Wondering where to camp in Ontario this summer? Ontario is a playground for outdoor lovers. With 330 provincial parks, and five national parks spanning an area larger than both France and Spain combined, and one-fifth of the world’s freshwater, it’s no wonder there are so many awesome places to camp in Ontario.

Dave and I have done a lot of camping in Ontario. Between the entire year we spent exploring the great outdoors while working with Ontario tourism, (and yes, there was a lot of camping) and other summers doing adventures around the province, we know Ontario like the back of our hand.

Best Camping in Ontario

When camping in Ontario, make reservations well in advance to secure a campsite. Parks fill up quickly, especially in summer. While you could just Google “campgrounds in Ontario,” we break down what’s great about each destination and why you should go camping there based on our first-hand experiences.

So, dust off your tent, air out your Thermarest and load the bikes, because we are about to share the best Ontario parks for camping in Canada.

1. Algonquin Provincial Park

Located just three hours north of Toronto, Algonquin Provincial Park is an ideal choice for those looking to truly disconnect. Prepare for a rugged experience at backcountry campsites. When we did our first canoe trip through Algonquin Park, we had 2km portages, and we hung our bear barrels safely to keep black bears at bay. Alternatively, you can choose from drive-in camping, guided canoe trips, and moose safaris.

Algonquin Provincial Park is the ultimate canoe route, allowing you to paddle through pristine lakes and rivers, making it one of the most popular spots for backcountry campsites in Ontario.

• Places like Algonquin Outfitters offer canoe rentals and camping gear.
• Voyageur Quest provides tours, rentals, and cabin accommodations.

2. Collingwood – Craigleigh Provincial Park

Collingwood is situated two hours from Toronto and is one of Ontario’s most exciting outdoor getaways. Located on Georgian Bay, you’ll find many campgrounds with full facilities.

Our favorite campground is Craigleith Provincial Park, located directly on Georgian Bay. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the Blue Mountains through hiking and mountain biking. Facilities include a store, laundromat, showers, and washrooms with flush toilets.

Nearby, Wasaga Beach boasts the longest freshwater beach in the world, and you can easily visit the town of Collingwood. Collingwood offers plenty of activities including a High Ropes course, rock climbing, and Scenic Caves, making it a fantastic weekend camping spot.

3. Manitoulin Island

When we camped on Manitoulin, we had a unique experience in a Teepee with the Great Spirit Circle Trail company. Additionally, we enjoyed backcountry camping on the Benjamin Islands. All activities were arranged through the Great Spirit Circle Trail.

Manitoulin is also home to many traditional campgrounds and cottages. This stunning destination on Lake Huron offers numerous attractions and activities, including great hikes, scenic boat tours, canoe trips, Aboriginal experiences, gorgeous waterfalls like Bridal Veil Falls, fine dining, and incredible lookouts!

• Mindemoya Cottages and Campground features barbecues, recreational activities, and options for cottages or RV parking. The resort includes a swimming area, hot showers, and free WiFi.

4. Grand Bend – Pinery Provincial Park

The Pinery Provincial Park, located on Lake Huron, is a popular camping destination in Grand Bend and offers 10 km of sandy beach!

Fun Fact: I once performed at the Huron Country Playhouse during the summer. This professional theatre provides campers with unique evening entertainment options. However, the beach is the main draw for campers. It’s one of the best in Ontario.

The Pinery Provincial Park features full facilities, alongside hiking trails, canoe and hydro bike rentals, and has been recognized by National Geographic as one of the top 10 sunset spots globally!

• Visit the Pinery Provincial Park Website.

5. Slate Islands Provincial Park

The Slate Islands are our favorite camping destination on Lake Superior’s north shore. You can take a shuttle from Terrace Bay, traveling 14 km to the cluster of islands in the middle of the lake.

While there, you can explore on your own or have your canoe or kayak shuttled out. Alternatively, you can book a trip with companies like Naturally Superior Adventures.

Here, you’ll encounter Woodland Caribou, with around 100 of these rare creatures inhabiting the islands. There are also opportunities for hiking to the highest lighthouse on Lake Superior at Patterson Island, an Old Copper Mine on Mortimer Island, and high sea cliffs. We particularly enjoyed the deserted beaches.

• Check out Naturally Superior Adventures for guided tours or shuttles to the islands.

6. Pukaskwa National Park

Pukaskwa National Park is a fantastic place to pitch your tent on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Here, you can choose backcountry camping or car camping in Hattie Cove.

The park features full facilities, including toilets, and o-Tentic accommodations are available for those seeking a more glamorous camping experience. Pukaskwa has numerous hiking trails, notably to the suspension bridge. Kayak and canoe rentals are also available, along with boat shuttles to take you to the backcountry.

• For more details, visit Parks Canada.

7. Lake Superior Provincial Park

For a less rugged camping experience, Agawa Bay offers excellent car camping with bathroom and water amenities.

Located directly on Lake Superior’s north shore, just 90 minutes north of Sault Ste. Marie, Agawa Bay has three kilometers of beautiful beachfront! Driving along this stretch of highway is a must, as it features many viewpoints and pull-overs, just an hour from Wawa.

The park boasts incredible hiking trails, particularly the Orphan Lake Trail, which presents a beautiful scenic loop. Be sure to visit Agawa Rock to view the pictographs.

• Visit Lake Superior Provincial Park for more information.

8. Missinaibi River

The Missinaibi River is a designated Canadian Heritage River and the world’s largest crown wildlife preserve, encompassing 2 million acres of pristine land! Although it’s located north of Lake Superior, it leads you toward the remote north of Ontario.

Artifacts from the Ojibwe and Cree peoples, dating back 2000 years, can be found here, alongside over 100 Indigenous Pictographs. Camping in Missinaibi typically involves backcountry camping, which requires experience; however, you can also book a canoe tour.

Car campsites are available at Barclay Bay, equipped with basic amenities like water taps and animal-safe food storage. Prepare for an authentic backcountry camping adventure in the Missinaibi.

• You can book backcountry tours with Lure of the North.
• Find camping information at Missinaibi Provincial Park’s Website.

9. Albion Hills

Albion Hills Conservation Area is just one hour north of Toronto and offers fun camping experiences that aren’t far from the city. It features excellent mountain biking trails for all skill levels, with 50 km of double and single track trails along with basic campsite amenities.

• Albion has full camping facilities. Visit their website for details.

10. Milton

We spent an entire summer at the Milton campground, making it a beloved spot for us. It’s an ideal base for hiking the Bruce Trail, climbing at Rattlesnake Point, or mountain biking at Kelso.

Milton is an adventure lover’s destination, only a short drive from Toronto. We commuted to the city daily while staying there one summer.

Nearby are the Hilton Falls Conservation Area, Crawford Lake Conservation Area, and Mount Nemo Conservation Area—all featuring waterfalls, hiking trails, and cycling routes for a fulfilling camping experience just outside of Toronto.

• For more information, visit Milton Heights Campground.

11. Niagara Falls

While many think of the hotels and casinos at Niagara Falls, there exists a more rugged and affordable way to enjoy the Niagara Escarpment. During our visit for bouldering and hiking in Niagara Glen, camping seemed like the perfect overnight option.

Yogi Bear Campgrounds cater to big RVs and families, yet there is a wooded area reserved for tent camping. Though it may attract families, it remains the closest park to Niagara Falls, allowing you to explore all the fantastic activities in the area while still connecting with nature.

• For more details, check Jellystone Niagara.

12. Turkey Point

I have fond memories of camping at Turkey Point, as it was my summer beach destination growing up. Dave and I even once slept on the beach (sans tent) while waiting for my brother and sister-in-law to arrive at Turkey Point Marina.

Today, Turkey Point has evolved into a fantastic tourist destination, with ziplining and vineyards nearby. You can even try glamping at Long Point Eco-Adventures!

Turkey Point Provincial Park features a great beach for swimming, hiking trails, restaurants, and the lively Turkey Point Hotel for nightlife options. For rates and availability, check here.

13. Long Point Provincial Park

If you’re a bird enthusiast, Long Point Provincial Park is a must-visit! Recognized as a World Biosphere Reserve, it witnesses an impressive bird migration through the area. This long sandy stretch of land extends far into Lake Erie.

Located about an hour’s drive from Long Point Provincial Park is Port Stanley, while Port Burwell lies in between.

• For more information, visit the Long Point Provincial Park website.

14. Tobermory

For those seeking backcountry camping at its finest, Fathom Five National Marine Park offers six exclusive backcountry campgrounds. You can even camp on Flowerpot Island! A tour boat can take you there for hiking, and if you’re experienced, feel free to bring your canoe or kayak!

If backcountry camping isn’t your preference, Lands End Campground offers RV and tent camping with full facilities on the mainland. Explore the Shipwrecks of Tobermory, hike the Bruce Trail, visit the Grotto, and embark on a boat tour.

• Check out the Bruce Peninsula camping website for details on backcountry and Cyprus Lake frontcountry camping.

15. Midland

Situated directly on Georgian Bay, Midland attracts visitors to explore its historical significance. The site of Saint Marie among the Hurons was the first European settlement in Ontario, dating back to 1639. Midland also serves as an excellent location for boat tours exploring the 30,000 Islands, the world’s largest freshwater archipelago!

The campground at Awenda Provincial Park makes for a great base. Directly on the water, it features beaches, hiking trails, and an inland lake suitable for canoeing. Car camping is available, alongside cottage rentals for those desiring added comfort.

• For details, visit Awenda Provincial Park.

16. Parry Sound

Further north from Midland is Parry Sound, home to KOA campgrounds known for their quality sites, making them a great choice for many campers.

Located within the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the world’s largest freshwater archipelago. The downtown area of Parry Sound offers a plethora of activities for after your hikes, boat tours, or kayaking adventures. Fun Fact: It’s the hometown of hockey legend Bobby Orr!

• For more details, visit the Parry Sound KOA website.

17. Sauble Beach

If you’re after the ultimate beach getaway, Sauble Beach is a fantastic location for pitching your tent. It boasts the second-longest freshwater beach in the world, second only to Wasaga Beach, yet it was rated the number one beach in Ontario!

Carson’s Camp is located just 1km from the shore and provides full facilities, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, an adult-only hot tub, and a gym. It also offers cabin and trailer rentals alongside tent and RV camping.

• Visit Carson’s Camp for details.
• For a list of things to do, check the Sauble Beach Township website.

18. Bass Lake Provincial Park

While this park may not be located on Georgian Bay or the Bruce Peninsula, it is still conveniently close by Ontario driving standards. We love camping and exploring around Orillia, Ontario.

Bass Lake Campground offers canoe and kayak rentals, along with a scenic hiking trail located on-site. Moreover, it’s not far from Orillia, where you can further enjoy local sightseeing.

We favor Bass Lake because it’s near our favorite mountain biking trails at Hardwood Hills. Orillia features a lovely waterfront, numerous restaurants and cafes, as well as Couchiching Beach, with Casino Rama just a short distance out of town.

• Visit Bass Lake for details on RV and tent camping.

19. Arrowhead Provincial Park

We absolutely adore Arrowhead Provincial Park, brimming with activities. Located just outside Huntsville, Ontario, Arrowhead features three different campgrounds, including 10 cabins and a deluxe glamping tent!

The park offers various activities including hiking, canoeing, and mountain biking trails. Huntsville has long been a favorite escape for Torontonians, thanks to its stunning lakes, parks, and trails. Plus, there’s dining, nightlife, shopping, and everything you require while visiting town!

• Arrowhead Provincial Park offers car camping and camp cabins for rent.

20. Haliburton

Haliburton Forest is our all-time favorite forest in Ontario, featuring several wilderness campsites accessible by car. The facilities are basic, including outhouses and picnic tables, providing an authentic backcountry feel without requiring a long canoe or trek.

There are numerous activities to enjoy in Haliburton, from the longest canopy walk in the world to visiting the Wolf Sanctuary, along with the usual camping activities such as mountain biking, hiking, and canoeing.

• For details, visit the Haliburton Forest Website.

21. Muskoka Lakes

The District of Muskoka is expansive, offering countless campsites in the heart of Ontario’s cottage country. Discover things to do in Muskoka in Winter.

22. Brockville

St. Lawrence Park is a well-regarded campground near Brockville and served as our camping base while diving the Saint Lawrence River. Numerous campsites line the Saint Lawrence River, providing easy access to the Thousand Islands.

Swimming opportunities abound in the Saint Lawrence, where the water is notably warmer in summer compared to the Great Lakes in Ontario, making it an attractive camping destination to explore the towns of Brockville, Kingston, and Gananoque, with the chance to hop across the border (once it opens). For more details, check out the City of Brockville website.

23. Bon Echo Provincial Park

Situated just two hours from Ottawa, Bon Echo Provincial Park features excellent backcountry and car camping. Its most striking feature is the largest visible collection of Aboriginal Pictographs on Mazinaw Rock, a 100-meter high rock face rising from Mazinaw Lake. The park also offers canoe and kayak rentals, and if you wish to undertake a canoe route, Bon Echo Provincial Park has designated routes with portages for exploration! You can check the Bon Echo website for additional information.

24. Peterborough

East of Toronto lies the charming town of Peterborough, another popular cottage country destination. One unique campsite is Beavermead Campground, located in the heart of town with full service for tent and RV camping. Positioned directly on Little Lake, you can even paddle right into downtown Peterborough from the campground! The town is located along the Trent Severn Waterway and is famous for having the world’s highest lift lock.

• For more details, check Beavermead Campground.

25. Kawartha Lakes

The Kawarthas are located just north of Peterborough and are another fantastic place to camp in Ontario. With 250 lakes to select from, you have endless possibilities! In addition to the usual hiking, cycling, and paddling, you’ll discover the Arts and Cultural Heritage Trail.

The city of Kawartha Lakes boasts a vibrant nightlife and dining scene should you feel like a break from the tent. Backcountry camping, car camping, and O-tentniks are available for rent as well!

• For more details, visit Kawartha Tourism.

26. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

Situated just a short trip from Thunder Bay, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is one of the most stunning places to camp in Ontario. The iconic Sleeping Giant formation, resembling a giant lying on its back, is the main attraction, yet the park offers a diverse range of ecosystems from lush forests to open meadows, presenting a picturesque backdrop for camping and hiking.

The Top of the Giant Trail is particularly popular, guiding visitors to the top of the iconic formation for breathtaking panoramic views. The park holds significant cultural and historical value, featuring several Indigenous rock carvings and pictographs. Well-maintained facilities include campsites equipped with fire pits and picnic tables, along with restroom facilities, and options for backcountry camping are available for those seeking more seclusion.

Marie Louise Lake Campground is a lovely choice for camping at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.

27. Killarney Provincial Park

Killarney Provincial Park ranks among the premier camping destinations in Ontario, famed for its breathtaking landscapes, which feature the iconic white quartzite mountains of the La Cloche Range, pristine lakes, and dense forests. This natural beauty has inspired many artists, notably the Group of Seven. Moreover, Killarney is designated as a Dark Sky Preserve, offering minimal light pollution, making it an excellent stargazing location.

The park provides a variety of trails catering to all skill levels, including “The Crack,” which offers awe-inspiring panoramic views from a prominent vantage point. The La Cloche Silhouette Trail, an 80-kilometer challenging loop, is popular among backpackers.

Killarney is a paradise for paddlers, with numerous lakes and rivers perfect for canoeing and kayaking. George Lake and O.S.A. Lake are particularly renowned for their crystal-clear waters and scenic surroundings.

Visitors can find various camping options, from front-country campsites with amenities like showers and electricity to backcountry sites geared toward those seeking a rustic experience.

28. Bruce Peninsula National Park

Bruce Peninsula National Park features diverse ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, and alvars. Its popularity has dramatically increased over the years, thanks in part to The Grotto, a must-see natural wonder—a cave with an underwater tunnel leading to Georgian Bay. The turquoise waters and dramatic rock formations make this a favored destination for visitors. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of wildlife, including black bears, foxes, and over 200 bird species.

The Bruce Trail, Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath, meanders through the park, providing hikers with stunning views of the Niagara Escarpment. Located close to other popular tourist hotspots like Tobermory, Flowerpot Island, and Fathom Five National Marine Park, Bruce Peninsula National Park is a camping gem.

Cyprus Lake Campgrounds, situated within the park, offers a variety of camping options ranging from drive-in sites with amenities such as fire pits and picnic tables to backcountry camping for a more secluded experience. It provides showers, flush toilets, and sales of firewood and ice for added convenience.

These are the best places to camp in Ontario that we’ve personally experienced. With numerous campgrounds across the province, you’re sure to find one that meets your needs. From backcountry camping to luxury campsites and glamping experiences, be sure to embrace the great outdoors this summer in Ontario!

Save to Pinterest for future travel planning.