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Car camping campsite with RV and tent

Car Camping at Ontario Parks

Family camping is one of the great summer traditions in Ontario. If camping is not already part of your family’s summer schedule, perhaps this is the year to try it for the first time. Ontario has over 100 provincial parks across the province that offer car camping. What do we mean by car camping? Car camping allows you to drive right up to campsite which is located in a group of other campsites. Most parks are open from late spring (May or June) until autumn (Labour Day or Thanksgiving weekend). Check individual park listings for operating dates. For those who want to try their hand at cooler weather camping, a few parks such as Algonquin, MacGregor Point, Pinery, and Killarney offer camping year-round.

Camping Tips

Ontario Parks Camping

Selecting a Park

The first thing you need to do before coming to Ontario Parks is to decide just what park you would like to visit. The park locator can help make your selection easier. Would you like a park with a great beach, do you want a park that’s close to home, or do you want to dip a line into a local waterway. Use the park locator to select a park based on its distance from home or by the activities and facilities that you want during your visit. Seasoned park visitors should use the locator to find new parks that have all of the things that they love about their favourite park. You might also want to check out our annual Parks Guide. A PDF version is available online or you can pick one up at your local Ontario Park or tourism information centre.

Reserving a Campsite

You can reserve a campsite at most parks five months in advance of your date of arrival. Reservations can be made online or by contacting our call centre at 1-888-ONT-PARK. Some of our most popular parks such as Killbear, Sandbanks and Pinery do fill up quickly but many other parks will have sites available.

Arriving at a park

When you first arrive at a park you will have to check in, unless otherwise stated in your confirmation letter indicating the park you’re visiting does not require campers to check in and you are to proceed directly to your campsite.

For those that require check in, you may have to park your vehicle and walk a short distance to register or you might drive up to the registration window. Check for signs as you enter the park.  Have your license plate and campsite occupant names ready and the gate attendant will provide you a permit for the dash of your vehicle and campsite post. The gate attendant will also hand you a park map and provide directions for finding your campsite. After hours or during the quieter seasons there may not be an attendant at the gate. Instructions will be posted on how to register for your campsite.

What to expect at your campsite

Your campsite comes equipped with a picnic table and a fire pit with grate. There will also be a level area to set up your camping equipment. The size of the campsite, the proximity to neighbours and the amount of sun and shade varies from park to park. The Ontario Parks reservation system includes detailed descriptions of all reservable campsites and pictures, so you’ll know what to expect. Water taps are found at regular locations throughout each campground. Unless a sign is posted saying otherwise, all water is suitable for drinking and is tested on a regular basis and overseen by the local Health Unit. If you are staying at a campsite with electrical service, a 15/30 amp electrical pedestal will be located near your campsite. Often pedestals are shared between two campsites. You should plan on bringing a long extension cord with you to reach the pedestal. Washroom facilities, either at comfort stations or vault privies will be a short walk from your campsite.

Other Amenities

A garbage disposal station(s) is available at every park. Please do your part to keep Ontario Parks clean. Recycling facilities are available at many parks however this may depend on the services of the local municipality. Many parks also have trailer dumping stations. Most parks have firewood and ice available for sale. If not, these items will usually be available close to the park. A few parks have full park stores offering groceries, other camping supplies, fast food and that summer treat…ice cream. Many parks offer equipment rentals such as canoes, bicycles, and paddle boats. Free to borrow with a deposit, many parks also have fishing gear and personal flotation devices to offer visitors. Some parks offer pet exercise and swimming areas. Check individual parks listings to see what other amenities are available at the park that you are visiting.