Discover the Best Camping Spots Near Toronto

With a plethora of campsites in Ontario, choosing the perfect spot can be daunting. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the experience, the campgrounds near Toronto offer a convenient and well-equipped starting point, boasting amenities like swimming pools, sandy beaches, and hiking trails. For those without a vehicle, consider renting a car for your adventure.

Booking in advance is crucial, especially during peak summer months. Provincial park campgrounds accept reservations online five months prior, while conservation area campgrounds like Indian Line, Albion Hills, and Glen Rouge release their spots in March and can also be booked ahead.

Below are some top campgrounds within 1.5 hours of the Greater Toronto Area:

1. Rockwood Park Campground

Rockwood Park Campground, nestled along the Eramosa River, is known for its cliff walls and offers hiking, canoeing, and swimming. With 105 sites, including a mix of serviced and unserviced options, it's a cozy spot that requires early booking, especially for weekend stays in summer.

2. Elora Gorge Campground

Elora Gorge Campground is a hub of activity with on-site tubing and a splash pad. It has 400 sites, both serviced and unserviced, and enforces a strict no-alcohol and cannabis policy.

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3. Sibbald Point Provincial Park

Located on Lake Simcoe, Sibbald Point Provincial Park boasts a sandy beach and over 600 sites. It's family-friendly with shallow waters and offers radio-free zones for a quieter experience.

4. Bronte Creek Provincial Park

Bronte Creek Provincial Park, an urban oasis off the QEW Highway, features over 140 campsites with electricity and a variety of amenities including a large pool, farm animals, and trails.

5. Mara Point Provincial Park

Mara Point Provincial Park on Lake Simcoe offers a quieter camping experience with 105 sites and a beautiful beach.

6. Albion Hills Campground

Albion Hills is perfect for biking enthusiasts, featuring trails, a large pool, and a splash pad. It has 234 sites, both with and without electricity.

7. Guelph Lake Campground

Guelph Lake Campground, set on a scenic lake, offers 292 sites and activities like sailing, fishing, and swimming at two beaches.

8. Conestogo Campground

Conestogo Lake Campground caters to boating enthusiasts with 167 sites and allows powered watercraft for water-skiing and tubing.

9. Balsam Lake Campground

Balsam Lake Campground, a bit farther from Toronto, is set in a picturesque forest with over 500 sites and a sandy beach.

10. Darlington Provincial Park

Darlington Provincial Park offers lakeside camping with three loops and a sandy beach less than an hour from Toronto.

11. Earl Rowe Provincial Park

Earl Rowe features nearly 400 sites, a lake with warm water beaches, and a one-acre pool. It's divided into Westside and Riverside areas.

12. Bass Lake Provincial Park

Bass Lake Provincial Park, east of Orillia, has nearly 200 sites and a beach on a small, warm lake.

13. Indian Line Campground

Indian Line is the closest campground to downtown Toronto, offering wide open, grassy sites with some services and easy access to public transit.

14. Glen Rouge National Urban Park

Glen Rouge, currently closed for renovations, is the only campground within Toronto city limits and features 125 sites and diverse hiking trails.

Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, these campgrounds near Toronto cater to a variety of preferences and are just a short drive away from the city's hustle and bustle.