The best camping near Darlington Provincial Park

This popular weekend park with over 200 campsites near McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve offers access to beaches, marshlands, and ravines—plus loads of electrical sites. But be forewarned: Darlington’s popular day-use area and proximity to the city and surrounding suburbs mean it’s busy on most summer weekends. Bordered by three bodies of water, the campground area is divided from the day-use area. With hiking options ranging from 30-minute routes to almost two hours, young new campers can easily get a taste of the outdoors. Don’t forget your camera to try and catch a snap of the elusive great blue heron.

• Best for celebrations: Darlington has four large day-use areas with picnic tables, barbecues, water taps and washroom facilities. Picnic shelters are available for rent in three of the areas.
• Best cliffside camping: If you’re looking for a lofty spot with great views, try site 114, 115, 116, 158, 159, 160, or 161.
• Best for wheelchair access: Lakeside Campground has two wheelchair-accessible sites. There are steep, but short, hills throughout the park.

1. Camping is available from May 7 to October 12. Have your laptop up and ready to book online five months in advance on the Ontario Parks’ website at 7am sharp. Keep alternative sites in mind.
2. If you can’t find a spot (common for holiday weekends), check the Ontario Parks’ Facebook for cancellations or consider driving one hour north to less busy parks.

Bring a camera if arriving in fall, as the colours and marshland wildlife (think waterfowl and raptors) are incredible at this time of year. The park’s store rents fishing poles, and four fishing nodules are set up on McLaughlin Bay for those waiting for something to bite. With ice cream and treats, the store is also a popular summertime spot. Winter is fantastic for a romp on snowshoes. 

• Bring a bike to ride part of the Waterfront Trail, a 350-kilometre, paved, multi-use trail that skirts around Lake Ontario.
• For RVs, it’s best to fill your water tank at the potable hose near the dump station before heading to your site. 
• Bring your dogs but know that they must remain on a leash. Find a dog-friendly park in nearby Oshawa, just a short 10-minute drive on the 401 highway.