is a great place to watch the lovely sunsets we get here.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stay at the View Tent at the Arbutus Campsite. Beautiful and quiet spot by the water. The tent is roomy and with comfortable beds. The picnic table by the side of the tent allowed for a private spot to have meals. It was nice to have power inside the tent. WiFi worked great. The owners were quick at responding our questions. Having the pub so close was a bonus, as well as their amazing sunsets. We hope to be back soon. Thank you :)
Read more
Date of stay: September 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Denise Deanovic, General Manager at Arbutus Point Campground
Responded Feb 25, 2021
Thank you for your very nice review!
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
On arrival we were confused as to where the campsite was, as we felt we were in the parking lot. However, to our surprise, we were in fact in the campsite. When we questioned the owner about this being a wilderness campsite, she replied that in fact it was actually not one. She stated that it was a "convenience campground." A place to sleep while you explore the island, is what she said. We were once again very surprised. She asked us if we had seen the website pictures, which we had, and conveyed that it looked nice in the photos. She said, well that's what it looks like when nobody's here. We were disappointed. With a full campground, our experience was tents five feet apart, no privacy, and were kept up by a snoring camper right next to us. Two groups of campers showed up on the second night at 10pm to set up, which was surprising, considering the quiet hours are 10pm - 7am. Granted they were trying to be quiet, however because the campsite is designed in such a congested way, we could clearly hear them, and we were distracted by their bright flashlights and car noises as they unpacked. Furthermore, the hot water for the washing station was not hot, ever. The composting toilet was very smelly, and requires an air freshener. There is a street light on the road right next to the campground, which shines into your tent all night long. The location is right next to the ferry, main road, and sea plane traffic. The ocean view is misleading as there is a row of trees obstructing the view! The one good thing is that the wifi is very good, and worked well for my video conference call. However, all of this for $55/night for two tents?? This is robbery! We suggest $20/night and an additional $10/night for an extra tent. This is much more reflective of what you are receiving at this campground. It's a good thing we didn't need parking, because that is an additional fee per night. If you are looking for a quiet stay in a beautiful location for good value, this is not it. That said, Saturna Island itself is magical - next time we would stay elsewhere.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2020
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Denise Deanovic, General Manager at Arbutus Point Campground
Responded Feb 25, 2021
Good day. I apologize for the delay in answering your review. Things have slowed down a bit now so I will attempt to address your complaints. Let's start with the displeasure you exhibited the minute you arrived on the site as you immediately commented negatively on the size and layout of the campground. You were surprised at the proximity of the campsites to each other. There should have been no surprises. My husband and I took at least four phone calls from you before you booked during which we answered all your questions and explained to you, in detail, what you could expect when you arrived. This was in addition to the information and pictures on the website and the follow up email we send to all guests to assist them before arrival. You were confused, you said, by the description of the campsite being a "convenience campground". Unlike forest campsites, our campground offers convenient access to all manner of services only two minutes away by foot, including a pub, a cafe, ferry service, a bicycle rental and repair facility and access to a cash machine. This, despite being completely hidden from public view. In addition to the on-site amenities, such as hot and cold running water, potable water, power, free Wi-Fi, power, lighting and furniture in the wall tents, including beds with clean linens, tables and chairs and outside decks with water views. We consider all of the above fairly convenient. As for quiet hours, they are admittedly, although quite rarely, compromised by the arrival of campers on the late ferry who are unable to make it to Saturna on earlier sailings. It happens. Although it would be nice, the ferries do not alter their schedules to accommodate our quiet hours- a minor inconvenience to most of our guests and a non-issue after 10:00 P.M. As for the floatplane traffic, it could hardly be considered traffic. There are two flights per day, one around 8am and again at 5pm. Very little disruption. There have been no complaints, previous to yours, regarding the lack of hot water. I don't know why you had an issue. Perhaps you felt that the water wasn't hot enough to wash dishes. That may be your personal view, I don't know. But the water station is not meant to be a washing up station for dishes or for personal hygiene. A covid related request that is clearly posted above the sink, which has been standard practice at most campgrounds throughout B.C. during the pandemic. In addition, the toilet utilizes a holding tank, is cleaned and treated daily to reduce the odours. But it is still a pit toilet. Perhaps you are more sensitive than most campers. As for the view, the trees do not compromise the view to any great degree. The site you booked is one of two sites designated specifically for camperized vehicles. The locations are necessarily, but only marginally, farther from the water views than the tent sites due to access and exhaust issues. Despite the scattered row of Arbutus trees, there is a wonderful view of the water from all of the sites encompassing the dock, Lyall Harbour or Navy Channel, between the Penders and Mayne Island. We welcome all visitors and campers to Saturna Island no matter where they stay or for how long. You may feel that did not receive fair value for your stay at Arbutus Point Campground. Fair enough. So I encourage you to try the federal campground on your next visit, which will provide you with more of a forest experience, including a walk-in of approximately one kilometer and a return walk up a rise of about two hundred feet back to your vehicle. While there however, your amenities will include.... well uhhh there aren't any, except for a pit toilet. No fresh water, no power, and no Wi-Fi. All reviews help us to consider ways to provide a more enjoyable camping experience for our guests. So thank you again for your input. It will be given all due consideration. Regards Arbutus Point Campground.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Me and my 3 friends had a beautiful stay in the Harbour View Wall tent for 2 nights. It was our first time on Saturna Island and we weren't sure what to expect but it was great that the campground was right next to the ferry, and upon arrival Denise was there to welcome us and helped us settle in to what was a clean, well maintained tent with a few plugs for charging phones. Shortly after settling in we got dinner at the pub down the road (would highly recommend dinner on the patio for sunset). Throughout our trip the campground served as a great base camp between our little excursions and was excellent for cooking (propane gas stove only) and hanging out. I especially appreciated the clean bathroom and the sink available to fill up our wash basins and water bottles. Just be careful of some wasps that fly around (not the fault of the campground). I would definitely come back!
Read more
Date of stay: August 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:For couples with a bit of extra cash, book the "Hillside" wall tent. Offers slightly...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Denise Deanovic, General Manager at Arbutus Point Campground
Responded Feb 25, 2021
Thank you for your review!.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Locations close to the ferry , which one needs as the times are awkward with the 10 pm arrival. Denise and Nick are the caretakers that live off site. They are very friendly and helpful. It's an island so can't have all the amentities. Pit toilet, they try to keep clean but the hole is a bit oddly placed for guys. The running shower is fantastic. Close to the water but not on. Tent camping only so keeps "those folks" away. However, with the late arrivals and folks lining up for the ferry at 6 that don't realize how their voice carries, good idea for ear plugs. Can use as a base for arrival by kayak as dock not to far, biking, walking or car. Central. Close to the pub which has a great sunset view. Sites on the west side are more level. 4 & 5 have a slight slope. The Vibrational Cafe is close but I didn't like the fact the owner had his face right in the ice cream tub and breathing within inches. He gave me my money back after I asked him to mask/not do that. I've been a repeat camper and will continue. I often arrive by vehicle but take the bike. The Narvez Bay site is very nice, just farther, no amenities but the road in is very rough and not suited for fast travel on skinny tires. Before you go, have a look at the map so you know where things are in the dark and have your light handy. I'm putting a plug in but hope this doesn't attract too many more as l like the solitude. lol
Read more
Date of stay: July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed in one of the tents (Hillside, I believe) and it was great. One morning we were woken by a family of otters playing on the dock below. It is right by the ferry terminal so there is some noise, but the island seems pretty committed to keeping it quiet after a certain hour. There are showers and sinks for washing dishes. The bathrooms are just outhouses but decorated nicely. We'd definitely stay again :)
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from dmdean, Manager at Arbutus Point Campground
Responded Jan 24, 2020
Thank you for you review! We do hope you will visit Saturna again.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Followed directions verbally, over the phone at booking time but upon arrival, couldn’t find the entrance and there was no signage. Location quite rural, no Neighbour s to ask for directions and no cell phone coverage at the approximate location. Camped roadside which was ok as we are self sufficient
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: September 2019
Room Tip:Don t know
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from dmdean, Manager at Arbutus Point Campground
Responded Jan 24, 2020
We are sorry you had difficultly locating the campground. There is a sign at the entrance and as the campground It is so close to the ferry it only takes about 5 seconds after driving off the ferry. I am assuming you came on the late ferry. Please feel free to contact us directly.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
the hosts of the campgrounds are great! Campground is close to ferry and ample space for a small or big tent. Washrooms were clean. One small Complaint was controlling the wasps better if they can. Its a beautiful island.
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from dmdean, Manager at Arbutus Point Campground
Responded Jan 24, 2020
Thank you for your review Jason. Yes the wasps were a problem this year for all the gulf islands. There are beneficial wasps and aggressive ones so it’s a tough call, as we try and be environmentally conscious. This year we have a get out ahead of the queen wasps strategy, so we hope that will make a difference. Then again it may not be the same for 2020.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I booked for 5 days here online ($30/night - no hookups and no parking on sites). So I called the host about this and also to let them know we were delayed and will be arriving late (10:30pm). Well, we missed the campsite as the sign was a bit hidden and it was pitch black. So we drove a couple KMs to find the site again. We had to set up camp and really tried hard to be quiet, which was nearly impossible. We upset a lone woman camper next to us, and she chose to not talk to us the whole time we were there. There was only 10 tent sites with 10 picnic tables, and really it is designed for on foot hikers/tenters. It really looked like someones back yard, especially with some dilapidated trailer in front of us and the dirty old couch behind us (the hosts should remove it, it is unhygienic and looks awful). The showers are decent, it cost $2 for 4 minutes, and you have to get the tokens from the store by the pub. The kid that was minding the store gave me two tokens, turned out to be 1 token and 1 loonie (they look very similar), which in fact we only got one shower for $3. No matter how much the host glorified the pit toilet, it still is a pit toilet (and was out of toilet paper the first night we were there) and it had no light, so bring a flashlight so you can see where the abyss is. This campsite really is designed for on foot hikers/tenters. It has no hookups and no hot water taps. They do have a kitchen sink with a timed cold water tap. There is a little community patio with a couple tables and chairs with a faux bar. The shower takes about 1 1/2 minutes to get hot water and has no hooks or stools to put your clean clothes or toiletries. The hosts Bob and Carol were very friendly and resolved the 'no toilet paper' issue immediately, which was good. If you have vision issues, the grounds are a bit confusing with all the leaves and the boulders marks the tent sites. We ended up cutting our stay to 2 days instead of 5, it was just a bit too much for me to navigate in. This campsite is priced too high for what it offers. Would I stay here again? NO. Would I come back to the island? YES, there are other AirBNB, B&Bs to stay in. But again, if you are on foot, hiking with a tent, it would be fine.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2017Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from dmdean, Manager at Arbutus Point Campground
Responded Jun 13, 2019
Thank you for your review. The trailer you have spoken of has been removed and the campsite has been expanded someway. Campsite are now clearly marked and we now have new wall tents which are better suited to less roughing it. Our website now has a site map and more photos. We hope you will come back to Saturna again, even if it is your choice not to stay at Arbutus Point Campground.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
There are more places to choose from in the Saturna Island area.
LOCATION
CanadaBritish ColumbiaSaturna Island
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
