Ontario Parks – Ten Camping Gems You Don’t Want to Miss

I’ll admit it: I used to be a bit of a camping snob. If it didn’t come with a plug-in, a pool, or some sort of gourmet s’mores bar, I wasn’t interested. But after visiting a few of Ontario’s provincial parks on a solo RV adventure, I’ve officially been converted. These parks do more than just hold their own, the best Ontario parks for camping are what other campgrounds aspire to be. So if you’re craving real nature, room to breathe, and a chance to properly unplug read on.

From quiet beaches and canoe rentals to massive campsites with actual privacy (shocking, I know), this list includes a few parks I’ve personally camped at and loved — plus a handful that are high on my must-visit list. Whether you’re in it for the fall colours, stargazing, waterfront mornings, or just some peace and quiet, here’s where to pitch your tent or park your trailer this year.

Ontario Parks not only sit on some of the most scenic and beautiful real estate in the province, they give private RV parks a run for their money—figuratively and literally.  The most popular Ontario Provincial Parks are The Pinery, Sandbanks, Killbear, Bon Echo, and Algonquin, and while they should be on your list to visit, there are OVER ONE HUNDRED other parks that are worthy of your attention. 

Check out the following list of camping gems in Ontario Parks to book now! Booking sites work on a rolling window, so you can book your trip up to 5-months in advance of your arrival date. So even if your up to your eyeballs in snow, remember that summer is always just around the corner. 

Waterfront Campsites in Ontario

Charleston Lake Provincial Park: A True Hidden Gem

Charleston Lake was hands-down my favourite stop during a weekend exploring with Ontario Parks. Nestled in the Canadian Shield, this park is surrounded by ancient bedrock and a mix of towering pines, maples, firs, and oaks. Translation? It’s stunning. Keep your camera handy—you’ll want to capture every inch of it.

This is also one of the best Ontario parks for camping if you like calm lakes, clear water, and activities that don’t involve a screen. Rent a canoe or kayak right on-site, paddle into the quiet, and enjoy a rare kind of stillness. The beach here is great for swimming, and the campsites are roomy enough to spread out and soak in your surroundings.

Murphy’s Point: Peace, Stars, and Serene Trails

I loved Murphy’s Point because it’s a little piece of “serenity now” for city folk like me. Located under two hours from my home in Ottawa, it’s a perfect and affordable weekend escape. My girls also loved it, because the lake and beach were gorgeous, and hello, IG shots.  Remember to take a minute to look up at the night sky and marvel at the stars that aren’t competing with city lights. 

If your interests lean a little more natural and lot less technology based than ours, then that’s cool too because there’s a lot to love at Murphy’s Point. This park is home to the Sylvan Trail, a 2.5 km hiking loop that takes you through the southernmost extension of the Canadian Shield. This park is also home to the Eastern Gray Ratsnake, and if you can look at them with love in your eyes instead of shrieking like I do, then a Park Naturalist at Murphy’s Point can tell you a lot more about them. Finally, the Silver Queen Mine is a former mica mine that closed in 1920 that you can explore with a guide here. It’s a sneaky way to get in a little learning for your kids under the guise of fun. 

Presqu’ile Provincial Park: Room to Roam by the Lake

Located on an expansive stretch of beach on Lake Ontario, Presqu’ile is the perfect place to lose and find yourself for a week. The beach is ideal for playing in the water, or for wandering aimlessly searching for skipping stones. 

You’ll also find the second oldest operating lighthouse in Ontario here, so be sure to check it out when visiting. I loved how huge the sites were here for RVs. Our site, located in the camping loop The Pines, was easy to get in and out of, and gave of us lots of space to stretch out. I’ve never seen sites this large in private RV parks, so it’s definitely worth checking out. 

Underrated Ontario Provincial Parks to Add to Your Camping Bucket List

These next picks are still on my to-do list, but I’m aiming to cross them off soon. Many are ideal for shoulder-season camping—think fall colours, cooler nights, and no bugs.

Balsam Lake Provincial Park

Located in the Kawartha Lakes area, Balsam Lake Provincial Park had me at this sunset. Aside from taking in the lake and the trails within this park, this part of Ontario is a great area to day trip though by car. Also, if you don’t stop and get Moosetracks Ice Cream, you didn’t really visit. 

Bonnechere Provincial Park 

I’ve had friends rave about the beauty of Bonnechere Provincial Park for years, so this is the year I make it happen. Located in the Ottawa Valley this park is close to home for me, and has a beach perfect for cooling off when Hottawa becomes too much to handle. 

Driftwood Provincial Park

Another close to Ottawa campground, Driftwood Provincial Park is high on my list for a fall visit this year. In my humble opinion there is nowhere better than the Laurentians to take in fall colours. Panoramic views along the hiking trails here are perfect for soaking it all in. 

Lake St. Peter Provincial Park

Close to Algonquin Provincial Park, Lake St. Peter is a great park to split your vacation up with. If you don’t feel like moving, you can use it as a jumping off point to explore the area. Within the park, there is a lake for activities on and in the water, like fishing, canoeing, and swimming. The Hastings Heritage Trail is only 2 km away and is a great way to explore the area on bike. 

Marten River Provincial Park

Most Ontarians don’t get out of their city much, let alone deep into the Canadian wilderness, and that’s a shame. Northern Ontario is one of the most beautiful places on earth for rugged, natural beauty, and that’s why Marten River is high on my must visit list. Located above North Bay, this provincial park looks like the perfect place to unplug for a week. And yes, I just got hit with a wave of anxiety thinking of unplugging, so all the more reason I need to get here!

Restoule Provincial Park

I am obsessed with the movie The Last of the Mohicans, so standing high on a bluff at Restoule overlooking Stormy Lake sounds like the perfect place to imagine being swept off my feet by Hawkeye. Sigh. Nature can be so romantic. This provincial park also sounds like a hiker’s dream, so it’s on my must visit list for fall 2019 when the colours are at their peak. 

Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park

Imagining what life was like for Canada’s first explorers is easy at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park, where visitors can try paddling a Voyageur canoe in an immersive experience offered by the park. Located on a fur trade route in the Mattawa Valley, this park is a must for people who find peace on the water. Rent a canoe here or bring your own, and imagine what life was like back in the late 18th century and then share it over the free wi-fi with all your friends at home. 

Want to avoid the summer rush? Start planning early. Most Ontario Parks open booking windows five months out—and the best Ontario parks for camping get scooped up fast.