Did you know over 50% of reservations made by the end of March are for our five most popular parks (Bon Echo, Algonquin, Sandbanks, Killbear, Pinery)?
If you can’t get a campsite at one of these parks, we’ve got some suggestions we’re sure you’ll love…
When Bon Echo is full…
Try Charleston Lake Provincial Park.
Charleston Lake is an ideal family camping destination, offering excellent swimming, boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, and hiking.
The 2.6 km Sandstone Island Trail features incredible geology, overhanging cliffs, and a rock shelter that was used around 1,200 years ago by the Indigenous peoples of the area.
Canoes and kayaks are available for rent.
When Algonquin’s full…
Try Lake St. Peter Provincial Park or Bonnechere Provincial Park.
Lake St. Peter, located just outside of Algonquin Provincial Park, is perfect to explore by watercraft or on foot. Many electric and waterfront campsites are available, all close to water taps and vault toilets.
Relax on their sandy beaches, or take on one of their hiking trails for a challenge.
Bonnechere, located 2 hours from Ottawa, is one of the Ottawa Valley’s hidden gems. Perfect for families, Bonnechere has it all: great swimming, paddling, hiking, and even an outdoor library!
Their private campsites keep campers coming back year after year, including some stunning waterfront campsites that allow you to launch your canoe or kayak right from your site!
If you’d rather leave your tent at home and enjoy the park with a roof over your head, the park has you covered with the Pine Shores Cottage or their four rustic cabins.
When Sandbanks and Presqu’ile are full…
Try Darlington Provincial Park or Ferris Provincial Park.
Located just east of Oshawa, Darlington offers a beautiful stretch of sandy beach, perfect for swimming, on the shores of Lake Ontario. Fishing is a popular activity for the whole family in Darlington’s McLaughlin Bay. You can even borrow fishing rods and tackle at the park store through the TackleShare program.
Visitors love the forest trails, and during the summer months, programs are offered, including children’s activities, evening films, campfires and guided hikes.
Visitors love the magnificent views of the Trent River gorge from the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge.
Ferris‘s Valleyview Campground loop is set atop a forested drumlin, with some campsites providing a view across the Trent River Valley. The Bedrock Loop has some electrical campsites and is just a short walk to the playground and day-use picnic areas.
And Ferris is only 45 minutes from Presqu’ile and 1.25 hours from Sandbanks, so many visitors camp here and plan day trips to the beach!
When Killbear is full…
Try Restoule Provincial Park or Sturgeon Bay Provincial Park.
About 3-4 hours north of Toronto through the little hamlet of Restoule, this park offers all the serenity you need to truly get away from it all.
Enjoy the quietness of the park by relaxing on the beach by day and taking in the starry skies at night. Their picturesque hiking trails and exhilarating mountain biking trails means there’s something for everyone!
Mountain bikes, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are all available for rent.
Sturgeon Bay is situated among the 30,000 Islands – just off Trans Canada Highway 69. Campers love Sturgeon Bay for charming campsites, with swimming, boating, canoeing and boat launch all within walking distance.
Four cottages are available for those who want to get away in style.
When Pinery’s full…
Try Point Farms Provincial Park. Just north of Goderich, Point Farms has the Pinery vibe without the crowds.
Point Farms‘ campsites can accommodate any size of equipment — from small tents to large RVs.
Take a dip in Lake Huron and relax on their natural sandy beach. Known for their Halloween celebrations, Point Farms is a great option to extend your camping into the fall!
Ontario has lots of beautiful parks
If you can’t get a spot at your first choice, you can be sure there’s another campsite with your name on it nearby.
Many campsites are still available in the planning season and during the summer months.
To check availability click here, or use the Park Locator tool to discover new parks to visit!