By Natalie Wednesday, June 11, 2025

This one is for all our families who love camping. Have you started planning your Spring and Summer outdoor adventures yet? Key words here is to plan ahead as reservations fill up fast! One of our favourite ways to explore the Province and all its natural beauty is camping in the various campgrounds in each region. Ontario has so many unique nature parks with tons of outdoor activities, hiking trails and beaches that you can camp at.  Explore the parks and surrounding areas during the day and relax at night by a campfire while staring at the beautiful night sky! What better way to take in the beauty of our province while enjoying our Spring and Summer months with your family. We’ve put together some great spots you can add to your list this year.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort – Niagara Falls

If your kids love themed fun, this is the ultimate family camping spot! Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park near Niagara Falls is packed with kid-focused activities, character visits, waterslides, a splash pad, wagon rides, mini-golf, and themed weekends all summer long. It’s not just camping—it’s like a mini family resort experience.

Why it’s great for families:

• Water zone with slides, splash pad & pool
• Cabin, RV, and tent site options
• Daily kids’ activities and character visits
• Only 15 minutes from Niagara Falls attractions

Sandbanks Provincial Park – Prince Edward County

One of the most popular family camping destinations in Ontario with 500 car campsites in five campground areas. Cedars is a family oriented campground offering more sheltered, private campsites. It has less traffic than the other campgrounds but the beach is still close by. Sandbanks is famous for its sandy beaches, shallow waters, and towering dunes. Kids will love swimming and building sandcastles, while parents can enjoy hiking trails and relaxing lake views.

Why it’s great for families:

• Shallow, warm waters ideal for young kids
• Large, sandy beaches
• Biking and nature trails
• Flush toilets and comfort stations

 Bronte Creek Provincial Park – Oakville

Looking for a camping trip that’s not too far from Toronto? Bronte Creek offers the best of both worlds—nature and convenience. The campground is equipped with large sites, and the park has a massive outdoor pool, farm animals, and heritage buildings. It’s a perfect introduction to camping for little ones.

Why it’s great for families:

• Giant pool and splash pad
• Children’s farm with animals
• Close to Toronto
• Showers, running water, coin laundry and electrical sites
• Family programming

Killbear Provincial Park – Parry Sound

This is a classic Ontario camping spot that offers a mix of forest and rocky shoreline on Georgian Bay. Killbear has several family-friendly beaches and trails that are manageable even for young hikers. Wildlife sightings are common (especially deer!), and kids love exploring the flat rocks and tide pools.

Why it’s great for families:

• Stunning sunsets over the bay
• Safe, sandy beaches
• Short hiking trails
• Large, private campsites
• Cliff jumping

Wesley Clover Parks Campground (Ottawa Region)

A hidden gem just 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa, Wesley Clover is an urban escape with trails, sprinklers, playgrounds, cabins, and even Forest School programs.

Why it’s great for families:

• Trails for hiking and biking
• Forest School and outdoor learning
• Sprinkler pad and playgrounds
• Tent, RV, and glamping cabins available

Cedar Park Resort – Bowmanville (GTA)

Camping + water park = summer fun! Located just east of Toronto, Cedar Park offers waterslides, splash zones, and mini golf alongside trailer and RV camping.

Why it’s great for families:

• Waterslides, splash pads, and aqua playgrounds
• Mini golf, tennis, and biking trails
• Trailer & RV camping (no tents)
• Picnic and shelter areas throughout the park

Saugeen Springs RV Park (Southwestern Ontario)

Camp right on the Saugeen River with endless amenities—from tubing and swimming to giant Jenga, petting zoos, and river beaches.

Why it’s great for families:

• Rustic cabins and full RV sites
• floating pond & beach area
• River tubing, Swim in the crystal-clear Saugeen River, volleyball, outdoor games
• Two playgrounds, games and a petting zoo
• Clean washrooms, showers, and camp store

Long Beach Conservation Area & Campground (Niagara Region)

A hidden treasure in the Niagara Region, Long Beach Conservation Area is a nature lover’s paradise right on Lake Erie. Perfect for families seeking a peaceful, lakeside retreat. Located along the north shore of Lake Erie, it features over 225 serviced and unserviced campsites, many with lake views, stunning sunsets and a beautiful sandy beach that’s ideal for swimming and beach games. It’s a great option if you’re planning to explore Niagara Falls or enjoy other attractions nearby.

Why it’s great for families:

• Sandy beach perfect for swimming
• Fishing, hiking, jet skiing, and sailing
• Playground, fishing, horseshoes, basketball court & picnic areas
• Close to Niagara attractions & wineries

Algonquin Park Camping (Central Ontario)

Pack up the car and head to Algonquin Park in Whitney Ontario, located between Georgian Bay and the Ottawa River.  This pristine, iconic park offers a variety of camping styles from drive-in to backcountry, plus canoeing, wildlife watching, and family-friendly trails. Get full park access and camping information on the Park’s website to plan your trip.

Why it’s great for families:

• Choose your own camping style (Backcountry Camping, Car Camping, Dog-Free Camping, Group Camping, Radio-Free Camping, Walk-In Camping and Roofed Accommodations)
• Dozens of great family campgrounds
• Lake activities and trails
• Scenic wilderness within driving distance
• Top camping spots to check out are Tea Lake, Canisbay Lake, Mew Lake, Two Rivers, Pog Lake, Kearney Lake, Coon Lake, Rock Lake, Kiosk and Brent Lake, Achray Campground, Whitefish Lake Group Campground

Pinery Provincial Park – Grand Bend

With 10 km of sandy beach along Lake Huron, Pinery is another family favourite. It’s also an eco-haven, with over 300 bird species and tons of opportunities for outdoor learning. Families can rent canoes or bikes, or take part in guided nature programs. It’s perfect for campers who want a mix of adventure and education.

Why it’s great for families:

• Beachfront camping
• Rentals for bikes, canoes, kayaks
• Family-friendly educational programs
• Fully equipped comfort stations

Bon Echo Provincial Park – Cloyne

This park is known for its majestic Mazinaw Rock, which rises 100 metres above the lake and is covered in ancient Indigenous pictographs. Families can paddle out to see the rock, hike short trails to lookouts, and enjoy nature programs run by park staff. There are also yurts available to rent if you don’t want to rough it in a tent.

Why it’s great for families:

• Canoeing to Mazinaw Rock
• Interpreted Indigenous history
• Yurt rentals
• Great hiking and swimming

Edgewater Family Camping Resort (Eastern Ontario)

Located 5 min away from Sandbanks Provincial Park, Edgewater offers lake access, dock swimming, kayaking, volleyball, and bike trails. This family fun destination has 84 sites for seasonal trailers and 40 tenting sites for overnight or weekend camping. It’s a cozy spot with small-town charm nearby.

Why it’s great for families:

• Kayaking, swimming, boating & fishing
• Beach volleyball and horseshoe pits
• Bike-friendly trails nearby
• walk the island road or relax on the beach
• Close to local attractions, flea markets, golf courses, driving range with mini putt, museums and drive-in movies
• windsurf, sea-doo or pontoon boat rentals

What Makes a Great Family Camping Spot in Ontario?

When choosing the best camping in Ontario for families, consider these key features:

• Safe and Spacious Campsites: Flat terrain, lots of shade, and distance from high-traffic areas.
• On-site Amenities: Flush toilets, playgrounds, and picnic shelters go a long way.
• Beach or Water Access: Swimming, kayaking, or fishing is a hit with kids.
• Nearby Attractions: Trails, educational nature centres, or guided programs.
• Reservation Options: Booking ahead, especially in provincial parks, ensures a stress-free trip.

Kid-Friendly Activities at Ontario Campgrounds

What’s camping without fun? Here are family-friendly activities to look for when choosing a campground:

• Scavenger Hunts and Nature Bingo
• Junior Ranger Programs
• Campground-hosted crafts and storytime
• Bike paths and nature trails
• Evening campfires and s’mores roasting

Many parks also offer equipment rentals—think canoes, bikes, and fishing gear—so you can keep your packing light.

Tips for Planning the Best Family Camping Trip in Ontario

Planning ahead can turn a good trip into a great one. Here are tips to help:

• Book early: Ontario parks fill up fast—especially in summer.
• Pack layers: Temperatures can dip at night even in July.
• Use bins: Clear storage bins make organizing gear easier and keep critters out.
• Bring kid comforts: A favorite blanket, flashlight, or toy can ease the transition.
• Have a rainy-day plan: Board games, books, or a tarp setup go a long way when skies turn grey.

Camping Safety Tips for Families in Ontario

Keeping your crew safe is top priority:

• Teach campsite boundaries for younger kids.
• Store food properly (in your vehicle or a bear-proof container).
• Pack a first-aid kit with insect repellent and after-bite treatment.
• Check weather alerts and teach your kids basic outdoor safety.
• Keep water safety in mind near lakes and rivers.

Bonus: Familiarize your family with local wildlife. Kids love spotting animals—but from a distance!

Budget-Friendly Family Camping Options in Ontario

Family camping doesn’t have to break the bank. Try these money-saving tips:

• Choose conservation areas or non-operating parks for a back-to-nature vibe at a fraction of the cost.
• Camp mid-week for better availability and lower fees.
• Look for free firewood or bundle deals at certain parks.
• Use Ontario Parks’ “Learn to Camp” program—a low-cost way to ease into camping.
• Bring your own food and cook over the fire to save on meals.

Camping in Ontario is one of the most affordable ways to take your family on an unforgettable adventure. Time spent in nature with family is guaranteed to create some special memories. There are so many beautiful spots to choose from for all levels of campers.

 Have fun and don’t forget your bug spray!

Natalie