50 Best places to camp in Ontario

Ever wondered what’s the best place to camp in Ontario? Well, of course! there is no one best place to name, as the needs and likes differ from one person to the other. But have you wondered what are some of the favorite camping spots of your fellow campers? We did! And we sought out for the answer. We asked our readers about their favorite place to camp in Ontario, and the results are as follows:

Pog Lake, Algonquin

By Nancy Wickstead: My partner and I stayed at Pog lake in section c lot 423, the lot was very private and the campground was relatively quiet it gives you the feeling of actual camping without feeling worried about possible encounters with bears etc.. we were close to the water and beach/portage. The washroom/shower facilities were clean and well kept. All together a fantastic place!

Lake of Two Rivers, Algonquin

By Leah Dube: Lake of Two Rivers is extremely quiet. It seems that everyone that goes there, is they are there for the nature and serenity in which this campground never fails to provide. We have always had wonderful encounters with wildlife and beautiful sunsets and sunrises. The canoeing is fabulous, the beach is wonderful. The park staff are always friendly and helpful and we have always found everything clean. Our family is always looking forward to our next stay.

Cyprus Lake Campgrounds, Bruce Peninsula National Park

By Angie Zimniak: Cyprus Lake Campground: Not too close but not too far from other people, beautifully maintained and love how strict they are about the nature so as to preserve it as best they can, just a long enough hike to the grotto, beautiful lake right next to the campsite (#56), peaceful and relaxing, now making it an annual family trip and booking right at 8am on January 20th!

Kearney Lake Campground, Algonquin

By Rebecca Wilson: It’s a quiet, private campground with a small, quiet beach on a small lake. Kearney Lake is perfect for camping with small kids as it’s not too overwhelming, and feels magical!

Killbear Provincial Park

By Amy Sjaarda: I have been going to Killbear for almost 40 years, and while I have amazing memories of my own childhood there, it has been even more fun creating memories for my children. Great swimming option – rocks or beach, clear clear water, radio free site options, large and private sites to be found, and so amazing for going as a group of friends. My kids love the biking there too. Plus it’s not too far for the drive.

Mazinaw lake walk in sites, Bon Echo provincial park

By Nicole Hughes: Mazinaw Lake campground – I love the 166 walk in site because, the view of Mazinaw Rock is to die for along with a good amount of sun and shade on that site. There are enough trees that help protect against high winds and rain which are a bonus to have on a site.

Burley Campground, Pinery Provincial Park

By Vesna: Burley campground has private big sites, close to the beach, no hydro (quiet and wild), good washrooms with showers, a lot of evergreens.

Hemlock Campground, Grundy Lake Provincial Park

It’s beautiful and quiet on the Hemlock campsites. We always book our favourite sight that overlooks the water and has amazing privacy for our sleeping tent. The beaches are nice, the water is clear, the bathrooms and privies are clean. The kids loved the jumping rocks. We look forward to camping there and are reluctant to leave when our time is up! – Babbette Westcarr-Dzivy

Agawa Campground, Lake Superior Provincial Park

Stunning scenery, beautiful sunsets, warm sandy beaches for swimming, kayaking and great hiking trails nearby. – Maureen Pattyson-Talbot

Frontenac Provincial Park

I love Frontenac, in the summer we can paddle in to our site, the water is clear, clean, cool and perfect after a long day in the canoe. However I must admit fall is my favourite time in Frontenac, it’s quiet, the air crisp and the hike is beautiful, picturesque, and can be as long as you want it to be – depending on where you want to set up camp. Hiking the trails beside streams, stopping for lunch beside a lake, listening to the birds, the wind, and the crunch of the leaves with each step is meditative (and it smells so fresh!) and is like hitting the ‘reset’ button on your soul. The sites are clean and well laid out, picturesque and ready for your adventure. – Colleen Smith

Arrowhead Provincial Park

It is a very natural park with beautiful walking and hiking trails leading to waterfalls and lookouts. They have a dog friendly beach so all members of the family can cool off. Not to mention that it is close to the quaint town of Huntsville with many shops, food trucks and ice cream parlours to explore! – Wendy Giles

Also, if you are in the hunt for a good sleeping bag for your next camping trip, check out our sleeping bag recommendations

Interior Camping, Algonquin Park

Take a water taxi to the tip of Lake Opeongo, and within a couple of short portages you are out in the middle of paradise. Deep cold lakes, the majestic, sun-baked Canadian shield pushing through the rich greenery, and under these waters, and behind that expanse of trees – moose, beaver, otters, bear – an incredible array of wildlife just waiting for a quiet moment to show themselves. I store my heart in this park for the winter, and go to visit it there every summer to remind myself of what life is all about. – Pauline Harder

Charleston Lake Provincial Park

Charleston Lake Provincial Park.  It’s been a family tradition since we met in 2004! The swimming, canoeing and hiking are wonderful and the facilities are up to date and clean!  We look forward to our trip every year. Keep up the great work Parks Canada! – Nicole Leeder

Silent lake provincial park in Apsley ON

Like the name, it’s quiet 🙂 the lake is no motors so it’s peaceful canoeing and kayaking. The sites are larger than most with lots of privacy. And they have planned it well to separate them so they aren’t one on top of each other. Overall this park is a hit with the kids because the beach is nice and sandy and they still have a floating dock to swim too 🙂 – krista tweedie

Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park

It is a small, quiet park with a long white beach that has shallow water for the little ones. The staff are amazing (even volunteer to run programs) and the campers friendly. The big lake is great for sailing, motor sports and fishing, while the small lakes are great to paddle and fish. The sites are large and vary from open to private. plenty of places to walk, hike or bike. The park is clean and still retains its natural, rustic beauty. It is close to all amenities but not part of the urban chaos. It is our happy place. – Bev hedican

Fitzroy provincial park

Just enough privacy, two beaches, the camp store doesn’t gouge you, excellent staff and rangers, well maintained sites, and far enough to feel ‘away’ yet close enough to get back to the city if we had an emergency. – Catherine Turner

Inverhuron Provincial Park

The campsites are pretty private. Most sites are electrical. Has good bike trails. Clean showers. The best part is that we can walk to the beach. We don’t have to use our vehicle at all. It’s close to home, but once you’re in the park it seems like we’re up north. Have gone there since it opened up again. – Rita VanHardeveld

Inverhuron Provincial Park

Best group camping sites ever that look straight out to Lake Huron. Relaxing morning and afternoon teas listening to the wind and waves. – James Thatcher

Awenda Provincial Park

We love the private sites and beaches! Before kids we would head into Algonquin but this campground was a beautiful compromise once the babies came! Soo many memories at the park and heading into town <3 – Rebecca Loucks

Canisbay in Algonquin park

The sites are nice and right near a good lake to canoe in. The best part is that with the paddle out sites it allows me to introduce new people to the joys of interior camping. – Kevin Hesketh

Cedar Grove Campground, Balsam Lake Provincial Park

Quiet, close to the washrooms, great family feel, short distance to the beach. Made for a wonderful camping weekend, a beautiful backdrop for making family memories. – Kim A

George Lake Campground, Killarney

I went there once by myself on a ‘find yourself mission’. Had the best site that I could swim right off of without going to the main beach. It had the best view and I felt restored just being there. It was an empowering camping trip in one of the most beautiful places in Ontario. – Kim Gill

Kawartha Lakes Backcountry

By Marianne Dolinski Greber, White Lake, ON.

Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park is a real gem for backcountry campers. It is a 375 sq km park with only backcountry campsites accessible by canoe.  There are several lakes in the park with a limited number of campsites for ultimate privacy and enjoyment of nature. Quiet and peaceful, but also good cell service for safety.

Campers Cove Campground, Wheatley

It’s family ran and very clean and tidy. They have events for all ages. Lots of sightseeing close to park. – Bill Brooks

Samuel de Champlain, Mattawa

Many of the campsites are close to the water , great programs for children and adults, wonderful waterways and it is clean and quiet. – Brenda Jones

Marie Louise Lake Campground, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

Family friendly. Outstanding wildlife sightings. Breathtaking views from waterfront camp sites. The staff went above and beyond to ensure a memorable camping experience (from front gate to wardens) I can’t rave enough about this place. I fell in love the first time I went and nothing in Ontario had compared. – Jenna Walters

Killarney Provincial Park George Lake Campground

In the fall, it is probably the most beautiful place in the world. Fall colours both above and below, crystal clear lakes, fresh air and the most vivid night time star view I’ve ever seen. Also great in the dead of winter on the back country sites! I’ve been every season and it’s beautiful and unique in each one. – Erika Maaskant

Riverside-Cedar Campground, St.Lawrence River

Close to a beach, and nice and breezy in the summer. Very clean campground with reasonable rates. Family orientated. Lovely place to camp. – Renee Vrieling

Rainbow Falls Provincial Park

It is on the northern shore of Lake Superior. The sites are a nice size, the beach fantastic, the views breathtaking and the sunsets are gorgeous. – Kathy Loree

Selkirk Provincial Park

We like the size of the sites. The trees and being on beautiful Lake Erie. Clean Park but not much to do for kids. We just enjoy the nature aspect of the park. – Janice Kimber

Long Point Provincial Park

We love Long Point mainly because of the soft, sandy, clean beach. The sandbars also make lovely rolling waves which can be heard at your campsite and often lull you to sleep at night. But the best part is the amazing people we meet from different places and we have made some great friends all because of our adventures at Long Point. – Susan Brocklebank

Neys Provincial Park

Algonquin has always been a favourite but a recent trip along the north Shore of Superior lead me to Neys Provincial Park. It’s was not as busy,my site was directly on the beach,a nice quiet escape and the darkest night with the brightest stars. – Deb Johnston

Achray Campground, Algonquin

I love the quiet of the campground, Grand Lake is magnificent and it is the perfect spot to paint (just like Tom Thomson)! – Katie Ohlke

Flamboro Valley Camping Resort

They have wonderful activities and their 3 section splash pad is great I can be with the youngest while the older play within sight – Nicole cleaver

Hemlock Campground, Grundy Lake

Cliff jumping, quiet radio-free campground! – Isabelle Launchbury

Red Squirrel Lake, Temagami

You can see the stars every night, the air seems cleaner and the neighbouring wildlife will unexpectedly stop by.. – Michele Sheedy

Mew Lake, Algonquin

Just love the sites on the water. Private sites and clean and good location in Algonquin. Have been camping in Algonquin for 25 years and have made many special memories there. – Bernice Boose

Rock Lake Campground, Algonquin

I used to prefer cottage style camping, but after a 2 night stay in our tent at this beautiful campground, I fell in love with this area! The selection of sites available leaves nothing out, whether you prefer a more private site with your own beach front or would rather a more community style camp setting with larger public beach access, there is always something to please everyone! The lake is sandy, the view is breathtaking night and day and we have been there several times and have yet to visit the cottage! The only problem is summer is no longer long enough! – Heidi Junge

Saugeen Cedars Family Campground, Hanover

So many activities and wonderful things for kids to, tubing down the river or hangout at the beach with the kids and go down the slide or try to keep your balance on the wave mat. My kids have a amazing time at the park and there are so many wonderful people as well. – Amanda brevoort

Boosey Creek campground, Wheatley Provincial Park

Lovely, natural setting. Some large, private sites by the creek. Quiet, except for the many bird songs and life along the creek. – Kristen Fowle

Massasauga Provincial Park

Great remote campsites. Food storage boxes, great fishing and lots of nature to see. A great place to teach kids about different birds and animals. Campsites are great. platforms for tents, rock fire pits, great swimming, quiet nights Site 512 has a great view of the evening sky. We had the full moon come up and reflect over the water. What a great time. – Ann Ryan

Quinte’s Isle Campark, Prince Edward County

Camping right on the shores of Lake Ontario? Who could ask for something better?! Fishing, Hiking, Swimming, Mini Putt, Horseback Riding…the list goes on and on. – Amy Griffiths

Oastler Lake Provincial Park

A close enough drive from Hamilton to the Canadian Shield and the beauty of Northern Ontario! The lake was also a really nice temperature with lots of shallow water. We loved our walk-in site, #203 was right on the water — gorgeous! – Sarah McNaughton

Earl rowe Provincial Park

This was our favorite camping spot so far. We are new campers, my son (7) and I. We thought the scenery was beautiful, the pool was well maintained. The staff was extremely friendly. Definitely planning to return. This shelter would help us continue to grow our camping accessories – Christine Abbott

Rideau River Provincial Park, Kemptville

Rideau River Provincial Park is my favourite campground due to its proximity to my home in Kemptville, flat private sites, access to the Rideau and wide open areas for sports. As a day use destination, my dog Sasha enjoys jumping off the boat launch dock and meeting people and her fellow canines. – Pamela Welling

Six Mile Lake Provincial Park

I have booked the same site at this park seven years in a row now. It is right on the water, peaceful sunrises, loons, fishing from the shore, canoe pulled up to site, beach close by, campfires right beside the lake. I have camped there by myself, with my kids, with extended family, and this year with friends. Always a wonderful experience. It is my happy place. So beautiful. – Lisa Derkatz

Backus Mill Conservation Area

They have a heritage village that you can tour. There is a pool and pond for fishing. They also have a Wildlife display of animals and birds that are found in the area. It is a nice quiet campground with trails for exploring. – Lisa Prince

Smuggler’s Cove, Prince Edward County

Its a very personable campground, small, large lots, most sites face West Lake , have beautiful sunsets, large parking area, and is the only Campground I’ve seen with Doggy Bag Stations and Doggy Waste Bins. It sure keeps the park clean. Small beach area, place to walk your dog and close to amazing activities within Prince Edward County, Ontario. – Char Carr

Sunny Acres Resort, Fenelon Falls

Camp close to a private beach, friendly staff, clean, beautiful lake (Cameron) – Alexandria Lavallee

Barrie KOA

It has so much for the kids. The kids love it! The park is so clean the staff are amazing! Everything is amazing about this campground! – Ashley