Camp near Oshawa to explore nature preserves and sandy beaches along Lake Ontario.
Just east of Toronto on the Lake Ontario shoreline, Oshawa boasts stunning natural landscapes for unforgettable outdoor adventures. Hike the serene trails of Enniskillen and Heber Down Conservation Area, or mountain bike in Durham Regional Forest. Back on the shores of Lake Ontario, Darlington Provincial Park offers a sandy beach, excellent swimming spots, and opportunities for group, radio-free, and RV camping with electrical service for large RVs and trailers. A bit north, find Sibbald Point Provincial Park on the shores of Lake Simcoe, which offers RV campsites with full hookups next to beaches, a boat launch, and plenty more water activities.
Minutes from Oshawa, Darlington Provincial Park features a long stretch of sandy beach along the north shore of Lake Ontario. It’s a great place for swimming, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding, particularly during warm summer months. Nature trails, interpretive programs, and family campgrounds with non-electrical campsites are also offered at this scenic park. Adjacent to the park is McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve, which features protected marshland areas with walking trails, viewing platforms, and hundreds of plant and animal species.
For a quieter beachfront camping experience, Sibbald Point Provincial Park is about an hour drive north of Oshawa. On the southern shores of Lake Simcoe, the park offers beach and water activities and is a favorite spot for swimmers. From the boat launch, head out on the water to fish for lake trout, yellow pickerel, and jumbo perch. Wooded hiking trails lead to pull-through RV campsites with available electrical hookups or radio-free camping. Potable water and vault toilets are on-site.
Outdoor adventurers in search of untouched wilderness can make their way to Heber Down Conservation Area in Whitby. Five kilometres of accessible trails wind their way through forests, wetlands, and meadows that offer tranquil bird-watching opportunities. Dogs must remain on leash on the trails, but the off-leash park is a popular spot to burn off some puppy energy. Other key amenities include group picnic area rentals and accessible washrooms.
Summer and early fall months are popular times to go camping near Oshawa. The warmer weather and longer daylight hours make room for more outdoor activities, like swimming, fishing, and hiking. Fall temperatures average between 13–20°C. The autumn colours throughout Oshawa are an attractive camping backdrop at Darlington Provincial Park and Heber Down Conservation Area, as well. Winter camping is possible with average temperatures around -2° to 0°C, especially for snowshoeing. But trails are generally not maintained during the winter months, and some camp facilities may not be in operation.