The best camping near French River Provincial Park

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

Capture the spirit of the voyageur on this historic waterway.  

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Top-rated campgrounds near French River Provincial Park

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Rusty's Red Deer Lake Getaway

1 site · Lodging3 acres · Sudbury, ON
Looking for a place to get away from the chaos of your everyday life? Need a quiet place to unwind? Book Rusty's Red Deer Lake Getaway. What's included? An offgrid rustic style bunkie that sleeps 2 in the loft (double mattress), 1 comfortably on the sofa pullout, and one more small person on the chair that turns into a small cot. Please bring your own pillows, however clean sheets and warm blankets are provided. Rusty also provides cooking pots, pans, dishes, and eating utensils, along with a small amount of non-potable water to clean hands and dishes. Firepit with cooking grate is available for hipcampers. Outdoor cooking only. Wood can be provided as requested. Please do not cut from property. A small hiking trail on the property will lead you to Rustys favorite hangout, Red Deer Lake. The trail is a bit of a challenge with many obstacles so please use caution and take your time. Those who rent kayaks or pedal boat will have their vessel waiting for them at this location. Please say "Hi" to Rusty when passing by on your hike to Red Deer Lake. Trails for atv/utvs or others looking for a longer adventure are available a short walking distance off site. Message for further details. A cedar and pine outhouse is available. This outhouse contains a composting toilet that is emptied between stays. This keeps odors down.
Pets
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CA$100
 / night

The best camping near French River Provincial Park guide

Overview

About

Located just off Hwy. 69, north of Parry Sound, French River Provincial Park is a revered paddling destination with its white waters and interconnecting rivers, lakes, and bays. The French River itself is the star, flowing 105 kilometres from Lake Nipissing to Georgian Bay. Its glacially sculpted waterway and boreal forests are enjoyed by both anglers out for an afternoon of fishing and hardcore paddlers who navigate white waters on multi-day excursions. Don’t have a boat? No problem. Hike the 4-kilometre Recollet Falls Trail that winds through the forest to the edge of a rumbling waterfall, or head to the visitor centre for the Voices of the River exhibit. As all the campsites are backcountry and only accessible by water, your choices will depend largely on your itinerary.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for easy access: Obstacle Island is near the main paddle route and somewhat sheltered from weather.
  • Best for scenic views: Campsite #419 is situated after the Five Mile Rapids section of the Upper French, #633 is on the north side of Pickerel Bay, and #822 is the westernmost campsite in the park.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • No reservations are required for any of the 250 backcountry campsites. They’re strictly first-come, first-served.
  • Permits are needed and can be purchased at the French River Visitor Centre or online up to two weeks in advance of your arrival date.
  • The first digit of each campsite number on the map indicates its zone, so campsite #106 is in Zone 1, campsite #723 in Zone 7, etc.
  • Designated campsites and portages are clearly signed and on the official park map, available for purchase at the visitor centre.

When to go

The park is open from May to October. The water is high in spring, attracting experienced white-water paddlers. July and August are prime times to enjoy summer weather—this is when you’ll find the most people out on the water. Keep in mind that bugs, especially black flies, tend to be worse in June and the beginning of July. September can be incredible with fewer people, cooler temperatures, and fall colours.

Know before you go

  • Otter Bay is the only public access point located within the park. All other access to the park is through private businesses or public boat launches.
  • Paddle safe. Weather and water conditions can change quickly so check often, choose a route that fits your experience level, and consider a guide.
  • Ontario’s only poisonous snake, the Massasauga rattler, inhabits this region so be aware, especially when walking through grassy areas. This non-aggressive, shy species rarely bites unless you step on it or try to pick it up.

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