The best camping near Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site adventure.

Explore the historic Trent-Severn Waterway and its scenic lockstations.  

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Community favorites near Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site

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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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Dragonfly Ridge Rescue Farm

4 sites · Lodging98 acres · ON
Dragonfly Ridge is a 98 acre farm. Our pretty cabins are perfect for folks to enjoy some glamping in the country, on the farm surrounded by friendly animals.  You can arrange to have a tour of the farm and hang out with donkeys, mini horses, llamas, alpacas, pigs, bunnies, sheep, goats, peacocks, ducks and chickens.  We have a lovely pond, and acres of forest you can explore.  Our farm is on a quiet country road where you can take a walk and enjoy the peace and quiet and connect with nature and one another without the distractions of wifi, street noises or city lights. We are within minutes of the Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park with all there is to see and do there, such as hiking, paddling, exploring, swimming.  We have a fire pit where you can enjoy a spectacular night sky unimpeded by any other lights. The cabin has electricity, lights, electric fireplace for heat. In the cabin we have a double bed, a table and 2 chairs, a two-burner stove with oven, a washing up station. Fall asleep listening to owls call and wolves howling in the distance.  Wake to the sounds of the animals on the farm, you may even be able to arrange to gather your own eggs for breakfast! We are confident you won't want to leave the farm, but in case you choose to explore beyond our 98 acres there is lots to still see and do within only a short drive. We are located close to Buckhorn, where you can explore more lakes, pick your own berries or visit pumpkin patches, pick up groceries or enjoy the restaurants in Buckhorn.  Also, in nearby Bobcaygeon you can find world-class shopping and dining, parks, beaches, festivals, a heritage village, and even more lakes. One hour north of us is Haliburton, with the Haliburton Forest and Wolf visitation Centre, Sir Sam's ski resort, shops and restaurants, and Sir Sandford Fleming's college of Fine Arts. Lakefield is only 35 minutes away offering shopping, a world famous literary festival, fine dining, and antique shows most weekends. Trent University is only 40 minutes south, in Peterborough where you can watch Peterborough Petes play hockey, attend free music festivals in the summer months, experience the best restaurants around, shop, see a movie, watch the boats in the Lift Locks, a World Heritage, visit the canoe museum, skate on the canal, and much more.
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CA$65
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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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The Kountry Korner

11 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Trenton, ON
The Kountry Korner is a cozy part of our families working farm . Goats and chickens roam the property living their best life. The property consists of wooded areas, fields and a 12 acre private lake. Firewood available $15.00 bundle 5 Dry tent sites available with level gravel bases. These are located in the woods. Starting at $35.00 per 4 people. Parking at site. Potable water and showers available at office. 3 Dry RV sites available. Starting at $40 per night. These are not pull through sites. Reversing is necessary. Don't let that stop you though, assistance is available. Level grassed area, picnic table and firepit. Dry means No hook ups at sites. Water available at office. Outdoor shower at office. Outdoor sink. Please note.... Alcohol is fine but drink responsibly. This is a family place not a bush party. Quarry pond open dawn till dusk daily. No admittance after dark please No loud music after 9 pm. Chickens and goats roam free about the property. Please keep your pets leashed. If anyone in your group has a fear of animals please consider that before booking. Not responsible for the little Black and White Roosters attitude. Keep away
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CA$35
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Backwoods Cabin Co

3 sites · Lodging11 acres · Tweed, ON
Welcome to Backwoods Cabin Co. We have two unique glamping cabins available on our property located on the outskirts of Tweed and Madoc. The perfect spot to unwind, relax, and snuggle by the wood stove. There is a loop trail that goes around the entire 11 acres of land. There are markers along the trail so you know the boundaries of the area My family and I live on the property, we are here if you need anything urgently. We do spend a lot of time outside so the odd time you might hear our kids playing. We do have 2 VERY friendly dogs named Copper and Chief who might bark at you when you pull into the driveway but are on an electric fence so cannot get back to the cabin. We also have an outdoor cat named Wessie that may come and say hello. Follow us @backwoodscabinco *** PLEASE NOTE: THIS CABIN IS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WOODS SO THERE WILL BE BUGS IN THE APPROPRIATE SEASONS (SPRINGTIME BLACK FLIES AND MOSQUITOS, SUMMERTIME MOSQUITOS AND DEER FLIES, FALL SOMETIMES MOSQUITOS) ***
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CA$83.40
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Cabin in the Woods

3 sites · Lodging, Tents7 acres · Marmora, ON
7 acres of field, forest, pond, waterfall, rapids, swimming hole! There are no bad views! Sit by the pond, sit by the creek, sit in the waterfall, sit out at Blueberry Hill for a pleasant breeze or up on SunStar Ridge for some nightly star gazing or lay back in a hammock or on zero gravity chair 1 Bunkie on a hill overlooking the pond and 2 private tent sites, one at Boot Hill and one in the Field of Dreams. Each site has a fire pit and a compostable toilet and there is an outhouse on the property for the bunkie. Great for canoes, kayaks, bird and wildlife watching with spectacular star gazing. This property was part of an old homestead and as such I am still finding things so please respect the caution tape and stay on the marked trails. Some are treasures (European Grapes, Bergamot, French Roses, Asparagus, Rhubarb, Ramps, Fiddle-heads) and others not so much. I am re purposing what I can and collecting the rest for disposal as I nurture this land back to what it was meant to be, paradise. There is an outdoor shower available as well. If you are green minded you are welcome here!
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CA$20
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Autumn Joy! Cosy Canoe Cottage

1 site · Lodging20 acres · Bancroft, ON
The cottage is at the edge of a large wilderness area. We supply an ultra-safe large canoe with paddles and lifejackets. It's an easy and fun 15 minute paddle to reach the cottage. The cottage is an artistic gem on a safe and quiet lake with beavers and loons and numerous bird species -- owls, herons, hawks, ospreys, and many migratory songbirds. In over 20 years of experience on the lake, we've seen no bears. It's a cosy three-room place with a small bedroom (8x12) with an antique double bed; a main room (16 x12) with a single bed; and a kitchen (8X12). Sleeps 3, max. Access to the cottage is up a short set of irregular stone stairs from the lake. This could be an impediment for elderly or frail people. The lake is not a private lake. There are other cottages. But it's a very quiet lake and often there's no one else there. The landscape is very similar to Algonquin Park's. North Kawartha is famous as the birthplace of the canoe. This is a thinly-populated landscape of rugged granite bluffs, thickly-forested hills and valleys, and gorgeous lakes that remain quiet and peaceful even during the hottest summer weeks. This place was made by and for lovers, artists, poets, musicians, dreamers, writers, environmentalists, ecologists, escapists...and their children. Enjoy!
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CA$180
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Foresthill Retreat

2 sites · Lodging49 acres · Harcourt, ON
This property used to be a farm until 1912, the glamping site is located far from the house in what used to be a vegetable garden! The glamping tent is well equipped and has everything you need for a cozy comfortable stay including electricity! The outdoor kitchen on site has everything you need to cook a delicious meal. There are also hammocks, an outdoor shower, tables and chairs, and an extremely well-stocked site super clean outhouse. Lots of lakes in the area. General stores and gas within 5 minutes and the Grocery stores are within 15 minutes for all your camping needs. Provincial Parks Nearby: Wolf Island Provincial Park - 10 minutes, Kawartha Highlands Signature Park - 15 minutes, Quackenbush Provincial Park - 25 minutes, Petroglyphs Provincial Park - 30 minutes At night you will hear nothing but frogs, very private and very romantic. We can't wait to host you at Foresthill Retreat!
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CA$52.50
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The best camping near Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site guide

Overview

About

Salute human ingenuity navigating the heritage canals and locks along the 386 km Trent-Severn Waterway, connecting the playgrounds of Lake Ontario and Lake Huron. Cruise Canada’s renowned inland passageway through historic lockstations. Travel into cottage country by water or by car and watch the Big Chute Marine Railway in action. Stare up at the towering Peterborough Lift Lock and learn about its history at the Visitor Centre. Explore lumber towns, farm villages and the spectacular pre-Cambrian landscape of the Canadian Shield.

Notable campgrounds

  • oTENTik: Experience a blend of tent and cabin with the oTENTik accommodations, perfect for families and friends.
  • Ôasis: Discover a unique stay in the Ôasis units, offering a cozy, spherical abode for your adventure.
  • Rustic cabin: Enjoy a more traditional camping experience in a rustic cabin, nestled in the scenic surroundings.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early to secure your spot, as the oTENTik and other accommodations can fill up quickly during peak seasons.
  • Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons for better availability and a quieter experience.
  • Keep an eye on cancellations, as last-minute openings can provide an opportunity for a spontaneous getaway.
  • Explore nearby camping options to increase your chances of finding the perfect site amid the natural beauty of the area.

When to go

The best time to visit the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site is during the navigation season from mid-May to mid-October. Enjoy the full splendour of the waterway when the lockstations are operational. Outside of these months, the waterway offers a serene, frosty landscape, though some services may be limited.

Know before you go

  • Always check the latest water levels and navigation updates before planning your boating or paddling trip.
  • Be aware of the hours of operation, which run from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving, to ensure access to lockstations and services.
  • Review safety guidelines and visitor responsibilities to help maintain the pristine condition of this historic site.
  • Accessibility varies across the waterway, so inquire ahead if you require specific accommodations or facilities.
  • Stay informed about any infrastructure improvements or critical projects that may affect your visit by checking the Parks Canada website.

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