Discover Manitoulin Island campgrounds in Ontario. Park your RV or pitch a tent in these campsites to explore it’s wonders and Indigenous culture 🤩
Experience the Beauty of Camping on Manitoulin Island
Known as the “Spirit Island”, Manitoulin Island is the largest freshwater island in the world. This magnificent island located in Lake Huron offers over 100 pristine inland lakes and stunning landscapes that make it a premiere camping destination in Northern Ontario. From backcountry camping adventures to staying in RV parks or camping resorts, Manitoulin Island provides endless opportunities to connect with nature and make lasting memories.
With so much natural beauty, it’s no wonder Manitoulin Island has become one of the most popular camping destinations in the province. The island has something to offer all types of campers – whether you’re looking to pitch a tent surrounded only by the sounds of nature or prefer the amenities of an RV park, you’ll find the perfect campground on Manitoulin.
RV Camping on Manitoulin Island
For those bringing an RV, camper van or trailer, Manitoulin Island has several fantastic campground options. Most RV parks are located near the Chi-Cheemaun ferry terminal in South Baymouth, making them easily accessible when arriving on the island.
Providence Bay Tent and Trailer Park is one of the best RV campgrounds on Manitoulin. Located right on the island’s longest sandy beach, it features over 200 private, spacious campsites nestled among pine, birch and poplar trees. Amenities include 30-amp electric and water hookups, free hot showers, flush toilets, laundry facilities, WiFi, a convenience store, and a dumping station. It’s a perfect home base to enjoy swimming, kayaking, hiking and more during your island escape.
South Bay Resort & Campground is another fantastic option conveniently located only 1 km from the ferry terminal. It provides water and 30/50 amp electric sites along the lakefront, creating a serene camping experience. Guests can rent boats on-site to enjoy fishing in Lake Huron, swim at the beach, hike nearby nature trails or visit attractions in South Baymouth.
Batman’s Cottages and Campground on picturesque Sheguindah Bay offers 142 tent and RV sites with hydro service nestled among tall trees. Enjoy amenities like boat rentals, a swimming beach, laundry facilities, and proximity to the town of Little Current. It’s a wonderful family-friendly campground on Manitoulin Island.
Tent Camping Adventures
For a rustic camping vacation on Manitoulin Island, look no further than one of the island’s many beautiful tent campgrounds. Fall asleep to the sound of crickets chirping instead of RVs humming nearby at these peaceful nature sites.
One fantastic option is Gordon’s Park, a designated dark sky preserve that provides an incredible opportunity for stargazing. Tent campers can pitch their tents privately among the hardwood forest or in Deluxe Tipis equipped with wooden floors and foam mattresses. At night, take part in astronomy programs to observe the planets and Milky Way in one of Ontario’s darkest night skies. The park also offers lovely hiking trails, a solar-heated pool and more.
Clover Valley Farm is a sprawling 100-acre property with hay fields and forest that’s ideal for tent camping. Visitors can truly disconnect and get back to nature with no amenities except for campfires permitted on site. It’s close to attractions like Bridal Veil Falls, fishing areas and walking trails for daytime activities.
For waterfront tenting on Lake Mindemoya, Stanley Park in Spring Bay can’t be beat. The family-friendly campground has playgrounds for kids, basketball courts, private showers and more amenities while camping lakeside. Rent canoes and kayaks or bring your own boat to fish and explore the lake.
Backcountry Camping on Manitoulin Island
One fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of Manitoulin Island is by backcountry camping in the expansive forests. Although there are no designated backcountry or crown land camping sites on Manitoulin itself, some nearby areas on the mainland provide remote camping opportunities.
Point Grondine Park, located east of Killarney, offers rustic backcountry campsites nestled within the mixed conifer forest. The park has 26 campsites available, hiking routes spanning 28km and access to interior lakes for paddling over 130km. Remote camping at Point Grondine allows you to immerse yourself in nature while exploring the ancient waterways and lands of the Wikwemikong First Nation.
Backcountry camping is also available at Killbear Provincial Park, located on the Bruce Peninsula across Georgian Bay from Manitoulin Island. Reservations are required for backcountry camping, which provides a peaceful wilderness escape with composting toilets but no amenities. Access interior campsites by hiking or canoeing to experience the remote side of Killbear.
Unique Camping on Manitoulin Island
In addition to traditional tent and RV camping, Manitoulin Island offers several one-of-a-kind accommodation options for families looking for something different.
For a luxurious glamping experience, Anokâwén on the Alvar provides private, forested domes outfitted with comfy beds, furniture and amenities like solar showers. The Indigenous owned and operated property makes the perfect base to explore attractions like the Cup and Saucer Trail by day and cozy up by the fire pit at night.
The Kicking Mule Ranch offers “old time ranch” style camping in tipis, covered wagons and tents. Kids will love the proximity to farm animals like horses, chickens and sheep. It’s a fun option for families near Little Current.
At McLean’s Park, campers can stay in Sioux style tipis on platforms under the cover of pine trees. Each tipi includes portable cots and fire pits for a unique camping experience near Kagawong.
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Island Camping on Manitoulin
One of the best ways to experience Manitoulin Island is by camping right on its shores. Several campgrounds around the island offer lakefront tent sites, RV sites, and cottages nestled along the water’s edge. These island camping spots give you front row seats to Manitoulin’s famous sunsets and allow easy access for swimming, boating and fishing.
Batman’s Cottages and Campground on Sheguiandah Bay has scenic waterfront campsites where you can pitch a tent or park your RV. South Bay Resort & Campground provides tent and RV camping only 1 km from the ferry dock, with stunning views over Lake Huron. For a remote island camping experience, Cedar Shores campground offers lakefront lodging on 3 private acres in Kagawong. Wake up to the sound of waves lapping right outside your door at these island campsites.
Best Camping on Manitoulin Island in 2023
With its wealth of natural beauty and outdoor activities, Manitoulin Island promises exceptional camping experiences. In 2023, some of the best camping destinations on the island include Gordon’s Park Dark Sky Preserve for stargazing, Misery Bay Provincial Park for hiking, and Silver Lake Campground for its proximity to beaches and towns.
Providence Bay Tent & Trailer Park remains a perennial favorite thanks to its sandy beach and ample amenities. Newer options like Anokâwén’s luxury glamping domes and The Kicking Mule Guest Ranch’s tipis bring unique accommodations to the island. Whether you seek solitude in the wilderness or family-friendly comforts, Manitoulin Island offers remarkable camping in 2023.
Enjoy Your Manitoulin Island Getaway
A camping trip to Manitoulin Island promises beautiful scenery, outdoor adventures, and quality time with family and friends. Take a hike through lush forests, cool off with a swim in a secluded lake, and relax around a crackling campfire under the stars. The island offers a peaceful escape from the hurry of everyday life.
From laying in a hammock reading a book to roasting marshmallows with kids, enjoy leisurely days steeped in nature. Explore coastal towns and sample delicious local fare. Disconnect from devices and reconnect with loved ones. With its wealth of natural beauty and tranquility, Manitoulin Island provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable camping getaway this year.
Plan the Ultimate Camping Trip on Manitoulin Island
With stunning scenery, pristine lakes and diverse accommodation options, Manitoulin Island offers an idyllic setting for camping vacations. Spend your days hiking scenic trails like the Cup and Saucer, exploring coastal towns like Gore Bay and Providence Bay or cooling off with a swim at the beach. Relax around a campfire and get lost under the island’s dark night skies. Camping on Manitoulin provides endless opportunities to disconnect from everyday life and enjoy quality time in nature – whether you’re pitching a tent or parking your RV, you’re sure to make unforgettable memories.
