Best Camping in and near Charleston Lake Provincial Park

Nicknamed the Queen of Lakes, Charleston Lake reigns supreme for its scenery and water sports.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Charleston Lake Provincial Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Charleston Lake Provincial Park

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Tiny Village Woodland

23 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents96 acres · Arden, ON

Tiny Village Woodland Park, is a private campground spread across 96 acres of stunning nature, offering a variety of spots for every kind of camper. Whether you're into cozy cabins, fancy glamping, or just pitching your tent under the stars, we've got you covered. And if you're all about RVs, we've got serviced daily spots and even seasonal spots for those who want to make Woodland Park their home away from home. Our mission? To provide an extraordinary experience for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. We believe that enjoying the great outdoors shouldn't come with a hefty price tag. So, whether you're roasting marshmallows with the family or taking a solo hike to recharge, we've designed Woodland Park to be your affordable escape into the beauty of Mother Nature. Cherish the simple joys in life, for it's the little moments that transform your time with us into something truly special. We're here to ensure that your stay at Woodland is more than just a getaway – it's a memory in the making, filled with relaxation, adventure, and those unforgettable, cherished moments.

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Fagan Lake Heights

1 site · RV, Tent200 acres · Maberly, ON

Located only 1 hour +/- to Ottawa or Kingston! This property provides great access to a secluded level campsite surrounded by mature hardwoods and white pine, overlooking Fagan Lake. There is an outhouse and firepit on-site, with firewood included (please don't bring your own firewood). Supplied Adirondack and other lawn chairs will really make your campfires special! Pets on leash are welcome. Tents, camper trailers and RVs up to 20 feet are welcome. This is a level pull-in site. There is a covered post-and-beam picnic shelter on site for rainy days. A supplied BBQ, a large kitchen prep table, and a small round dining table complete the "glamping" feel. There's always a full 18 litre jug of drinking water on site, although we recommend that you also bring your own water. Access to a secluded lake which is about 2.5 km x 0.5 km in size, and connected to Bennett Lake by the Fall River. The lake is rugged and remote - only 8 cottages on the whole lake. Swimming off the dock, or paddle over to the jumping rocks across the lake. Bring your canoe or kayak and explore the lake and wetlands. Or bring your mountain bikes and enjoy the backroads. This property is in the heart of Lanark County, with all amenities within a 20-minute drive. Lots of hiking trails nearby, and a nice sand beach at Silver Lake Provincial park 10 minutes away. We're not far from Murphy's Point and Sharbot Lake PP as well. If you like dark skies and quiet woods and going to bed listening to frogs and barred owls, or waking up with the woodland birds, this is the place. No artificial lights here, and you can see the Milky Way clearly on a dark night.

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Bushwood!

3 sites · Tents55 acres · Godfrey, ON

This area was once the bottom of a glacial lake as can be evidenced by the abundance of smooth round rocks. You will see many of the rocks have been piled up or made into walls to once make way for cattle to pasture. Now the land is slowly returning back to the forest. We work hard to be environmentally friendly and support the abundance of wildlife living in the area. Choose from three uniquely different areas for country camping on 55 acres.: Pine Solitude! : A Slice of Heaven site tucked into a stand of white pines on a peninsula, overlooking a shallow lake with three islands. Walk-in (approx. 800m) Big Sky Solitude! : Our best site for stargazing on an open peninsula, overlooking a shallow lake with three islands. Walk-in (approx. 600m) Meadow Bluff! : A sweet, secluded spot on a raised bluff overlooking a lovely, quiet meadow. The site is tucked into the edge of a white pine forest. Walk-in (approx. 400m).

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Black Maple Farm

4 sites · Lodging, Tents6 acres · Harrowsmith, ON

For the last 25 years we have lived here on our 6 acres of property where our Maple Sugar Bush allows us to produce our very own maple syrup every spring. [Side note: The sugar shack itself has been on the property for over 40 years.] We also raise a small but varied collection of farm animals, grow vegetables, and operate a 3 generation (Mother, Daughter, and Granddaughter) Artisan Craft Business, that sells handmade "Canadiana Themed" Home Decor goods and Maple Products at our local Farmer's Market. ( Visit us on Instagram or Facebook @Blackmaplefarm) Our Farm is located on the very edge of the Canadian Shield, so most of the landscape is a rocky, rugged, and naturally wooded. Throughout the property are numerous short, looping, walking trails that meander throughout the Sugar bush, pasture area, 3 season pond, and our farm animal "homes". These trails are perfect for short nature walks, where you'll experience natural wildflowers and plants, see and hear song birds, small animal wildlife and of course, farm life too. We are also located on the edge of the Eastern Ontario "Dark Sky" Area, which means we have a very nice view from the edge of our pasture of the North Sky stars on a clear night, with very minimal light pollution. Our varied collection of farm animals includes; lots of chickens, (including roosters who DO crow in the early morning hours), miniature goats, horses, a couple of barn cats, and a dog. During your stay with us you are welcome to come learn about and interact with our animals and daily farm life, if you so desire, and farm fresh eggs and maple syrup are also available to purchase too.

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103 Acre Marlborough Forest

5 sites · RVs, Tents103 acres · Ottawa, ON

Camping at the 103 Acre woods is part of the Marlborough Forest. It has groomed pathways in the meadow and rustic pathways through the woods for your hiking pleasure. If you are interested in backwoods camping, it's easy to do here, park your car in the driveway, grab your gear, and head to the back forty! If camping is not your thing and you just want some private land for the day, such as a photo shoot, or just wandering around, firepit lunch or firepit dinner, just book a site. If you reserve both sites, the entire land becomes yours for the time you are here. I only list 2 sites for camping so you will have plenty of space and privacy from any other campers. Lots of space to spread out and have your privacy. If you want complete privacy, reserve both sites! For the tenting campsites, I have 2 available. One is in the front 40 near the playstructure and closer to the house. It's called the "Cedars". You can drive directly to your campsite. The other campsite is a short hike into the woods and is just off to the side. It's called the "103 Paces". When staying at the 103 Paces campsite, you can drive through the meadow and park just outside of the woods. From there, there is a lawncart you can use to transport your gear to the campsite. Each campsite has a firepit for your use and is close to a shared composting toilet. If you are staying in an RV, you can park in the driveway and still access all the other parts of the property. Tent campers can select anywhere they want to pitch a tent and enjoy the beauty of the 103 Acre woods. Depending on where you choose to camp, you might be able to drive right up to your site. Firepit and wood available for use providing there is no burn ban. Water from the hose attached to the house is available for use. You are welcome to use the outside outlets to charge your devices. RV Electric hookup can be used for an extra fee. I have a composting toilet in a privacy cabana. There will be sanitizer to sanitize your hands. The composting toilet is a shared facility for both campsites. Comes with toilet paper. If you prefer to have your own composting toilet, you can add that on for an extra when you are booking. It's 10.00 more for your stay. I have a few water jugs to have water at your site if you don't have your own jug. A compost bin is available for food. A trash can is provided for waste. Recycle bins are in use as well for paper and plastic. I have patio table that can be used at your site if it's in the front 40. Back forty, I have a smaller more portable table that can be used. It's not too heavy to port. Firewood is not necessary to bring, there is lots of wood locally here on the property to use, you just have to gather it up yourself. I have a wheelbarrow that can be used to transport it to your site. There are wetlands and forests and meadows. There is very little light pollution here. Come and gaze at the stars If you are lucky, you might get to hear the resident whippoorwill, he is nocturnal. The sky is beautiful at night. Wake up to the sounds of many birds. There is a play structure for kids with 2 slides and a bridge, monkey bars, swings, firepole, and climbing wall. There are many things to find in the back 40. You might find a vintage car bumper, and in the spring if you look really hard, you might come across Lady Slipper orchids. They are stunning in the wild. If you want to trudge through the wetlands, be sure to bring your rubber boots. In the front 40 you can take some fun pictures with a vintage abandoned front end of an Aston Martin truck. The 103 Acre woods is conveniently located 3K from the Rideau River and Canal in Burritt's Rapids. Burritts Rapids has a nice "Tip to Tip" trail you can hike on the island of Burritts Rapids. Also there is the Henry Street Park, which has a small beach on the Rideau River. The Rideau Trail is located nearby as well. There are many entrances to the Rideau Trail just minutes away. Located 10 minutes or so from Merrickville. Great fishing along the Rideal Canal lock system. Merrickville has a small beach on the Rideau River. Merrickville has a wonderful Gelato place "Stella Luna". Get your Gelato and walk back to see the boats in the historic Rideau Canal. Lots of history in Merrickville and Burritt's Rapids. If camping is not your thing and you just want some private land for the day, such as a photo shoot, or just wandering around, firepit lunch or firepit dinner, just book a site. If you reserve both sites, the entire land becomes yours for the time you are here. There are 2 well-behaved chiahuahua's who live on the property. They will see you at the meet and greet. They will for sure welcome you to their yard. Your dog is welcome, just remember to pickup after them.

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The Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Oxford Mills, ON

Imagine a serene, secluded campground nestled within lush groves of cedar trees. Each campsite is thoughtfully tucked into natural alcoves formed by the dense cedar groves, offering maximum privacy and a peaceful sense of shelter. The soft rustle of the trees in the breeze is the only sound you’ll hear, with no noise from nearby roads or other campers to disturb the tranquility. The nights here are magical—far from city lights, the sky becomes a vast canvas of brilliant stars, perfect for stargazing. The darkness is pure and complete, allowing the constellations to shine with breathtaking clarity. Access to the property is easy, with well-maintained and identified paths leading to each campsite, yet the layout preserves the natural beauty and secluded feel. Every site is equipped with a sturdy firepit, ideal for cozy campfires under the starry sky. For your comfort, the campground offers eco-friendly outdoor washroom facilities, including clean, private composting toilets and solar-powered rainwater showers. The showers provide a refreshing rinse with naturally warmed water, blending sustainability with convenience. Just a short, scenic 10-minute drive from the campground, you’ll find Curry Park in Kemptville, a convenient gateway to outdoor adventure. The park offers ample parking and boat launch, perfect for fishing boats, canoes, and kayaks. From here, you can easily access one of Canada’s 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the Rideau Canal system—via the peaceful waters of Kemptville Creek, which flows into the Rideau River. For those who love fishing, this area is a gem. Sport fishers can enjoy some of the best bass, walleye, and pike fishing in Eastern Ontario. The waters are even known for producing massive muskies, making it a dream destination for anglers seeking a trophy catch. If you prefer quieter paddling, the calm creek and serene stretches of the Rideau offer perfect conditions for canoeing and kayaking, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. Just a 12-minute drive from the property, you’ll find Limerick Forest, offering over 600 acres of diverse trails for hiking, mountain biking or motor sports. This is a place designed for those who seek quiet reflection, connection with nature, and the simple pleasure of a peaceful, private retreat.

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Perth Camping by the River

4 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Perth, ON

a beautiful spot close to river .enjoy natures abundance e with the monarchs and fireflies. a short walk to the river to picnic under the apple tree and go fishing paddling and swimming. plenty of room for two or more tents for family adventures, fire wood can be provided for a small fee. come and enjoy .Water shoes are recommended as its a rocky bottom

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The Ridge Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent6 acres · Kingston, ON

The Ridge Retreat is 6 acres of beauty topped off with amazing waterfront and an awesome new dock. A gravel road has been prepared from the road access right down to the lake. We recommend that you park on the upper portion of this driveway/road and walk or use an ATV to travel on the trail to the lake. As mentioned, there is about a 40 ft incline just as you approach the clearing down by the lake . Please wear running/walking shoes and descend slowly down either of the 2 trails provided. The trail "Easy Street" is definitely an easier descent and climb. Learn more about this land: Situated just off the main road, The Ridge Retreat offers you the privacy and beauty of 6 unspoiled acres. Follow the gravel walkway/road down (5 min walk) to your amazing private dock situated on Howes Lake, Verona Ontario. Deep, clean water for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, etc. There are 2 firepits should you decide to have a campfire - one at the road site (RV and trailer) and one at the waters edge. This property provides privacy and solitude for nature lovers. The designated RV parking spot is up near the main road along with a very nice outhouse but if you decide to tent camp, there are a few choices that would bring you closer to the water's edge. An additional outhouse is located at the top of the incline to the lake. The gravel/asphalt trail down by the lake is the steeper of the 2 trails. Choose the "Easy Street" trail off to your right after you pass the stop sign indicating that no vehicles should drive beyond. This trail is a bit longer but a much more gradual incline. Grocery shopping, nature trails, etc are just a few minutes away. The scenic town of Westport is a 30 min drive away with amazing shops and a local winery.

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Field of Birds Glamping

2 sites · Lodging70 acres · Perth, ON

This 70 acre property backs onto the Tay River which is about 7 min walking distance from the campsite. The ecosystem of fields reverting to forest is home to diverse wildlife, especially birds. The big open sky is great for stargazing at night. Fall asleep with the stars and let the birds be your alarm clock...

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Mill Bay

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Kingston, ON

Bobs Lake is a lake in Frontenac County and Lanark County in Eastern Ontario, Canada. It is in the St. Lawrence River drainage basin and is the source of the Tay River.Learn more about this land:Relax under the peaceful lush canopy and let your worries melt away as you look over beautiful Bob's Lake. The frogs are especially active in the evenings at dusk. Site features include: picnic table, firepit, food prep table, cooking grate, tent pad, outhouse, small dock. We do have some firewood available (3 bundles) on site for sale on the honor system. 60 minutes from Kingston, 2 hours from Ottawa, 3 hours from TorontoNeed groceries? There is a grocery store @20 minutes North in Sharbot Lake as well as further South in Verona. In addition to gigantic Bob’s Lake, we are also close to Crow Lake, Long Lake, Eagle Lake and Sharbot Lake.We have other locations: Pine Solitude, Big Sky Solitude and Meadow Bluff.

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White Pine Acres

1 site · Lodging50 acres · Lanark, ON

50 acres of beautiful mature white pine forest Groomed trails lots of deer in winter Cabin is on a big pond with great sunrises and moon rises facing east Are you looking for a space to retreat and just be. We have a new cedar cabin that could be right for you. It is located on a pond on 50 acres. There are groomed trails and many other hiking opportunities within a 10 minute drive. The cabin full insulated however does have propane heating, fireplace with a rocking chair in front to cozy up to. Oven and stovetop.for all your cooking Firepit for those beautiful evenings and a gas BBQ ready for use. Small kitchen potable water supplied stored above kitchen sink and 2 jugs left for dishes and cleaning .There's spice mix and condiment packs in cabinet a small French press a toaster kettle and coffee percolator You will need to bring your cooler and ice.and just food /drinks and boardgames or a puzzle Transportation of your belongings to cabin is possible Cabin is off grid solar charged batteries and has a generator for backup and cooking appliances Please be mindful of battery use if not in cabin The cabin is a 5 minute walk from parking in on the property and the trails are marked. Cell phone reception is available, streaming is unreliable. Bring a book and your hikers and relax for a day or two! Close to ski doo trails if you are looking to stop for the night. 15 minutes to the community of Perth and 60 minutes from downtown Ottawa. In winter months when ice is safe bring your skates and skate on pond I clean off a section Inquirer if open Wake up to a beautiful view of the pond. You will get lots of birds at the feeder and deer coming in the evening- lots of turkeys as well on occasion in winter Ducks in spring summer and have had trumpeter swans on occasion The campfire pit is on edge of pond with a morning view of sunrise and evening view of moonrise. There's wood for campfire on site paper and kindling is under sink Lanark village is only a short drive away with a general store/ LCBO /gas station and a breakfast and lunch served at village treats a pizza can even be delivered to driveway by lanark pizzeria For more info and pics please go to Instagram @naturewanderer806

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Glamping - Intimate Cabin & Campsites

2 sites · Lodging260 acres · Perth, ON

Learn more about this land: Beautiful 260 acres of mixed forest, open field, and biodiverse marsh all for yourself! In the wild countryside just North of the Historic Town of Perth, Ontario. Includes large fire pit, cookstoves, covered deck, 10x10 wood cabin (sleeps 2), groomed camp/tent sites for your additional guests to pitch their tents. We only rent to one person/party at a time so the whole place is yours to share with whomever you like or just with yourself! Very private. Our house is a half km from the campsites and you are kilometers from the nearest neighbours. During Summer and much of Spring and Fall, you should be able to drive up to the cabin. Unless your vehicle has especially low clearance. The road/path out to the cabin started as a well made tractor path that has held up well over the years but has some rocks and bumps. (Check with us ahead of time if driving to the site is important). Otherwise, when you arrive, you can park at our 100 year-old farmstead and then enjoy a beautiful, 10-minute walk to your site (We are happy to bring in your supplies loaded in our mini-tractor's little, red, wagon, if check-in happens while we are here). This pathway may be a bit muddy, slushy or icy but is kept cleared of fallen snow and mowed in the warmer months. You will sleep in a double sized bed on a firm wooden frame. The mattress is a 14", deep pillow-top, Sealy with a box-spring. Both mattresses are securely wrapped in full mattress covers and it is topped with a thick mattress pad for maximum coziness. Linen or fleece sheets are available and the bed has a large, warm hypoallergenic duvet, (duvet cover also available in linen or fleece), with three pillows of various firmness. The room contains two cozy chairs, one of which folds out into a lounge chair or even a bed. There is a newly constructed outhouse that is bright and easy to access. There is a hanging solar light that can be turned on as needed. During the year when the temperature stays above zero, there is a handwashing station set up behind the outhouse. Water and soap for this station is provided. There isn't running water in the cabin but we are happy to provide you as much tasty well water that you would like, for cooking/drinking/cleaning. We are ready to top up your water supply, as you need it. Propane water heater available upon request. No shower space in the winter but sponge/cloth bathing possible inside the cabin. (Cloths, towels, and body soap supplied). There is a beautiful, bright, roomy, cedar, outdoor shower available during the warmer months. Water is provided for a portable, rechargeable shower pump. Water can be heated in the sun or warmed up with some added boiled water. There are dishes, pots and pans, and other basic food-prep type equipment for your use. There is an area inside to prepare food that doesn't need cooking or to make ready food that is going to be cooked outside on our grill or propane stove. A small cooler is available to store any perishable food you may have. During the winter, the cooler can be kept at a proper temperature by moving it in and out of the deep freeze that is the Canadian outdoors. You will need to bring ice during the warmer seasons. A fully charged Lithium Ion Energizer power station is available that is trickle charged on sunny days by a solar panel. This pack is capable of powering most of the devices that you would bring on your trip such as laptops, iPads, or Bluetooth speakers. The power should last with moderate use for a couple of days but we are happy to pick it up daily to recharge if you require that. The cabin itself has solar lighting for the evenings and a bright light that you can plug into the power station, when needed. For extra guests beyond the initial 2, those guests will have to bring their own tents and beds/bedding and camp in the large clearing beside the cabin or elsewhere on the property. There is a large, 12x16 floating deck, directly outside the cabin that is covered by a large gazebo with optional walls. Seating and a cooking area is located on the covered deck.. The deck and the area near the cabin and fire pit is mowed and kept clear of snow and you will find a nice fire pit for outdoor warmth and relaxation with plenty of seating. The pit is equipped with gear for you to do open fire cooking. Fire wood is available for $5/large bundle or you may bring your own. There is a 12'x14', hard-top, walled/screened, furnished gazebo in the cleared area around the cabin close to both the cabin and the firepit that will be available until the snow becomes too difficult to clear that far. The land is a rugged mix of Canadian Shield, pocket swamps, forest and old fields slowly returning to the wild. There are some basic paths but you are also welcome to strike out on your own and enjoy the land. The area around the cabin is set up with larger groups in mind while still maintaining an intimate feel. We encourage friends and/or family to come together and camp out with two able to sleep in the cabin itself. Additional guests who may be using tents, tent-trailers, vans, etc, to join you on your stay, are able to pick close by, mowed clearings, to set up camp or they can move further into the woods and find a more secluded campsite. Firewood is available upon request at $6/bundle, ideally before arrival but more can be provided during your stay. Outdoor Theatre Option For a fee of $20, a large screen can be set up in the hard-top gazebo for use with a provided projector. A generator is required to power the projector and will be provided, fully fueled. Additional fuel can be purchased, if needed. There are also two, stereo-capable, rechargeable, Bluetooth speakers that can be used with the system. Guests can bring a laptop, gaming system or even just media on a USB stick. Note: the projector is picky about what files it will play from a USB. The best option is a laptop or similar device. HDMI cable provided.

The best camping near Charleston Lake Provincial Park guide

Overview

About

Situated just east of Kingston in the Frontenac Arch UNESCO World Biosphere, Charleston Lake Provincial Park encompasses some 2,400 hectares of wilderness on the shores of Charleston Lake. The lake has 100-plus islands to call its own, plus over a dozen fish species and several at-risk species of turtles that thrive in its fresh water. Geologically, Charleston Lake is divided between the hard granite of the Canadian Shield and the softer sandstone to the east, both of which provide a special landscape of rock formations, caves, and deep ledges. Whether you paddle its rugged shores, hike its trails, or just relax on the sandy beach, the Queen of Lakes enchants.

Notable campgrounds

Best glamping experience: The Tall Pines cabin is located on its very own island. Though a boat is required to reach it (canoes can be rented at the park), it is well-worth the short paddle to have this slice of paradise to yourself. There are also four yurts for those looking for more comfort.
Best for adventurers: For those willing to rough it, there are 10 backcountry campsites, which, depending on your choice, can be reached in 10 minutes or two hours.
Best for families: The Bayside and Shady Ridge campgrounds are located near the lake in a mature, wooded setting.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Reservations are accepted online and by phone up to five months in advance of your arrival date. Bookings open at 7am and for popular parks like this one, your finger should be ready to click at that time (don’t try earlier or it won’t work).
Prepare in advance and have all ideal sites and alternatives chosen. Make sure your browser and JavaScript software (which controls the clock) are up to date.
Don’t give up if you don’t get the early slots—check often for cancellations, as even prime campsites sometimes open up at the last minute. Booking weekday or shoulder season stays also helps, as even the nicest roofed accommodation and yurts sometimes rest empty on sunny Wednesdays in September.

When to go

The park is open from May to October. July and August are the busiest months because of its popularity with families, while fall is ideal with fewer crowds, fewer bugs, and beautiful fall colours.

Know before you go

Although there aren’t any bears at Charleston Lake, plenty of raccoons roam the area. Secure your coolers with bungee cords and tie them down so they can’t be dragged away.
Take precautions with ticks, as lyme disease is present in this area (along with most of southern Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes). Use repellent, wear protective clothing, and do checks after hikes.