Learn to Camp

Choosing Your Park

The first step in planning any camping trip is to choose where you want to go. Did you know that Ontario Parks provides visitor services at more than 100 Provincial Parks across the province?

Ask yourself these two questions:

1. How far do I want to travel?

You can travel a long way but parks are close to home too. In fact, there are 21 parks within 200 km of the Greater Toronto Area!

To help narrow your search decide how far you want to travel for your camping experience.

2. What’s my camping style?

Every Park offers something different. To help narrow your search think about the facilities and services that will suit your needs. Here are a few things to think about:

1. Accommodation options
   • Car Camping (with a tent or RV/trailer) - Drive right up to your own campsite equipped with a fire pit, a picnic table and optional amenities such as electricity. Washroom facilities and water taps are located nearby.
   • Roofed Accommodation - No tent? No problem! Ontario Parks offers a range of roofed accommodations from cabins to yurts (soft sided structures on a wooden base complete with beds, electricity, heat and a bbq outside for cooking).
   • Backcountry Camping (paddling or hiking) - Accessible only by foot or boat, these sites have rustic facilities.

2. Activities

   • Do you want a great beach, Natural Heritage Education Programs or beautiful hiking opportunities? There are a wide range of fun activities available at parks. Check out ‘Fun in the Park’ for ideas

3. Facilities and Services
   • Do you need things like electricity at the campsite, showers, radio-free areas or pet beaches?

4. Equipment Rentals
   • Would you like to have extras available to rent such as boats, lifejackets, or fishing tackle?

With the answers to these questions you can use our Park Locator tool to find the perfect park for your camping trip. Search by distance, accommodation, activities, facilities and services.

Make a reservation

We recommend you make a reservation to guarantee there will be a campsite waiting for you when you arrive. Reservations can be made up to 5 months in advance of your visit.
Reservations can be made online or by phone (1-888-ONT-PARK).

Tip: You can view campground maps and photos of most campsites using our online reservation system.

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