The best camping near Frontenac National Park

Frontenac National Park, in the Eastern Townships region of Quebec, is known for hiking and biking, plus lots of water fun. But even more than that is the draw of the area’s plentiful wildlife viewing opportunities. Keep your eye out for white-tail deer bounding across the hills, otters playing in the water, and great blue herons keeping a watchful eye over everything. Camping is available on the three loops of the Saint-Daniel sector, and about an hour’s drive away in the Southern sector.

• Best for paddlers: The odd-numbered sites in the Baie aux Rats-Musqués have direct lake access.
• Best for rustic campers: The Lac-Egan primitive campground gives campers abundant privacy.
• Best for stargazers: The Baie Savage campground in the Southern sector is within a Dark Sky Preserve.

1. Reserve your campsite online from the Sépaq website. Reservations open in mid-November for the summer of each following year.
2. Create your online account in advance to make the reservation process move as quickly as possible.
3. A 2-night minimum applies for advance reservations. One-night stays can be booked up to 72 hours before arrival.

Camping is only available at Frontenac National Park from mid-May until mid-October. It is busiest during the summer months of July and August, when the weather is warmest. If you’re looking for a quieter time, consider spring and fall, although be prepared for the sometimes rainy or chilly weather of the shoulder seasons.

• Be warned, there is another park in Ontario also called Frontenac Provincial Park. Double-check you have your intended location before making a reservation! 
• It’s called a national park, but Frontenac is administered by Sépaq, a Quebec provincial body. As such, Parks Canada passes won’t work here. A separate service fee applies for park entry, which can be purchased as an annual pass or daily. The daily admission can only be purchased up to 30 days in advance. 
• If you are camping and cycling, both sectors have dedicated sites for you that don’t have to be reserved in advance. Just register when you arrive.