Ontario might not be the first place that comes to mind when planning your next RV trip. But plenty of incredible destinations await you across the border.
So grab your favorite trip planner!
Today, we’re highlighting five excellent budget camping locations in Ontario.
Let’s hit it!
Why is Ontario Great for RVers?
The Canadian province of Ontario features many picturesque destinations for RV campers. Bordering northern US states from New York to Minnesota, it’s a quick trip across the border to these stunning sights.
Of course, places like Toronto offer countless cultural attractions, world-class museums, and unbeatable culinary splendors. But despite Ontario’s status as Canada’s most highly populated province, it’s still easy to escape the hustle and bustle. Once you leave the big city, the natural wonders come into focus.
This is a year-round recreational dreamland. In springtime, the world comes alive with wildflowers, and countless migratory birds travel through. Summer is ideal for hiking the region’s wilderness areas. As the temperatures begin to cool, you can watch the leaves change, go apple picking, and enjoy harvest time in wine country.
Winter sports like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and skating are popular among locals. Just be sure to arrange the details of your trip well in advance, as some campgrounds close down in colder months.
Whenever you choose to visit, you’re bound to experience something wonderful. To help you start planning your Canadian adventure, here are five of the best RV destinations in Ontario.
#1 Bon Echo Provincial Park
The staggering cliffs of Bon Echo Provincial Park are about two hours from the New York state line. Folks come from all over to see ancient pictographs carved into the massive escarpment called Mazinaw Rock. We hear kayaking to the historic site is the best way to enjoy it.
After you admire the archaic images, you’ll have a lot more to explore. In addition to Mazinaw Lake, the park features multiple waterways that are perfect for paddling. All but one is closed to motorized traffic, so you’ll have calm waters at your disposal. Anglers catch trout, bass, whitefish, and northern pike in many of them.
You can stroll miles of hiking trails through coniferous forests or soak up the sun at one of the three natural swimming beaches. It’s also a great place to see bird species, such as great crested flycatchers, loons, kestrels, and yellow-bellied sapsuckers.
The camping facilities won’t disappoint, either. The Mazinaw Lake Campground features sites with 20- and 30-Amp electrical service. Water taps, restrooms, laundry facilities, and a dump station are all on-site. Spots can hold rigs up to 32 feet long. If your setup is bigger, give them a call to make sure you’ll fit.
Here’s What You Need to Know About Crossing the Canadian Border in Your RV.
#2 Pinery Provincial Park
Pinery Provincial Park is another Ontario RV haven. Located about two hours from Detroit, Michigan, on the southern shores of Lake Huron, this destination is a must-see.
The park is home to delicate oak savannah and coastal dune ecosystems, which provide habitats for hundreds of bird species. You might see thousands of tundra swans migrate in March or spot brilliant scarlet tanagers in summer. The delicate wetlands here are particularly diverse.
Old Ausable Channel is popular among anglers. You can reel in sunfish, perch, bass, and catfish on a good day. Even when you leave your fishing rod at home, you’ll enjoy paddling along the waterway.
Over ten miles of hiking trails traverse the property, from dense red-pine stands to the open freshwater dunes. In winter, you’ll find more than 20 miles of groomed cross-country ski tracks and plenty of areas for snowshoeing. There’s even a large outdoor skating rink.
Pinery has over 1,000 campsites, and more than 400 have power. The Riverside campground features 15- and 30-Amp electrical hookups. Some spots can accommodate rigs up to 38 feet. Water taps and vault toilets are located throughout the area. You’ll also have access to comfort stations, laundry facilities, a general store, and a dump station.
Riverside Campground is open year-round, but some amenities may be unavailable in the winter.
Do You Know? Is Niagara Falls Owned By Canada or the USA?
#3 Pukaskwa National Park
Folks looking for a culture experience among striking scenery should check out Pukaskwa National Park on Lake Superior. You can visit the Anishinaabe camp to immerse yourself in the customs of the Indigenous First Nations who still live here.
Once you’ve learned a bit about the local history, you’ll be ready to explore the great outdoors.
The 40-mile Lake Superior Coastal Trail cuts through the park, offering everything from easy jaunts to strenuous treks. Multiple suspension bridges provide perfect lookouts over the striking boreal forest. You can wander the sandy beaches and test your balance on the driftwood lining the shores. Or take to the lake on a paddleboard to see the sights from the water.
Local wildlife includes black bears, moose, and timber wolves. Rumors of mountain lions are unsubstantiated, but it’s better to assume they’re out there. While you’re here, you might also spot bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and other birds of prey.
An RV trip through Ontario would be incomplete without a stay at Hattie Cove Campground. Open from May to October, this destination includes sites with 20- and 30-Amp electrical service, restrooms with showers, and water taps nearby. There’s also a dump station for your convenience.
We know rigs up to 33 feet can fit, but you might want to call the park to ensure they can accommodate your setup.
#4 Lake Superior Provincial Park
Our final Ontario RV destination is Lake Superior Provincial Park. The landscape varies from staggering cliffs to river valleys and features numerous lakes. You’ll want to load up your kayak for this one!
Aside from Lake Superior and Sand Lake, motorized vessels aren’t allowed in the waters. Eight formal canoe paths are located throughout the park. Anglers can catch several salmon and trout species. Back on land, 11 hiking trails traverse the many ecosystems. You might explore wetlands, waterfalls, or pebble-strewn beaches.
As an internationally recognized Dark Sky Preserve, the park offers unbelievable views of the night sky. If you time your trip just right, you could even see the Northern Lights.
The Rabbit Blanket Campground offers 15- and 30-Amp service and can accommodate RVs up to 32 feet in length. Water taps are nearby, as well as vault toilets, comfort stations, laundry facilities, and a dump station.
This campground is only open from May to October, so plan accordingly.
#5 Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
Only about 45 minutes from the US border in Minnesota, Ontario’s Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park is an RV trip worth making. The massive falls rise up over 130 feet and create a truly spectacular sight. But there’s more to this park than the main attraction.
Several miles of hiking trails are great for jogs and leisurely strolls. During the winter months, officials designate many of these as cross-country ski tracks. When it’s particularly cold, you might see the falls freeze over, creating an otherworldly landscape.
You’ll find a swimming beach upriver of the falls. When the water levels are right, you can enjoy a dip in the cool stream. Park rangers run an active Discovery Program during the summer. Your family can learn all about the local wildlife and unique ecosystems here.
Whispering Hills Campground features RV sites with 20- and 30-Amp electrical hookups. Water taps, vault toilets, laundry facilities, and a dump station are all on the property. Many spots can accommodate rigs up to 33 feet.
Be aware that Whispering Hills is only open seasonally. While budget camping may be unavailable in winter, this Ontario park is open for day use year-round.
Hit the big city while you’re there! Fodor’s Toronto: with Niagara Falls & the Niagara Wine Region
Ontario Budget Camping is a Score!
Ontario offers many amazing opportunities for RVers. From ancient artifacts to unbelievable natural wonders, there’s something for everyone here.
Before you pack your bags, consider how you’ll want to spend your time and which amenities you don’t mind going without. While winters feature exciting outdoor activities, you might not have all the comforts of home. But we think it’ll be worth it!
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