Best Provincial Park Campsites Near Toronto
By The QAMP Team · Last updated
You do not have to drive to Algonquin to get a great campsite. These are the best provincial park campsites near Toronto, ordered from closest to furthest, with what each park does best and how many campsite photos you can check on QAMP before you book. Drive times are approximate, from downtown Toronto without traffic.
Best campsites near Toronto at a glance
- Darlington Provincial Park: under an hour east of downtown Toronto
- Bass Lake Provincial Park: about 1.5 hours north of Toronto
- Mara Provincial Park: about 1.5 hours north of Toronto
- McRae Point Provincial Park: about 1.5 hours north of Toronto
- Awenda Provincial Park: about 2 hours north of Toronto
- Presqu'ile Provincial Park: about 2 hours east of Toronto
- Arrowhead Provincial Park: about 2.5 hours north of Toronto
- Sandbanks Provincial Park: about 2.5–3 hours east of Toronto
- Sauble Falls Provincial Park: about 3 hours northwest of Toronto
1. Darlington Provincial Park
Bowmanville, Durham Region, under an hour east of downtown Toronto. The closest full-service provincial park campground to the city. Ideal for a first trip, a Friday-night start or a quick overnight.
Best for
First-time campers, Overnight trips, Easy access from the GTA.
Tip
Weekday stays are much quieter than summer weekends.
2. Bass Lake Provincial Park
near Orillia, about 1.5 hours north of Toronto. A small, warm lake with a sandy beach and a compact campground that is easy for families with young kids.
Best for
Families with young kids, Beginner paddlers, Relaxed weekends.
Tip
Bring or rent a canoe or kayak; the lake is great for beginners.
3. Mara Provincial Park
Lake Simcoe, near Orillia, about 1.5 hours north of Toronto. A quiet Lake Simcoe park with shaded sites. Good to check when bigger parks are fully booked.
Best for
Quiet weekends, Families, Last-minute trips.
Tip
Check availability here when McRae Point is booked up.
4. McRae Point Provincial Park
Lake Simcoe, near Orillia, about 1.5 hours north of Toronto. Many sites are a short walk from Lake Simcoe, making it a favourite for boating, fishing and swimming.
Best for
Boaters, Anglers, Short drives from the GTA.
Tip
Waterfront sites go quickly, so reserve early.
5. Awenda Provincial Park
Georgian Bay, near Penetanguishene, about 2 hours north of Toronto. Shady, well-spaced sites in hardwood forest, with trails that lead to a string of Georgian Bay beaches.
Best for
Shaded wooded sites, Biking families, Quieter weekends.
Tip
Check photos for site slope and tent pad size, which vary between loops.
6. Presqu'ile Provincial Park
Brighton, Northumberland County, about 2 hours east of Toronto. A Lake Ontario peninsula with a long sandy beach, a marsh boardwalk and some of the best birding in the province.
Best for
Birding trips, Families, Cycling the park roads.
Tip
Spring and fall migration weekends are popular, so book early if you are going for the birds.
7. Arrowhead Provincial Park
Huntsville, Muskoka, about 2.5 hours north of Toronto. Classic Muskoka forest, Stubbs Falls and spectacular fall colours, plus winter skating.
Best for
Fall colour trips, Hikers, Muskoka weekends.
Tip
Fall colour weekends book out early, so reserve as soon as you can.
8. Sandbanks Provincial Park
Prince Edward County, about 2.5–3 hours east of Toronto. Ontario's famous dune beaches in Prince Edward County. Book early: summer weekends sell out fast.
Best for
Beach camping, Families, Weekend trips from Toronto.
Tip
Reserve as early as the booking window allows for July and August weekends.
9. Sauble Falls Provincial Park
Bruce Peninsula, near Sauble Beach, about 3 hours northwest of Toronto. Terraced river falls a few minutes from Sauble Beach, and a good base for the Bruce Peninsula.
Best for
River paddling, Beach day trips, Fall camping.
Tip
Paddle the Sauble River downstream for an easy half-day trip.
How to choose between them
If you only have one night, stay close: Darlington, Bass Lake, Mara and McRae Point keep the drive short. For a full weekend, Awenda, Presqu'ile and Arrowhead are worth the extra hour. Save Sandbanks and Sauble Falls for long weekends or a midweek escape.
Whichever park you choose, compare sites on the campsite map, then share the plan and a packing list with the group camping trip planner. First time out? Start with the camping checklist for beginners.
Frequently asked questions
What is the closest provincial park campground to Toronto?
Darlington Provincial Park in Bowmanville is the closest full-service provincial park campground to downtown Toronto, usually under an hour's drive east without traffic.
Which park near Toronto is best for beach camping?
Sandbanks is the best-known beach park, with large sand dunes on Lake Ontario. Closer options with good beaches include Bass Lake, Mara and McRae Point near Orillia, and Awenda on Georgian Bay.
When should I book campsites near Toronto?
Book as soon as the Ontario Parks reservation window opens for July and August weekends, especially at Sandbanks, Awenda and Arrowhead. Weekdays, June and September are much easier to reserve.