The best camping near Shoal Tower National Historic Site

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Shoal Tower National Historic Site adventure.

Discover Kingston's maritime defence at Shoal Tower National Historic Site.

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Community favorites near Shoal Tower National Historic Site

Top-rated campgrounds near Shoal Tower National Historic Site

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RV/Camper Parking 10min To Kingston

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Elginburg, ON

🌟 Description: Welcome to our serene property, where you can park your camper or RV for the upcoming solar eclipse or short getaways. Choose from various parking spots—whether you prefer grassy, gravel, or solid bedrock. 🐓 Chickens and Canine Companions: Our friendly flock of free-ranging chickens adds a touch of countryside charm. During the day, they explore the property alongside our loyal German Shepherd. 📍 Convenient Location: Located just 10 minutes north of Kingston, our spot offers easy access to the city (only a 15-minute drive to downtown Kingston). Enjoy the best of both worlds: peaceful surroundings and proximity to amenities. Book your spot now and experience the eclipse in comfort! 🌞🚐

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Tiny Teal Cabin

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Kingston, ON

Enjoy the best of both country and city. The property boasts amazing views of the Rideau Canal and glorious sunsets. Enjoy the outdoor fire pit, private Hot Tub and explore 10 acres of wooded, Canadian Shield bliss. Tiny home/guest cabin nestled in the trees but still conveniently located near parking and the main Road to town. Quick 15 minute drive to tourist attractions & historical downtown Kingston. Also near multiple lakes, hiking trails and other outdoor pursuits. Inside our Tiny Cabin is a main floor with living area, fold away dining table, full bathroom with toilet, sink and shower. The kitchenette has a sink, bar fridge with small freezer, stove top convection over/toaster, drip coffee maker, single burner element and microwave. It is fully stocked with cookware, utensils, dishes, coffee grounds, some spices and cooking oil. There is also an outdoor BBQ. The upstairs loft has Queen size bed, smart TV and clothing storage. All linens (sheets, towels etc. are included). The cabin is heated and we provide fans in the Summer months. We love animals but unfortunately our tiny cabin is not suitable for pets. Our cabin is strictly non smoking. We are passionate about tiny home living and leaving the smallest environmental footprint possible. The Tiny Teal Cabin was thoughtfully built to utilize minimal space and be energy efficient, all the while providing a serene sanctuary and escape amongst the trees. We encourage our guests to discover what it would be like to live with 'less' while discovering more in their surroundings.

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Relaxing Getaway

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · ON

1 acher Access to water Open field Barbecue provide Weed water great for fushing Trails available for hiking Secluded island 8$ ferry ride No electricity or toilet hook-up Perfect for rv and campers 20 minutes for Gananoque and Kingston Lots of wild life Available in winter also Ice fishing.

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Glampanee

1 site · Lodging9 acres · Napanee, ON

Enjoy the lovely setting of this romantic spot in nature. This is for experienced campers as this is off grid. You will feel relaxed in this yurt located on a 9+ acres and close to Prince Edward County. Everything will be provided to make your stay/experience as comfortable as possible: toiletries, shower kit, BBQ... We will also offer (upon request and availability) RMT service and food from local restaurant(s).

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Off-grid Waterfront Forest Camp

4 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · South Frontenac, ON

Learn more about this land: Welcome to our Off-grid Waterfront Forest Campground! We have 20 Acres (mostly forested) and 4 campsites to choose from for both tent campers and RV/trailer campers. There is plenty of space to pitch your tent and a large area for parking. The site is suitable for RVs 45 feet or less (you will be parking on grass/gravel). The trail to the water is about a 10 minute hike from the parking area. The water has quite a lot of algae by the shore. Great for paddling or fishing not so much for swimming. There are multiple fire-pits scattered across the property. Compost toilet outhouse is by the parking area next to the shipping container. Choose from multiple sites from a grassy/gravel semi-private area near the driveway with car access or hike up the bedrock (50metres from driveway) for an amazing view of the stars and moon, or for optimal privacy, there are campsites available along the trails in the forest. We are located right by the Rideau Canal, Lock 45 - Lower Brewers (please note that bridge is currently under construction - access is through Sunbury road or Battersea) We also have many trails and lakes nearby and Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area is only a 20-minute drive. This is a great hike close to Kingston, especially in the fall. The track is also groomed for XC Skiing in the winter. This is one of many possible hikes here and takes me between 1 and 2 hours. It's a great escape if you just have a little time. We run our property solely on solar energy so electrical output is minimal. There is a 3 prong extension cord available for use by the outhouse that can take small loads such as lights, charging electronics, and higher loads during sunlight hours. Campfires are permitted (firewood available at 5$/crate), pets are welcome, and potable water is available on the property. We also have wifi and cell reception!

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Hilltop Glamorous Camping

2 sites · Lodging20 acres · Verona, ON

Sitting on 20 acres with purifying plants & comforting earth tones, Hilltop Glamorous Camping is home to guests from all over the world! A perfect space to unplug from technology and plug into nature to reboot the mind, body, and soul with family and friends. We have all the amenities you need! Private toilet and hot shower, clean drinking water, an outdoor kitchen with all cooking supplies, picnic table, and a barbecue. This space is especially great for first-time glampers, folks who only want to pack their clothes and food and nothing else, or even introducing a family member or friend to camping for the first time. Campfires are permitted and pets are welcome! There's so much to do in the South Frontenac Region! Enjoy the great outdoors, hiking, bird watching or visit the many lakes that are a stone's throw away for fishing, swimming, or boating. Go ATVing on the many trails in and around South Frontenac.

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Black Maple Farm

4 sites · Lodging, Tents6 acres · Harrowsmith, ON

For the last 24 years we have lived here on our 6 acres of property where our Maple Sugar Bush allows us to produce our very own maple syrup every spring. [Side note: The sugar shack itself has been on the property for over 40 years.] We also raise a small but varied collection of farm animals, grow vegetables, and operate a 3 generation (Mother, Daughter, and Granddaughter) Artisan Craft Business, that sells handmade "Canadiana Themed" Home Decor goods and Maple Products at our local Farmer's Market.( Visit us on Instagram @Blackmaplefarm) Our Farm is located on the very edge of the Canadian Shield, so most of the landscape is a rocky, rugged, and naturally wooded. Throughout the property are numerous short, looping, walking trails that meander throughout the Sugar bush, pasture area, 3 season pond, and our farm animal "homes". These trails are perfect for short nature walks, where you'll experience natural wildflowers and plants, see and hear song birds, small animal wildlife and of course, farm life too. We are also located on the edge of the Eastern Ontario "Dark Sky" Area, which means we have a very nice view from the edge of our pasture of the North Sky stars on a clear night, with very minimal light pollution. Our varied collection of farm animals includes; lots of chickens, (including roosters who DO crow in the early morning hours), miniature goats, horses, a couple of barn cats, and a dog. During your stay with us you are welcome to come learn about and interact with our animals and daily farm life, if you so desire, and farm fresh eggs and maple syrup are also available to purchase too.

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Everyone is welcome.

5 sites · RVs, Tents41 acres · Kingston, ON

The first peoples used this land for ceremonies and celebrations. The alvar stretches from Peterborough to Kingston, limestone caves and caverns to be discovered all over. There are only a handful of places in the world where there is such a thing and here we have one in our backyard to share with you! 1600 lavender plants, you can sit in it for a whole day without being disturbed. The smells are unreal and groomed trails you can walk through. We welcome everyone, We ask that you respect the rules of the land. No Alcohol is permitted anywhere on site. This is our most import rule here.The night sky is the most black in the country, Dark sky conservation area is very close by. Bring your telescope or binoculars. You wouldn't want to miss a shooting star.Learn more about this land:Breathe-taking views of the land in all directions make it place a feast for the senses!Choose from 5 different sites, come breathe the fresh air and get back to nature, you will love the privacy, isolation, and serenity. The only sounds you'll hear is your own breathing. Please be sure to bring all of your camping gear as this is a truly natural experience, intended to allow you to reconnect with nature. The property is perfect for tent, car, and van camping.Conveniently located only 25 minutes from Kingston. Grocery's and gas are available nearby. Ample opportunity for biking, hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching all within a short distance to the farm. We love to share this place and look forward to hosting you!

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Sumac Fire

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Harrowsmith, ON

Learn more about this land:At the end of the road lives a little bungalow with a small forest, sensational sunsets and a beautiful meadow. You can nestle your tent amongst the sumacs for shade.At the back of the property are a large fire pit, an outhouse and a tree line for privacy. Your hosts are an adventurous clan and are always willing to chat about all the best places to, climb, hike, and canoe. We live a 5 min drive from the village of Sydenham and a 15 min bike ride which includes the closest swimming spot, the point on Sydenham lake. Enjoy the KP and Cataraqui trails to bike and hike or Frontenac Park for more hiking and nature. However, we will always direct you to Gould Lake, this is a favourite and only a 15 min drive away. Gould Lake always provides a little magic, a deep, spring-fed lake that has cliff jumping, amazing canoeing, hiking trails, and some of the most beautiful swimming spotsLet us know if we can help you out as you plan your trip. 20 minutes to historic Kingston and all the amenities it has to offer.

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Cozy Cabin Site 2

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents72 acres · Kingston, ON

Experience the tranquility of a private rustic cabin and camping situated on 72 acres. It provides a peaceful environment for nature walks, relaxation by the bonfire or wood stove, and quiet moments reading a book on the porch. During winter, you can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, making it an ideal getaway from the city. The cabin is conveniently located near a local golf course, offering additional recreational opportunities for those who enjoy the sport. To ensure comfort and convenience, there is a generator on-site for hydroelectric power. Amenities in the cabin include a BBQ grill, kettle, toaster, mini fridge, and an outdoor water tote. Escape from the busyness, of everyday life and immerse yourself in the serene surroundings of the cabin, where you can enjoy nature and relax in a rustic and secluded setting.

Parrott’s Bay Camping

2 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Bath, ON

Learn more about this land:Camp in a natural private forest next to Lake Ontario. Camping is available for tents, cars, vans, and trailers up to 30 feet. Trailer campers can expect a pull-in site that will require some leveling. Pets are welcome. Campfires are permitted within local regulation. Please leave it the way you found it.Hiking trails and a truly natural environment are conveniently next door. The Waterfront Trail and Loyalist Parkway are down at the Floating Bridge Beach. Golfing nearby. Grocery store within 5 minutes of the property.

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Relax By The Ponds

2 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Lansdowne, ON

🌗🌘🌑🌒🌓. Eclipse off season opening. We are opening one site for camper or RV camping to catch the eclipse. Sunday night and see the eclipse Monday the 8th. Our facilities will not be open as it’s off season but RVs with washrooms or guests can provide their own toilet Welcome to Relax By The Ponds, a beautiful and conveniently located camping spot just east of Gananoque, Ontario! Whether you're passing through or planning a leisurely getaway, our 4-acre property offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern convenience. Situated just minutes from the 1000 Islands Parkway, you'll have easy access to a plethora of outdoor activities. Enjoy biking, water sports, sightseeing, and touring the stunning 1000 Islands region, all within a short distance from our haven. Our property offers a variety of camping options to suit your preferences. You'll find a level grassy area, perfect for setting up tents or trailers, with a private gravel drive for easy access. If you prefer a more secluded and adventurous experience, we have a wooded area for tent camping, surrounded by nature's beauty. While camping among the trees, consider bringing a cot or air mattress I to ensure a comfortable night's sleep due to some above-ground roots. On our property, you'll discover a serene pond and plenty of firewood to enhance your camping experience. Enjoy gathering around the campfire in the evenings, creating cherished memories with family and friends. With a fantastic location just minutes from the St. Lawrence River and the 1000 Islands region, you'll have ample opportunities to explore the natural wonders and attractions of the area. Plus, our quick access to the 401 makes traveling to Lansdowne and Gananoque a breeze. ❄️❄️❄️Off season booking (mid November to mid April) outhouse not available. Guests must bring own toilet. Our outhouse has a portable sink and toilet that can not be left out when temps are 5 degrees and colder❄️❄️❄️ (Relax By The Ponds is located 500m+ north of a railway line and although the whistles blow, noise stops around 1130 and does not resume until 630-7am.)

The best camping near Shoal Tower National Historic Site guide

Overview

About

Shoal Tower National Historic Site is a circular stone defensive tower located on a shoal in the harbour, directly offshore from the site of the historic City Hall and the site of the former Market Battery in Kingston Ontario. From this location, the Shoal Tower had a commanding field of fire over Kingston’s commercial harbour and the entrance to the Rideau Canal. Official recognition refers to the tower itself plus the submerged rubble and cribbing associated with the tower’s construction.

When to go

The best time to visit Shoal Tower National Historic Site is during the warmer months, from May to September, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. Winter visits can be challenging due to harsh conditions and limited access. Plan your trip around local events for a culturally enriching experience.

Know before you go

Check the operating hours before your visit, as they may vary seasonally.
Wear comfortable footwear suitable for walking on uneven surfaces.
Be mindful of the weather; Kingston can be windy, especially near the water.
While the tower is not accessible, the surrounding area offers excellent views and photo opportunities.
Remember to respect the historic nature of the site and follow all posted guidelines.