Discover Ontario's Top Camping Destinations
Ontario's vast wilderness offers a camping paradise, with its mix of lakes, forests, and diverse landscapes. From family outings to backcountry adventures, Ontario's campgrounds cater to all outdoor enthusiasts.
Camping is a beloved activity in Ontario, especially during summer weekends when families flock to nature. While backcountry camping is an option, this overview focuses on accessible drive-to campgrounds, particularly those within Ontario Provincial Parks. These parks provide modern facilities and are easy to book through their reservation system.
Ontario's parks offer a range of activities, including boating, hiking, and swimming. They also educate visitors about the local environment. Look out for the free Discovery Programs led by naturalists.
Most parks feature amenities like flushing toilets, running water, and electric sites, with some offering hot showers and laundromats. For a more comfortable stay, consider renting a yurt, available in select parks.
Whether you're looking for a social atmosphere or a quiet retreat, Ontario's campgrounds have something for everyone. Explore some of the best places for camping in Ontario.
1. Algonquin Provincial Park
Algonquin Provincial Park is a renowned destination, sprawling across nearly 8,000 square kilometers. The park's campgrounds, particularly along the Highway 60 corridor, offer unique experiences. The Lake of Two Rivers Campground is a favorite, with its beautiful pine-shaded sites and sandy beach. For solitude, try the Achray Campground, known for its historical significance and canoe routes like the Barron Canyon.
2. Killbear Provincial Park
Surrounded by water, Killbear is a family favorite with 880 sites across seven loops. It boasts seven beaches, perfect for swimming and water sports, and offers hiking and biking trails.
3. Killarney Provincial Park
Set on George Lake, Killarney's campgrounds offer stunning views and clear waters. The park has yurts, cabins, and trails leading to breathtaking vistas.
4. Oastler Provincial Park
Close to Toronto, Oastler Park is set on a lake amidst pine and deciduous trees. It's a great spot for fishing and biking, with the chance to secure a waterfront site.
5. Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Bronte Creek is ideal for beginners, offering easy access to supplies and amenities like a 1.8-acre outdoor pool and a Children's Farm. The park has large, open sites suitable for RVs.
6. Pinery Provincial Park
With 1,275 sites, Pinery is a bustling park with a 10-kilometer sandy beach on Lake Huron. It's a hub for water activities and has numerous trails for hiking and biking.
7. Sandbanks Provincial Park
Sandbanks features over 500 sites and three beaches along Lake Ontario. The park is known for its hiking trails and picturesque dunes.
8. Agawa Bay in Lake Superior Provincial Park
Agawa Bay offers waterfront campsites on Lake Superior, with a mix of sand and pebbles along its three-kilometer beach. Nearby, the Agawa Rock pictographs are a must-see.
9. Pancake Bay Provincial Park
Pancake Bay boasts a beautiful beach on Lake Superior, with 325 sites nestled among pine trees, offering privacy and stunning lake views.
10. Bon Echo Provincial Park
Bon Echo is memorable for its granite cliffs and lake views. The park has two campgrounds, Mazinaw and Hardwood Hill, each offering a different camping experience.
11. Awenda Provincial Park
Awenda is a haven for nature lovers, with 300 secluded sites and a pet-friendly beach. The park's trails lead to ancient dunes and forested areas.
12. Bruce Peninsula National Park
Located near Tobermory, Bruce Peninsula National Park offers 232 sites with lake views and yurts. The park is close to attractions like Fathom Five National Underwater Park.
13. Neys Provincial Park
Neys is a secluded park on Lake Superior, with 150 sites offering a mix of beachfront and forested areas. It's also a historical site, once a POW camp.
14. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Near Thunder Bay, Sleeping Giant has over 200 sites with views over Lake Superior. The park is known for its wildlife and extensive hiking trails.
15. Pukaskwa National Park
Pukaskwa is a remote park on Lake Superior, with 67 vehicle sites and oTENTik accommodations. It's known for its hiking trails and the stunning Horseshoe Beach.
16. Rushing River Provincial Park
In northwest Ontario, Rushing River offers a boreal forest experience with beaches, trails, and playgrounds. The park has 217 sites, including waterfront options and rental RVs.
Ontario's campgrounds provide a diverse range of experiences, from beachfront relaxation to forested solitude. With modern amenities and natural beauty, these parks are perfect for creating lasting memories.