1. Bon Echo Provincial Park
Price: $19.36–$53.68/night per campsite
Address: 16151 Hwy. 41, Cloyne, ON K0H 1K0
Why You Need To Go: Not only is it one of the most stunning camping spots in the province, but it’s perfect for families. Whether your style of camping is by RV, car camping, or old school backcountry, this campground can accommodate you. Check out the impressive 100 metre-high Mazinaw Rock and take in the autumn scenery on their incredible hiking trails. You can even enjoy family-friendly canoe routes.
2. Murphys Point Provincial Park
Price: $19.36–$53.68/night per campsite
Address: 2243 Elmgrove Rd, Perth, ON K7H 3C7
Why You Need To Go: Murphys Point is perfect for fishing on Big Rideau Lake or simply just relaxing with the best of Mother Nature’s offerings. With tons of opportunities to birdwatch and view wildlife, there’s plenty for the whole family to explore while basking in the beauty of these campgrounds.
3. Poisson Blanc Regional Park
Price: Starting at $50/night
Address: 37 Chemin de la Truite, Notre-Dame-du-Laus, QC J0X 2M0
Why You Need To Go: Venture over across the provincial border to visit Quebec’s Poisson Blanc Regional Park. Located only a 90-minute drive from Ottawa, Poisson Blanc offers your family a totally unique camping experience, where you can camp on your very own private, secluded island. Get ready to relax and have some quality bonding time with the fam, as neighbours will be nowhere in sight.
4. Riverbend Park
Price: Starting at $30/night
Address: 2918 County Road 29, Pakenham, ON K0A 2X0
Why You Need To Go: Owned and operated by the Hollinger family, this fun campground is just a short 40-minute drive from Ottawa. They offer tons of activities fit for the whole family, including tractor and wagon rides, planned children’s activities, bingo, darts, horseshoes… the list goes on. While this campground isn’t deep in the woods, there’s plenty to do right along the Mississippi River, including canoeing and boating.
5. Wesley Clover Parks Campground
Price: Starting at $40.80 + HST/night
Address: 411 Corkstown Rd, Ottawa, ON K2K 0J5
Why You Need To Go: If your family is wanting a nature escape without venturing too far from home, look no further than Wesley Clover Parks. Located just 15 minutes from Ottawa’s downtown core, this spot provides a beautiful outdoor staycation. Spend time exploring the trails by bike or on foot by day and swap spooky ghost stories around your campsite’s fire pit by night.
6. Fitzroy Provincial Park
Price: $19.36–$53.68/night per campsite
Address: 5201 Canon Smith Dr, Fitzroy Harbour, ON K0A 1X0
Why You Need To Go: Located only one hour from Ottawa, right by both Carp River and Ottawa River, Fitzroy Provincial Park is an ultimate family-camping getaway. Wander through the century-old White Pine forest (home to a majestic stand of 200-year-old Bur Oaks) and enjoy optimal views of Mother Nature from one of the many waterfront campsites.
7. Sharbot Lake Provincial Park
Price: $19.36–$53.68/night per campsite
Address: 25467 ON-7, Sharbot Lake, ON K0H 2P0
Why You Need To Go: Sharbot Lake is perfect for young families looking to get one last lakeside trip in before the end of the year. It’s located right by two beautiful, clear lakes that are perfect for canoeing, boating, fishing, and swimming (weather permitting). There are tons of nature trails to explore as well!
8. Charleston Lake Provincial Park
Price: $19.36–$53.68/night per campsite
Address: 148 Woodvale Rd, Lansdowne, ON K0E 1L0
Why You Need To Go: A little over an hour and a half from Ottawa, Charleston Lake has been a family-favourite camping destination for years. The views around the grounds feature a rocky lake and forest landscape, complete with plenty of hiking trails that offer one of the best vantage points in the area.
9. Frontenac Provincial Park
Price: $19.36–$53.68/night per campsite
Address: 6700 Salmon Lake Rd, Sydenham, ON K0H 2T0
Why You Need To Go: Load up the car and drive two hours out of Ottawa to Frontenac Provincial Park. This campground will transport you directly into the wilderness, with canoe routes through 22 lakes and over 100 km of looped hiking trails. Open year-round for backcountry recreation, it's a must-visit spot during the fall with amazing scenery of the colourful changing leaves.
From getting some fresh air on hiking trails to taking in the colourful autumnal scenery, there’s no better way to make some lasting family memories than outside in nature. Don’t forget, no camping experience is complete without a campfire and some yummy snacks, like good ol’ gooey smores and Nature Valley granola bars, for those of you who want a healthier alternative. Now, hurry up and book your campsites while the weather’s still nice!
