Paddle camping doesn’t always have to mean a long, risky journey deep into the backcountry. At East Beach Campground in Golden Ears Provincial Park, families can enjoy one of the easiest paddle camping experiences in British Columbia (and most likely the world!). With just a short paddle across the calmest section of Alouette Lake, you can set up camp at a scenic, marine-access only site that’s perfect for beginners, kids, and anyone curious to try paddle camping for the first time.
Paddle camping holds a special place in my heart. There’s nothing else like heading somewhere remote and beautiful, propelled only by the paddle in my hands, carrying just the essentials on my paddleboard, and escaping the crowds, traffic, and stress of fighting over reservations.
Most of my paddle camping trips so far have been adult-only, given the risks of venturing deep into the backcountry. Last year, though, I had a wonderful trip to Widgeon Creek with Big Bro, which boosted my confidence in taking our Outdoor Family along. This year, Middle Bro also made huge strides in his swimming and paddling. He passed my three prerequisites for joining a paddle camping trip:
- Comfortable swimming with a life jacket on.
- Able to get into the water and reboard a paddleboard without assistance.
- Able to follow instructions and paddle for two hours without complaining.
Since Tina and the older two boys were ready and eager, we decided to relax the rules a little and look for a suitable family-friendly paddle camping destination. On a recent paddle at Golden Ears Provincial Park, we found exactly what we were looking for.
East Beach Campground Golden Ears
East Beach Campground is a designated marine-access backcountry campground managed by BC Parks. It has more than a dozen cleared campsites, two pit toilets, and a large bear-resistant food cache. Best of all, it’s directly across from the popular South Beach day-use area, separated only by 400 metres of the calmest water on Alouette Lake, in Golden Ears Provincial Park.
Where else can you find an easier backcountry, paddle camping spot in BC? It’s the perfect place to practice your SUP skills and test your camping loadout.
The camping fee is $5 per person (ages 6 and up) per night, and I registered my car’s license plate at the same time.
Although it’s meant to be marine-access only, a gravel road leads to the back of the campground. The road should be closed to vehicles, but dirt bikes frequently ignore the signage. I’ve also read online that during the summer months, the campground can be busy and loud with inconsiderate campers. Thankfully, when we visited in late September, it was empty, clean, and both toilets were stocked with toilet paper.
The Paddle Across Alouette Lake
We arrived in the afternoon. With summer crowds long gone, the parking lot was only about 10% full. I think after Labour Day, most people flip off their “summer switch” and settle into fall, regardless of how warm the weather still is.
At this time of year, the water level in Alouette Lake is at its lowest—at the tail end of the summer drought and just before the fall rains begin.
Here’s our family paddle camping loadout:
- Touring Board One: Tina, Middle Bro, one giant 115L dry bag with clothing, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags, plus another dry bag for miscellaneous items.
- Touring Board Two: Me, Baby Bro, one dry bag for food and other bear attractants, one for non-attractants like electronics, and our tent.
- Kid-sized Board: Big Bro, paddling solo with a small dry bag to share the load (and boost his confidence).
The southerly winds were blowing, but being at the southern end of the lake made them manageable, with minimal chop. Even at a slow pace, it only took about 10 minutes to reach the campground.
We chose two lakeside sites (E7 and E8) with the best views, conveniently close to a toilet and the food storage cache.
A Surprise Paddleboard Encounter
After setting up camp, we still had time for another paddle. That’s one of the joys of paddle camping — your board is ready, the water is right there, and the life jacket is within reach.
I took Middle Bro for a spin, and he did great on my tippy touring board.
“Billy!” someone called from the lake. At first, I thought it was Johnny, who had planned to meet us. But as the paddler got closer, I realized it was Victor and Findus!
We had known they’d also be paddling on Alouette Lake that day, but with no cell service in the area, we hadn’t set a firm meeting time. It was a pleasant surprise to actually cross paths on the water.
Findus—the handsome adventure cat—immediately hopped onto our boards to greet us. His agility and confidence showed his many SUP adventures with Victor. As always, he was a star, drawing attention from swimmers, kayakers, and fellow paddleboarders. After saying hello to Tina and the kids, Victor continued north to camp on crown land.
Not long after, Johnny and his two girls arrived—for their very first paddle camping trip as well.
Camp Life at East Beach
We cooked dinner by the lake and enjoyed a relaxing evening. The sun set behind the mountains earlier than we expected, so we turned in not long after.
Just before bedtime, multiple car alarms went off one after another across the lake in the day-use parking lot where our cars were parked.
“I hope no one is breaking in,” Johnny said, worried.
“I think it’s probably a bear people are trying to scare off,” I guessed. Given the lack of broken glass the next day, the bear theory was probably right.
The next morning, I woke to a serene, still lake—no powerboats blasting music, no dirt bikes, and not even paddlers yet, since the park gate doesn’t open until 7 a.m.
I brewed coffee in our lakeside kitchen, using up most of our water. No problem—within minutes I paddled across the glassy Alouette Lake to the day-use area, filled our bottles, and paddled back.
One by one, the group woke and joined me for a peaceful breakfast.
We explored the campground and confirmed both toilets were clean and stocked. Big Bro found a small pond with a perfect reflection and had fun striking silly poses.
As the sun rose higher, I went for another paddle, this time practicing freestyle stunts—jumping and spinning around on the board, thinking I looked cooler than I actually did.
Tina and the kids joined me, and we invented a new sport: Paddleboard Boink. The rules were simple:
- Hit someone’s board with your board’s nose = +1 point.
- Get knocked off = –10 points.
What followed was a frenzied, hilarious melee—great practice for balance and maneuvering.
Heading Home
After a fun morning on the water, we packed up to leave. Sadly, in my euphoric haze after completing our first family paddle camping trip, I forgot to do a final sweep and left our bag of tent poles behind.
Despite the lost poles, this was an awesome paddle camping debut for the family. Having the freedom to hop on the water anytime we wanted was wonderful. Everyone seems to have caught the bug, and we’ll soon be looking at other easy destinations.
FAQ: Paddle Camping at East Beach Campground, Golden Ears
Is East Beach Campground good for beginner paddle campers?
Yes. With calm water, a short paddling distance, and easy access, it’s one of the best beginner paddle camping spots in BC. Reports have indicated that summer weekends may not be suitable for a family due to concerns with noise and rowdy behavior.
How long does it take to paddle to East Beach Campground?
Only about 10 minutes across Alouette Lake from the South Beach day-use area. It’s 400m across, and most people can paddle at a pace of 2.5 km/h.
Can families with kids try paddle camping at Golden Ears?
Absolutely. With basic swimming and paddling skills, it’s a safe and fun way to introduce kids to SUP camping.
Do you need a reservation for East Beach Campground Golden Ears?
No, but a backcountry registration is required and can only be made online in advance. There are no cell service at the park. The campground is marine-access only and first-come, first-served, with a small per-person nightly fee. Kids under 6 years old camp free.
What facilities are available?
Pit toilets, bear cache. No drinking water supply, so bring a filter and take water from the lake. Or paddle back to the day use area and use the water tap (however, the water tap may be shut off in the off season.)
Have you visited the East Beach Campground? How was your experience? Leave a comment below! I’m curious to see if it really should be avoided in the summer…
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