I love whisking away at least once every month to camp somewhere where I can enjoy calm and peace in solitude. Finding the perfect locations near Ontario is challenging, as some could be crowded, dirty, or unsafe. However, one thing is for sure, Ontario offers many camping locations. So, you will also find your perfect option.
So, here I have tried to compile some of the best camping spots in Ontario which you can explore whenever visiting the city. Letโs begin-
1. George Lake Campground
It would be impossible to compile a list of the top camping locations in Ontario without includingย Killarney Provincial Park. You will surely be blown away by the magnificent scenery of Northern Ontario. The George Lake Campground is the only camping area in this park. But it has everything that you might be looking for. I would suggest you book in advance to avoid any hassle.
There are fewer than 100 campsites at Lake George Campground in Killarney, and it has a radio-free zone. For those who enjoy backcountry camping, there are several locations along the 80-kilometre La Cloche Silhouette Trail. From there you can move to the Crack if you can go for difficult climbing.
Moreover, I suggest using hiking boots in these places to keep your feet safe and to take some cool hand andย feet picsย while hiking.ย The best thing I like about this campground is that it has crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and canoeing.
2. Bon Echo Provincial Park
In Ontario, Bon Echo Provincial Park is one of the more well-liked camping destinations. This provincial park lies midway between Toronto and Ottawa. During summer, lots of people visit there to experience some adventure and fun. If you are wondering whatโs special about this park, I will tell you about some interesting things there.
I must tell you to capture its breathtaking scenery. There is also a 100-meter-high rock face covered in many Indigenous pictographs. You will never forget the sheer granite rock face dropping 100 meters straight down into Mazinaw Lake. It is one of my go-to places for backcountry camping.
If you are looking for some camping activities, it has two campgrounds with hundreds of spaces each. Additionally, it has wilderness campsites that are spread out along hiking and canoeing routes, 12 simple cabins, and walk-in sites. You can also discover many pathways here. One of which leads to the summit of Mazinaw Rock. If you enjoy paddling, check out the day trips or multi-day canoe routes around the breathtaking lakes.
3.ย Hattie Cove Campground
Can you imagine a place with breathtaking views and gorgeous boreal forests in Ontario? Believe me, this natural wonder can be witnessed in the Pukaskwa National Park
The Hattie Cove Campground in the parkโs northern region could be your next destination. The sites are secluded and include lots of greenery, and they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Youโll fall asleep to the sound of the waves lapping against the neighbouring coast.
You can experience the feeling of being in a remote wilderness in this park. Staying without cell service and distance from people gives a unique experience for a change. Surprisingly, this is Ontarioโs least frequentedย national park. It is also considered one of the Sleeping Giant provincial parks.
If you prefer a more luxurious camping experience, you may also reserve an o-Tents. There are complete restrooms available. Pukaskway has hiking paths for day treks, with the suspension bridge being the most popular. You may reserve a boat shuttle to transport you to the backcountry and rent kayaks and canoes.
4. Cyprus Lake Campground
Bruce Peninsula National Parkย is one of Ontarioโs most visited national parks, but itโs also an excellent area to camp. Itโs a rough but beautiful location, with high cliffs and Georgian Bayโs blue seas as a backdrop. The Grotto, a beautiful grotto with a pool of azure water, is the highlight of Bruce Peninsula National Park.
There are many front-country campsites available at Cyprus Lake Campground in the Bruce Peninsula National Park. You can also explore Tobermory, where you may board a boat to visit Flowerpot Island. The site is so popular that it becomes overcrowded in summer. I suggest you make reservations before visiting.
If you want to explore some other nearby attractions, there are a few old structures and a long bathing beach. You only need to take a short stroll down to the lake to get there.
5.ย Pinery Provincial Park
With 1,275 campsites split across three camping sections,ย Pinery Provincial Parkย is a sizable campground. This is a group camping provincial park, so if youโre a family searching for a fantastic location where the kids can meet other kids while mom and dad get some alone time, this provincial park is the site for you.
It is one of the go-to places to camp for backcountry camping. You will enjoy numerous water sports accessible there, and you may rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, and other watercraft. I must tell you that there are three camping areasโ one near the Old Ausable Channel, one in the woodland, and one by the shore. The reason I am including it in my list is because it is only a short distance from the closest beach access point.
6.ย Lake Superior Provincial Park
Agawa Bay is the place to go if youโve ever wished for a waterfront campsite on one of theย Great Lakes. The majority of these locations are directly on the beach. Getting out of the tent first thing in the morning, making some coffee, and wriggling my toes in the sand while I watch the sunrise across the lake is my favourite part about this campsite.
The three-kilometre beach is made up of a mixture of stones and sand. You will have a great possibility of spotting wildlife, making it the perfect place for a stroll.
The park gives you two camping options- Backcountry camping or automobile camping. Which one you would prefer? Anyways, thatโs completely your choice. I must tell you that there are several wilderness campsites along the hundreds of kilometres of canoeing and hiking paths. You must purchase a permit from the visitor center, but it is first come, first served.
Itโs crucial to make reservations if at all possible because the campground is very tiny, with only 147 sites scattered along the coastline and nestled in the pine trees.
7.ย Killbear Provincial Park
Next, I want to tell you about a lesser-known campground. Itโs Killbear, however, it is especially popular with families.
The campsite is quite massive. The Killbear Provincial Parkย has 880 sites spread out over seven loops. The sites are largely level, with a combination of sand, grass, and soil, and are situated in pine and mixed deciduous woodland. One more interesting thing about the park is that every one of Killbear Provincial Parkโs seven beaches is close to a campsite loop. You get a great area to go swimming, canoeing, or engaging in other water activities on Georgian Bay.
The park features four paths, three of which are appropriate for hiking, and one, a six-kilometre trail, which is suitable for biking and hiking.
8.ย Lake of Two Rivers Campground
Perhaps the most well-known park in the entire province isย Algonquin Provincial Park. This vast park has multiple top-notch campgrounds and is almost 8,000 square kilometres in size. So, what makes it add to my list of best campgrounds? The locations are stunning, hidden under soaring white pines. The campground has direct access to hiking and bike paths, as well as a sizable sandy beach where you may go swimming or launch a canoe. What else can one expect?
For those who genuinely want to disconnect from technology, Algonquin Provincial Park is about three hours north of Toronto. However as per my experience, backcountry camping is quite challenging, so be ready for that.
9.ย Rainbow Falls Provincial Park
Last on this list is a fascinating park,ย Rainbow Falls Provincial Park. it is situated along Lake Superiorโs northern beaches in two distinct areas, both of which provide excellent camping in Ontario.
There are roughly 100 campsites in the northern part, which is known as Whitesand Lake. You can swim and paddle in the lake nearby. Moreover, you will find various hiking paths nearby, one of which goes to Rainbow Falls. Rossport, in the southern portion, features only 36 campsites but is situated near Lake Superiorโs beach. Although there are no hiking routes in this area, the campgrounds and beach views are quite stunning for sure!
So Which One Impresses You Most?
Camping in Ontario is the ultimate peaceful experience for me, itโs fun, inexpensive, rejuvenating, and even wholesome if you visit with your loved ones.
There are many other places to camp in Ontario like the Awenda Provincial Park, National Marine Park, Arrowhead Provincial Park, and more, but the ones listed above are tried and tested by me as well as my loved ones. You can visit the one you find most suitable for you. Or, you can also explore all of them. Have fun!
Last Updated on April 10, 2024 by Pragya Chakrapani
