Stealing just a couple of days to reconnect with nature and remind yourself of what real life is really can often save your sanity. One of the best parts about living in Ontario is being so close to some of the most beautiful campgrounds. Plus, some are actually a reasonable driving distance from Toronto!
Want to get away this weekend? Head to any of these campgrounds less than 4 hours from Toronto!
Bruce Peninsula Provincial Park
Head up to Tobermory to enjoy Bruce Peninsula Provincial Park. The views are stunning and you can even check out the park’s iconic grotto. If rock formations are what get you going, take a tour boat over to Flowerpot Island which is named for its unique rock pillars.
Distance from Toronto: 3 hours, 33 minutes
Whispering Springs
Looking to go glamping this summer? Head over to Whispering Springs to reconnect with wilderness in style. Located west of Cobourg in Northumberland County, this escape features canvas tents outfitted with queen-sized beds, electricity, chic furnishings, and outdoor cooking areas.
Distance from Toronto: 1 hour, 33 minutes
Silent Lake Provincial Park
If year-round camping is your thing, then you need to know about Silent Lake Provincial Park. Located just north of Peterborough in the Kawarthas, this park features 19 km of hiking trails and mountain biking trails as well as a stunning look-out point.
Distance from Toronto: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Grundy Lake Provincial Park
Located just north of Parry Sound is Grundy Lake Provincial Park which boasts nine camping areas for tent campers as well as RV and trailers campers and full amenities. There are also countless inland lakes for all your canoeing and kayaking adventures.
Distance from Toronto: 3 hours, 19 minutes
Elora Gorge Park
Only, about an hour and a half drive from downtown Toronto, you will find the picturesque Elora Gorge. Pitch your tent at Elora Gorge Park and head to the quaint town of Elora in the morning and youβll really appreciate the out-of-city life.
Distance From Toronto: 2 hours
Bon Echo Provincial Park
You absolutely do not want to miss out on going to the gorgeous and extremely well-maintained Bon Echo Provincial Park. Make sure you’re prepared β bring bug spray and other camping essentials, and you’ll be golden. It’s also important to note that it’s a bit of a drive from Toronto, but so worth it once you arrive. You can enjoy backcountry camping or check out the views from your car.
Distance From Toronto: 3 hours, 32 minutes
Albion Hills Conservation Park
A short car ride to Caledon will get you to Albion Hills Conservation Park where you can be hiking, biking, or simply snoozing on the beach. Do all the things that the city wonβt allow: fish, swim in the lake, and then fall asleep under a star-filled sky. Pretty enticing, huh?
Distance From Toronto: 1 hour, 31 minutes
Awenda Provincial Park
The gorgeous Awenda Provincial Park is located on Georgian Bay so it’s a bit on the further side. However, once you’re there you’ll see that itβs well worth the journey. With 33 km of trails on offer, it’s the perfect retreat from city living. Breathe it in, soak it up, and go for a swim in the crystal clear lake.
Distance From Toronto: 2 hours, 43 minutes
Sandbanks Provincial Park
While Sandbanks Provincial Park is also slightly farther away, you’ll be happy you made the trek once you see the beach. Located in Prince Edward County, there are a ton of fun things to do in the area and the dunes at the park are a sight you won’t want to miss.
Distance From Toronto: 3 hours, 5 minutes
Arrowhead Provincial Park
Arrowhead Provincial Park is just north of Huntsville, but you’ll feel like you’re much further north with all the dense greenery, lakes, and hiking trails. The main attractions at this campground is a trail that leads to a waterfall, and one that passes by a U-shaped river bend.
Distance From Toronto: 2 hours, 43 minutes
Rockwood Conservation Area
With all the unique landforms at Rockwood Conservation Area, including limestone cliffs, caves, and glacial potholes, it’s hard to believe this place is so near Toronto, located just outside of Guelph. The Eramosa River also runs through it, making this campground an awesome place for avid canoers and kayakers.
Distance From Toronto: 1 hour, 32 minutes
Sibbald Point Provincial Park
If your idea of camping is hanging out, Sibbald Point Provincial Park, located just south of Orillia, is another campground near Toronto you should visit. There’s a large sandy beach that sits on Lake Simcoe and plenty of grassy picnic areas for kicking back and relaxing.
Distance From Toronto: 1 hour, 36 minutes
Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Bronte Creek Provincial Park is the perfect place to camp if you don’t feel like driving very far. Located in between Burlington and Oakville, it’s also accessible by GO Transit leaving from Union and Exhibition Stations. The park features a 115-foot deep ravine, five great hiking trails, and more!
Distance From Toronto: 1 hour, 7 minutes
Darlington Provincial Park
Darlington Provincial Park is another great option for those seeking a camping retreat that’s around an hour away. Darlington is just outside of Oshawa on Lake Ontario and has a long sandy beachfront, nature trails, and a number of day-use picnic facilities.
Distance From Toronto: 1 hour, 33 minutes
Algonquin Provincial Park
There is so much to explore at Algonquin Provincial Park that you will definitely want to spend the entire weekend here. The popular campground features forests, rivers, and numerous lakes that are home to lots of wildlife.
Distance From Toronto: 3 hour, 30 minutes
Mara Point Provincial Park
This awesome campground has a beautiful beach that’s right on the shores of Lake Simcoe. There are even picnic shelters available for registration, as well as ice, firewood, and ice cream at the registration office! Don’t forget about all of the restaurants, convenience stores, and boat rental shops nearby to make your trip extra special!
Distance From Toronto: 2 hours
Emerald Lake Campground
If you’re looking to camp with a side of entertainment, check out Emerald Lake! Experience a day of water fun in its five-acre, pollution-free, spring-fed quarry lake where you can cliff jump, jump on the water trampoline and more. This is a great place to camp with the whole family!
Distance From Toronto: 1 hour
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Ever wanted to visit an Ontario provincial park but didnβt want to pay the fees? For one day only this summer, you can visit any Ontario provincial park completely free for its Healthy Parks Healthy People celebration! Curiosity reports.
Mark your calendars for July 21, 2023, to explore your favourite park (or discover a new one), and sample its facilities and services until 10 PM, with a complimentary pass that youβll be given once you arrive.
The pass will allow you access to access to the amenities that each respective park has to offer. Hiking trails, beaches, waterfalls, and more!
Keep in mind, any additional facilities not included in a normal day-pass visit at these provincial parks, like camping and rentals, will still cost extra. As well as additional charges at the swimming pools in Bronte Creek and Earl Rowe provincial parks.
Visit a park in the area or take a road trip and take advantage of this one-day-only event!
Canβt decide where to go? Click here to view our round-up of Ontario Provincial Parks, all within 4 hours of Toronto!
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