There are many beautiful areas where you can enjoy overnight or multi-week stays immersed in nature near Toronto.
For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts who are looking to escape the daily grind of the city, check out 25 places to go camping within 2.5 hours of downtown Toronto.
You may also like: 25 of the best Ontario Parks to go camping
I. Within GTA
Sibbald Point Provincial Park
Find yourself basking on the beach of Lake Simcoe, within this radio-free campsite. There are grassy picnic areas and forested hiking trails to explore, as well as spacious sites in which to set up trailers. Historians will love the Sibbald Family Museum and boaters will enjoy easy access to parking and boat launches.
Address: 26071 Park Rd, Jacksons Point
Dates: Camping available from May 12, 2023 to October 10, 2023
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Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Bronte Creek is a fantastic choice for family camping adventures. Kids will love the Children’s Farm, as well as the 1.8-acre outdoor pool. Or you can try your hand at Disco golf, with its many courses available. If visiting during the winter season, there are also fun, seasonal activities to choose from, such as tobogganing and cross country skiing, available.
Address: 1219 Burloak Dr, Oakville
Dates: Roofed and overnight accommodations from May 12, 2023 to October 22, 2023
Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area
Experience a rustic adventure at Rattlesnake Point. This is a great location for those who enjoy the adventure of tent camping, with the absence of city distractions. Hikers and rock climbers will find many great trails and hills to explore, and your family can enjoy such comforts as on-site showers, washrooms, and general facilities.
Address: 7200 Appleby Line, Milton
Dates: Camping available year-round. Showers and washrooms closed from November-April.
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Kelso Conservation Area
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the many rental options available to campers who visit Kelso. Besides a 3.97-kilometer park and beautiful beach, campers can rent canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and paddleboats. Enjoy a dip in Lake Kelso or visit the boardwalk with its offerings of various concession stands.
Address: 5234 Kelso Rd, Milton
Dates: Campsites are available from spring until fall.
Albion Hills Conservation Area
Head to the hills that boasts of great mountain biking trails for an exciting camping adventure. Camp among 234 serviced sites that offer general amenities and a Campground Store for all of your basic needs. For those who prefer not to ‘unplug,’ you can access WiFi within the Chalet. Kids will love the Children’s play area and the pool; enjoy a bonfire around the fire pits, and be sure to bring your pets (just ensure that they are attended at all times). There
Address: 16500 Peel Regional Rd 50, Caledon
Dates: Camping available from May 12 – October 15, 2023.
Darlington Provincial Park
The Darlington Park is a perfect location for family camping. There are lovely beaches of Lake Ontario with gentle waters that are safe for all swimming levels. Stroll along the many nature paths or treat your family to exciting, interpretive programming. Bask under the sun and take a dip in Lake Ontario.
Dates: Camping available from May 5, 2023 to October 10, 2023
Address: 1600 Darlington Park Rd, Bowmanville
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II. In Hamilton
Fifty Point Conservation Area
If you want to enjoy fishing, boating and camping, then Fifty Point Conservation Area is the perfect place to go. Camping at Fifty Point will provide stunning views of the marina in Stoney Creek. This massive 80-hectare park proudly boasts one of the cleanest and warmest beaches. In particular, campers and boaters will adore the marina’s facilities, including 320 docking stations, washrooms, and a laundry mat. You can also take a stroll along the promenade to enjoy local summer offerings.
Address: 1479 Baseline Rd, Hamilton
Dates: Camping is available from April to November
Valens Lake Conservation Area
Experience the many hiking and bike paths available throughout the expansive 750 acres of land; there are 10 kilometers of trails and a 300-meter boardwalk to explore. There is also a lovely sandy beach with a store nearby for your convenience. There is also fantastic fishing along the shoreline and the docks, including Northern Pike and Largemouth Bass. Please note: Valens Lake is a fish sanctuary, and fishing will be closed from April 1 until the 4th Saturday in June.
Address: 1691 Regional Road 97, Flamborough
Dates: Year-round camping with reservations available from April 1 to October 31
III. Southwestern Ontario
Elora Gorge
The Grand River is home to the Elora Gorge, a stunning water body perfect for swimming, kayaking, and tubing. There are 320 campsites in total, 250 of which are fully serviced. This popular tourist area provides a 47-kilometer biking trail and a 3-kilometer hiking path that will offer incredible views of the 22-meter gorge. The terrain can be slippery and rocky, so be sure to dress in proper footwear.
Address: 7400 Wellington County Rd 21, Elora
Dates: Camping is available from May 1 to October 15.
Rockwood Park Conservation Area
Discover guided nature programs, 200km of hiking trails and nine different beaches. In particular, Rockwood Park is home to natural wonders such as glacial potholes and limestone cliffs. Rent a canoe and explore the Eramosa River or venture among the ruins of Harris & Co. Rockwood Woolen Mill.
Address: 161 Fall Street South. Rockwood
Dates/season: Camping available from May 1-October 15
Craigleith Provincial Park
Craigleith Provincial Park showcases the best of Georgian Bay – with an intriguing shoreline, that contains a mix of 450 million-year-old fossils and fractured shale pieces. Experience the south shore of Georgian Bay, which is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, paddle-boating and windsurfing. Campers can hike or bike up the Bruce Trail or visit the Blue Mountain Village. There are fantastic camping options for everyone, including RV’s and tents. Those with a vehicle will also gain access to Wasaga Beach.
Address: 209403 ON-26, The Blue Mountains
Dates: Camping available from April 14, 2023 to October 22, 2023
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Rock Point Provincial Park
Discover the ancient fossils of the coral reef, which date back 350 million years ago. Campers will also enjoy the unique monarch butterfly migration, which occurs at Rock Point Park in the fall. Explore the 2 kilometer hiking trail that leads to an excellent viewing point of the sand dunes.
Address: 215 Niece Rd, Dunnville
Dates: Camping available from May 12, 2023 to October 10, 2023
Sandhill Park
Home to sand dunes towering some 450 feet above the north shore of Lake Erie, this family-friendly campsite offers fantastic views of Lake Erie, and activities for all ages, from nature trails and beach shuttle buses to kids’ programming and live entertainment. Check out pickerel and perch Fishing, party boats for Rent, golf courses, bird sanctuaries, and more!
Address: 930 Lakeshore Rd, Port Burwell
Dates/season: Seasonal camping sites are available from March 1-December 31.
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Selkirk Provincial Park
If you are looking for a campsite that offers a peaceful and serene experience, look no further than Selkirk Provincial Park. The area offers quiet sites spread out among velvety grass. Only a 15-minute drive east of Port Dover, the large campground provides a day picnic area as well as boardwalk that travels across Wheeler’s Walk Trail.
Address: 151 Wheeler’s Sideroad, Selkirk
Dates: Camping is available from May 19, 2023 to October 10, 2023
IV. Central & Eastern Ontario
Warsaw Caves Conservation Area
If you are a caving fan (or spelunking), the Warsaw Caves Conservation Area offers 7 different caves to explore within the park. There are 15 kilometers of hiking trails to travel, which will lead you to a scenic of the Indian River Valley or glide down the Indian River on a canoe or kayak.
Address: 289 Caves Rd, Warsaw, Township of Douro-Dummer
Dates: Camping is available from Friday, May 12 – Monday, October 9, 2023.
Presqu’ile Provincial Park
Prequi’ile Provincial Park is home to over 338 bird species and a large marsh area that spans approximately 1 kilometer across Lake Ontario. Campers can explore 2.5 miles of sandy beaches but will need to leave their fur babies at home as dogs are not permitted. Hike along 16 kilometers of trails or check out Nature Center and Lighthouse Center, which is open during the summer months.
Address: 328 Presqu’Ile Pkwy, Brighton
Dates: Roofed and overnight accommodations available from April 28, 2023 to October 31, 2023
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Sandbanks Provincial Park
Sandbanks Provincial Park is home to the world’s largest bay mouth dune formation, and families will love the choice of 3 sandy beaches with their gentle, shallow waters. Explore various activities around Prince Edward County, such as biking and wineries, or check out the many interpretive programs available during the summer season.
Address: 3004 County Rd 12, Picton, ON K0K 2T0
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Dates: Day use and overnight accommodations from April 28, 2023 to October 31, 2023 with year-round roofed accommodations.
Depot Lakes
Depot Lakes within the Quinte Conservation Area offers both backcountry and seasonal camping. For backcountry campers, ensure that you have access to a boat, as interior camping grounds are only accessible by water. Explore hiking trails and check out the stunning wildlife views. Amenities include access to firewood, a boat launch and crystal-clear waters for swimming.
Address: 1662 2nd Lake Rd, Godfrey
Dates: Camping reservations begin March 1.
Awenda Provincial Park
Find tranquillity among the 2900 hectares of land along the Georgian Bay. There are 31 kilometres of trails to explore and an interior lake for swimming and canoeing. Since the grounds offer pet-free and radio-free camping, you can bask freely in the silence of nature. Also, there are many interpretive programs available during the summer months.
Address: 670 Awenda Park Rd, Tiny
Dates: Camping is available from May 12, 2023 to October 10, 2023
Balsam Lake Provincial Park
Boaters will love access to the Trent Severn Waterway, and anglers will find fantastic fishing with waters full of Walleye, Muskellunge, Large and Small Mouth Bass. Find yourself strolling along the many easy walking trails or visit the gift shop for memorable trinkets. There is also a 4-bedroom cottage rental available near the water for those who prefer a’ glamping’ experience.
Address: 2238 Kawartha Lakes County Rd 48, Kirkfield
Dates: Camping is available from May 12, 2023 to October 31, 2023
Bass Lake Provincial Park
Explore 2.8 kilometres of hiking trails or swim along the sandy beaches of Bass Lake. Campers in the area will enjoy canoe, kayak and paddle-boat rentals. For those who want to sight-see, there are attractions nearby, such as the Springwater Provincial Park, Discovery Harbor, Saint Marie among the Hurons, Wye Marsh and Casino Rama.
Address: 2540 Bass Lake Side Rd E, Orillia
Dates: Camping is available from May 12, 2023 to October 10, 2023
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Earl Rowe Provincial Park
Earl Rowe offers accessible hiking trails with great opportunities for fishing and outdoor water activities. From July 1 until Labor Day, there is a large swimming pool and a large selection of camping styles available, from RV to car camping as well as large sites for group camping. Be sure to check out the fish ladder to view the annual salmon spawning.
Address: 4998 Concession Rd 7, Alliston, ON L9R 1W1
Dates: Camping is available from May 12, 2023 to October 10, 2023
Ferris Provincial Park
Ferris Park offers an amazing view of Ranney Falls with a suspension bridge for pedestrians. Nature lovers will adore the beautiful woodland wildflowers along the Drumlin Trail, and hikers can explore over 10 kilometres of trails. Campers can choose between wooded, open car and RV campsites.
Address: 474 County Rd 8, Campbellford
Dates: Camping is available from May 12, 2023, to October 10, 2023
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Emily Provincial Park
Travel to the heart of the Kawarthas for a family camping adventure. The Trent Severn Waterway offers fantastic fishing opportunities, as well as boating and paddling. Your camping crew will love the sandy beach and all of the activities that this recreational park as to offer.
Address: 797 Emily Park Rd, Omemee
Dates: Camping is available from May 12, 2023 to October 10, 2023
MacRae Provincial Park
Experience the sandy shores near Lake Simcoe when camping at MacRae Provincial Park. The area offers boat rentals and great places for swimming, as well as 1.2 kilometer hiking trail. There are also convenient amenities such as gas stations, stores and a novelty ice cream shop nearby. For those who like to enjoy some extra-curricular activities, Casino Rama is only a 15-minute drive away.
Address: 4366 McRae Park Rd, Longford Mills
Dates: Camping available from May 12, 2023 to October 10, 2023