Welcome to Camp Woodlands!

Camp Woodlands is a wilderness camp located on the clear shores of Lake Cowichan - a stunning lake with clear fresh water that stays warm for swimming until the end of September. There is a large dock and enclosed swimming area as well as a sheltered place for launching canoes and kayaks for the many destinations the lake offers. 

Around the camp are trails for hiking and biking and some hidden haves to explore. Summers can be very warm, in excess of 30 degrees celcius, and winters can be rainy or snowy.

There are facilities onsite for a true outdoor adventure including a large semi-enclosed kitchen/eating area with enough seating for large groups of 50 or more. There are pit toilets, a gazebo with woodstove, counters and window shutters to help make the kitchen a cheery refuge when the weather is not co-operating. The gazebo provided a sheltered location and also serves as a great classroom for instruction, meetings and training. (Bring your own gen-set if needed as there is no electricity)

Onsite, there is a large playing field large enough for team sports (it is periodically upgraded with additional soil and seed) and can also serve as an overflow tenting location.

There is a large tenting ring with central contained fire pit. Tent pads of bordered pea gravel surround the fire ring for fun nights around the fire. There are separate camping areas and of course, direct access to Lake Cowichan for canoeing and kayaking, or swimming from the floating dock in our marked swimming area.

There are two sets of latrines: 2 near the kitchen and 2 near the gazebo shelter beside the play field.

***Groups are required to bring their own water***

There is a hand pump on the well just behind the kitchen (temporarily removed, 2018) but, although it uses a good water source, Camp Woodlands cannot guarantee it as safe potable water. Water should be either boiled or treated before using, or containers of water brought in to camp. 

Note: we are in the process of upgrading the water supply.

Make Your food Bear-Safe!

This is a wilderness camp! Bears, cougars, elk and deer may be in the vicinity and attracted by food. DO NOT keep food, or eat, in tents. All food must be secured in bear-proof containers (or in vehicles) or hung from trees. For more information on how to keep food-safe go here: 

Cooking/Camping Supplies:

The facility is unmanaged and you will need to bring in all cooking, camping and food supplies. This includes stoves, fuel and cooking materials. A full list of what to bring can be found by visiting our website and selecting the Facilities page at https://www.campwoodlands.ca/facilities-at-camp-woodlands-lake-cowichan-scout-camp