The best camping near Balsam Lake Provincial Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Balsam Lake Provincial Park adventure.

Go fish! Balsam Lake is an angler’s paradise in the Trent-Severn Waterway.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Balsam Lake Provincial Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Balsam Lake Provincial Park

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Villa Vida Loca

2 sites · Lodging10 acres · Brock, ON

Welcome to our cabins in the woods at Villa Vida Loca, in beautiful Sunderland, Ontario! Our tiny cabins are tucked away in the woods on our gorgeous, private 10-acre property in the heart of North Durham. We offer a unique glamping experience with all the benefits of camping, but with a roof over your head, floor under your feet and super cool amenities. Please read our full listings before requesting a booking. If you’re unsure about something, just ask. We’re very laid back, approachable and inclusive people, and can’t wait to welcome you. Nearby We’re surrounded by Beaverton on Lake Simcoe, Port Perry on Lake Scugog and Uxbridge (the Trail Capital of Canada), which are a close driving distance away. Around the corner from us, the Beaver River Wetland Trail (part of the Trans Canada Trail) is the perfect place for a hike or bike ride. There’s lots of other exciting things to do and see in the surrounding areas – fabulous restaurants, breweries and wineries, top golf courses, beaches, fishing, watersports, agri-tourism experiences, events and more. Upon your arrival, we’ll provide you with an up-to-date list of recommendations based on the season.

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Harvey Farm

100 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Fenelon Falls, ON

Harvey Farm is located near Fenelon Falls and Bobcaygeon, it’s is built off the road making it a peaceful little slice of paradise away from the hussle and bussel of todays busy world. This is a 100 acre farm will rolling hills and fields, in the back is a beautiful pond where you can swim and set up camp to catch a break and have some fun!

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Simple Cabin in town

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Haliburton Village, ON

Open space, including kitchen, comfy bed, couch and wood stove. There is an outhouse and water is provided for drinking, wash up and rinsing (no running water) Basic cooking utensils, small fridge, hot plate, coffee press and kettle. The cabin is in town, there are neighbors and general sounds of town. - 2 min drive to Main street-shops, cafes, pub, lake access, ice skating - 5 min drive to cross country ski trails, snowshoe trails and a sculpture forest - 15 min drive to ski hill and water spa There is a cedar sauna on the property you are welcome to use during your stay. Along with a simple outdoor / off grid shower for rinsing. Parking is on the street in front of the cabin. Please keep tight to the right for the snowplow and neighbors to get by.

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Harmony Resorts - Stoney Lake

9 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Peterborough, ON

You will find our campground amongst the rugged precambrian rocks and windswept pines on the shores of Stoney Lake, the crown jewel of the Kawarthas. Immerse yourself in the wilderness of our pinery sites, or experience the tranquility of our lakeside sites. Enjoy the pristine water as you relax on our private sandy beach or launch a boat to explore the lake’s hundreds of beautiful islands. Stoney Lake is known for its excellent fishing and is home to large populations of bass, walleye, and muskie. Petroglyph Provincial Park, located right across the street is a sacred Indigenous site with the largest known concentration of aboriginal rock carvings in Canada. Explore the excellent hiking trails the park has to offer or visit McGinnis Lake, one of few meromictic lakes in North America. At the end of each day the lullaby of the northern loon will call through the cool night air as you drift off to sleep. We can’t wait to share our place with you!

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The Eh Frame

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Kawartha Lakes, ON

Take a trip to our beautiful off-grid cabin nestled in the woods sitting on 25 acres with beautiful trails throughout the property. Get ready to cozy up for a warm campfire and enjoy the starry night sky before bed.About the A-Frame:The A-Frame Cabin sleeps 4 guests comfortably with 2 guests on the futon and another 2 guests enjoying the bed in the loft. The cabin is fully insulated and heated with a wood stove. We have a composting toilet located in the outhouse just steps away from the cabin.Things to do:- Our property includes access to tons of trails to explore, with more off the property nearby. - The cabin is less than 5 minutes from the Head lake public beach and boat launch. - You are only 10 minutes from town.- We're located 20 minutes to Balsam Lake Provincial Park.

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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.

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Beneath the Stars - Haliburton County Escape

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Minden, ON

We have a beautiful, densely treed, and well-groomed 1-acre piece of property in desirable cottage country that's craving company! The mature trees, rolling terrain, and private road offer lots of privacy and a peaceful atmosphere. It is within walking distance to the world-famous, Panam Summer Games host " The Minden White Water Preserve/Rapids", which is used for kayaking and hiking. Walking distance to a public beach on the desirable Horseshoe Lake, part of a 3 chain lake, where you can fish, swim and relax in clean, sparkling waters. Choose from two options. Beneath The Stars Tenting Escape - tent or RV(up to 25 feet) site with an outhouse Rustic Cozy Cabin - ideal for a family or group. Currently can sleep 6. We are in a very desirable location; only 10 minute drive to the village of Minden, and surrounded by natural beauty and activities for nature lovers!

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Glamping by Sandy Lake

1 site · Lodging32 acres · Lakehurst, ON

This unique space is steps up from camping. It is located on 32 acres of land with so much to explore and see. What used to be a sheep farm about a century ago is now a hobby farm with plenty of forested area and hiking trails to explore. The large glamping tent has a double futon bed and bunk bed. An indoor fire place, as well as a basic kitchenette with mini fridge, microwave, kettle and toaster. There is a porch and outside area with your own fire pit to enjoy and relax (fire wood included). - Like all camping, everything that is brought in must leave with the guest (there is no garbage disposal and for extensive stays we can provide a pass to the local dump) - There is no cleaning provided between guests (no cleaning charge applied), for this reason we ask that you leave the tent in great shape for the next guests arriving. Failure to do so will result in additional fees. - Dogs are welcomed and we can even provide a dog bed on request, but we ask that you pick up after your dog and keep the dog off the beds. If there are other guests in the main cottage exploring the grounds; we just ask that you have a dog leash handy. - You must bring all the essentials, including your cookware and cooking utensils (given the lack of running water) - Guest must bring their own linens/sleeping bags. Pillows and extra blankets are provided. - Guests are encouraged to bring plenty of drinking water, wipes, paper towels, toilet paper and etc. - Buckhorn which is about a 5 min drive away has all the essentials, including a Foodland supermarket, convenience store, LCBO, a few restaurants including take out pizza. - The odd time, the guests may encounter the host and family on the grounds doing maintenance.

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Whys Guy Acres

1 site · RV, Tent60 acres · Kawartha Lakes, ON

Stay on our 60 acre farm and find out why "farm life is the best life". Pet the horses. Watch the chickens and collect fresh eggs for breakfast. Walk the fields in search of wildlife. We back onto the Trans Canada rail trail for biking, walking, birding and atv-ing. Large flat open grass area for tent or RV with fire pit. Outhouse on site. Within 10 min drive to local town with grocery store, shops and restaurants. Convenience store with LCBO within 2 min drive.

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The Birch Kawartha

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Kawartha Lakes, ON

Learn more about this land:Enjoy a beautiful retreat in Kawartha Lakes!This four-season cottage on Mitchell Lake allows offers wonderful views of the lake from the living room. Enjoy your morning coffee to the sound of loons or watch the beautiful sunset before roasting marshmallows at the fire pit. The cottage has 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. If you are working remotely the cottage has great WIFI. You will love the 100 feet of waterfront including water toys! The cottage also features a firepit, wood-burning stove, BBQ, and heat & AC.Lakeside you will enjoy canoeing, paddle-boating and kayaking. You can relax on the screened-in porch while watching kids play. In the winter, enjoy snowshoeing with the snowshoes that are provided!Located only 1.5-2 hours from Toronto (depending on traffic). The cottage is a 12-minute drive from beautiful Balsam Lake Provincial Park, which has scenic hiking trails, a beautiful and clean beach with swimming, picnic areas, and a kids playground.Traveling with small children? Let us know! Our cottage is very family-friendly with lots of toys, books, games, a sandbox, kid's life jackets, mini Muskoka chairs, and a mini picnic table. We also have two pack n’ plays, a portable high chair (lobster chair), and bed rails available for guest use upon requestThis is a great place to make memories and share moments together that will last a lifetime! We look forward to hosting you!Check us out on Instagram @thebirchkawarthaOTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:**Due to COVID, guests are required to provide their own bedding, pillows, linens, and towels. Only dishtowels will be provided.**Mitchell Lake is known for its peaceful atmosphere, gorgeous sunsets, and fishing, however, it is a weedy lake. It is fantastic for wading or playing in the shallow water by the dock, canoeing, paddle boating, relaxing on floaties, etc., however, it is not ideal for distance swimming. We recommend that guests bring water shoes or crocs.This cottage is not suitable for parties.

Booked 4 times

A Quick Escape From The City

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Bolsover, ON

CAMP SITE The campsite is located on a lot nestled in trees approximately 1 hour from Toronto. LAKE Canal Lake is a lake of Ontario, Canada, situated in the City of Kawartha Lakes. HISTORIC MONUMENTS The "Hole in the Wall" bridge was built in 1905 and is also known as the Canal Lake Concrete Arch Bridge. It was designed by the federal Department of Railways and Canals. It is located on Centennial Park Road on the southwest side of the Trent Severn Waterway bridge, northeast of Bolsover. The bridge was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1988. FISHING Canal Lake is a medium size lake with a large diversity of fishing spots. There is a variety of fish available including largemouth bass, pike and muskellunge (muskie) and an abundance of panfish. EATS AND TREATS • Bolsover is home to the Western Trent Golf Club • Check out Bexley Golf Centre just west of Coboconk & Balsam Lake Provincial Park. They are a Butter Tart Tour stop! • And we all know how delicious Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream is in the summer sun!

BexleyRentals

1 site · RV, Tent637 acres · Kawartha Lakes, ON

Incredible Large Tract Of Land, 637 Acres With Approximately 3600 Feet Of Shoreline On Talbot Lake. But No Road Going To Water At This Point. Would make an incredible hunt camp for all species, Moose, Deer, Elk, Bear, and Waterfowl etc. This property can be used for long term rental or short term

The best camping near Balsam Lake Provincial Park guide

Overview

About

Campers and day-use anglers flock to Balsam Lake to catch large-mouth and small-mouth bass as well as walleye and muskellunge. The campgrounds offer a wide range of options from RV sites to radio-free campgrounds and even a few walk-in “eco-sites” for campers who prefer peace and quiet. Non-fishers can enjoy swimming at the sandy beach and exploring a network of hiking trails. It’s only a 10-minute drive from Indian Point Provincial Park, so you can pop over for a day walk.

Notable campgrounds

Best for families: Cedar Campground’s sites all have electrical hookups for RVs and they are well-spaced to give your family room to spread out (and make parking your RV easier).
Best for early risers: Oak Campground has a few campsites right on the lake for amazing sunrise views.
Best for anglers: Elm Campground is closest to the boat launch, giving you a chance to be first on the lake.

Tips for snagging a campsite

There are only six walk-in eco-sites. You’ll need to book early if you’re hoping to stay at one of these. They are radio-free and dog-free.
When you’re choosing a campsite, remember that the park sits on the western shore of Balsam Lake. To get sunrise views, choose a site facing the lake. For sunsets, choose one that faces away.
If you’re not planning on fishing, you’ll find it easier to book a campsite in May, after the park opens but before the season for bass and walleye opens.
Bookings can be made online or by phone through Ontario Parks.

When to go

Since most people staying at Balsam Lake are there to fish, things get busy when fishing season opens in June (check provincial guidelines for dates for each species). The park is open from mid-May to the end of October. Waiting until after summer will help you beat the crowds, especially on weekdays. But be aware that Thanksgiving weekend in October is a popular time to visit, both because of the holiday Monday and because the fall colours are vibrant at that time.

Know before you go

In July and August, the park rents canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and paddleboats. Life jackets are provided.
You’ll need a fishing license if you want to fish in Ontario. Getting caught without one can lead to fines and having your catch taken away.
There isn’t just one fishing season—it varies by region and species of fish. Be sure to find out what you’re allowed to catch by asking park staff when you arrive.
Balsam Lake has a large, sandy beach that is perfect for swimming. There’s also a small beach where dogs are allowed.
Indian Point Provincial Park is very close, but it has no amenities or camping and you must park at the trailhead. Further down, the road is private.