Waterfall camping near Grand Bend
Explore endless natural beauty on the shores of Lake Huron in the ultimate beach town—Grand Bend.
Popular camping styles for Grand Bend
Waterfall camping near Grand Bend guide
Overview
Grand Bend, Ontario is a small but energetic beach town nestled against Lake Huron in the municipality of Lambton Shores. Explore the town’s daytime shopping and spirited nightlife, then hightail it out of town for some outdoor adventure—the natural attractions, from rugged forest hikes to easy waterfront strolls, are the real reason to visit. With two main beaches, watersports are available all summer, as are countless lakeshore camping spots, so the water’s never too far away. Canada's "Florida north" is a dream beach destination for holidayers and Hipcampers alike.
Where to go
Grand Bend Beach
As residents know, Grand Bend’s Main Beach is the heart of town and an ideal spot to kick back, take in the sun, comb the shoreline, swim in the lake, or try jet-skiing and parasailing (which you can arrange with nearby rental shops). Because of Grand Bend’s small size, there’s something special about a picturesque, sandy beach being the true centre of the community. South Beach is just as beautiful but often less crowded, so it’s perfect for catching a magnificent sunset melting into Lake Huron’s waters. Camping options near Grand Bend Beach include RV sites, waterside glamping, or even remote waterfall campsites.
Pinery Provincial Park
Spanning more than 10 kilometres of Lake Huron’s shores, Pinery Provincial Park is one of Grand Bend’s main attractions. Explore the rare and biodiverse Oak Savanna and Coastal Dune ecosystems, watch one of Canada’s best sunsets, or take advantage of local rentals for canoeing, hydro biking, or kayaking up the Old Ausable Channel (an important wetland for the area). Pitch your tent by the shore or even rent a unique dome tent—a semi-permanent, spacious shelter that usually comes hooked up with heat and other amenities.
Rock Glen Conservation Area
Head south of Grand Bend to discover Rock Glen Conservation Area. It’s a short hike to the destination: a powerful, remote waterfall with an idyllic swimming spot. Perfect for warmer days, this trek is made even better by vistas and viewpoints with a better sightline of the nearby gorge. The main trails require the use of steep stairs (about 100 steps each) to safely reach the bottom of the gorge, though there are also accessible trails to explore the park. Spend the night tent camping on wooded farmland, checked into a rustic cabin in the heart of an expansive nature reserve, or in your RV overlooking the placid waters of Lake Huron.
When to go
As a beach town first and foremost, Grand Bend is an extremely popular destination in summer for visitors from Toronto and the U.S., and summer is the best time to visit. The cold winters (average high of 2°C in December) aren’t exactly conducive to swimming and sunbathing, but a beach town is beautiful in any weather. While water is best enjoyed in warmer months, the trails and hikes around town are still well worth doing in late spring and early fall.
