The best camping near Balsam Lake Provincial Park

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

Go fish! Balsam Lake is an angler’s paradise in the Trent-Severn Waterway.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Balsam Lake Provincial Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Balsam Lake Provincial Park

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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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Casa de Campo

1 site · Lodging7 acres · Norwood, ON

Our tiny casa is solar/electric, the cabin is nestled amongst tall pines. The cabin is secluded and sits on 7 acres, and is surrounded by 75 private acres. This micro hide away becomes a perfect home base to unplug, relax, read, cook over a open fire or close enough to explore the area. Our cabin is perfect for the camper who enjoys, and is familiar with the dance of camping and the outdoors! So bring bedding, water and necessary camping gear....We offer rustic, with a bit of extra glam to your camping experience! You'll find a lovely outdoor stone firepit to enjoy cozy campfires or to cook on. The site is provided with a picnic table/umbrella, rustic outdoor furniture, and a clean, simple outhouse, also a small outdoor kitchen area with a propane stove. Inside the cabin you'll find a coffee maker, mugs, plates,. While the cabin is insulated during the cold months a little electric fireplace is the cabins only heat source. Please dress cozy and prepare accordenly as nights can be cold! A 8" foam mattress as a single bed, or 4" thick double foldout foam bed for two is provided. We are 5 minutes to the quaint town of Norwood, and minutes to Hastings Trent River's fishing adventures! We are close to all the needed amenities. Please note, You are welcome to use the wood on hand and wood found on the ground, but it may be wet! We suggest you bring your own dry wood to enjoy a lovely campfire. We would love for you to come and stay at our Casa de Campo!!

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Uxbridge Igloo

1 site · Lodging20 acres · Mount Albert, ON

Your own private getaway with a private lake, sauna, forest, trails, wildlife and plenty of places to explore. When hungry, take in the local eateries, wineries, cideries and the trail capital of canada for mountain biking, hiking or walking. In the winter, skate on our private lake or hit the slopes at lake ridge ski or dagmar.

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Affordable Camping on Hobby Farm

8 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Uxbridge, ON

We would love to share with you a touch of country living where you can immerse yourself in the daily rhythms of farm life. While our farm can be busy with traffic, farm equipment and the sounds of animals, it offers a genuine taste of country living. Enjoy lush landscapes, open fields, and fresh air. Wake up to the sound of birds and the sight of grazing animals. Stay warm and cozy by the fire pit while taking in the spectacular view of the stars. We experience some beautiful sunsets and sunrises too so don’t forget your camera! Since our farm is a small intimate affair, with just a few sites available to rent, booking ahead is advised!

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The Eh Frame

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Kawartha Lakes, ON

Take a trip to our beautiful off-grid cabin nestled in the woods sitting on 25 acres with beautiful trails throughout the property. Get ready to cozy up for a warm campfire and enjoy the starry night sky before bed.About the A-Frame:The A-Frame Cabin sleeps 4 guests comfortably with 2 guests on the futon and another 2 guests enjoying the bed in the loft. The cabin is fully insulated and heated with a wood stove. We have a composting toilet located in the outhouse just steps away from the cabin.Things to do:- Our property includes access to tons of trails to explore, with more off the property nearby. - The cabin is less than 5 minutes from the Head lake public beach and boat launch. - You are only 10 minutes from town.- We're located 20 minutes to Balsam Lake Provincial Park.

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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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Farm with Views

6 sites · RVs, Tents64 acres · Sunderland, ON

A 64 acre farm located just north of Uxbridge. Just a few minutes away, we have some of the most popular walking, hiking, biking trails in Ontario. We also have a walking path that surrounds our property that the campers will have access to. There are lots of birds to watch, views of rolling hills, and wonderful farm lands to oversee. Come enjoy our peaceful space out in the country and have memorable camp fires with your family and friends.

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Cottingham property

2 sites · RVs, Tents43 acres · Kawartha Lakes, ON

43 acres of fields and forest. Beautiful star gazing opportunities and seclusion. Close to Doubes Tressle Bridge. Open area in a forest away from people and everything. No electricity or utilities available. We do live on the property and can assist with anything as necessary. Come enjoy the peace!

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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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Lookout Landing

6 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Minden, ON

Mature growth wooded plot that has everything from brooks, ponds, granite landings and so much more. Absolutely beautiful spot to escape to. Forefront of the property has an off ground platform for those not looking to venture deeper into the property to camp on the ground or suspended within the woods.

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Forest Stargazing Glamping Dome

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Orillia, ON

Nestled among cathedral high maple trees, this is an ultimate nature space. Our unique geodesic dome provides an upscale camping experience with all the amenities of a hotel. Enjoy a bit of solitude or celebrate a special occasion with a loved one. Sit by the fire while listening to the trees sway back and forth next to this geodesic dome. Sleep under the star filled sky or bask in the sunlight coming through the clear rooftop.

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Simple Cabin in town

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Haliburton Village, ON

Open space, including kitchen, comfy bed, couch and wood stove. There is an outhouse and water is provided for drinking, wash up and rinsing (no running water) Basic cooking utensils, small fridge, hot plate, coffee press and kettle. The cabin is in town, there are neighbors and general sounds of town. - 2 min drive to Main street-shops, park, cafes, pub, lake access, ice skating - 5 min drive to hiking trails, cross country ski trails, snowshoe trails and the haliburton sculpture forest - 15 min drive to ski hill and water spa Parking is up in the driveway directly in front of the cabin or on the roadside in front of the cabin. Please keep tight to the right for others to pass. There is a private cedar sauna available for guests.

The best camping near Balsam Lake Provincial Park guide

Overview

About

Campers and day-use anglers flock to Balsam Lake to catch large-mouth and small-mouth bass as well as walleye and muskellunge. The campgrounds offer a wide range of options from RV sites to radio-free campgrounds and even a few walk-in “eco-sites” for campers who prefer peace and quiet. Non-fishers can enjoy swimming at the sandy beach and exploring a network of hiking trails. It’s only a 10-minute drive from Indian Point Provincial Park, so you can pop over for a day walk.

Notable campgrounds

Best for families: Cedar Campground’s sites all have electrical hookups for RVs and they are well-spaced to give your family room to spread out (and make parking your RV easier).
Best for early risers: Oak Campground has a few campsites right on the lake for amazing sunrise views.
Best for anglers: Elm Campground is closest to the boat launch, giving you a chance to be first on the lake.

Tips for snagging a campsite

There are only six walk-in eco-sites. You’ll need to book early if you’re hoping to stay at one of these. They are radio-free and dog-free.
When you’re choosing a campsite, remember that the park sits on the western shore of Balsam Lake. To get sunrise views, choose a site facing the lake. For sunsets, choose one that faces away.
If you’re not planning on fishing, you’ll find it easier to book a campsite in May, after the park opens but before the season for bass and walleye opens.
Bookings can be made online or by phone through Ontario Parks.

When to go

Since most people staying at Balsam Lake are there to fish, things get busy when fishing season opens in June (check provincial guidelines for dates for each species). The park is open from mid-May to the end of October. Waiting until after summer will help you beat the crowds, especially on weekdays. But be aware that Thanksgiving weekend in October is a popular time to visit, both because of the holiday Monday and because the fall colours are vibrant at that time.

Know before you go

In July and August, the park rents canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and paddleboats. Life jackets are provided.
You’ll need a fishing license if you want to fish in Ontario. Getting caught without one can lead to fines and having your catch taken away.
There isn’t just one fishing season—it varies by region and species of fish. Be sure to find out what you’re allowed to catch by asking park staff when you arrive.
Balsam Lake has a large, sandy beach that is perfect for swimming. There’s also a small beach where dogs are allowed.
Indian Point Provincial Park is very close, but it has no amenities or camping and you must park at the trailhead. Further down, the road is private.