The best camping near Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park

The crashing waters of Kakabeka Falls (Ontario's second-highest falls) are accessed by a wraparound boardwalk providing amazing views that make this a popular park for both day-use visitors and campers. Fed by the Kaministiquia River, the falling water has carved the rocks so that you can follow historic voyageur routes and view 1.6 million-year-old fossils at the bottom. Hiking trails range from easy to challenging, and an abundance of flora and fauna showcase the region’s natural splendour. Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park campsites are large, private, and shaded, with playgrounds, comfort stations, and many amenities.

• Best for big groups: Mountain Portage is closest to a comfort station.
• Best for RVs: Whispering Hills has pull-throughs and hook-ups.
• Best for classic park views: Riverside is closest to the water.

1. This popular park is on the major road through Northern Ontario to Manitoba, so many people opt to stop here on cross-country road trips.
2. All sites at Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park are reservable in advance via the Ontario Parks website, but you still may be able to walk up and score a campsite midweek or outside of July and August.

Though Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park is open year-round (and seeing the waterfall frozen in winter is amazing), the campgrounds are only open from mid-May to mid-October. To enjoy the beaches, you’re most likely to get warm waters at the end of July and through August, which is naturally the busiest time at the park. If you like a quieter stay, you might want to book earlier or later in the season. 

• Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park offers barrier-free camping, a barrier-free comfort station, and two wheelchair-accessible trails. 
• Some campsites are close to the highway and can be noisy, so check the campground map before booking your spot.
• The mosquitoes at this park can be relentless. Bring plenty of extra-strength bug spray!
• Cell reception can be patchy or non-existent here.
• There’s a park store in the visitor centre where you can pick up basic essentials and souvenirs, but the city of Thunder Bay is also close enough to grab other supplies.