Our top picks for camping in Ontario

The sunny season is just around the corner, and that means now is a good time to start planning your next summer vacation. Nothing compares to the joy of camping, whether you prefer to spend your nights under the stars, in a big family tent, a fully-equipped camper van or an RV. Ontario has an impressive number of sites to suit all kinds of campers, including some right next to the province’s most beautiful destinations. Here is a list of campgrounds that should get you inspired for camping in Ontario this summer.

Please note that the destinations listed in this article are highly sought after. It is best to reserve several months in advance to ensure you get a spot and can plan your camping trip effectively.

Lac Philippe Campground, Gatineau Park

Gatineau Park is actually located in Quebec, but it is easily accessible to Ontario residents living in or near Ottawa. Perfect for a short getaway near the Canadian capital, the park is full of hiking and cycling trails, beautiful scenery and opportunities for active endeavours like treetop adventures, mountain biking and canoe camping.Lac Philippe is one of the four campgrounds on site, and the most family-friendly one, with a beach, nautical activities and plenty of amenities (sanitary facilities, convenience store, nautical gear rentals, etc.). Please note, however, that Lac Philippe campground will be getting a makeover this summer and will thus be closed for the season; it will reopen in 2024 with improved facilities and greater comfort for the campers.

Gear up for camping with SAIL’s camping accessories and equipment sales.

Camping in Ontario, Thousand Islands National Park

Ever dream of rowing, sailing or paddling away to an island for a peaceful night in the wilderness? Well, you can make that dream come true at Thousand Islands National Park! Located east of Kingston in the middle of the Saint-Lawrence River, the archipelago is formed of a cluster of granite islands, some of which are still virtually untouched. Campers looking for an island stay can choose between 28 reservable campsites, 32 first-come, first-served campsites and 5 oTENTik ready-to-camp units. All you have to do is pack your gear, hop in a motorboat, sailboat, kayak or canoe and get to one of the islands for a unique and memorable camping experience.

Need to add a few items to your camping gear kit before summer vacation? Find a wide range of accessories, headlamps, heating systems and portable showers  to increase your comfort.

Bruce Peninsula National Park is the perfect spot to admire the mesmerizing blue waters of Georgian Bay. With the majestic cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment towering over the crystal clear water of the bay, the park may very well be the most beautiful destination in the area. Take in this magical scenery for a few days by booking a site at Cyprus Lake Campground. Located within walking distance of the picturesque Indian Head Cove, Natural Arch and Grotto, it has over 200 unserviced campsites (no electricity or water) with all the necessary facilities for a pleasant family camping stay (showers and washrooms, playground, basketball net, etc.)

Outlet River Campgrounds, Sandbanks Provincial Park

Famous for its long sandy dunes, warm water swimming and fabulous sunsets, Sandbanks Provincial Park is a very popular vacation destination in Ontario. There are a few camping options close to the beach: Outlet River A & B Campgrounds, where campsites are near the water but closer to one another, or Cedars Campground, a little further from the shore but more intimate and family-friendly.

If you are looking for the perfect camping chair to settle in the sand and admire the view of the lake, check out this camping furniture.

Kearney Lake Campground, Algonquin Provincial Park

Algonquin Provincial Park is a classic destination for camping in Ontario. The very wide (and very popular) area has no less than 12 sites where you can pitch your tent or park your recreational vehicle for the night. With a lovely beach for nautical activities and numerous hiking trails in the vicinity, Kearney Lake counts among the most accessible and beautiful campgrounds in the park. There are over a hundred serviced campsites on the premises and sanitary facilities with showers where you can freshen up after a pleasant day spent canoeing or paddleboarding on the water.

Hattie Cove Campground, Pukaskwa National Park

Pukaskwa National Park sits on the magnificent shores of Lake Superior, boasting gorgeous rocky bays and pristine white sand beaches. Only a short distance from the Trans-Canada Highway, it is a definite must-see for anyone travelling through Ontario from east to west (or the other way around). The park is also a top destination for hikers, canoers and campers, who can enjoy a peaceful night’s stay at Hattie Cove Campground. There are nearly 70 campsites available in the comfort and quiet of the forest, with easy access to trails and Horseshoe Beach, where you can enjoy beautiful sunsets.