The ground may be covered by snow right now, but we’re still dreaming of the warm weather and the camping season to come in the wild places in Ontario’s Highlands. Camping reservations have recently opened at provincial campgrounds across Ontario and if last year was any indicator spots will book up fast.
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.
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 21 to Oct. 12, 2021
Earliest Availability for Booking: Dec. 21, 2021 (booking for May 21, 2021)
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 21 to Oct. 12, 2021
Earliest Availability for Booking: Dec. 21, 2021 (booking for May 21, 2021)
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 14 to Oct. 12, 2021
Earliest Availability for Booking: Dec. 14, 2021 (booking for May 14, 2021)
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 14 to Dec. 9, 2021
Earliest Availability for Booking: Dec. 14, 2021 (booking for May 14, 2021)
Available Services: camping, roofed accommodations, beaches
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 20 to Sept. 19, 2021
Earliest Availability for Booking: Dec. 20, 2021 (booking for May 20, 2021)
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 14 to Oct. 12, 2021
Earliest Availability for Booking: Dec. 14, 2021 (booking for May 14, 2021)
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 and Silent Lake Provincial Parks.
Opening Date: May 14 to Oct. 12, 2021
Earliest Availability for Booking: Dec. 14, 2021 (booking for May 14, 2021)
Available Services: camping, beach
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 14 to Oct. 17, 2021
Earliest Availability for Booking: Dec. 14, 2021 (booking for May 14, 2021)
Available Services: camping, back country, roofed accommodations, beaches