Are you aware that Toronto Camps host more than 6.6 million campers? Our guide reveals the best places to camp in and near the city!
From serene lakeside retreats to scenic escapes, we’ve got your camping adventure covered. Ready to stargaze and roast marshmallows? Dive into the guide for a local’s camping hotspots!
- Explore Killbear Provincial Park
- Unwind at Awenda Provincial Park
- Journey through Balsam Lake Provincial Park
- Connect with Nature at Bronte Creek Provincial Park
- Escape to Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area
- Pitch a Tent at Elora Gorge Conservation Area
- Immerse in Nature at Sibbald Point Provincial Park
- Commune with Nature at Georgian Bay Islands National Park
- Bask in the Sun at Pinery Provincial Park
- Savor the Fresh Air at Darlington Provincial Park
Explore Killbear Provincial Park
Travel time: 2 hr 44 min
Website: http://www.ontarioparks.com/park/killbear
Address: 35 Killbear Park Rd, Nobel, ON P0G 1G0, Canada
Contact details: +1 705-342-5492
Operating hours:
- Monday: 8am to 10pm
- Wednesday: 8am to 10am
Nestled along Georgian Bay, Killbear Provincial Park is a gem with its fantastic beaches, hiking trails, and spots for cliff jumping.
It’s got sandy shores reminiscent of the Great Lakes blending seamlessly with the rugged rock formations and towering pines of the Canadian Shield.
When it comes to camping, Kilcoursie Bay, Beaver Dams, and Granite Saddle are where it’s at. The park is vast, and the campsites, like at Kilcoursie, are spacious and sandy – a blessing when the rain decides to join the party.
For those looking to camp with some amenities, electrical sites are up for grabs in Kilcoursie, Beaver Dams, and Harold Point Campgrounds. They’ve got you covered with a gas barbecue, a neat little fire pit with a grill, firewood, and many more!
Pro tip: Head to the Sunset Rocks at Beaver Dams. It’s a great spot to view both the sunrise and sunset here! |
Unwind at Awenda Provincial Park
Travel time: 2 hr
Website: https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/awenda
Address: 670 Awenda Park Rd, Tiny, ON L9M 0B9, Canada
Contact details: +1 705-549-2231
Operating hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Awenda Provincial Park is a total winner, whether you’re up for a quick day trip or gearing up for an extended camping escapade.
Get this – there are not one, not two, but four pristine and utterly picturesque beaches to explore. They’re the epitome of cleanliness and beauty.
Now, let’s talk about camping. All six campgrounds are well-equipped with drinking water taps, vault toilets, and a central comfort station that’s the real deal – flush toilets and showers included.
And guess what? If you’re in Turtle, Hawk, or Bear Campgrounds, you’ve hit the jackpot because they’ve got laundry facilities right there at the comfort stations.
Pro tip: There is no reception in the park, neither on the beach, nor at the campsite, so be prepared and download maps you might need in advance. |
Journey through Balsam Lake Provincial Park
Travel time: 1 hr 53 min
Website: https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/balsamlake
Address: 2238 Kawartha Lakes County Rd 48, Kirkfield, ON K0M 2B0, Canada
Contact details: +1 705-454-3324
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 8am to 10pm
Balsam Lake Provincial Park is this vast expanse of natural goodness, boasting campgrounds, wooded trails, a designated dog beach, playgrounds, sandy beaches, picnic spots, and even a boat launch.
The camping areas are like these generous pockets of tranquility, nicely tucked away from the lively scenes of the main beach and playground. It’s like finding your own peaceful haven amidst all the nature vibes.
And let’s talk camping options – Balsam Lake doesn’t mess around. They’ve got campsites for every taste, with or without electricity, catering to both tent enthusiasts and RV owners.
For those craving a more secluded, close-to-nature experience, they’ve even got car-access walk-in sites.
Pro tip: If you’re a beach volleyball enthusiast, there’s this cool spot set up with nets and picnic tables for some laid-back fun. Just bring your volleyball, and you’re good to go! |
Connect with Nature at Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Travel time: 37 min
Website: https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/brontecreek
Address: 1219 Burloak Dr, Oakville, ON L6M 4J7, Canada
Contact details: +1 905-827-6911
Operating hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 4:30pm
Bronte Creek Provincial Park offers a bit of everything—expansive grassy fields, short hiking trails, picnic tables, and to top it all off, a children’s farm! We’re talking sheep, cows, and these charming old buildings that house them.
Now, when it comes to camping, Bronte Creek’s got your back with car camping available in all four campground loops. If you’re rolling in with the big RV, the Prairie loop is your spot, but hey, it welcomes smaller trailers and tents too.
Each campsite has this cool alcove of trees with tall grasses, giving you that cozy, enclosed feel. Just a heads up, the electrical hookups are a bit of a stretch, so an extension might come in handy.
But wait, there’s more! Amenities galore – water taps, comfort stations, laundry facilities, playgrounds, hiking trails, and even an amphitheater, all just a stone’s throw away.
Pro tip: Look out for adorable farm animals such as goats, sheep, lamb, pigs, bunnies, and many more. |
Escape to Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area
Travel time: 50 min
Website: https://www.conservationhalton.ca/parks/rattlesnake-point/
Address: 7200 Appleby Line, Milton, ON L9E 0M9, Canada
Contact details: +1 905-854-0262
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9am to 7pm
Rattlesnake Point is like stepping into an outdoor wonderland – seriously, it’s the real deal. The trails are not just good, they’re incredibly well-maintained, offering a variety of experiences that will make any nature lover swoon.
Now, here’s the camping scoop – it’s all about tents at Rattlesnake Point, and they’ve got over 14 campsites waiting for you.
All in all, this serene haven, surrounded by a peaceful ambiance and the kind of fresh air that makes you forget all about the chaos of daily life. It’s like a perfect escape, right in the heart of nature’s embrace.
Pro tip: If you’re a hiking fan, you can actually trek along this trail that takes you all the way to Crawford Lake, which is another fantastic spot. It’s a bit of a journey, but totally worth the adventure! |
Pitch a Tent at Elora Gorge Conservation Area
Travel time: 1 hr 28 min
Website: https://www.grandriver.ca/en/outdoor-recreation/Elora-Gorge.aspx
Address: 7400 Wellington County Rd 21, Elora, ON N0B 1S0, Canada
Contact details: +1 519-846-9742
Operating hours: See all hours
Elora Gorge Conservation Area might not be a sightseeing extravaganza, but let us tell you, it’s a camping haven right in the heart of a town. With a whopping 450 campsites and plenty of picnic areas, it’s a gem for campers.
The trails are a breeze – fairly easy and totally doable for all levels of hikers. What’s even better? The grounds are top-notch, well maintained, and squeaky clean. Rainy days? No problem. There are ample shelters to keep you dry and cozy.
And when the sun decides to crank up the heat, you can cool off at the gorge, which is also worth exploring. Alternatively, you can make a splash at the splash pad.
Pro tip: You can have a great family day out, but make sure to bring your own snacks and water since there aren’t any food stalls on the premises. |
Immerse in Nature at Sibbald Point Provincial Park
Travel time: 1 hr 10 min
Website: https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/sibbaldpoint
Address: 26071 Park Rd, Jacksons Point, ON L0E 1L0, Canada
Contact details: +1 905-722-8061
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 8am to 10pm
Sibbald Point is a campers’ dream, offering car-camping in not one, not two, but 10 different campgrounds. It’s got you covered whether you’re into the electric campsite vibe or prefer going off the grid with non-electrical sites.
And if you’re rolling deep with a group of 15 to 50 people, no worries – there are six group sites just for you. Water taps and vault toilets? Yeah, they’ve got those too.
Now, let’s talk about the good stuff. This campsite is the real deal – clean, green, and meticulously maintained. And the beach? Oh, it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump away.
There’s also a play area for the kiddos, and the washrooms are not just decent, they’re downright satisfactory. There are also walking trails weaving around the park, ensuring you’ve got plenty to explore.
Pro tip: If you’re a history buff or love exploring museums, Sibbald Point has the Eildon Hall Museum right there. And the best part? It’s completely free of charge! |
Commune with Nature at Georgian Bay Islands National Park
Travel time: 2 hr 2 min
Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/on/georg
Address: 2611 Honey Harbour Road, Honey Harbour, ON P0E 1E0, Canada
Contact details: +1 705-527-7200
Operating hours: See all hours
Tucked away in the world’s largest freshwater archipelago, Georgian Bay Islands National Park is like a living tapestry woven with thousands of years of Indigenous history.
Now, let’s talk camping – they’ve got it down to an art at Georgian Bay Islands. Luggage carts for the win, a cleverly designed bear proof food locker nestled in a charming hut, picnic shelters, and both wood and gas stoves ready for everyone to use.
And oh, the views – they’re gorgeous. The primitive campsites? Pretty darn good. Need to freshen up? No worries. Clean restrooms with showers are conveniently located near the campsites and the visitor center.
Now, let’s talk about the real star – the scenery. Breathtaking doesn’t quite cover it. Whether you’re gazing out over the water or trekking the island hiking trails, the beauty is relentless.
Pro tip: The hiking trails are in great condition. Just be cautious as there’s poison ivy all around, so watch your step! |
Bask in the Sun at Pinery Provincial Park
Travel time: 2 hr 53 min
Website: http://www.pinerypark.on.ca/
Address: 9526 Lakeshore Rd, Grand Bend, ON N0M 1T0, Canada
Contact details: +1 519-243-2220
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 8am to 10pm
Pinery Provincial Park IS this awesome spot on Lake Huron, close to Grand Bend, Ontario. Each section of Riverside Campground, all four of them, has water taps, comfort stations, and laundry facilities – they’ve got you covered.
And let us tell you, it’s a camping wonderland with different environments, including some backcountry vibes. You can’t go amiss with a bit of ‘glamping’ action at Pinery.
Honestly, it’s just a gorgeous place to camp! The journey to the beach through those incredible sand dunes? Pure beauty.
Pro tip: The beach is fantastic, but it’s worth mentioning that there are plenty of rocks along the shore, so having water shoes is a real lifesaver. |
Savor the Fresh Air at Darlington Provincial Park
Travel time: 57 min
Website: https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/darlington
Address: 1600 Darlington Park Rd, Bowmanville, ON L1C 3K3, Canada
Contact details: +1 905-436-2036
Operating hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Darlington Provincial Park is just east of Oshawa, chilling on the North Shore of Lake Ontario. It’s the perfect spot to dial it back and get in touch with nature – they’ve got hiking, picnicking, and camping all on the menu.
Now, let’s talk camping options – Darlington’s got it going on. Car camping is the name of the game, and they’ve got three campgrounds to choose from: Lakeside, Cliffside, and Hilltop.
The Lakeside crew has electrical service on all their sites, and you’ll find the same perk on select sites in Cliffside and Hilltop.
Whether you’re rocking a tent, a big RV, or a trailer, they’ve got a spot for you. And guess what? They’ve even got barrier-free camping for those who need it.
Pro tip: The weekends can get pretty crowded, so if you prefer a more relaxed experience, plan your visit on a weekday for some peace and quiet. |