27 Best Camping In Ontario 2023: Campgrounds, RV Parks, and More
Where should you go for the best camping in Ontario this year?
We asked our friendHeather fromThis Noshtalgic Lifeto give us the lay of the (camping) land, and she did just that. If you’re looking for the best camping in Ontario you’ll definitely want to check out this extensive list.
Whether you are looking for an RV or tent site the area is brimming with options to choose from.
There are hundreds of campgrounds across the province, each with its own unique features and amenities. Some are close to major cities, while others are further off the beaten path and provide a more secluded experience.
In this guide, we have shared some of our favorites to help you pick the best places to camp during your next trip to Ontario!
Most Beautiful Campsites In Ontario
Ontario offers campers a wealth of breathtaking views and peaceful surroundings. Here are some of the most beautiful places for camping in the province.
1. Cyprus Lake Campground – Bruce Peninsula National Park
Location:Tobermory
Cost:$30/night
Bruce Peninsula National Park is one of the top attractions in Ontario so be sure to make a reservation at Cyprus Lake beforehand as no walk-ins are allowed! This campground is best suited for tents and pop-ups and also offers yurt camping.
The park is located on the north shore of Lake Huron and is in the heart of stunning geological formations in this area.
Of special interest is the well-known Grotto, a cave with a natural pool of clear blue water at Indian Head Cove.
As one of Canada’s beloved national parks, it’s no wonder Cyprus Lake is at the top of our list.
2. Flowerpot Island – Fathom Five National Marine Park
Location:Off the coast of Tobermory
Cost:$10/person + park fee
This place issimply incredible. If you decide to camp on Flowerpot Island you will enjoy viewing its famous natural rock formations, known as the “flowerpots”.
Access to the island is via Bruce Anchor Cruises. Swimming and snorkeling can be enjoyed by campers with caution, as the shoreline is definitely rocky.
There are 6 campsites located near Beachy Cove. Please note there is no tap water available and it is a more rustic experience. Travel withdehydrated snacksand lightweight meals for easier food prep!
3. Hattie Cove Campground – Pukaskwa National Park
Location:New Pukaskwa Road, Heron Bay
Cost:$30/night + park admission
Located in the heart of Pukaskwa National Park, the Hattie Cove Campground is a great option for front-country camping (car camping) if you are looking for an isolated and quiet northern Ontario camping experience with convenience.
The campground has over 60 campsites, pit toilets, and a day-use area with fire pits, picnic benches, and the opportunity for swimming.
The main attractions at Hattie Cove are its proximity to Lake Superior and the excellent nature trails. Folks can hike on the bluffs or to the beach. Guests enjoy stunning vistas over Hattie Cove and out across massive Lake Superior.
4. Chimney Campground at Beausoleil Island – Georgian Bay Islands National Park
Location: Access from Honey Harbour Road, Honey Harbour
Cost:$20/night
Visitors will need to take a water taxi out to the island. The DayTripper cruise and Georgian Bays Water Taxi make drop-offs at Chimney. Chimney Bay is a first come first serve campground.
Once there it doesn’t take long for campers to realize that camping in Georgian Bay is an incredible experience. It is apparently the world’s largest freshwater archipelago!
There are seven other primitive campgrounds on the island. Be prepared with well-planned gear, water, and food for this adventure. Canoeing, kayaking, and hiking are hugely popular for visitors to Beausoleil Island.
5. Upper Beveridges – Rideau Canal National Historic Site
Location:Off of Port Elmsley Road and Beveridge Locks Rd, Port Elmsley
Cost:$190/night
The Rideau Canal is an historic waterway linking a scenic string of rivers and lakes. This is one of the Parks Canada oTENTik sites and it boasts stunning views! Upper Beveridges is a camp hidden away among the trees next to the canal where it meets the Tay.
These hybrid tent-cabin structures provide a bed and shelter without campers having to set up as much upon arrival to their site. In addition, it helps to have this option for those who do not own camping equipment.
It’s important to note that there is no electricity, plumbing, running water, or heat source but there are basic washroom facilities located within walking distance.
6. Elora Gorge Campground
Location:Centre Wellington
Cost:$40-$50/night
The Elora gorge on the Grand River is one of the most scenic features of southern Ontario. The campground is immaculate and will surpass your expectations!
This section of the Grand River has 22 meter-high cliffs of limestone that were formed by glacial meltwater during the last ice age. Nestled in the park are also several caves and a stunning cascade waterfall called Hole in the Rock.
Elora Gorge is the perfect destination for those who love tubing! If you’re someone who just wants to relax, though, there are also plenty of spaces to lay back and soak up some sun.
7. Thousand Islands National Park
Location:Mallorytown
Cost:$15-$130/night
Located on the St. Lawrence River, this park offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and boating. The park also features a number of historical sites dating back to the War of 1812.
If you want to camp on an island in the Thousand Islands, you’ll need a boat or watercraft.
There are 5 oTENTIK sites located at Mallorytown Landing on the mainland and 25 island campsites scattered throughout the park. All campsites in Thousand Islands National Park come with fire pits and picnic tables.
8. Black River Wilderness Park
Location:Washago
Cost:$50-$125/night
This is an unbelievably beautiful and exceptional family-owned campground operated by the Chippewas of Rama First Nation. It is located only 90 minutes north of Toronto. They offer tent, cabin, tepee, and heated yurt camping!
In addition to exploring tiny islands by foot via bridges and lazy river tubing, there are indigenous culture experiences offered separately. These include Craft-Making, Indigenous History, and Medicine Walks.
Tube rentals are not available so bring your own along with your water shoes.
Best Camping In Ontario: Provincial Parks
Camping in provincial parks is a great way to experience Ontario. Each of the Ontario Parks are well-maintained and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. The natural beauty of the parks is on display, and if you’re tenting it there’s nothing quite like camping under the stars!
9.高的客人ff Campground – Presqu’ile Provincial Park
Location:Brighton, 90 min east of Toronto
Cost:$40-$60/night
Presqu’ile Provincial Park sits on a peninsula that extends into Lake Ontario, making it a great spot for camping and enjoying the water views. It is also one of the hottest birding spots in Ontario!
高的客人ff is the most highly sought-after campground in the area with the best access to water.
这里的湖水看起来像一片卡里bbean in southeast Ontario thanks to the turquoise reflections, which also make it great for swimming.
10. Dunes Campground – Pinery Provincial Park
Location:Grand Bend
Cost:$40-$60/night
Pinery is a beach destination famous for its scenic sand dunes and specifically the dune ecosystem. Dunes campground is within walking distance of the beach. The dunes lead right down to the lake where you’ll find sandy beaches and shallow water.
⚠️Poison ivy is prevalent in this area so take caution! If you use the designated boardwalks to access the beach this is not as much of an issue.
There are also great walking and bicycle trails as well as canoe and bike rentals.
11. Canisbay Lake Campground – Algonquin Provincial Park
Location:Unnamed Road, along highway 60, Nipissing
Cost:$40-$60/night
Undoubtedly, the most well-known park in Ontario is Algonquin, which is also the very first provincial park in the province. There is an abundance of opportunity for backcountry camping.
This gem of a campground is surrounded by forest. If you book one of the furthest back campsites deeper into the park, you will likely see more wildlife. There are even paddle-in sites as well for a true backcountry camping experience.
Canisbay has numerous hiking trails nearby, both shorter loops and longer trails, which makes this campground especially appealing for those interested in exploring by foot.
Just be sure to stock up onday hike foodat one of the nearby stores before heading out.
12. Mew Lake Campground – Algonquin Provincial Park
Location:At kilometer 30.6 on the south side of Route 60
Cost:$40-$60/night
Because this site is open year-round adventurers can get a real taste ofwinter campinghere! In addition, Algonquin’s three dedicated cross-country skiing trails are just a short drive away from the campground.
There are gear outfitters to rent equipment from nearby, as well, so campers can really be immersed in the beauty of winter.
Mew Campground provides great support for first-time winter campers to gain experience since the heated comfort station is nearby the campsites! It has flush toilets, warm running water, a shower, and a laundry room with washers and dryers.
13. Agawa Bay Campground – Lake Superior Provincial Park
Location:Between Sault Ste. Marie and Wawa on Lake Superior
Cost:$40-$60/night
Lake Superior Provincial Park is a dreamy place to hike and paddle, with a mix of boreal forest and rugged coastline.
It is extraordinarily scenic and visitors can enjoy exceptional hiking and paddling in addition to viewing the striking First Nations’ Agawa Rock Pictographs. These are located down a short trail from parking.
Many campsites at Agawa are right on the water and campers will enjoy spectacular sunsets on the rocky beach. Wooded walking trails run throughout the area. When choosing your campsite make it a point to avoid those close to the highway.
14. George Lake Campground – Killarney Provincial Park
Location:Situated on the north shore of Georgian Bay in the municipality of Killarney
Cost:$40-$60/night
Killarney is a spectacular provincial park with beautiful clear water for paddling enthusiasts. This campground has ample amenities for a comfortable stay, including a picnic table and firepit area at each site, as well as washrooms and shower facilities.
The camping is consistently amazing here and the facilities are clean. At George Lake specifically, there is also a beach perfect for swimming or launching a canoe for day paddles.
15. Ottawa River West and East Campgrounds – Driftwood Provincial Park
Location:On Highway 17 about 2.5 hours NW of Ottawa
Cost:$40-$60/night
This wonderful park has the most scenic sunsets! There are campsites on or near the Ottawa River with stunning sand beaches and a clean restroom and shower house.
Popular activities here include exploring the shoreline by canoe and hiking on the Oaks Highlands Trails. You can even swim to an island in the river from some tent sites when the water is calm.
16. Marie Louise Lake Campground – Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Location:Pass Lake, 20 miles east of Thunder Bay
Cost:From$20/night
This scenic park is named after the formation that looks like a sleeping giant from the shore of Lake Superior. It was the erosion of the basalt landscape that created the unique view.
Those who hike the Top of the Giant Trail will be rewarded with unforgettable views from the top of the mountain.
There are 200 campsites at Marie Louise Lake Campground and half of them have electrical service.
If campers want a more immersive camping experience there are 10 secluded campsites available on the west side of the lake as well.
17. Mazinaw Lake Campground – Bon Echo Provincial Park
Location:Cloyne
Cost:$40-$60/night
This park is well-known for its absolutely stunning cliffs that tower over Mazinaw Lake. The lake is clear and framed by the imposing and magnificent Mazinaw rock. Canoe rentals allow for 100-foot cliff exploration and viewing of indigenous pictographs.
这里的海滩是非常愉快的在温暖的密苏里州nths. Amenities available at Mazinaw Lake Campground include drinking water, laundry facilities, and comfort stations.
18. Fallows Campground – Murphys Point Provincial Park
Location: Big Rideau Lake
Cost:$40-$60/night
Murphys Point is located on the banks of the Moira River and offers visitors a variety of activities, including mountain biking, canoeing, swimming, and fishing.
This nature preserve is a beautiful mix of three lakes, wetlands, and forested areas. It’s popular with tourists seeking a peaceful waterfront escape, and it’s also teeming with wildlife like birds.
Fallows Campground is best for tent camping or small trailers. It is a more primitive-style campground with no electricity but fire rings and picnic tables are available.
19. White Spruce Campground – Grundy Lake Provincial Park
Location:Just east of Georgian Bay off of Highway 522, near highway 69
Cost:$40-$60/night
If you’re looking for a special place to camp, definitely consider Grundy Provincial Park. The park is the perfect size for exploring and there are plenty of activities to keep everyone busy, from hiking and canoeing to fishing and swimming in crystal-clear water.
White Spruce Campground is located close to the park entrance and the main beach.
⏰ You will want to book your site at leastfive months in advanceas campsites at Grundy Lake Provincial Park tend to fill up extremely fast.
20. Champlain Campground – Voyager Provincial Park
Location:In the Prescott and Russell area; East of Ottawa and north of the St. Lawrence River
Cost:$40-$60/night
This park just steps away from the Quebec border and has four beaches on the Ottawa River. The campground has a sandy beach that is a short five-minute walk from any of its campsites.
Fishermen will enjoy the great fishing that can be done from shore or a boat. There is also access to two easy hiking trails. For children, there are climbing bars at the beach in the Champlain campground.
21. Rossport Campground – Rainbow Falls Provincial Park
Location:Just east of Rossport
Cost:$40-$60/night
This park is famous for its namesake falls, which cascade down a 100-foot cliff into the valley below.
The best way to see this beautiful sight is by hiking the trail that leads down to the gorge with 182 stairs. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of both the upper and lower falls and pass underneath some massive boulders.
Rossport营地位于一个长满草的出生ch grove where visitors can enjoy the majestic sight of one of Ontario’s great lakes, Lake Superior. The beautifully rugged beach is pebbled and is a perfect place to watch the waves and take in the sunshine.
The washrooms, showers, and laundry facilities at this site are exceptionally clean.
Best RV Parks In Ontario
If you’re looking for an RV camping spot, there are plenty of options, especially in Ontario’s provincial parks.
These campgrounds offer full hookups and many other amenities like showers and laundry facilities, making them ideal for families or larger groups.
They often have great hiking trails and scenic beaches nearby, so you can easily explore the area after settling into your campsite.
22. Thunder Bay KOA
Location:162 Spruce River Road, Shuniah
Cost:$60-$100/night
Thunder Bay KOA is a very large campground and is also super clean! While this campground can accommodate big rigs, keep in mind some roads leading into the campground are known to have lots of potholes.
The amenities and facilities here are very up-to-date and provide plenty of activities for families. The staff at Thunder Bay KOA are also incredibly friendly and helpful, so you’re sure to have an amazing time during your stay!
23. Carson’s Camp
Location:Sauble Beach
Cost:$50/night
This is a quiet, families-only campground very close to beautiful Lake Huron beaches. There are paved roads and level driveways for your camper.
Carson’s Camp is also pet friendly and there are a plethora of things to keep your kids busy, including pools, playgrounds, and watersports in nearby Sauble Beach.
The park is clean and tidy, well maintained, and the staff is super friendly. A huge perk is that it is only walking distance away from town and many like to ride their bikes there too.
24. Wild Goose Lake Resort
Location:Geraldton
Cost:$45-$60/night
This is a wonderful campground in a quiet and natural setting on a spectacular lake. The beautiful sandy beach is perfect for walking.
What stands out beyond the views are the friendly accommodating owners who are very welcoming and helpful.
The serviced pull-through sites are over 100 feet in length. Once settled you can relax by your campfire, swim in the lake, go fishing or enjoy the interpretive center. Animal lovers should note that pets are allowed here!
More Popular Campgrounds In Ontario
The following campgrounds are worth mentioning because they provide various attractions and honorable amenities for people seeking basic outdoor adventure.
25. Wesley Campground – Silver Lake Provincial Park
Location:On Hwy 7, Silver Lake
Cost:$40-$60/night
If you’re looking for another easy camping destination in Ontario, this park features a sandy beach and a marsh area, accessible via boardwalk.
许多钓鱼opportuni享受这个位置ties it provides. Privacy is limited here but the convenient location is attractive for campers.
Silver Lake is home to many different species of animals including painted turtles, bullfrogs, red-winged blackbirds, and mallards.
Keep in mind the proximity of the highway creates a good amount of traffic noise for campers which can be problematic for some. Large trailers can be accommodated.
26. East Park Campground on Pelee Island
Location:West Shore Road, Pelee Island
Cost:$30/night
Pelee Island is only accessible by personal watercraft or by ferry from the mainland, near Leamington. Campers here can enjoy playing on the beautiful Lake Erie beaches.
The campsites here are in natural undisturbed woods, spread out, and each provides ample space and diverse sun/shade options. This is a no-frills camp, but it is better kept and cleaner than many “resort” type alternatives.
Pelee Island is off the coast from one of the most iconic Canadian national parks, Point Pelee National Park. A stop in the park to see the southernmost tip of Canada is a special addition to camping in this part of the province.
27. Manitoulin Eco Park
Location:Manitoulin Island
Cost:Starts at$30/night
While Manitoulin is considered an island, it has road access. The park is known for its dark sky preserve that allows for unbelievable stargazing!
Those looking to see the stars in this capacity should be sure to reserve one of themeadow sites.
The Eco Park is a perfect rustic getaway for families. The campground also has plenty to offer including hiking and biking trails, a mini-golf course, and a swimming pool.
FAQs: Best Camping in Ontario
What is the best camping destination in Ontario with a beach?
Aside from having Ontario’s best sandy beaches,Sandbanks Provincial Parkcontains one of the world’s largest bay-mouth barrier dune formations. It’s located in beautiful Prince Edward County, just over 100 miles (220 km) fromToronto.
Sandbanks offers beautiful views and plenty of outdoor activities for campers such as swimming, kayaking, and windsurfing. It is one of the busiest parks in the province so you need to book your permit in advance for camping in the summer months.
What is the best campground in Ontario for families?
TheBrighton KOAin Brighton checks off all the boxes for being an excellent place to camp for families, especially those with small children.
The amenities are pretty impressive and include giant board games, two playgrounds, and even a K-9 camp. You can even visit the nearby Indian River Reptile and Dinosaur Park.
The Wrap-Up: 27 Best Camping In Ontario
It’s likely pretty clear from this list that Ontario offers campers a wealth of breathtaking views and peaceful surroundings! The stunning landscapes are shaped by water and dramatically transform with each changing season.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head on out to one of Ontario’s great camping destinations!