The best camping near Sandbanks Provincial Park

Sandbanks Provincial Park, outside of Picton in Canada’s Prince Edward County, is one of the busiest Ontario parks, and it’s all because of its sandy shores. Sandbanks Beach stretches 11 kilometres along Lake Ontario, while family-friendly Outlet Beach is shorter but wider. Hike up the massive sand dunes near Dunes Beach on West Lake, which draws swimmers to its somewhat warmer waters, or go canoeing or kayaking on the Outlet River. With more than 500 campsites in five campgrounds, with flush toilets and laundry facilities, Sandbanks accommodates campers with tents to large RVs. Don’t show up without a campsite reservation, though—this is one popular park.

• Best for lakeside lounging: Outlet River Campground A
• Best for families: Cedars Campground
• Best for beach explorers: Richardson’s Campground

1. Book early! You can reserve Sandbanks campsites up to five months in advance, and many sites, particularly the waterfront campsites in the Outlet River Campground, book immediately.
2. Make reservations online through the Ontario Parks Reservations Service. Fill out your reservation form in advance, so you can press “Enter” the instant that reservations open for your preferred date.
3. Cancellations do sometimes become available, so don’t give up if you can’t book on your first try. And if you have no luck at all, consider other provincial parks on the shores of Lake Ontario, such as Presqu'ile or Darlington.

Sandbanks’ campgrounds are open from late April into October. Campers crowd the park from June through early September, so plan a mid-week stay if you can during this busy summer season. In September and October, expect crisp, dry days and slightly fewer visitors, although weekends are still crowded. Many restaurants, wineries, and other businesses across Prince Edward County reduce their hours in early spring and late fall and close entirely from January to March.

• Lengthy summer line-ups at Sandbanks’ entrances are legendary; check the park’s Twitter for current status. Campers have priority over day-use visitors, as long as you follow the check-in instructions in your reservation confirmation.
• In foodie-friendly Prince Edward County, buy your produce at farmstands, find fresh breads and pastries at local bake shops, and source wine or beer from County producers. While alcohol is normally permitted on your Sandbanks campsite, the park bans alcohol around the Victoria Day long weekend in May.
• Sandbanks has two cottages available to rent year-round. Near West Lake, Maple Rest Heritage House, a brick Victorian, sleeps eight, while the simpler Jacques Cottage, on Lake Ontario, sleeps four.