The best camping near Darlington Provincial Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Darlington Provincial Park adventure.

A taste of camping, hiking, and marshlands under an hour from Toronto.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Darlington Provincial Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Darlington Provincial Park

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Villa Vida Loca

2 sites · Lodging10 acres · Brock, ON
Welcome to our cabins in the woods at Villa Vida Loca, in beautiful Sunderland, Ontario! Our tiny cabins are tucked away in the woods on our gorgeous, private 10-acre property in the heart of North Durham. We offer a unique glamping experience with all the benefits of camping, but with a roof over your head, floor under your feet and super cool amenities. Please read our full listings before requesting a booking. If you’re unsure about something, just ask. We’re very laid back, approachable and inclusive people, and can’t wait to welcome you. Nearby We’re surrounded by Beaverton on Lake Simcoe, Port Perry on Lake Scugog and Uxbridge (the Trail Capital of Canada), which are a close driving distance away. Around the corner from us, the Beaver River Wetland Trail (part of the Trans Canada Trail) is the perfect place for a hike or bike ride. There’s lots of other exciting things to do and see in the surrounding areas – fabulous restaurants, breweries and wineries, top golf courses, beaches, fishing, watersports, agri-tourism experiences, events and more. Upon your arrival, we’ll provide you with an up-to-date list of recommendations based on the season.
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CA$200
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Glamping by Sandy Lake

2 sites · Lodging32 acres · Lakehurst, ON
This unique space is steps up from camping. It is located on 32 acres of land with so much to explore and see. What used to be a sheep farm about a century ago is now a hobby farm with plenty of forested area and hiking trails to explore. The large glamping tent has a double futon bed and bunk bed. An indoor fire place, as well as a basic kitchenette with mini fridge, microwave, kettle and toaster. There is a porch and outside area with your own fire pit to enjoy and relax (fire wood included). - Like all camping, everything that is brought in must leave with the guest (there is no garbage disposal and for extensive stays we can provide a pass to the local dump) - There is no cleaning provided between guests (no cleaning charge applied), for this reason we ask that you leave the tent in great shape for the next guests arriving. Failure to do so will result in additional fees. - Dogs are welcomed and we can even provide a dog bed on request, but we ask that you pick up after your dog and keep the dog off the beds. If there are other guests in the main cottage exploring the grounds; we just ask that you have a dog leash handy. - You must bring all the essentials, including your cookware and cooking utensils (given the lack of running water) - Guest must bring their own linens/sleeping bags. Pillows and extra blankets are provided. - Guests are encouraged to bring plenty of drinking water, wipes, paper towels, toilet paper and etc. - Buckhorn which is about a 5 min drive away has all the essentials, including a Foodland supermarket, convenience store, LCBO, a few restaurants including take out pizza. - The odd time, the guests may encounter the host and family on the grounds doing maintenance.
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CA$49.50
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Booked 1 time

New Cozy Tiny House Retreat On Farm

1 site · Lodging100 acres · New Tecumseth, ON
Escape to this cozy cedar tiny house on a peaceful farm, surrounded by nature. Relax in bed while stargazing through the skylight🌟. The natural cedar scent creates a warm and relaxing vibe. Though tiny, it’s fully equipped with everything you need: a full kitchen, hot water, heat and electricity, a cedar shower, and even a bathroom. Perfect for a serene glamping! 💧Our tap water is our well water and is drinkable! 🚿Washroom Comfortably spacious full cedar shower, custom built vanity with a sink, mirror, outlet and a composting toilet. Please do not throw toilet paper inside the toilet 🛌🏻Loft Sleeping Space The loft features a large skylight and a king size bed. With a sturdy staircase up the loft and the skylight, this space is beautiful and the perfect comfortable place to fall asleep under the stars. Enjoy the view of our beautiful farmer's fields in the loft window. We strive to do our best when we make the bed, it is tricky for our cleaners as it is a tighter space and they need to kneel on the bed in order to make it. They do their best to provide a clean, crisply made bed. 🐞The loft skylight will draw bugs, ladybugs etc and we strive to deal with them the best we can but inevitably there will be some even after a full clean. We do our best to deal with bugs, flies and ladybugs etc but inevitably there will be some even after we have done a full clean. 🌱This Tiny House is situated on a 100-acre family farm. The grounds are shared with our family farmhouse, our Wedding Barn and a few other rental units. All the buildings are spread out nicely on the property to give each unit privacy. As a rural property, we have lots of outdoor space. You have access to walking trails through our 40-acre tree bush lot. The quiet traffic area is perfect for biking with most roads paved. During the winter, enjoy skiing, snowshoeing and more (gear not provided). 🚗 Accessibility Roads are paved and easy to access with a regular car. 4x4 is not needed.
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CA$104
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Foragers Farms Cabin Stay

5 sites · Lodging50 acres · Peterborough, ON
Located in the rolling hills of Northumberland with views of Lake Ontario and the iconic rolling hills. Just 10 minutes north of Port Hope and Cobourg and 1 hour east of Toronto. Our new cabins are very inviting and a place of calming serenity. This is a very unique experience if your interested in visiting a diverse organic farm growing a large variety of local vegetables in season with opportunities to take part in events, volunteer opportunities and educational experiences. About the Space: Nestled beyond the wildflowers and trees of our 50 acres in the rolling hills. Our land is on a dead end road which means you will enjoy a peaceful vibe in the country side. Extend your stay into the week and experience the beauty of life on a farm without having to lift a finger. Foragers Farms is a thriving community of kindred spirits interweaving our love for the land to produce beautiful fruits, eggs and veggies for the surrounding area. If you’re looking for a place with a nice feel and good buzz this is it! Alternatively stay the weekend where the hustle and bustle comes to a halt and become immersed in nature with access to trails and open fields are awaiting you! Animals are welcome but keep in mind this is a farm and there are animals who also live here. Goats, horses, chickens and dogs. Please keep your animal on a leash when not supervised or going for walks around the farm. The cabins are meant for those wanting to turn off their phones and delve deep into relaxation. Bring a book, star gaze, sun bathe, meditate or pull out the laptop and plug into to electrical and wifi to get the job done. Included: - We have two cabins both nearby one another. One is a double bed and the other has two single beds with all bedding provided - Access to a clean compost toilet/portopotty. Toilet paper provided. - Nearby the portopotty is a hand washing station which is also where you can wash any dishes you might need to. - Drinking water from a beautiful well (from the hydrant near the porto potty) - Internet is available. Ask when you've been booked! -Electrical outlet -Outdoor solar twinkle lights and a rechargeable night light for inside. -Outdoor kitchen minimal supplies: double burner propane stove, pot, pan, French press, cutlery, mugs, plates, bowls. Please bring the rest for yourself. Encourage you to bring your own cooler with icepacks. Keep all food hidden from on farm dogs (especially chocolate). Not Included: -Fresh veggies, bread and eggs available for purchase from our farm store, or volunteer and get some in exchange. - If you plan to bring groceries, please bring your own cooler and ice! - Extra blankets, adequate bedding is provided, bring extra if needed. - Sunscreen and mosquito repellent - Firewood (ask to buy some as we have some on site) -Excessive waste management, small garbage bag available, bring additional garbage bags and take with you for longer stays Please read and sign the waiver inside the cabins upon arrival.
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CA$100
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The best camping near Darlington Provincial Park guide

Overview

About

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.

Notable campgrounds

  • 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.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  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.

When to go

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. 

Know before you go

  • 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. 

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