Best Campgrounds in Algonquin Provincial Park: Sprawled across almost eight thousand square kilometers, Algonquin Provincial Park is the oldest park in Canada. Nestled between the Ottawa River and Georgian Bay, the park features many forests, and lakes and is home to a diverse variety of flora and fauna.
Owing to its lush natural beauty and plenty of recreational activities on offer, it’s a popular place to go camping. Whether you’re looking for a campground that offers stunning beachfront views or wish to rejuvenate your senses amidst a quiet area surrounded by towering pine trees, you’ll find a campground here that caters to your requirements.
Have your pick from our list of the 7 best campgrounds in Algonquin Provincial Park
Achray Campground #1
How about waking up to lake views? Nestled along the shores of the beautiful Grand Lake, Achray Campground offers mesmerizing views and access to plenty of outdoor recreational activities. The area inspired many paintings by Tom Thompson, the nation’s famous Group of Seven artists in the early 20th century.
The ground has 45 sites, many of which are waterfront. Enjoy canoeing or kayaking on the lake or lounging on the beach. You can also explore numerous hiking trails nearby. One of the most popular is the Barron Canyon Trail, a 1.5 km hike that offers spectacular views. You can reach this campground through a gravel route off the Trans-Canada Highway.
Lake of Two Rivers Campground #2
Set beside the shores of the Lake of Two Rivers, this is one of the most scenic campgrounds in the park. Towering pine trees provide ample shade and campers are only a few steps away from the lake.
What’s more? The Madawaska River runs along the campground’s edge elevating its charm. Visiting with kids?
There is a safe roped-off swimming area, perfect for some family-friendly fun. There are 241 campsites, many of which are quite spacious and electrical.
What’s more? You’ll get access to groceries at the Two Rivers Store. There’s even an ice cream shop, a restaurant, and a bike rental place. The campground is easily accessible through Highway 60. If you’re visiting around July and August, you’ll find the campground to be quite busy and loud. If you prefer a more serene camping experience, visit mid-week in spring or fall.
Pog Lake Campground #3
Another beautiful campground with a waterfront setting, Pog Lake Campground offers a rejuvenating camping experience. Nestled along the shores of Pog Lake and the Madawaska River, it offers something for everyone. With large, well-spaced sites surrounded by pine trees and undergrowth that lends privacy, it is perfect for a tranquil retreat.
If you’re visiting with family, Section A is a good option as it offers easy access to swimming areas and also has waterfront sites. Looking for a secluded vibe? Go for one of the sites in Section C which offers a quiet environment and ample privacy for campers.
The section is surrounded by water on three sides, which adds to its peaceful vibe. There are electrical and non-electrical sites. If you wish to have a completely tranquil natural environment, there’s a radio and a pet-free area too.
Mew Lake Campground #4
Whether you’re looking to set up camp amidst a forest or a waterfront, you’ll find a spot that fits your requirements in Mew Lake Campground. Many pine trees lend privacy. The sites are also well-spaced. Campers can easily access the Old Railway Bike Trail which leads to numerous beautiful lakes.
It also offers access to the Track and Tower Trail which offers stunning vistas of the park. Visiting during winter? Use the Railway trail for snowshoeing, fat-biking, and cross-country skiing. There are many yurts available for rent.
You’ll have all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay here including electrical hook-ups, a swimming beach, a radio-free & dog-free camping area, and a comfort station with flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities. Located close to Highway 60, the campground is easily accessible.
Kearney Lake Campground #5
Looking for a rustic vibe? Nestled on Kearney Lake, this campground won’t disappoint. The small charming campground has two loops of campsites on each side of Kearney Creek.
This campground is home to around 104 sites. There are many waterfront sites here that offer stunning views. Although there are no electrical sites, campers have access to a comfort station with washrooms and showers. There are also pit toilets here. Its location near the East Gate on Highway 60 makes it easily accessible.
Canisbay Lake Campground #6
Planning a camping trip during the fall? Head to this campground. Set on the shores of Canisbay Lake, the campground abounds with deciduous trees with leaves that change color during fall. It houses 242 sites that are well-spaced.
The loops are also quite effectively separated. You can find electrical, and non-electrical sites. There are also radio and pet-free zones. There is ample vegetation that lends privacy to the sites, providing a peaceful camping experience. With so much to offer, it’s one of the best campgrounds in Algonquin Provincial Park.
Tea Lake #7
If you love canoeing, you’ll love it here. This small secluded campground features 42 sites, many of which are waterfront. Campers can easily access Canoe Lake and Smoke Lake, perfect for enjoyable canoeing trips. Avid hikers who plan to hike the Western Uplands Backpacking Trail also find it suitable.
Although the sites are not electrical, campers can enjoy amenities such as showers, laundry facilities, and flush toilets.
What’s more? It’s easily accessible from Highway 60 and open from May to early September. So, pick the one that ticks off all the boxes on your checklist and get ready for an unforgettable camping trip in this beautiful park.
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FAQs:
Q. How many campgrounds are in Algonquin Park?
There are eleven campgrounds in Algonquin Park.
Q. Where is the best place to camp in Algonquin Park?
With access to an impressive swimming beach and its proximity to various park attractions, Lake of Two Rivers Campground is the best place to camp in Algonquin Park.
Q. Can you camp anywhere in Algonquin Park?
Backcountry camping is allowed only at sites specifically designated for it. Every such site is marked with a sign.