No matter what time of the year it is, we are always dreaming of camping season in the wild places in Ontario’s Highlands. You can book a campsite beginning five months before your planned date of arrival, so if you are hoping to go camping this summer you will need to book soon to ensure you get a spot.

This year we are determined to have a stellar camping holiday, so we compiled this list of provincial campgrounds, along with when you can login to book your own site.

You’re welcome.

 

Bon Echo Provincial Park  

This park is arguably one of the most beautiful in Ontario, and best known for the scenic Mazinaw Rock featuring more than 260 Indigenous pictographs. Experienced paddlers will love the Kishkebus canoe route (six hour round loop) to see the pictographs up close.

Opening Date: May 12 to Oct. 15, 2023

Available Services: camping, back country, roofed accommodations, beaches

Bonnechere Provincial Park

The beach and playground at this park will make it a family favourite. This is a great spot for a history lesson on the Ottawa Valley – plan to hike the McNaughton Trail to see two restored log park ranger cabins.

Opening Date: May 12 to Oct. 15, 2023

Available Services: camping, roofed accommodations, beach, cabins

Driftwood Provincial Park

Located on the banks of the mighty Ottawa River, this park can be your launchpad for an exploration of the river. Only a short drive to Deep River, you can spend the night on a campsite away from it all and still zip over the next morning to pick up a coffee to go.

Opening Date: May 12 to Oct. 10, 2023

Available Services: Camping, beach, boat launch, hiking trails

Murphys Point Provincial Park

Located on Big Rideau Lake, this park offers a full camping getaway with enough activities to keep you (and little ones) occupied for days at a time. The park is located adjacent to a well known mica mine, the Silver Queen Mine, which offers tours and other programming (please note these may not be available in 2021 due to COVId-19).

Opening Date: May 12 to Oct. 10, 2023

Available Services: camping, back country camping, boat-in camping, beaches, docks, boat launch, roofed accommodations

Silent Lake Provincial Park  

Bring your hiking shoes to this park to take advantage of the many hiking and mountain biking trails. Hiking routes vary in difficulty and can take anywhere between half-an-hour up to six hours. This park is open year-round.

Opening Date: May 12, 2023 to March 24, 2024

Available Services: camping, roofed accommodations, beaches, winter camping

Silver Lake Provincial Park

Silver Lake is well known for its fish stock and great swimming; book here and explore the lake at your leisure. The beach is wide and shallow, perfect for little ones. Hike the Marsh Trail, an easy 30-minute hike along a boardwalk to the eastern end of Silver Lake.

Opening Date: May 18 to Oct. 10, 2023

Available Services: camping, beach

Sharbot Lake Provincial Park

Choose between two lakes at this campground, Sharbot Lake and Black Lake. Make sure you make the short trip to Sharbot Lake proper to pick up some barbecue fare from Seed to Sausage.

Opening Date: May 12 to Oct. 10, 2023

Available Services: camping, boat launch, beach

Lake St. Peter Provincial Park

This hidden gem is a great spot for a relaxing fishing getaway. Camping at Lake St. Peter gets you day access to Algonquin College and Silent Lake Provincial Park.

Opening Date: May 12 to Oct. 10, 2023

Available Services: camping, beach

NEXT IN THE COLLECTION:
Parks Worth the Admission
Summer
Places To Stay