There’s no shortage of RV camping opportunities in Canada. In fact, fantastic options exist from sea to shining sea.
But what about the country’s provincial parks?
Today, we’re giving you the rundown on these destinations so you can decide whether to add them to your itinerary.
Let’s hit it!
What are Provincial Parks?
Canada’s provincial parks are similar to state parks in the US. Each province oversees these public lands and provides amenities and resources to visitors. However, Canada isn’t the only country with these facilities. Belgium, Argentina, and South Africa all have their own systems.
Like the US and Canada’s national parks systems, these protected areas offer a space for residents and visitors to enjoy the splendors of nature.
Throughout the country, you’ll find millions of acres of unspoiled wilderness. From rocky coastlines to lush rainforests and sprawling fields to towering mountains, each has something magical to explore.
Some regions feature more provincial parks than others. For example, British Columbia boasts nearly 650 units, while smaller places like New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island only have around ten each.
Check out The Beginner’s Guide to RVing in Beautiful Canada.
Is RV Camping Permitted in These Destinations?
The short answer is yes! In fact, Canada’s provincial parks provide some of the country’s most pristine, accessible RV camping destinations. Of course, each location has different amenities. Some are only open for day use, and others can only accommodate tent campers. However, plenty of units welcome RVers.
You’ll have easy access to all the outdoor recreation you can imagine. Imagine waking up every morning, exploring the untouched wilderness, and returning to your home away from home surrounded by nature. If that sounds like living the dream, then you need to add these spots to your itinerary.
When Should You Visit Canada’s Provincial Parks?
Provincial park campgrounds are typically seasonal. After all, we’re talking about the Great White North, where winters can be harsh and inhospitable, and many roads become impassable after the snow falls.
That being said, you’ll want to make the most of it when you find appropriate cold-weather accommodations. At this time of year, the landscape transforms into a winter wonderland. Downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snowshoeing, and ice skating are all popular pastimes for locals. It’s just a matter of finding an open campsite.
In general, Canada’s provincial park campsites are open from spring to autumn. You can expect reservations to open up starting in May or June and close down between September and October.
During temperate seasons, you can hike, rock climb, paddle, fish, golf, and watch the wildlife until your heart’s content.
Looking for more inspiration? Here are 5 Beautiful Places to Park Your RV in British Columbia.
Incredible Spots to Check Out
You already know that tons of provincial parks have RV camping accommodations. Here are a few premium destinations to put on your bucket list.
Sandbanks Provincial Park, Ontario
Sandbanks Provincial Park lies on a peninsula in Lake Ontario. This locale features unusual geographical elements, including the largest baymouth barrier dune formation on the planet. It’s also a hotspot for bird migration. In fact, you can pick up a checklist at the visitor center and keep tabs on every species you see.
Of course, fishing and paddling are also popular, especially in the summer months. Stroll the Cedar Sands Nature Trail, an interpretive track with 12 stops to enlighten you on the local flora and fauna, or hit the other five walking paths to explore miles of stunning scenery.
The Woodlands Campground offers sites with 20- and 30-Amp electrical service. Water taps are located throughout the property, and you’ll have access to showers, vault toilets, laundry facilities, and a dump station.
Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta
Dinosaur Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to preserving the ancient past. Paleontologists have discovered the remains of about 50 different dinosaur species dating to the Late Cretaceous Period, around 75 million years ago.
The visitor center features interactive exhibits on the area’s natural history. You can also get your hands dirty by searching for fossils during seasonal guided excavations or joining knowledgeable park rangers for hikes throughout the property.
If you don’t care much about dinosaurs, you can paddle, stroll, or photograph the stunning badlands during the golden hour. This family-friendly provincial park is an excellent destination for all ages.
The Dinosaur Campground offers partial hookup sites with water and 20- and 30-Amp electrical service. There’s a general store and restaurant on-site, as well as flush toilets, showers, laundry facilities, and a dump station. Book your reservations in advance because this spot is super popular!
Juniper Beach Provincial Park, British Columbia
Most of British Columbia’s provincial parks offer dry camping only. However, Juniper Beach is an exception. Located in central BC between Vancouver and Banff National Park, this area features an unusual desert landscape along the Thompson River.
You can fish for trout, salmon, and steelhead, or paddle along the waterway. Several trails traverse the grasslands, but you need to watch out for rattlesnakes and prickly pear cacti while you’re out there. Birdwatchers might spot western tanagers, northern orioles, and mountain bluebirds.
The campground offers 30-Amp electrical hookups, water taps, and vault toilets throughout the property. You’ll also have access to a boat ramp, dump station, and firewood on-site.
Read one man’s epic story in A Wilderness Adventure: Canoeing, Camping and Fishing in Quetico Provincial Park.
Are These Destinations Worth It?
Canada’s provincial parks include stunning scenery, exciting outdoor adventures, and attractions for the whole family. These destinations offer countless ways to enjoy nature. No matter how you choose to explore the great outdoors, there’s a provincial park for you.
The next time you head north of the border, be sure to visit these locations for premium RV camping throughout Canada. You won’t be sorry!
Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA
To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).
You should give it a try!
As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.
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