The Ultimate Ontario Campground Review Guide: 28 Destinations Compared for Every Kind of Camper
Ontario is home to some of the most diverse camping in North America. From the wind-sculpted pines of Georgian Bay to the towering sand dunes of Prince Edward County, from wilderness canoe routes in Algonquin to family-friendly private parks just minutes from the city. There’s a campground here for every budget, every skill level, and every definition of “roughing it.”
We’ve spent weeks researching 28 campgrounds across the province, comparing rates, amenities, ratings, and most importantly what makes each one worth the drive. Whether you’re towing a 32-foot trailer, loading up the family and gear in an SUV, or strapping a tent to your bicycle, this guide will help you find your next favourite campsite.
We’ve organized these campgrounds into four regions so you can zero in on the area that suits your trip: the London and Southwestern Ontario area (perfect for quick weekend escapes), the Provincial Parks of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, the legendary Muskoka and Northern Ontario region, and the Eastern Ontario corridor stretching toward Ottawa and the St. Lawrence.
How to Use This Guide
Every campground in this guide includes a Unique Selling Proposition (USP) — the single standout feature that sets it apart from the rest. We’ve also included practical details like nightly rates, number of sites, Google ratings, and available amenities so you can make side-by-side comparisons without bouncing between a dozen websites.
A quick note on rates: nightly prices listed are approximate ranges and may vary by site type (electrical vs. non-electrical), season, and day of the week. Provincial park fees are set by Ontario Parks and tend to be consistent across the system, while private campgrounds set their own pricing. Always confirm directly with the campground before booking.
Part 1: London and Southwestern Ontario: Weekend Escapes That Are Close to Home
If you live in or around London, you don’t need to drive hours to find quality camping. Southwestern Ontario has a strong selection of both public conservation areas and private campgrounds, many of them within a 45-minute drive. These tend to be excellent choices for families with young kids, first-time campers, or anyone who wants to spend more time around the fire and less time on the highway.
Fanshawe Conservation Area: The City Camper’s Backyard Wilderness
USP: The largest campground within city limits in Southwestern Ontario, with 560 sites and a 3,000-acre outdoor playground just 10 minutes from downtown London.
Fanshawe is the kind of campground that surprises people. You’d expect a conservation area this close to a city of 400,000 to feel cramped and over-developed, but the 3,000-acre property manages to deliver a surprisingly immersive outdoor experience. The Fanshawe Reservoir is the centrepiece — a long, winding body of water that draws kayakers, canoeists, and anglers throughout the season. The 21-kilometre Lake Trail is one of the best cycling and hiking loops in the region, winding through mixed forest along the reservoir shoreline.
Families will appreciate the splash pad, dog park, marina access, and the variety of camper programs offered throughout the summer. Birders take note: the reservoir attracts waterfowl, kingfishers, and great blue herons, making early morning paddles particularly rewarding. One important detail — swimming is not permitted in the reservoir itself, though a swimming pool is available on site.
Reservations are managed through the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, and long weekend bookings require a three-night minimum. The campground operates from May through October, and sites fill up quickly for July and August weekends.
| Location | London, ON |
| Nightly Rate | $45–$55 |
| Number of Sites | 560 |
| Google Rating | 4.5 / 5 |
| Hookups | Electrical, Water |
| WiFi | Yes |
| Season | May – October |
| Distance from London Ontario’s camping store Forest City Surplus Canada | 10 min |
| Website | upperthames.on.ca |
Riverview Campground: Five Minutes from London, a World Away
USP: The closest full-service campground to London with cabin rentals, Thames River access for canoeing and fishing, and a packed social events calendar — all just five minutes from the city.
If Fanshawe is London’s backyard wilderness, Riverview is its backyard patio. Located in Thorndale, this 100-site campground sits alongside the Thames River and manages to pack an impressive amount into a compact footprint: cabin rentals, a swimming pool, a playground, bike trails, river access for canoeing and fishing, and a social events calendar that keeps the campground buzzing throughout the season. It’s the kind of place where neighbours wave from their lawn chairs and kids roam in packs until the fireflies come out.
At $40–$50 per night with full electrical and water hookups plus WiFi, Riverview offers strong value for a campground this close to the city. The Thames River frontage gives it a natural character that sets it apart from more utilitarian RV parks. It’s particularly well-suited for campers who want the social, community side of camping without sacrificing access to amenities or committing to a long drive.
| Location | Thorndale, ON |
| Nightly Rate | $40–$50 |
| Number of Sites | 100 |
| Google Rating | 4.5 / 5 |
| Hookups | Electrical, Water |
| WiFi | Yes |
| Pool | Yes |
| Season | Opens in May |
| Distance from London | 5 minutes |
| Website | riverviewcampground.ca |
Shady Pines Campgrounds: The Campground with Its Own Golf Course
USP: A family-run campground with a six-hole golf course, Big Bouncer, nature trails, and a community-first atmosphere that has been drawing families back for over 50 years.
Shady Pines opened in 1970 as Canada’s first KOA (Kampgrounds of America) franchise. After a decade, the owners realized their campers weren’t passing through — they were coming back season after season. So they left KOA behind and built something with deeper roots. Today, Shady Pines occupies 109 acres of rolling countryside near Ailsa Craig, about 20 minutes northwest of London, and it feels more like a small village than a campground.
The amenities list reads like a small resort: a large swimming pool and wading pool, a six-hole practice golf course, 4 km of groomed nature trails, fishing ponds, beach volleyball, basketball, shuffleboard, horseshoes, bocce ball, and an inflatable “Big Bouncer” that kids go absolutely wild for. A sun-dappled river winds alongside the property, and the sunsets over the meadows are reliably stunning. The chalet and pavilion can be booked for group events, and themed weekends throughout the season give the place a festive, neighbourhood-block-party energy.
This is a primarily seasonal campground, meaning many sites are occupied by the same families year after year. Nightly and weekend spots are available, but calling ahead is essential — especially in peak season. Positioned between London and Grand Bend, it makes an ideal base camp for day trips to Pinery Provincial Park or the beaches of Lake Huron.
| Location | Ailsa Craig, ON |
| Nightly Rate | $38–$48 |
| Number of Sites | 109 |
| Google Rating | 4.6 / 5 |
| Hookups | Electrical, Water |
| Pool | Yes (plus wading pool) |
| Season | May – October |
| Distance from London | 20 min |
| Website | shadypinescampgrounds.com |
Windmill Family Campground: Hayrides, Mini Golf, and Old-Fashioned Fun
USP: A purpose-built family entertainment campground with a heated pool, mini golf, hayrides, and organized events that keep kids busy from morning until campfire time.
Windmill Family Campground in Woodstock doesn’t try to be a wilderness retreat. It leans hard into the “family fun” angle, and it does it well. The heated swimming pool is the main draw on hot days, but the mini golf course, hayrides, and organized family events give this place a summer-camp atmosphere that kids adore. With 200 sites spread across the property, there’s enough space that you won’t feel packed in, even on a busy long weekend.
At roughly 30 minutes east of London, Windmill strikes a nice balance between accessibility and feeling like you’ve gotten away. The campground is well-suited for families with children under 12 who want a weekend packed with activities, and for RV campers who appreciate full services and well-maintained facilities.
| Location | Woodstock, ON |
| Nightly Rate | $40–$50 |
| Number of Sites | 200 |
| Google Rating | 4.4 / 5 |
| Hookups | Electrical, Water |
| Pool | Yes (heated) |
| Season | May – October |
| Distance from London | 30 minutes |
| Website | experiencecamping.ca/windmillfamilycampground |
Campers Corner RV Park: The Highway 401 Pit Stop Done Right
USP: The most convenient campground near London for RV travellers, situated close to the 401 with full services and a convenience store on site.
Not every camping trip is a week-long wilderness adventure. Sometimes you need a clean, well-serviced spot to park the RV for a night or two while passing through the region, or a no-fuss base while visiting London. Campers Corner fills that niche perfectly. The 75-site park offers full hookups, WiFi, a playground, laundry facilities, and an on-site convenience store — everything you need without the frills you don’t. At $35–$45 per night, it’s one of the most affordable options in the area.
| Location | London, ON |
| Nightly Rate | $35–$45 |
| Number of Sites | 75 |
| Google Rating | 4.3 / 5 |
| Hookups | Electrical, Water |
| Season | April – October |
| Distance from London | 10 minutes |
| Website | camperscornerlondon.com |
Maple Grove Christian Retreat: Camping with a Contemplative Edge
USP: A faith-based retreat campground with sports fields, pool access, and a quieter, more reflective atmosphere than typical commercial parks.
Maple Grove, located near Thamesford about 25 minutes from London, caters to campers seeking a more peaceful, community-oriented experience. The 150-site property includes sports fields, a pool, and playground facilities, all within a faith-based retreat setting. The campground tends to be quieter than typical commercial parks, and the rates are competitive at $35–$45 per night. It’s worth noting that the atmosphere skews toward families and groups looking for a values-aligned environment, so if that resonates with you, Maple Grove is well worth considering.
| Location | Thamesford, ON |
| Nightly Rate | $35–$45 |
| Number of Sites | 150 |
| Google Rating | 4.5 / 5 |
| Season | May – October |
| Distance from London | 25 minutes |
| Website | None. Reservations can be made through Campspot |
Duttona Family Campground: Lake Erie’s Best-Kept Cliff-Side Secret
USP: Over 1,000 feet of private Lake Erie shoreline perched atop dramatic Carolinian forest cliffs — a landscape you won’t find at any other private campground in the region.
Duttona sits near Rodney, about 45 minutes south of London, and it offers something that’s genuinely rare for a private campground: dramatic Lake Erie cliff-top views. The property boasts more than 1,000 feet of private shoreline, and the surrounding Carolinian forest gives the landscape an almost southern feel, with species you won’t see farther north. With 180 sites and strong ratings (4.7 on Google), it’s clearly doing something right. Hiking trails wind through the forest and along the cliffs, and the lake views at sunset are the kind of thing people build entire trips around.
| Location | Rodney, ON |
| Nightly Rate | $42–$52 |
| Number of Sites | 180 |
| Google Rating | 4.7 / 5 |
| Hookups | Electrical, Water |
| Season | May – October |
| Distance from London | 45 minutes |
| Website | None. Can be reserved through Campspot. |
More Southwestern Ontario Picks
Willow Lake Campground (Woodstock, 35 min) offers 250 shaded sites surrounding a pond stocked for fishing — ideal for anglers who want to wet a line without leaving camp. Rates run $38–$48 with full hookups and WiFi. Season runs April–October. Google rating: 4.5.
Happy Hills Resort (Tillsonburg, 40 min) is a massive 500-site, 135-acre property that doubles as a retirement community during shoulder season. The pool, WiFi, and extensive grounds make it feel more like a resort than a campground. Rates run $45–$55. Google rating: 4.6.
Rock Glen Family Resort (Arkona, 40 min) is a members-only resort perched near the scenic Rock Glen Falls conservation area. With cabins, over 100 sites, WiFi, and views of the falls, it punches well above its weight for atmosphere. Rates run $50–$75, season runs April–October. Google rating: 4.7.
Part 2: Ontario’s Provincial Park Heavyweights — The Great Lakes and Beyond
Ontario’s provincial park system is the backbone of camping in this province. These parks are managed by Ontario Parks, and they share a consistent booking system, similar fee structures (generally $48–$58 per night), and well-maintained facilities. But each one has a distinct personality. Here are the parks from our comparison, organized by what makes each one special.
Pinery Provincial Park — National Geographic Sunsets and Rare Ecosystems
USP: Home to one of the last remaining oak savanna ecosystems in North America, 10 km of Lake Huron beach, and sunsets ranked by National Geographic among the top 10 in the world.
Pinery is, for many Ontarians, the first word that comes to mind when someone says “camping.” Located near Grand Bend on the shores of Lake Huron, this 2,500-hectare park protects one of the continent’s rarest habitats — a freshwater coastal dune system interwoven with oak savanna, a landscape that exists in only a handful of places on Earth. The park supports over 800 plant species and 300 bird species, making it a biodiversity hotspot of genuine scientific significance.
But Pinery isn’t just for naturalists. The 10-kilometre stretch of sandy Lake Huron beach is a magnet for swimmers, and the sunsets here have earned international recognition. The Old Ausable Channel — a slow, quiet waterway that winds through the park — is perfect for paddling. You can rent canoes, kayaks, and even corcls (a round, single-person watercraft) on site. Ten walking trails and a 14-km bike trail provide plenty of options for getting deeper into the dunes and forest.
The park has three main campground areas with around 1,000 sites total. Riverside is the largest, located beside the Old Ausable Channel with year-round availability. Burley is smaller and more secluded, nestled among older pines near the beach. Dunes campground sits closest to the visitor centre and amphitheatre. Yurts and camp cabins are also available for those who prefer a roof overhead. Free WiFi is available at the Visitor Centre.
A word of caution: Pinery is extremely popular and fills up fast. Book the moment the five-month reservation window opens if you want a summer weekend spot. Also, be aware of poison ivy — it’s present throughout the park.
| Location | Grand Bend, ON |
| Nightly Rate | $51–$58 |
| Number of Sites | ~1,000 |
| Google Rating | 4.6 / 5 |
| Hookups | Electrical (select sites) |
| Season | Year-round (some campgrounds seasonal) |
| Distance from London | 1 hour |
| Website | ontarioparks.com/park/pinery |
Algonquin Provincial Park: The Icon
USP: Canada’s first provincial park, spanning 7,635 square kilometres of pristine wilderness — the definitive Ontario backcountry experience, with both drive-in campgrounds and over 1,000 backcountry canoe-in sites.
Algonquin needs no introduction, but it deserves a proper one. Established in 1893, it was the first provincial park not just in Ontario but in all of Canada. At 7,635 square kilometres, it’s a wilderness the size of a small country — a rolling landscape of maple hills, rocky ridges, bogs, and over 2,400 lakes threaded together by classic Canadian canoe routes.
There are really two Algonquins. The first is the Highway 60 corridor, a 56-kilometre stretch through the park’s southwest corner where you’ll find eight drive-in campgrounds with roughly 492 frontcountry sites, 14 interpretive hiking trails, the exceptional Visitor Centre and Logging Museum, and the Art Centre. This is the Algonquin most families experience, and it’s outstanding. The second Algonquin is the vast interior, accessible only by paddle or on foot, where you can go days without seeing another person and over 1,000 backcountry sites await.
Along the Highway 60 corridor, campgrounds like Lake of Two Rivers and Mew Lake offer the best mix of amenities and scenery. Rock Lake, accessed via an 8-km gravel road, is farther from the highway and rewards that extra effort with quieter, more scenic surroundings. Several campgrounds offer electrical hookups. The park also has dog-free zones at Canisbay, Mew Lake, Pog Lake, and Achray for those who prefer pet-free sites.
Wildlife is a genuine highlight. Moose, black bears, wolves, beavers, and loons are all residents. The park’s famous “wolf howl” evenings, led by park staff, are bucket-list experiences. Fall colours in late September are some of the most spectacular in the province.
Practical note: there are only two trailer sanitation stations in the entire park, so RV campers should plan accordingly and allow extra time. Reservations open five months in advance, and summer sites between Canada Day and Labour Day are capped at seven consecutive nights.
| Location | Whitney, ON |
| Nightly Rate | $48–$58 |
| Number of Sites | 492 (frontcountry); 1,000+ (backcountry) |
| Google Rating | 4.8 / 5 |
| Hookups | Electrical (select campgrounds) |
| Season | May – October |
| Distance from London | 3.5 hours |
| Website | ontarioparks.com/park/algonquin |
Killbear Provincial Park: Georgian Bay’s Rocky Shoreline Masterpiece
USP: Camp within the UNESCO Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve across seven distinct campgrounds, where Canadian Shield granite meets sandy beaches and sunsets over the 30,000 Islands are among the most photographed in Ontario.
Killbear occupies a stunning peninsula on Georgian Bay near Parry Sound, where the landscape is pure Group of Seven painting — windswept white pines clinging to pink granite outcrops, turquoise water lapping against smooth rock, and sunsets that seem to last forever. The park’s famous “Killbear Tree,” a lone, wind-sculpted pine on a rock outcrop, has become an icon of Ontario camping.
The park has seven campgrounds with a whopping 886 sites — one of the largest Ontario Parks operations by campsite count. Each campground has its own designated beach (except Georgian campground). Beaver Dams campground is home to the coveted “Sunset Rock” viewing area. Kilcoursie offers all-electrical sites close to a Georgian Bay beach. Four campgrounds (Granite Saddle, Harold Point, Lighthouse Point, and Georgian) are radio-free zones for quieter camping.
Hiking highlights include the 3.5-km Lookout Point Trail, which delivers a breathtaking panorama of Georgian Bay at its midpoint, and the short Lighthouse Point Trail leading to the tip of Killbear Point. A 6-km recreational bike trail runs the full length of the park, separate from the main road. Harold’s Point is popular for cliff jumping, and the park has a dedicated dog beach near the group camping area.
Ecologically, Killbear is home to species you might not expect, including the eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Ontario’s only venomous snake), Blanding’s turtles, spotted turtles, and five-lined skinks. The Visitor Centre features live specimens including a massasauga rattlesnake and eastern foxsnake.
Be warned: Killbear is wildly popular and extremely difficult to book. Set your alarm for 7 AM exactly five months before your desired arrival date. Black bears are also common — store food properly and keep a clean camp.
| Location | Nobel, ON |
| Nightly Rate | $51–$58 |
| Number of Sites | 886 |
| Google Rating | 4.7 / 5 |
| Hookups | Electrical (select campgrounds) |
| Season | May – October |
| Distance from London | 4.5 hours |
| Website | ontarioparks.ca/park/killbear |
Bon Echo Provincial Park: Ancient Art Gallery on a 100-Metre Cliff
USP: Mazinaw Rock — a 100-metre cliff face rising straight out of the water, adorned with over 260 Indigenous pictographs dating back hundreds of years, making it one of the largest visible collections of rock art in Canada.
Bon Echo is one of those parks that punches far above its weight. It’s relatively small compared to giants like Algonquin, but the centrepiece — Mazinaw Rock — is one of the most visually stunning natural features in the province. The sheer cliff rises 100 metres out of Mazinaw Lake, Ontario’s seventh-deepest lake, and along its base, more than 260 red ochre pictographs painted by the Algonquian-speaking peoples depict human figures, animals, and abstract symbols. The site was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1982.
The only way to see the pictographs up close is from the water, either by paddling yourself (canoe, kayak, and SUP rentals are available) or by taking the Mugwump Ferry, a 12-passenger pontoon boat that crosses the narrows and also shuttles hikers to the Clifftop Trail dock. The Clifftop Trail climbs steeply to panoramic viewing areas above the narrows — it’s not long, but the stairs will test your legs, and the views from the top make it worthwhile.
The park offers car camping in two campgrounds — Mazinaw Lake (spanning three loops: Sawmill Bay, Midway, and Fairway) and Hardwood Hill (set in a maple-beech forest). Altogether, the park has about 530 sites. For a unique experience, consider the walk-in sites on Sawmill Bay, located right on the lake, or the Exploration Tents and yurts for those who want a roof but not a hotel. The historic Cabin on the Hill, an 1870s log cabin moved to its current location near the Visitor Centre, is available for rent and offers a view of Mazinaw Rock.
Backcountry campers can paddle to 25 canoe-in sites on Joeperry or Pearson Lakes, both motorboat-free. Mazinaw Lake itself is open for fishing — lake trout, pickerel, bass, whitefish, and northern pike are all present.
| Location | Cloyne, ON |
| Nightly Rate | $51–$58 |
| Number of Sites | 530 |
| Google Rating | 4.7 / 5 |
| Hookups | Electrical (select sites) |
| Season | May – October |
| Distance from London | 5 hours |
| Website | ontarioparks.com/park/bonecho |
Sandbanks Provincial Park: Beach Camping That Feels Like the Caribbean
USP: Home to the world’s largest freshwater bay-mouth barrier dune formation and three beaches so stunning that visitors regularly compare them to tropical destinations — right on the shores of Lake Ontario.
Sandbanks is the park that makes people do a double take. The turquoise water, the white sand, the towering dunes — it looks like it belongs on a Caribbean postcard, not in eastern Ontario. Located in Prince Edward County near Picton, the park protects the world’s largest freshwater bay-mouth barrier dune formation, a geological feature that stretches roughly 8 kilometres along the northern shore of Lake Ontario.
Three distinct beaches serve different moods. Outlet Beach is the most famous, with a two-kilometre stretch of soft white sand and shallow, gentle waters that make it ideal for families with small children. Dunes Beach on West Lake is flanked by 25-metre shifting sand dunes and offers warmer water with a steeper drop-off. Lakeshore Beach stretches a remarkable 7 km northward and tends to be less crowded. The park is also a significant bird migration stopover in spring and fall, making it a favourite for birders.
Camping is spread across five campground areas with 521 sites. Outlet River A is the crown jewel, with waterfront sites that sell out almost instantly. Cedars offers more sheltered, private sites. Richardson’s has a smaller selection of electrical sites. Cottages are available year-round for those seeking more comfort.
Beyond the park itself, Prince Edward County has blossomed into one of Ontario’s premier food and wine regions, with over 40 wineries, farm-to-table restaurants, artisan breweries, and cycling routes. Many campers use Sandbanks as a base for exploring “The County.”
Fair warning: Sandbanks is one of the busiest parks in the province, regularly reaching capacity by 10 AM on summer weekends. Day-use permits must be booked in advance. Camping reservations are among the hardest to get in the Ontario Parks system — book the instant the window opens.
| Location | Picton, ON (Prince Edward County) |
| Nightly Rate | $51–$58 |
| Number of Sites | 521 |
| Google Rating | 4.5 / 5 |
| Hookups | Electrical, Water |
| Season | May – October |
| Distance from London | 4.5 hours |
| Website | ontarioparks.com/park/sandbanks |
Presqu’ile Provincial Park: Lake Ontario’s Lighthouse and Marshland Gem
USP: A peninsula park on Lake Ontario featuring a historic lighthouse, extensive marshlands for birding, and one of the best migration viewing spots in the province.
Presqu’ile, near Brighton, juts out into Lake Ontario as a peninsula, creating a unique landscape of sandy beaches, forested uplands, and extensive marshland. The park’s historic lighthouse — one of the oldest on the Great Lakes — adds charm, and the marsh and beach habitats make this a premier birdwatching destination, particularly during spring and fall migration. With 394 sites and a 4.6 Google rating, it’s well-loved and well-maintained.
| Location | Brighton, ON |
| Nightly Rate | $51–$58 |
| Number of Sites | 394 |
| Google Rating | 4.6 / 5 |
| Season | May – October |
| Distance from London | 2.5 hours |
| Website | ontarioparks.com/park/presquile |
Rondeau Provincial Park: Ontario’s Carolinian Forest Crown Jewel
USP: One of only a few places in Canada where you can camp in a true Carolinian forest — a biome more common in the southern United States — with rare tree species, sandy beaches, and exceptional biodiversity.
Rondeau, located near Morpeth about an hour south of London, protects one of the northernmost Carolinian forests on the continent. This means species here — from tulip trees to sassafras — are rarities in Canada, creating a lush, almost southern atmosphere that feels different from any other Ontario park. The sandy beaches along Lake Erie are excellent, and the park is a hotspot for rare species including the prothonotary warbler and the eastern spiny softshell turtle. With 262 sites and strong ratings, it’s a nature lover’s campground with a distinctly different ecological character.
| Location | Morpeth, ON |
| Nightly Rate | $51–$58 |
| Number of Sites | 262 |
| Google Rating | 4.5 / 5 |
| Season | May – October |
| Distance from London | 1 hour |
| Website | ontarioparks.com/park/rondeau |
The Lake Erie Parks: Port Burwell, Long Point, Rock Point & Wheatley
Ontario’s Lake Erie shoreline is lined with smaller provincial parks, each with its own flavour. Here’s a quick comparison:
Port Burwell Provincial Park (Port Burwell, 1 hr from London) offers a quieter Lake Erie beach experience with a charming nearby village and a family-friendly atmosphere spread across three campgrounds. The lighthouse and harbour add character, and the beach itself is broad and sandy. 235 sites. Google rating: 4.3.
Long Point Provincial Park (Port Rowan, 1.5 hr from London) sits along the UNESCO-designated Long Point Biosphere Reserve, one of the most important migratory bird staging areas in the Great Lakes. The sandy beaches are excellent, and the birding is world-class, particularly during spring and fall migration. 185 sites. Google rating: 4.4.
Wheatley Provincial Park (Wheatley, 2 hr from London) combines a Lake Erie beach with excellent birding, fishing, and Carolinian forest trails. At 210 sites, it’s a quieter alternative to the bigger parks while still offering solid amenities. Google rating: 4.4.
Rock Point Provincial Park (Dunnville, 2 hr from London) is the angler’s pick. Perched on the Lake Erie waterfront with good boating access, it’s popular with fishing enthusiasts. The rocky shoreline is different from the sandy beaches to the west, giving it a distinct feel. 128 sites. Google rating: 4.2.
All four parks share Ontario Parks’ standard $51–$58 nightly rate range and offer electrical hookups, playgrounds, and proximity to Lake Erie beaches.
Part 3: Muskoka & Northern Ontario — Cottage Country Camping
Muskoka is Ontario’s cottage country heartland, and the campgrounds here trade corn fields and flat landscapes for granite, deep lakes, and boreal forest. These campgrounds are generally farther from London (2.5+ hours), but they deliver the kind of immersive natural beauty that flat terrain simply can’t match. Prices tend to run a bit higher, reflecting both the setting and the demand.
Camp Tamarack: The Premium Muskoka Lake Camping Experience
USP: A private Muskoka lake with skills-building programs, summer camp energy, and the kind of pristine waterfront you normally need a million-dollar cottage to access at an affordable price.
Camp Tamarack sits on a private Muskoka lake — a detail that alone sets it apart. No public boat launches, no jet skis, no competing cottagers — just clean water and the sound of loons. The property offers over 200 sites and runs skills-building programs that give the experience a summer camp vibe. At $65–$85 per night (the highest on our list), it’s a premium option, but the exclusivity of the lake access and the quality of the programming justify the price for many families. Google rating: 4.8 — the highest on our entire list.
| Location | Muskoka, ON |
| Nightly Rate | $65–$85 |
| Number of Sites | 200+ |
| Google Rating | 4.8 / 5 |
| Hookups | Electrical, Water |
| Pool | Yes |
| Season | May – September |
| Distance from London | 2.5 hours |
| Website | camptamarack.info |
Muskoka Falls Camp: Swim Beneath a Waterfall
USP: A small, intimate campground built around actual waterfalls and natural swimming pools — the most unique swimming experience on this list.
Muskoka Falls Camp near Kilworthy is tiny (only 80 sites) and deliberately so. The campground’s draws are its waterfalls and natural pools — features you simply can’t manufacture. The trails wind through scenic terrain, and the swimming is unlike anything you’ll find at a typical campground. If you want a smaller, more intimate experience over the sprawl of a large park, Muskoka Falls delivers. At $55–$75 per night with a 4.7 Google rating, it’s well-regarded for the experience it provides.
| Location | Kilworthy, ON |
| Nightly Rate | $55–$75 |
| Number of Sites | 80 |
| Google Rating | 4.7 / 5 |
| Season | May – October |
| Distance from London | 2.5 hours |
| Website | muskokafalls.ca |
High Falls Bay: Waterfalls Meet Waterpark
USP: The only Muskoka campground that combines natural High Falls waterfalls with a beachfront waterpark and chalet rentals — nature and fun in equal measure.
High Falls Bay in Bracebridge splits the difference between a nature retreat and a family resort. The property sits on the Muskoka River near High Falls — a genuine waterfall — and pairs that natural beauty with a beachfront waterpark, heated pool, and chalet rentals. With 150 sites, it’s mid-sized, and the blend of natural features and built amenities makes it a strong option for families where some members want to explore and others want a waterslide. $55–$75 per night. Google rating: 4.6.
Arrowhead Provincial Park: Muskoka on a Provincial Park Budget
USP: Three sand beaches on a motorboat-free lake with 15 km of hiking trails — all the beauty of Muskoka at Ontario Parks pricing, without the buzz of powerboats — and open year-round.
Arrowhead, near Huntsville, is the budget-conscious Muskoka pick. Three sand beaches on a motorboat-free lake deliver the pristine swimming and paddling experience that defines cottage country, and 15 km of trails offer solid hiking. At the standard Ontario Parks rate of $51–$58, it’s significantly cheaper than the private Muskoka campgrounds while delivering a comparable natural setting. Open year-round for those who enjoy winter camping, snowshoeing, or the park’s famous skating trail. 200 sites. Google rating: 4.6.
Santa’s Whispering Pines: Themed Weekends on the Muskoka River
USP: A 250-site family campground on the Muskoka River with themed weekends, an on-site store, and a year-round Christmas-adjacent charm.
Yes, the name raises eyebrows. But Santa’s Whispering Pines in Bracebridge is a well-established family campground on the Muskoka River that’s earned a 4.5 Google rating through solid execution. Themed weekends throughout the season (Halloween in August, Christmas in July, and so on) keep things lively for families, and the on-site store is well-stocked. Full hookups, WiFi, a pool, and a playground round out the amenities. At $45–$60 per night, it’s among the more affordable Muskoka options.
Muskoka Ridge: Trans Canada Trail Access
USP: Direct access to the Trans Canada Trail and Lake Muskoka — ideal for hikers and cyclists who want trail access from their campsite door.
Muskoka Ridge in Bracebridge puts you right on the Trans Canada Trail with Lake Muskoka nearby. The 120-site property offers a pool, full hookups, and a solid 4.5 Google rating. At $50–$70 per night, it’s mid-range for Muskoka. The trail access is the real differentiator — you can hike or cycle directly from your site without driving anywhere.
Part 4: Eastern Ontario: The Ottawa Region and St. Lawrence Corridor
Heading east from Toronto toward Ottawa and the St. Lawrence River opens up a different camping landscape. The parks here tend to draw from a different crowd than the Muskoka and Georgian Bay destinations, and availability can be better as a result.
Wesley Clover Parks: Urban Camping in the Nation’s Capital
USP: The only campground that puts you 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa and Parliament Hill, with glamping cabins and Ottawa Greenbelt access.
Wesley Clover Parks is for campers who want to combine an outdoor trip with urban exploration. Located in the Ottawa Greenbelt, the 200-site campground offers traditional sites alongside glamping cabins, and you’re a 20-minute drive from Parliament Hill, the National Gallery, and the ByWard Market. It’s a smart base for families who want to spend days sightseeing and evenings around a campfire. Full hookups and WiFi are available. $38–$55 per night. Google rating: 4.4.
| Location | Ottawa, ON |
| Nightly Rate | $38–$55 |
| Number of Sites | 200 |
| Google Rating | 4.4 / 5 |
| Season | May – October |
| Distance from London | 4 hours |
| Website | wesleycloverparks.com |
Cardinal / Ottawa South KOA — Gateway to the 1000 Islands
USP: A full-service KOA in the heart of the 1000 Islands region with a splash pad, pool, mini putt, and easy access to one of Ontario’s most scenic waterways.
The Cardinal KOA near Brockville is ideally positioned for exploring the Thousand Islands, one of Ontario’s most beautiful and underrated regions. The campground itself is fully loaded — pool, splash pad, mini putt, playground, WiFi — and at 150 sites it’s large enough to offer variety without feeling impersonal. At $45–$65 per night, it’s priced competitively for a KOA. Google rating: 4.6.
Upper Canada Campground — History and River Views
USP: Camp beside the St. Lawrence River with easy access to Upper Canada Village, a living history museum that transports you to the 1860s.
Located in Morrisburg, Upper Canada Campground puts you on the St. Lawrence River with 250 sites, pools, a beach, and — most compellingly — proximity to Upper Canada Village, one of Canada’s premier living history museums. If your family enjoys both camping and cultural experiences, this is a rare two-for-one. The museum recreates life in an 1860s village with costumed interpreters, working mills, and heritage buildings. $42–$58 per night. Google rating: 4.5.
Quick Comparison Table: All 28 Campgrounds at a Glance
| Campground | Location | $/Night | Sites | Rating | Pool | Elec. | WiFi | Dist. | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fanshawe CA | London | $45–55 | 560 | 4.5 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 10 min | Close-to-city camping |
| Riverview | Thorndale | $40–50 | 100 | 4.5 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 5 min | River camping + cabins |
| Shady Pines | Ailsa Craig | $38–48 | 109 | 4.6 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 20 min | Family community, golf |
| Windmill Family | Woodstock | $40–50 | 200 | 4.4 | Yes | Yes | No | 30 min | Kids’ activities |
| Campers Corner | London | $35–45 | 75 | 4.3 | No | Yes | Yes | 10 min | RV stopover |
| Maple Grove | Thamesford | $35–45 | 150 | 4.5 | No | Yes | No | 25 min | Quiet retreat |
| Duttona Family | Rodney | $42–52 | 180 | 4.7 | No | Yes | No | 45 min | Lake Erie cliff views |
| Willow Lake | Woodstock | $38–48 | 250 | 4.5 | No | Yes | Yes | 35 min | Fishing from camp |
| Happy Hills | Tillsonburg | $45–55 | 500 | 4.6 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 40 min | Large resort feel |
| Rock Glen | Arkona | $50–75 | 100+ | 4.7 | No | Yes | Yes | 40 min | Waterfall views |
| Pinery PP | Grand Bend | $51–58 | ~1,000 | 4.6 | No | Yes | VC | 1 hr | Beach & rare ecosystems |
| Algonquin PP | Whitney | $48–58 | 492 | 4.8 | No | Yes | No | 3.5 hr | Wilderness & canoeing |
| Killbear PP | Nobel | $51–58 | 886 | 4.7 | No | Yes | No | 4.5 hr | Georgian Bay beauty |
| Bon Echo PP | Cloyne | $51–58 | 530 | 4.7 | No | Yes | No | 5 hr | Mazinaw Rock |
| Sandbanks PP | Picton | $51–58 | 521 | 4.5 | No | Yes | No | 4.5 hr | World-class dunes |
| Presqu’ile PP | Brighton | $51–58 | 394 | 4.6 | No | Yes | No | 2.5 hr | Lighthouse & birding |
| Rondeau PP | Morpeth | $51–58 | 262 | 4.5 | No | Yes | No | 1 hr | Carolinian forest |
| Port Burwell PP | Port Burwell | $51–58 | 235 | 4.3 | No | Yes | No | 1 hr | Quiet beach town |
| Wheatley PP | Wheatley | $51–58 | 210 | 4.4 | No | Yes | No | 2 hr | Beach & birding |
| Long Point PP | Port Rowan | $51–58 | 185 | 4.4 | No | Yes | No | 1.5 hr | UNESCO birding |
| Rock Point PP | Dunnville | $51–58 | 128 | 4.2 | No | Yes | No | 2 hr | Fishing & boating |
| Camp Tamarack | Muskoka | $65–85 | 200+ | 4.8 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2.5 hr | Private lake luxury |
| Muskoka Falls | Kilworthy | $55–75 | 80 | 4.7 | No | Yes | No | 2.5 hr | Waterfalls & swimming |
| High Falls Bay | Bracebridge | $55–75 | 150 | 4.6 | Yes | Yes | No | 2.5 hr | Waterfall + waterpark |
| Arrowhead PP | Huntsville | $51–58 | 200 | 4.6 | No | Yes | No | 2.5 hr | Budget Muskoka |
| Santa’s Pines | Bracebridge | $45–60 | 250 | 4.5 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2.5 hr | Themed weekends |
| Muskoka Ridge | Bracebridge | $50–70 | 120 | 4.5 | Yes | Yes | No | 2.5 hr | Trail access |
| Wesley Clover | Ottawa | $38–55 | 200 | 4.4 | No | Yes | Yes | 4 hr | Urban camping |
| Cardinal KOA | Cardinal | $45–65 | 150 | 4.6 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 4.5 hr | 1000 Islands gateway |
| Upper Canada | Morrisburg | $42–58 | 250 | 4.5 | Yes | Yes | No | 4.5 hr | History + St. Lawrence |
How to Choose: Campground Picks by Camper Type
Best for First-Time Campers in London Ontario Canada
Riverview Campground, or Fanshawe Conservation Area Both are close to civilization (so a forgotten camping gear can be picked up at a camping store quickly), have full amenities, and offer a gentle introduction to outdoor sleeping. Riverview’s cabins are a great stepping-stone for families not yet ready to commit to a tent, while Windmill’s organized activities give structure to an unfamiliar experience.
Best for Serious Nature Lovers
Algonquin Provincial Park (backcountry) or Rondeau Provincial Park. Algonquin’s interior is the crown jewel for paddlers and wildlife enthusiasts. Rondeau is the pick for those fascinated by rare ecosystems — its Carolinian forest is unlike anything else in the province.
Best for Families with Young Children
Shady Pines Campgrounds or Cardinal KOA. Shady Pines’ golf course, pools, and small-town atmosphere are built for family bonding. The KOA adds splash pads and mini putt with the bonus of 1000 Islands day trips.
Best for Beach Lovers
Sandbanks Provincial Park or Pinery Provincial Park. Sandbanks has the dunes and the Caribbean-like water. Pinery has the sunsets and the Lake Huron surf. You can’t go wrong with either — but you need to book months in advance.
Best for RV Travellers
Campers Corner (quick stopover) or Happy Hills Resort (extended stay). Campers Corner is purpose-built for easy highway access. Happy Hills’ 500 sites and 135 acres give big rigs room to breathe.
Best for Budget Camping
Campers Corner at $35–$45 per night is the cheapest option on the list. Among provincial parks, Algonquin starts at $48 — a remarkable value for what you get. Maple Grove Christian Retreat also comes in at $35–$45.
Best for a Luxury-Feel Experience
Camp Tamarack in Muskoka. A private lake, skills programming, and a 4.8 Google rating — the highest on this list. At $65–$85 per night, you’re paying for exclusivity, and you get it.
Best for Photography
Killbear Provincial Park. The windswept pines, pink granite, and Georgian Bay sunsets are the reason cameras were invented. Bon Echo’s Mazinaw Rock is a close second.
Best for History Buffs
Upper Canada Campground. Camp on the St. Lawrence and spend your days at Upper Canada Village, one of the finest living history museums in the country. Bon Echo also qualifies, with its 260+ Indigenous pictographs — some dating back over 1,000 years.
Booking Tips & Practical Advice
Provincial Parks
All Ontario Provincial Parks use the same reservation system at reservations.ontarioparks.ca. Reservations open exactly five months before your arrival date, and for popular parks like Sandbanks, Killbear, and Pinery, sites can sell out within minutes. Set an alarm for 7:00 AM Eastern on your booking day and have your account pre-loaded with payment information.
Between Canada Day and Labour Day, many provincial parks cap stays at 7 consecutive nights. The rest of the season, you can book up to 23 nights. Long weekends typically require a 3-night minimum stay.
Conservation Areas
Fanshawe and other UTRCA conservation areas use their own booking system via 1-866-ONT-CAMP. Similar minimum-stay rules apply on long weekends.
Private Campgrounds
Most private campgrounds accept reservations by phone or through platforms like Campspot. Policies vary by operator, so check cancellation terms before booking. Many private parks have a mix of seasonal (full-season) and transient (nightly) sites — call ahead to confirm nightly availability, especially in peak season.
General Tips
Arrive early on check-in day if you want the best site selection, especially at parks with first-come, first-served overflow areas. Bring more firewood than you think you’ll need — buying it at the campground is always more expensive. And always, always check for fire bans before your trip, particularly during dry summer stretches.
Final Thoughts
Ontario camping isn’t a single experience — it’s dozens. A night at Killbear, watching the sun melt into Georgian Bay from a slab of billion-year-old granite, has almost nothing in common with a weekend at Shady Pines, where kids are doing cannonballs in the pool and someone’s dad is three-putting on hole five. And that’s exactly the point.
The campgrounds on this list range from $35 to $85 per night, from 75 sites to nearly 1,000, from 5-minute drives to 5-hour road trips. Some are for solitude seekers. Others are for the family that measures a good vacation by how many times the kids said “again!” Every one of them earned its place on this list because it does something genuinely well.
Pick the one that matches what you’re looking for, book early, pack the marshmallows, and get out there. Ontario’s campgrounds aren’t going anywhere — but the good sites go fast.
Have you camped at any of these spots? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below. And if we’ve missed your favourite campground, let us know — we’re always adding to our guides.
