RVing in Ontario Parks: A Guide [2024]
Ontario’s provincial park system offers so many different options in terrain and scenery that you are guaranteed to find a camping trip that works for you. From the towering cliffs of Bon Echo, to the aptly named Sleeping Giant (you’ll have to head to Thunder Bay to see why!), to the wildlife immersion of Algonquin Park, Ontario Parks are a great place to get outdoors and do some RVing!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, we may make a commission at no cost to you. Please see our full disclosure policy for more details.
Bon Echo PP
Fitzroy PP
Grundy Lake PP
We have camped at countless Ontario provincial parks throughout the years, both in a tent and our RV. Here are our best tips and advice for making the most of your RVing experience in Ontario Parks.
Booking Your Campsite
Campsites at Ontario Parks have become increasingly in demand since the pandemic, when folks were looking for ways to spend more time outdoors. Bookings open 5 months in advance of the date you want to check in.
For example, if you wanted to secure a site for the busy July 1st weekend (checking in June 28th), you’d need to be logged in and ready to go at 8 am EST on January 28th to book your preferred site.
This isn’t to say that you won’t get a spot if you book later on. Cancellations often come up. However, for the most popular parks, booking early is definitely to your advantage as those parks fill up fast!
Serviced vs Unserviced Sites
The vast majority of Ontario parks only offer electric hookup – 15 and 30 amps. There are no 50 amp hookups at these parks for those of you with larger rigs. You’ll need that handy adapter.
There is very rarely water hookup (only found at Craigleith PP, ), and unfortunately, never the option for sewer hookup. Every park that offers camping has a dump station and fresh water fill for you to use at no extra charge.
wild north travel tip
Traveling or boondocking and need somewhere to dump your tanks? If you’re close to an Ontario Park, you can dump and fill up on potable water for the cost of the daily vehicle rate at that particular park (it varies).
Choosing the Best Site for RVing in Ontario Parks
The beauty of the Ontario Parks booking system is that you can preview pretty much every site ahead of time. The site details provides tons of information such as shade and privacy level, ground cover, and quality of site.
There are also filters for RV size so that you can ensure you fit comfortably. We typically find that the campsite gives us ample space beyond the length of our RV. So there’s usually a bit of wiggle room when finding a site that will work for you.
Navigating Wildlife Encounters
Depending on where in Ontario you are visiting, wildlife can range from plentiful to scarce. You are very unlikely to encounter a black bear or a moose in the parks that surround Toronto. But as you move outside of the GTA, these animals are more prevalent. Research the area of Ontario you are visiting so that you know what to expect, and it never hurts to pack bear spray if you are planning to hike.
Pets at Ontario Parks
Dogs are welcome at all provincial parks, though there are some campgrounds within certain parks that are dog-free. Watch for the dog free symbol when booking your site.
The parks with dog free campgrounds to watch for are Algonquin, Awenda, Balsam Lake, Grundy Lake, Pinery, and Voyageur.
Algonquin’s Mizzy Lake Trail is also dog-free, so watch for that if you’re visiting Algonquin Park.
The usual “dog rules” apply, such as no off-leash dogs, no leaving them unattended, and disposing of dog waste properly. A lot of parks do have fenced in off-leash areas for your pooch to play, which we love to take advantage of since our pup, Stella, is very high energy and needs that exercise!
Most notably, dogs are not allowed on beaches, unless it’s a specified dog-friendly beach. These dog friendly beaches are typically in a more remote area of the park, away from the main beach.
We love taking our pup, Stella, to the dog beach wherever we’re camping. She has a great time interacting with the other dogs and playing in the water. Dogs are typically off-leash in these areas, so be mindful of that if you have a dog that doesn’t play well with others.
Seasonal Sites
Ontario Parks offers seasonal sites for both summer and winter camping. You can set up your RV and campsite for the entire season, then come and go as you please!
There are 30+ provincial parks all over Ontario that offer seasonal spots, including big names like Algonquin, Pancake Bay, Kakabeka Falls, and Quetico. Cost for the site varies by park.The summer seasonal dates can also vary depending on where the park is located. For example, Darlington Provincial Park, which is located in southern Ontario on the shore of Lake Ontario, opens May 3rd. Whereas Quetico Provincial Park, way up north between Thunder Bay and Kenora, doesn’t open for the summer season until May 17th. Be sure to check with your individual parks operating dates. There is often a break between winter and summer camping (if both are offered).
The downside with a seasonal site is that Ontario Parks never offer full hookups. So if you’re there with your RV or trailer all season, you either have to hitch up regularly to dump and fill water, or do so manually using a portable holding tank which is less than *ahem* enjoyable.
Winter Camping
Yes, you can camp in your RV at select Ontario Parks in the snowy season!
Seasonal winter campsites are available only at MacGregor Point Provincial Park. The winter season runs from November 1st through March 31st, and sites are available to book on April 1st for that coming winter. Winter RVing involves a lot of preparation, and we highly recommend at least skirting your RV if you decide to be stationary at MacGregor Point for the season.
Many other parks offer winter car camping, though this is pretty tough to do with an RV. There are no services, comfort stations, or dump stations. Plus, it’s winter in Ontario meaning your tanks are probably going to freeze. Best to save the weekend winter camping for your hot tent! Mew Lake is incredible in the winter, so don’t let the chilly temps keep you away.
Plenty to Explore RVing in Ontario Parks
We love exploring Ontario’s provincial parks. We make sure we see new ones every year, while always returning to our favourites (Algonquin, Bon Echo, and Silent Lake!). Let us know about your Ontario Parks plans for the upcoming RV season – we love to hear about new parks we need to visit!
Pin to save for later!
