Popular camping styles for Timmins
2 top campgrounds near Timmins
Beautiful Boreal Forest
Mandyann Farm
Camping near Timmins guide
Overview
Timmins sits along the Mattagami River—it was a popular home for prospectors during the Porcupine Gold Rush. But the history, extensive waterways, and scenic views are just part of the diverse attractions for campers. Hersey Lake Conservation Area features intricate hiking trails and pet-friendly areas with picnic tables and restrooms. Esker Lakes Provincial Park allows campers to pitch a tent in the boreal forest along a glacier-formed lake. Or set up camp in Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park to bask in the pristine waterfalls or paddle the whitewater rapids. There’s nature around every turn for campers in Timmins.
Where to go
Hersey Lake Conservation Area
Just north of Timmins, the year-round Hersey Lake Conservation Area features over 55 kilometers of hiking trails that intersect with Timmins Recreational Trail Network. RVers can day-trip to the conservation area with dogs in tow and explore the jack pine forests up to Grouse Point, or set up on the large beach along Hersey Lake for a day of water activities. Then stay the night at a Hipcamp campsite that offers pull-thru options and 30-amp hookups.
Esker Lakes Provincial Park
Esker Lakes Provincial Park is just under two hours west of Timmins, outside of Kirkland Lake. It’s a peaceful retreat within Canada’s boreal forest. This family-friendly park is also great for swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking in one of 29 glacier-formed lakes. There are easy and moderate trails throughout the park, as well. Experienced hikers can try the four-hour trail that winds along Gourley Lake, Seahorse Lake, and Roach Lake. The trail ends at Trapper’s Cabin. Along with backcountry options, there are 103 campsites with showers and toilets on-site. While campsites rarely fill up, the park gets busy during its Annual Blueberry Festival in August.
Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park
Two hours southwest of Timmins, Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park sits along the Englehart River. Kap-Kig-Iwan gets its name from the Ojibwe phrase for “water running over the edge”—fitting since the park is characterized by Englehart River’s majestic waterfalls, cascades, and whitewater rapids. Kap-Kig-Iwan’s 461-ha also encompasses lush valleys surrounded by boreal forest. Three novice-friendly hiking trails give campers scenic water views and birdwatching opportunities in spring and summer. Set up at one of the park’s 32 electrical campsites or 31 non-electrical campsites—all near comfort stations with flushing toilets and showers.
When to go
Most campgrounds near Timmins are open from May to September, with some campsites available in the colder winter months. The warm summer months tend to see the most campers, particularly May to July. July is the hottest month of the year with an average temperature of 24°C. The arrival of snow in the winter months marks the beginning of snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. The extensive network of waterways freezes is popular for ice fishing, as well. January is the coldest month of the year with an average temperature of about -20°C.
