Discover the best campgrounds in Cape Breton Island with campfires

Canada
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Nova Scotia
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Cape Breton Island

95% (124 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Cape Breton Island

Available this weekend

Dog-friendly getaways

97%

(51)

Black Rock Stables

2 sites · Tents10 acres · Black Rock, NS

If you enjoy beautiful views of lakes/ocean and mountains, gorgeous sunsets, stargazing, the sound of the waves and bell buoys then Black Rock Stables campsite is the place for you to pitch your tent. Located at the end of the farm on a cliff (6’ wire fence) overlooking the beautiful Brasd’Or lakes.

Sally's Brook Wilderness Cabins

8 sites · Lodging55 acres · Baddeck, NS

Sally’s Brook is located in Unama’ki, within the unceded ancestral territory of the Mikmaq people. Sally’s Brook is an Eco-friendly property in the heart of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. We have three wilderness cabins and a yurt available for rent year-round, and three Lotus Belle glamping tents in the warmer weather. We have a wood-fired sauna and communal CookHouse kitchen-dining building for guests. We also have the Hive Dome! This 26 foot year-round space is the perfect place to host your own event with us, gather for our movie nights, board games, playing music, and retreat from bad weather with so much space to move around. Guest Use of the Hive: While you are staying on the property, we welcome guests to reserve time in the Hive for their own private use. Our staff will prepare this space for you by lighting the wood stove, stocking wood and heating it up for your arrival. Stretch, practice yoga, play games or music, or celebrate with your group! $30 + HST for a 3.5 hour reservation to current guests Morning, afternoon or evening (until 10:00pm) reservations are available

Unique Cabot Trail Campground

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Baddeck, NS

This was one of the original homesteads in the Margarees. There was an old sawmill on site which was used to build the house and barn. It was sold to a man who started renovations for a summer house but ended up listing it for sale. I purchased it and completely renovated the 100-year-old house. Shortly after, my brother and I started an outfitting company with no plan of building a campground, but in 2017 we saw a great opportunity for building something unique. We wanted to keep a backwoods camping feel, but yet create it around a hostel-inspired environment. We launched June 1, 2018 and are in full swing now. We look forward to meeting you and will help you out in any way to make your trip here something to remember. Adventure awaits at this eco-camping hostel offering a natural setting, overlooking a picturesque valley. This location offers close to off-grid camping with a twist of comfort; furnished Glamping tents, sleeping up to 4 people per tent on a queen bed with twin camping beds for extra guests. Cooking gear, bedding, and towels are provided. Each tent, located at this eco-hostel, has its own campfire pit, with a solar outdoor shower on site and beautiful views of the river valley.

Accolade Retreat

10 sites · RVs, Tents24 acres · Chéticamp, NS

Discover a 24-acre haven for off-grid camping in Cheticamp, Nova Scotia, nestled at the foothills of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and conveniently situated across from the Gypsum Mine. This scenic property features an artisan well providing potable water, strategically located in the expansive 24-acre cleared field at the rear. During the summer months, we operate a hostel on-site, offering access to washroom and shower facilities as needed. This space is ideally suited for off-grid camping enthusiasts who share a like-minded appreciation for nature. Please note that visitors are responsible for their own waste disposal arrangements. If you find this area intriguing, feel free to reach out to Kevin at 902-292-1530 via call or text for more information.

100%

(29)

Smokey View

1 site · RV1 acre · Sydney, NS

At the other side of the harbour is Ingonish Ferry. At one time the road around the harbour did not exist. People, horses and goods came across the bar by means of a ferry. There were many wharves with wooden ships tied up. The long white building on the corner used to be on the bar. A walk along the bar will award you with a view of the Keltic Lodge. Continue straight at the corner and you will find a trail that will take you to Ingonish beach.

12 top campgrounds in Cape Breton Island with campfires

98%

(27)

Unique Cabot Trail Campground

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Baddeck, NS

This was one of the original homesteads in the Margarees. There was an old sawmill on site which was used to build the house and barn. It was sold to a man who started renovations for a summer house but ended up listing it for sale. I purchased it and completely renovated the 100-year-old house. Shortly after, my brother and I started an outfitting company with no plan of building a campground, but in 2017 we saw a great opportunity for building something unique. We wanted to keep a backwoods camping feel, but yet create it around a hostel-inspired environment. We launched June 1, 2018 and are in full swing now. We look forward to meeting you and will help you out in any way to make your trip here something to remember. Adventure awaits at this eco-camping hostel offering a natural setting, overlooking a picturesque valley. This location offers close to off-grid camping with a twist of comfort; furnished Glamping tents, sleeping up to 4 people per tent on a queen bed with twin camping beds for extra guests. Cooking gear, bedding, and towels are provided. Each tent, located at this eco-hostel, has its own campfire pit, with a solar outdoor shower on site and beautiful views of the river valley.

Black Rock Stables

2 sites · Tents10 acres · Black Rock, NS

If you enjoy beautiful views of lakes/ocean and mountains, gorgeous sunsets, stargazing, the sound of the waves and bell buoys then Black Rock Stables campsite is the place for you to pitch your tent. Located at the end of the farm on a cliff (6’ wire fence) overlooking the beautiful Brasd’Or lakes.

Smokey View

1 site · RV1 acre · Sydney, NS

At the other side of the harbour is Ingonish Ferry. At one time the road around the harbour did not exist. People, horses and goods came across the bar by means of a ferry. There were many wharves with wooden ships tied up. The long white building on the corner used to be on the bar. A walk along the bar will award you with a view of the Keltic Lodge. Continue straight at the corner and you will find a trail that will take you to Ingonish beach.

Sally's Brook Wilderness Cabins

8 sites · Lodging55 acres · Baddeck, NS

Sally’s Brook is located in Unama’ki, within the unceded ancestral territory of the Mikmaq people. Sally’s Brook is an Eco-friendly property in the heart of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. We have three wilderness cabins and a yurt available for rent year-round, and three Lotus Belle glamping tents in the warmer weather. We have a wood-fired sauna and communal CookHouse kitchen-dining building for guests. We also have the Hive Dome! This 26 foot year-round space is the perfect place to host your own event with us, gather for our movie nights, board games, playing music, and retreat from bad weather with so much space to move around. Guest Use of the Hive: While you are staying on the property, we welcome guests to reserve time in the Hive for their own private use. Our staff will prepare this space for you by lighting the wood stove, stocking wood and heating it up for your arrival. Stretch, practice yoga, play games or music, or celebrate with your group! $30 + HST for a 3.5 hour reservation to current guests Morning, afternoon or evening (until 10:00pm) reservations are available

Accolade Retreat

10 sites · RVs, Tents24 acres · Chéticamp, NS

Discover a 24-acre haven for off-grid camping in Cheticamp, Nova Scotia, nestled at the foothills of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and conveniently situated across from the Gypsum Mine. This scenic property features an artisan well providing potable water, strategically located in the expansive 24-acre cleared field at the rear. During the summer months, we operate a hostel on-site, offering access to washroom and shower facilities as needed. This space is ideally suited for off-grid camping enthusiasts who share a like-minded appreciation for nature. Please note that visitors are responsible for their own waste disposal arrangements. If you find this area intriguing, feel free to reach out to Kevin at 902-292-1530 via call or text for more information.

Aspy Acres

3 sites · Tents60 acres · Baddeck, NS

Discover serenity at Aspy Acres, a tranquil campsite near Aspy Bay. Unwind by the creek, explore nearby White Point beach, and relish the privacy of secluded sites amidst lush trees and the sound of the babbling Smelt Brook. Ideal basecamp for Northern Cape Breton adventures. Book now for an unforgettable, rejuvenating camping experience.

Cape Breton Glamping, The Pioneer

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Pleasant Bay, NS

Learn more about this land:The perfect spot for glampers looking to get back to nature with an added touch of 21st-century amenities. About the PropertyThe tent is in a private wooded location, with distant views of the Atlantic Ocean. The property is situated only minutes away from several trailheads and borders the Cape Breton Highlands National park. It is very close to Skyline, Fishing Cove and Benjies lake and many others outside the park including Polletts cove and Roberts Mt. It is also only minutes away from several beaches, amazing whale watching tours, and great restaurants.About the Listing You will have a peaceful sleep on a full-size comfortable mattress with the sound of nature all around you. The Pioneer features a private outdoor shower and porta potty. All towels and toiletries are provided. A BBQ, utensils, and cookware are provided. Wifi available. Please note Pets are not permitted.Looking forward to having you!

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Fluster Cluck Farms

1 site · Tent100 acres · Baddeck, NS

**OUR CAMPSITES ARE CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE DUE TO AN UNEXPECTED EMERGENCY** We welcome you to enjoy the beauty of our property. Enjoy the night under the stars. Fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the river flowing along side the campground. Located in Glendale, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. A storied land with more tales to be written. Rich in natural beauty. Cape Breton Island is known for its warmth and our generous need to share it with the world...now it’s your turn to see for yourself.

83%

(3)

The Country

10 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Baddeck, NS

Spacious, serine, and close to all amenities! Clean Beaches nearby, we are close to lobster and crab docks, and on the Cabot Trail. In the area you will enjoy hiking trails, lots of hiking, mountain biking, 4 wheeler trails and fishing. The co-op is a short distance away. On site there is a controlled fire pit and bbq. No potable water. We are Close to Cheticamp and there are many interesting things around to see and do!

100%

(3)

Cape Dauphin Glamping Site

1 site · RV2 acres · Cape Dauphin, NS

We’re located off the beaten path in a remote community of Cape Dauphin NS, on Cape Breton Island. Mountain and forest behind us and ocean in front. Fairy Hole water cave hiking trailhead is just 7 min drive from us, secret swimming hole near us, Cabot Trail, hiking, swimming, paddling, fishing.

100%

(1)

Fred's Place

4 sites · Tents2 acres · Baddeck, NS

2.3 acres of woodlot at the end of the road. Very rustic. Ideal for campers and bicycle campers. Very few facilities but you can put up a tent and have a fire. It's super quiet and the only sound is the wind and the very occasional car (like one a day). Five minute walk to the ocean. 15 kms to the nearest store. I will be at my cabin but the property is large enuf for you to have total privacy if you want it. I can be reached by email at frederick.gardiner123abc@gmail.com. I'm located at the end of Richard's Pond Lane. To get here, go to South Side Road, South Side River Bourgeois. Turn right on Richard's Pond Lane and follow it to the end. Turn right, go to the first sign that says 7/8 and follow the path up to my cabin. There is red tuck tape to show the way. On the map, I am not The Cuffs, but the location is the same.

The Bunkie

1 site · Lodging3 acres · Grand étang, NS

The Bunkie is a cozy space, located on the famous Cabot Trail, in the corner of our main property, between the sacred towns of Margaree and Cheticamp. Beautiful view of the majestic ocean and rolling mountains. There are neighbours and general sounds of town. Includes kitchen amenities, comfy bed, pull out couch and pellet stove. There is a compost toilet in The Bunkie and spring mountain fed water is provided for drinking, wash up and rinsing (no running water). Basic cooking utensils, mini fridge, cook top, blender, George Foreman Grill, coffee maker and kettle. Coffee grounds, tea and oatmeal flakes provided. Guests have full access to our private back lake and trails through our forest, where they are able to swim and have access to our canoe and kayak. We are a 2-5 minute drive to ocean and multiple beaches and trails. And a 10 min drive to Cheticamp town-shops, cafes, pubs, live music, and The Cape Breton National Park. Parking is on the grass on the right hand side of The Bunkie.

Camping in Cape Breton Island with campfires guide

Overview

The island of Cape Breton, off the coast of Nova Scotia, is renowned for its music, natural beauty, and long Indigenous, Celtic, and Acadian history. Many visitors head to the island to drive the Cabot Trail, a loop of less than 300 kilometres, but campers should do themselves a favour and take a few days to do the route. It’s best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, with plenty of fascinating spots to explore and photo opps that will tempt you to stop.

Where to go

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

At 950 square kilometres, Cape Breton Highlands National Park covers most of Northern Cape Breton. Here you’ll find beaches, interpretive programming, and the chance to learn about Indigenous Mi’kmaw culture, plus 26 hiking trails, from gentle strolls to challenging treks through the highlands. Seven frontcountry campgrounds and one backcountry campground are available in the park, while additional private options are set nearby in the surrounding area.

Bras d’Or Lake

This massive estuary was designated a UNESCO Biosphere in 2011, and its mix of sea and freshwater houses many species of plants and animals. Canoeing and kayaking are popular on the inland sea, as is sailing, and several communities ring Bras d’Or, many with campgrounds near or on the water. One of the bigger centres, Baddeck, has a summer resort feel during high season and is a fun place to pitch a tent or paddle out to Kidston Island and its lighthouse.

Sydney

If you fly in from Halifax or further afield, this is where you land. The largest community on Camp Breton, Sydney went through a time of economic downturn around the turn of the century before the ingenuity of Cape Bretoners and their love for their home resulted in the creation of charming small community areas and a flourishing tourism industry. About a half hour’s drive from Sydney is Louisbourg, where it’s possible to set up camp at an area campground and set aside a day to visit the sprawling 18th-century Fortress of Louisbourg Historic Site. If a day isn’t enough, you can even camp right at the fort.

Cheticamp

Acadian culture is an important part of Cape Breton. In Cheticamp, you will see houses adorned with Acadian stars, hear the accent in the French language peppered in conversation, and taste it in the local food. Museums and boutiques showcase traditional crafts, while pubs often feature fiddle music. This region, on the west side of the island, is a great base from which to set out on cycling, whale watching, sea kayaking, or salmon fishing adventures.