Discover the best forest campgrounds near Barrie, Ontario with campfires

Canada
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Ontario
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Barrie

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12 top forest campgrounds near Barrie with campfires

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Pine the Sky

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Southgate, ON

This beautiful spot was re-forested with pine a number of years ago, and was sectioned off from the surrounding farmland, which is now maintained by the mennonite community. It is 8 1/2 acres of wetland and forest, with a mown perimeter, and cool places to tuck into the forest for the night. The current owner was a special educator, and now is slowly turning the land into her homestead. There is a beautiful, spa quality outdoor shower next to a tidy and 'fancier than most' outhouse, a strawberry patch as well as wild alpine strawberries all over the property, a big dog and a small indoor cat keep her company. Here is what the land offers: -Bunkie in the Forest: A sweet 8x8 ft. space with new bunk and mattresses as of April 2023 -Strawberry Fields bunkie: an 10x12 space with a loft with a queen memory foam mattress and a main floor with a full futon and a small table -Campsites: Meadow, Forest and River spots. Close to each other, but you'd never know it! All three are chill and serene places. The property backs onto a ten-foot swimming hole in an otherwise shallow part of the Saugeen River. -RV Spot: With electric hook up ideal for RVs 30 feet and under -a connection to the organization, 'Black Folks Camp Too'! Welcoming to all!!!!! So much to see and do in the area!

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Sparrow Lake Camp

4 sites · Tents126 acres · Severn Bridge, ON

Sparrow Lake Camp is situated on the southernmost tip of the majestic Canadian Shield. The site is known to have been a campground for bands of the Huron people prior to the European intrusion. It is considered probable that Samuel de Champlain, the first European to explore Huronia, spent a night on this site in the 17th Century.In 1892, what would become the west side of the current property was sold by pioneer Captain Thomas Stanton to Toronto's renowned Massey family to act as their summer resort. The resort sported the main lodge, dining room, and cottages and was only accessible by train and steamer. From the onset, the Masseys used the site as a summer retreat for the Young Men's Bible League of the Central Methodist Church. Today, the property is a thriving summer camp that also offers overnight tent stays with stunning lake views.

Back 2 Zen

1 site · RV, Tent14 acres · Meaford, ON

Natures Acres

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents39 acres · Mount Forest, ON

A perfect place to escape and rejuvenate the soul! Our beautiful 39-acre property consists of hard and softwood forests, open meadows for activities, and flat and grassy fields. Whether you're camping with your family or with a group of friends, this remote and private property is the perfect destination for a vacation retreat. There are plenty of trails surrounding the property where one can enjoy connecting with the sights and sounds of nature. Plenty of different bird species, rabbits, deer and wild turkeys abound and often on summer nights around the campfire you can hear the howl of the coyotes. This is a beautiful, tranquil piece of paradise, very private and fantastic for stargazing. We also have a couple goats, pot bellied pigs and chickens on the property. Guests can help themselves to the farm fresh eggs when on site camping. Whether you’re bringing an RV or a tent, we have the perfect campsite for you! We look forward to hosting you and welcoming you to our little piece of paradise.

Laurenwood Farm

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Loretto, ON

Welcome to Laurenwood Farm! New for 2024: Due to health reasons the farm is fallow this season. It is still a quiet, peaceful escape to the country and you can enjoy all of the amenities but there will be no veggie boxes this season and there are fewer animals to visit. We do have some items available such as honey and syrup. The farm is a 100-acre working livestock and organic mixed produce farm with picturesque views, miles of wooded trails, and a beautiful little fish pond. Fresh organic veggies and farm-fresh eggs are available seasonally. Guests are welcome to wander the trails, check out the pond and gardens, and have a guided tour to experience meeting the animals. Nearby are several conservation areas and access to the Bruce Trail. Walking, biking or horseback riding is very pleasant on the quiet country roads around. There are many local fairs and festivals in the surrounding villages, such as the Beeton Honey Festival and Tottenham Bluegrass Festival. We have three different listings, a cottage, a barn loft, and a tent/RV site. We look forward to hosting you!

Three Ponds Homestead

6 sites · Lodging, Tents25 acres · Severn, ON

Nestled on the outskirts of Orillia, our serene 25-acre property and horse farm is minutes from Bass Lake and 15 minutes from local marinas. Our hidden gem homestead is the perfect place to disconnect. Trails to walk/hike, fields and forests to play in and the option for overnight pasture or stall horse board for our equine friends. You'll love the tranquility here. Follow us on IG at "Three.Ponds" for more pics, videos and info, including our Three Ponds Retreat dates!

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Large Campsite, No Hydro, Rockhill

3 sites · RVs, Tents122 acres · Shelburne, ON

Rock Hill Park, located on the top of the Niagara Escarpment in beautiful Mulmur Ontario. This 122 acre Oasis is the Original 1960’s Rock Hill Park, legendary for it music festivals and seasonal camping. The likes of Willie Nelson, Freddie Fender, Charlie Pride, Guess Who, Barbara Mandrel and many more entertained thousands of people for 30 Years. The vibe is still in the air, as you walk the historic private property and take trip down memory lane and lose yourself. Breathtaking views, Hiking Bruce trail, climbable limestone kilns, 65 acre Organic Farm, Artesian fresh water swimming pond with beach, Olympic size beach volleyball court. Enjoy lounging on the 10,000 person grass amphitheater overlooking the pond and red roof barn in valley.

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Uxbridge Igloo

1 site · Lodging20 acres · Mount Albert, ON

Your own private getaway with a private lake, sauna, forest, trails, wildlife and plenty of places to explore. When hungry, take in the local eateries, wineries, cideries and the trail capital of canada for mountain biking, hiking or walking. In the winter, skate on our private lake or hit the slopes at lake ridge ski or dagmar.

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Serenity Rising

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents76 acres · Orillia, ON

We are opening up our farm property for others to enjoy! Enjoy seeing our many animals on the farm as you drive in past the paddocks and around our herd of horses. From chickens to cows, to horses and goats, even some sheep and some ducks! We can arrange a visit on the farm for a hands-on experience to meet the animals for an extra fee!

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'The Bear Den' - Muskoka Glamping

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Gravenhurst, ON

Welcome to 'The Bear Den' You've come to the Muskokas where bears moose deer wolves roam and a feeling of ' HYGGE ' awaits as you settle on the grounds. Adventure awaits at nearby lakes (Prospect lake public beach 5mins drive), Muskoka river and other small rivers that you can explore/fish/paddle/canoe all the way to lake Rosseau or Lake of Bays, Lake Muskoka awaits you. Whether you are on your motorcycle driving through, RV'ing, boating, golfing, you can use this site as your home base and go do all activities in around Muskoka. Equipment Rentals @ LIV Outside SHOP. 15 mins away towards the town just past HWY 11 on HWY 118 a LIV Outside SHOP for all your Muskoka needs, canoe's, kayaks, bicycles etc. All available for rent. The site is all yours, enjoy the hammock, (sauna coming soon), and warm up with bon fires every night amongst the tall pines and hemlock trees. Bring family, pets and friends... Tents and/or small trailers are welcome. Looking forward to meeting you and your friends, remember you will be my guests 😀 NOTE: Please leave site as you were never there, all garbage must be taken with you, and stored securely while on site (wildlife).

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The Rustic Shack in the Wood's

1 site · Lodging113 acres · Mount Albert, ON

Please read to the END! For full details :) If you are looking to escape the noise of everyday life, this is the place for you! Come enjoy the peaceful tranquility of our rustic little Shack on the 113 acre farm of rolling hills + open fields set by the edge of the forest. Previously used as the hot chocolate shack for our tree farm business which has finished after a 30 year run. The Shack is completely "OFF GRID" and you can get a feel for staying amongst the sounds of nature and possibly find yourself shutting off your phone and really enjoying the quiet peaceful escape. Sitting by a bon-fire at night, with the stars bright in the dark sky. Enjoying a good book or a walk on the property looking out for Wild Turkey's, Coyotes, Raccoons, Ground hogs and a variety of Bird's. Take an evening walk to the top of the hill to catch a beautiful farm sunset over the corn fields. Local businesses nearby are Brooks Farm Playground and Market 2 min up the road. Rose Family Farm with fresh cut fries 4 min away. Musselman's Lake is a 6 min drive to enjoy the fabulous Fishbone on the Lake, casual outdoor dining. In nearby Stouffville find Timber Creek Mini Golf, Gallucci Winery, Willow Springs Winery + Tree top trekking at Bruce's Mill. With many hiking trails in the area including Eldred King Woodlands, Vivian forest Trails, Durham Regional Forest and almost directly across the road and slightly south of our property new York Region Forest walking/hiking trails can be accessed. Nearby restaurants are the Coach House Pub, Country Stop and Crupi's Pizza located in Ballantrae. In the quaint little town of Mt. Albert 5 min up the road you'll find Twisted Fork, The Wing House, The Pub and Chen's Chinese. Mt. Albert has a local Foodland with an LCBO in it open till 8pm daily. Ballantrae Ultramar 6 min away also has an LCBO open till 11 pm daily. Uxbridge is nearby and a large variety of restaurants and shopping with a local outdoor venue, Winery + vineyard called Slabtown Cider + co. making fabulous ciders + wines . Lots to check out in the area, or simply stay put at The Shack and enjoy cooking a meal on the BBQ in the outdoor kitchen area (propane included) and relaxing by the bonfire (wood included). The Shack is equipped with some cooking items, pots + pans, BBQ and utensils, knives, cutlery, plates, coffee cups, bowls, glasses + (wine glasses) cutting board, tray, kettle and a small chest cooler to keep your food and drinks cold (you will need to bring the ice) Dish washing rack is provided, as well as large jugs of clean potable water for cooking/drinking and doing the dishes. Please bring your garbage bags! Extra cooler is also provided. The Shack sleeps 3 people comfortably, with 2 bunks and 1 single size sofa-bed. Pillows and Bedding ARE NOT included. Plenty of room to set up additional tents for the additional per person nightly rate if more than 3 people. **2 Outhouses on premises. **Bonfire wood is provided - Large chunks - split your own - Axe is provided. You can leave any recyclables. Recycle containers are provided, but you must **Please Take Garbage Away at checkout!!! **Things you need to bring: -lanterns or flashlights -garbage bags -toilet paper -bedding and pillows -food and drinks, ice for coolers If you will need lights: **Generator including 1 full tank of gas can be provided for a small additional fee if you choose to add it on. Payable in cash at check in please. Hope you will come enjoy our peaceful little hideaway and give Shack Life a try! Cheers! ~Cathy

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Osprey Sanctuary Forest

9 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Collingwood, ON

Come camp in an unique and private forest sanctuary -- explore an ecological gem situated only 90 minutes drive from downtown Toronto and an hour from Pearson airport. Take a ten minute picturesque drive to visit the quaint village of Creemore and its famous brewery, bakery and farmers market, or explore Bruce Trail, Devils Glen lookouts and surrounding Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve where there there are hiking trails and the headwaters of the Noisy and Pretty River. The area is nestled amongst pastoral landscapes and Mennonite farming communities. Only a short drive to Collingwood, Georgian Bay and the Blue Mountains and Beaver Valley Ski Resorts. The tranquil property is forested with mature Sugar Maple, Black Cherry forest and Tamarac, Birch and Cedar its is very rich in bird and amphibian life. I have 3 different areas to camp Ceder Grove - It is a very private area, where you have to pack in your gear about 100 meters (no trail). There is room for several, not too big tents. You will have to pick out and prepare your own site. Pond Site - Room for 1 large tent, you can park close. Site is prepared. Main Forest area- Open forest area, select and prepare your own site. Park and walk about 100 meters with an easy trail. In the spring several species of Trillium abound and many woodpeckers and birds including Osprey can be seen and heard tapping away. There is a wealth of mushrooms, fungi and wildlife year round. In the Fall months both the property and the local area feature spectacular fall colours with blazing reds and oranges and lemon yellows that will blow your mind. In the winter we have excellent snow-showing and winter camping for the those that enjoy the snow and abundant wildlife. Come enjoy the privacy afforded by 100 acres of forest situated in the middle of 6200 acres of conservation land on the highest spot in southwest Ontario -- the top of the escarpment and source of three local rivers.

Forest camping near Barrie with campfires guide

Overview

Set on the shores of Lake Simcoe’s Kempenfelt Bay, downtown Barrie can feel like an escape. Watercraft filled with happy boaters roll in and out of the main marina, while parks and beaches stretch for several kilometres along the shoreline. Live events and festivals light up the night, including the concert stage and glittering midway of Kempenfest in July and August. Spend some time strolling through the butterfly bushes and rose gardens at Sunnidale Park’s arboretum, or head back in time at Historic Fort Willow, a supply depot during the War of 1812. Then head for the hills—some of the province’s best public parks and ski resorts (which welcome mountain bikers in summer) are just a short drive away.

Where to go

Springwater Provincial Park

Just 15 minutes’ drive northwest of downtown Barrie, Springwater is small but mighty. There’s no camping here, but day-use visitors can enjoy 12 kilometres of hiking and biking trails, some skirting a swan-filled pond. Winter is also fun—the park grooms eight kilometres of cross-country ski trails, plus a designated snowshoe path.

Earl Rowe Provincial Park

Set on the Boyne River and Earl Rowe Lake, this is a perfect place to get into the water. With two big beaches, plus a massive, one-acre swimming pool, campers can rent a canoe from a booth on East Beach, or watch the salmon spawning at the fish ladder. Then spend the night at one of 400 campsites.

Georgian Bay Islands National Park

The world’s largest freshwater archipelago, this park once inspired the Group of Seven, Canada’s most legendary painters. Here, the rugged rock of the Canadian Shield meets the clear waters of Georgian Bay. Swim in sheltered coves on Beausoleil Island (some with romantic names, like Honeymoon Bay), fish, hike, bike, canoe, and kayak, then spend the night—they’ve got cabins, glamping, and camping.

Sibbald Point Provincial Park

The beach is the biggest drawing card here. Lining Lake Simcoe, the sand stretches in a big, broad crescent with gentle waves perfect for families. Once you’ve dipped your toes, climb into a boat, canoe, or motorboat, or fish for jumbo perch, pike, trout, and northern pike. (You can also ice fish in winter.)

When to go

This part of Central Ontario experiences four very distinct seasons—the darkest nights in winter can dip below -40°C, while summer days can top 35°C. Time your visit to coincide with your interests: Skiers and snowboarders can expect good snow on the nearby slopes from December to March, while swimmers can get in the lakes from June to early September. Autumn is always glorious with an explosion of colour and some of the best sweater weather you’ll find anywhere.

Know before you go

Barrie sits about an hour’s drive north of Toronto. Roughly halfway between Toronto and the heart of Muskoka, traffic on Highway 400—the main thoroughfare connecting the two—can be very heavy in summer, especially on Fridays (northbound) and Sundays (southbound).
Load up before you leave town—Barrie has a number of camping and sporting goods stores and big supermarkets.
Instead of driving, take the GO Train—the distinctive green, double-decker cars of Toronto’s commuter rail system connect Barrie with downtown’s Union Station in under 90 minutes.