The Best Campgrounds in Ontario for Families

The Best Campgrounds in Ontario for Families

We are no strangers to camping in Ontario! We have stayed at 42 provincial parks so far and compiled this list based on our experiences, park amenities, and features nearby. If your favorite campground isn’t on this list, send me a message—we’re always looking for new campgrounds to explore!

What Makes a Good Campsite?

Everyone’s idea of the perfect campsite is different. Since we camp with babies and toddlers, waterfront sites aren’t always our top pick. Instead, when selecting our ideal site, we look for:

✅ Sun protection (because tiny humans nap!)

✅ Minimal bugs (proximity to swamps = mosquito central!)

✅ Flat ground (nobody likes sleeping on a slope)

✅ Trees for hammocks (because naps are better in the trees)

✅ Privacy & noise levels (distance from busy roads & other sites)

✅ Overall site size (room to play, set up a tent, and relax!)

Of course, having the right gear for the season is just as important—we’ll cover that in the next blog post.

But for now, let’s dive into our favorite campgrounds in Ontario!

🏕️ 1. Algonquin Provincial Park

Starting strong with Ontario’s oldest and most famous provincial park! With 12 front-country campgrounds, plus backcountry hiking and canoe routes, Algonquin has something for every camper.

We have stayed in five of the front-country campgrounds, paddled into the backcountry, and even hiked the entire Eastern Pines Backpacking Loop.

Our top picks?

⭐ Achray Campground – Secluded, stunning lake views, and inspiration for the famous Tom Thomson paintings!

⭐ Pog Lake Campground – Spacious, shaded, and great for families.

⭐ Canisbay Lake Campground – Ideal for canoeing, plus the beach is perfect for kids.

Unique Features:

🔹 Mew Lake Campground is open year-round, offering winter camping and heated yurts!

🔹 14 interpretive hiking trails along Highway 60, ranging from easy strolls to rugged backcountry hikes.

🔹 Visitor Centre & Discovery Programs – A must-do for kids!

If you want a mix of adventure and accessibility, Algonquin is unbeatable.

🌄 2. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

If you’ve ever wondered why people road trip all the way to Thunder Bay, Sleeping Giant is the answer!

We spent 6 nights here in 2021, and our daughter still asks when we’re going back. With over 100 km of hiking trails, biking paths, and jaw-dropping scenery, it’s no surprise this park is a family favorite.

Must-Do Activities:

🏕️ Tee Harbour Backpacking Site – A dream spot for a family-friendly backpacking trip!

🥾 Top Trails:

✔ Kabeyun Trail – A breathtaking hike along Lake Superior.

✔ Sea Lion Trail – Short and rewarding with epic rock formations.

Nearby Attractions:

🚙 Ouimet Canyon – A massive gorge with epic views.

🌉 Eagle Canyon – Walk across Canada’s longest suspension bridge!

💎 Amethyst Mining – Kids love digging for their own crystals.

💦 Kakabeka Falls – Ontario’s second-largest waterfall.

Plus, the sunsets over Lake Superior are unreal. If Northern Ontario is on your radar, this park is a must.

🏖️ 3. Neys Provincial Park

Located on Lake Superior’s Ashburton Bay, Neys Provincial Park is a hidden gem. With 2 km of soft, sandy beaches and shallow water, it’s one of the few places where swimming in Superior is actually comfortable!

Why We Love It:

🏕️ Beachfront & wooded campsites – Choose between gorgeous lake views or shaded forest sites.

🥾 Top Hikes:

✔ Pic Island Overlook – A stunning panoramic view (even featured in Group of Seven paintings!).

✔ Under the Volcano Trail – A unique hike through ancient volcanic rock formations.

If you want a quiet Northern Ontario escape with epic hikes and a swimmable beach, Neys is a perfect pick.

⛺ 4. Farran Park – Parks of the St. Lawrence

Farran Park is part of the Parks of the St. Lawrence system and a fantastic alternative to Ontario’s provincial parks.

Why It’s Great for Families:

🏖️ Beautiful sandy beach on the St. Lawrence River.

🎢 Tons of nearby attractions – including Upper Canada Village, Fort Henry, and 1000 Islands Boat Tours!

🚲 Biking trails galore – Ride between multiple parks and towns on scenic trails.

🛶 Boating & paddling – The calm river makes this a great place to kayak.

This park doesn’t get as crowded as some provincial parks, but it has just as much to offer!

🌿 5. Rondeau Provincial Park

If you love wildlife, birding, and sandy beaches, Rondeau Provincial Park is a dream.

Why We Love It:

🌳 Second-oldest provincial park in Ontario!

🦆 Incredible wildlife – Home to rare bird species, deer, and even raccoons that think they own the place!

🚲 Great for biking – The flat trails are perfect for little ones.

Bonus: This is one of Ontario’s best birdwatching parks—especially in the spring during migration season!

Final Thoughts

With over 300 provincial parks and dozens of private campgrounds, Ontario is full of amazing places to camp.

Whether you’re looking for backcountry adventures, family-friendly beaches, or quiet spots to relax, this list has something for everyone.

🚐 Where should we camp next?

If your favorite campground isn’t on this list, let us know! We’re always looking for new places to explore.

💬 Have questions?

Drop a comment or send me a message—I’m happy to help with trip planning!

Happy camping! 🏕️✨