The best camping near Algonquin Provincial Park

Ontario’s largest provincial park stretches more than 760,000 hectares across the center of the province, dense with forests and dotted with clear, cold lakes, perfect for paddling. In the Muskoka region, midway between Toronto and Ottawa, Algonquin draws plenty of urban weekenders, but you could explore its hiking trails and canoe routes for weeks before retracing your path. Campers can choose from more than 1,300 sites, with the majority in eight washroom-equipped campgrounds along the Highway 60 corridor, the park’s main east-west artery. Three more vehicle-accessible campgrounds are in Algonquin’s north sector off Highway 17. You can reach many of the park’s backcountry camping sites only by canoe.

• Best for camping in the center of it all: Lake of Two Rivers Campground
• Best for peace and quiet: Kiosk Campground
• Best for winter campers: Mew Lake Campground

1. Algonquin Provincial Park is one of Ontario’s most popular camping destinations. You can book campsites up to five months in advance through the Ontario Parks Reservations Service. Many sites are reserved literally the minute they become available, so plan ahead by researching various campsite and campground options. It’s always easier to find availability on weekdays than on weekends.
2. In a park as large as Algonquin, sites sometimes open up through last-minute cancellations. It’s always worth checking availability closer to your arrival if you couldn’t book earlier.

Algonquin Provincial Park stays open year-round, although most campgrounds, lodges, and other services operate only between May and mid-October. As in many parts of Canada, July through September are the busiest months, but autumn is the most beautiful season as the trees turn gold and red. If you visit November through March to hike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski, prepare for heavy snow and very cold temperatures. Mosquitoes and black flies can plague visitors in spring, particularly in May and early June.

• Walk through the informative interpretive exhibits at the Algonquin Provincial Park Visitor Centre, 12 kilometres from the East Gate, to learn about the park’s history and environment.
• Outfitters at The Portage Store, Lake of Two Rivers Store, and Opeongo Store carry basic supplies. Otherwise, stock up on groceries and other provisions in Huntsville, 45 kilometres west of the West Gate. Traveling from the east? Get what you need in Whitney, five kilometres from the East Gate.
• Want to try yurt camping?  Book yurts in the Mew Lake or Achray Campgrounds.
• Check Algonquin Provincial Park’s Twitter account for updates on last-minute campsite availability, trail closures, entrance gate congestion, and other details. 

For an all-in-one outdoor adventure, camping near Albion Hills Conservation Park is unbeatable. The Albion Hills camping experience offers hiking, biking, and even a refreshing water play area, ensuring fun-filled days in the great outdoors.