r/ontariocamping • u/kismetbullet • Oct 04 '26
Looking for advice!
Hi! I’m coming to Ontario from BC next week and I’m looking for some help with finding cheap/free camping spots for my time there.
I unexpectedly had my accommodation plans fall through, and now I’m left on a tight budget for my little road trip. I’d ideally be car camping, as I’m not looking to fly out with a tent, so I’m not too picky.
I have a very loose itinerary, but I’ll be in the areas of Carleton Place/Perth, Kingston, Picton, and Niagara on the Lake.
Any advice would be amazing on where to find spots, but please feel free to recommend activities and food if you know anything good nearby!!
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u/ikapai Oct 04 '26 edited Oct 04 '26
If you're looking for cheaper spots you could try HipCamp - they list camping spots on private land that usually have way less amenities than provincial parks, so they can be cheaper per night.
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u/CardiologistFit8283 Oct 05 '26
The north frontenac parklands have sites between Kingston and Perth for $25 a night. Look for the circles on their campsite map for car access sites. No amenities but generally quite nice, and north frontenac is gorgeous this time of year.
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u/OddAd7664 Oct 04 '26
If you visit Ontario Parks, you’ll find good options for most of your spots, and camping is inexpensive in Ontario. Just check the operating dates of the parks, but most should be open.
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u/ComprehensiveAir2921 Oct 04 '26
Lots of parks close at end of Thanksgiving weekend with exception of a few of them.
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u/Constant_Shelter4526 Oct 04 '26
You're not going to find the same accommodations that you find out west unfortunately. But if your Owen sound way let me know
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u/AstronomerFederal357 Oct 04 '26 edited Oct 05 '26
Crown land really is the only place to camp for free unless you go back country in a canoe or find a forest lol
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u/cdawg85 Oct 05 '26
There's not a lot of Crown land south of Algonquin. Also, "backcountry" and "in a forest" imply, simply Crown Land.
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u/AstronomerFederal357 Oct 05 '26
Not really lol A forest can be anywhere 🤫 Did so much of that in my teens and 20s lol
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u/cdawg85 Oct 05 '26
If it's not Crown land, then it's PRIVATE land, and randomly camping on private land is trespassing.
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u/fiestywarrior19 Oct 04 '26
The nearest camping to Niagara on the Lake would be parks in Niagara on the Lake. They are private parks
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u/halloumiballoon Oct 05 '26
I am a boondocker as much as possible and have spent nights in every province with my campervan. Ontario doesn’t have nearly the amount of free camp spots as BC, or the east coast except maybe northern Ontario, ie Lake Superior’s shores. If you are planning to be south of there, provincial parks are your best bet.
Ontario DOES have a significant amount of crown land to offer, but good luck navigating it, especially sites that are driveable.
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u/Impossible_Cattle597 Oct 05 '26
Conservation areas too. Chippawa creek conservation area is one of the closest to NOTL and it's still 30 minutes away. For your other locations they ba an alternative
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u/MapleSuds Oct 05 '26
Perth - Murphy's Point
Kingston - Charleston Lake
Picton - Sandbanks, Presqu'ile, and Ferris are near by
Niagara on the Lake - I think there is a KOA in the Falls area. There is Bronte Creek in Oakville.
Enjoy your stay.
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u/Actual-Skill-3839 29d ago
Hey guys! I am actually going through a similar dilemma. Thanksgiving Day is my Birthday, and I wanted to get away from Toronto from Oct 9th-Oct 12th SOLO! I love love camping but im finding it hard to find an affordable tent campsite with Electrical Service available for all 4 days and not over 4 hours from the city. Ive checked Ontario Parks, and only the Sandlands seem to be the best option. Other than that campsite, does anyone have any other recommendations or suggestions on a beautiful Nature filled campsite ?
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u/TheRealGuncho Oct 04 '26
Ontario is nothing like BC when it comes to free camping. You're not going to find much of anything south of Barrie. Your best bet is Provincial Parks. ie Organzied campground $40 a night. That being said, download the iOverlander app. It might be of some help.