The best waterside camping in Canada

·

Waterside camping in Canada means pitching your tent or parking your campervan steps from lakes, rivers, or the ocean—think loons calling at dusk and mist rising at sunrise. With over 2,900 waterside spots from coast to coast, you’ll find everything from quiet riverbanks to lakefront meadows, and prices start at just $5 a night. Guests rave about Mouth of the Magaguadavic Camping (273 reviews), Pine the Sky (235 reviews), and Blacksmith Landing Eco Camp (232 reviews). Bring your fishing rod, binoculars, and boots—angling, wildlife-watching, and hiking are easy to find. Most campsites welcome pets, let you build a campfire, and have toilets on site. The average night runs about $55, but budget options are out there if you know where to look.

96% (17.2K) 282 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Canada

Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

1. Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat

92%
(303)
Halfmoon Bay, BC · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Tiny Secrets Farm & Retreat is an Award-winning Glamping Nature Retreat. We are centrally located on the Sunshine Coast (only a 40-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay) on a spectacular 10-acre ocean-view property. We run a small, organic farm and host guests in intriguing tiny homes and glamping tents. We have everything from a converted schoolie with a woodstove and an ocean view, furnished RV's with large decks, to gorgeous, furnished campsites in the woods. Check out our micro cabins, RV's, and assortment of glamping tents. Our property is a nature oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Just 20 minutes north of Sechelt, we're close to beaches and lakes. Enjoy our recreation area with a large pond (much smaller in the summertime), our small playground for young kids, and our small orchard with several small ponds. Explore our walking trails, visit our chickens, or sit near our seasonal waterfall. There are many spots on the property to sit and chill. We've also been Airbnb hosts for over 13 years. If you come during campfire season, please bring your firewood. You're also welcome to scavenge for dead dry wood on the property, but we no longer have firewood for purchase. Typically, gas stations and some grocery stores have some for sale.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Living Large on Chilliwack River

2. Living Large on Chilliwack River

97%
(152)
Chilliwack, BC · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging
Glamp camping is open officially in May - earlier if we have beautiful weather. (we provide everything except your food, drinks and personal items!) Enjoy the beautiful acres right on the Chilliwack River! A wonderful family-friendly (including pets!) getaway with endless activities nearby. (no pets allowed for glamping) Our campsite is available in the spring and summer and is just 20 minutes from the city of Chilliwack, BC. We provide a fire pit and campfires are allowed as long as there is no fire ban. (then you can have a propane campfire) The sites are quite private but there will be other campers nearby. We try to keep a large amount of space between sites and some are separated by trees. We are a walk in tent only site- parking is very close, 30 second walk. We can also provide access to electricity so you can charge your phones or other devices if needed. There is no cell reception, but we do have wifi. Potable water is available. We supply natural spring water but you must bring your own jug. We live in an adventure playground! Activities nearby include hiking, white rapid river rafting, fishing, watching bald eagles, Cultus Lake water slides and adventure park, mountain biking, cold plunge and sauna retreats, and more! The stargazing at night is beautiful as there is no light pollution here. We look forward to hosting you!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
theDoighouse Earthship

3. theDoighouse Earthship

99%
(276)
Qualicum Bay, BC · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
🌲 Welcome to the Doighouse Earthship (Eco-Retreat) Welcome to the Doighouse Earthship, a peaceful eco-retreat nestled in the forest just minutes from the Qualicum Bay waterfront on Vancouver Island. 📍 Great Location on Vancouver Island Our spot is ideal for both adventurers and peace-seekers. Located about an hour north of Nanaimo, we’re a great stopover for guests traveling to or from the mainland, or heading to Ucluelet or Tofino for world-class surfing. Mount Washington is just a 45-minute drive if skiing is on your itinerary. We’re also well-positioned for day trips to Hornby, Denman, and Lasqueti Islands. 🥾 Hiking, Beaches, and Outdoor Fun Nearby Explore forest trails, a children’s playground, and a bike park right in our neighbourhood. The Lighthouse Country area offers endless outdoor adventures, including: • Sunny Beach • Spider and Horne Lakes • Horne Lake Caves (great for climbers and explorers) Hikers can use the AllTrails app to find the Lighthouse Country Trail at our doorstep, including the Wilson Woodlot and Lost Runners Trails. (Urban legend says the running shoes were lost—not the runners!) ⛺ Camping, RV Sites, and Cozy Tiny Cabins Stay your way: • Pitch a tent in our gardens • Park your RV at the forest’s edge • Relax in one of our cozy, tiny cabins Wander the property and enjoy our young permaculture food forest, filled with fruit trees, hazelnuts, berries, and other good things growing with care. 🌎 Discover Our Off-Grid Earthship Have you ever imagined a house built from tires, earth, pop cans, and glass bottles? Our Earthship - currently under construction - is an exploration of low-impact, off-grid living in an energy-efficient home built from recycled materials. This project is rooted in a love for the planet, people, and sharing abundance—which is why we don’t raise our rates for holidays or long weekends. 🔍 Book a Private Earthship Tour (Optional) Guests can book a private Earthship tour, where Tony will spend a couple of hours sharing the story behind the Doighouse project and answering all your questions. 🌿 Come Visit, Tour, and Stay We look forward to hosting you. Susan and Tony Doig
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Pickleball on Lake Superior

4. Pickleball on Lake Superior

Rossport, ON · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Camping and Indoor Pickleball! A unique experience on the shores of Lake Superior. You can camp out and enjoy indoor pickleball all year round. The main house and the pickleball facility are on the property. From May to October there is space for 1–2 campers (size dependent) to set up on the property. An outhouse is available on-site. Please note there is no electrical, water, or sewer hookup. Rate: $60/night Also available, year round, is a cozy, wood heated cabin with three-season running water and a shower. A different water system is provided in the winter. The cabin has a private outhouse, a fully functional kitchen, and a cozy living area complete with shuffleboard table. It sleeps 4 comfortably. Rate: $150/night NOTE: A second campground nearby is available with rental cabins where you can purchase a Stay and Play Pass. This is a great place to stop for a night or two. Located on the Canadian side of the Lake Superior Circle Route.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Washtock Family Campground

5. Washtock Family Campground

95%
(203)
BC · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Nestled in the pristine Nahatlatch Valley between the Nahatlatch River and Fraser River. Washtock Family Campground offers rustic camping from tents to RVs. We are an ATV friendly campground with ride in ride out accessibility. The campground offers pull through RV Sites with non-potable water and septic connections. We are off grid so we have no power/electricity connections but allow generators. We have space for big groups or just a quick get away for two, we can accommodate you. We have flush toilets and outhouses as well as a hot shower for guest use. We have a small store on site with your regular camping goodies, Ice, seasonal vegetable, as well as farm fresh eggs and all natural free range beef from our farm. We are located 13km north of Northbend which is across the river from Boston Bar BC. Once you reach Boston Bar you will Turn left at the Esso and cross 2 sets of railroad tracks bringing you into Northbend, from Northbend there is about 6km of paved road after that there is 6km of gravel road until you reach our campground. Past our campground is the beautiful Nahatlatch provincial Park which contains Francis lake, Hanna Lake and Nahatlatch Lake. The lakes offer an abundance of activities such as fishing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming and paddle boarding. The first lake is about a 15-20 min drive again on gravel road. 2 wheel drive accessible until 21km on the forest service Road after 21km you will need a 4x4, if you plan to travel to Grizzly falls or the 3rd Lake. There are many hiking, biking, horseback riding and ATVing trails in the area. Washtockfamilyfarm.ca Please feel free to email if you have any questions. We would love to accommodate you for your future adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Spring Arbour Magic Forest &Trails!

6. Spring Arbour Magic Forest &Trails!

97%
(363)
Walsingham, ON · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Pitch your tent in our picturesque Carolinian forest in the heart of Norfolk county! Choose from 9 tent sites and 1 lodging site spread across 10 acres of wooded area on our 49 Acre farm. Well-kept trails to explore throughout. We are proud to have made the runner-up list for best Hipcamp in Ontario 2023 The terrain is mostly flat but interesting. Campsites are private with good separation from each other. Sites contain a picnic table and fire pit. Campfires are permitted according to our approved burn plan before midnight. 5G/LTE cellphone service is good for Bell, Rogers and Telus networks. FREE Firewood can be gathered on the forest floor or pay for on-site pre-cut wood. Outhouses are close to campsites....but not too close 💩 Port Rowan is only 12 minutes away by car, most amenities can be purchased only 1 minute away at the local Busy Bee gas station. We are situated in the middle of a Recreation Hotspot! Our site is within 3 minutes of paddling the Big Creek, 3 to 10 minutes to several A+ hiking trails, 15 minutes to amazing freshwater beaches of Long Point and Turkey Point, and the area is abound with cycling trails, motorcycle routes, geocaching, boat launches (we have room here for your boat!), cider/wine tours, and more! We are the perfect basecamp for everything the Long Point Bay area has to offer We have some great watering holes nearby like burning kiln winery, hounds of Erie and Charlotteville brewing company. Birders Paradise! The ‘Long Point Birding Area’ in Norfolk County is one of Canada’s premier birding locales. With over 400 species of birds observed, Long Point looms large as one of the most exciting places on the continent to observe our rich birdlife. For all tourism options check out https://www.norfolkcounty.ca/visiting/ We look forward to hosting you!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Domaine Lockbøw | Private Waterfall

7. Domaine Lockbøw | Private Waterfall

100%
(45)
Lac Simon, QC · 9 sites · Tents, Lodging
62 acres of wilderness, 15 feet high waterfalls, rapides, lake, 1.2km of river shores, enchanted forest and next to all commodities while in the middle of nature. Fishing, Kayaking, Paddle, Hiking (5kms of private trails), Swimming, Camping, Private Toilets, Reception, Drinking Water, Fire Wood, Campfire, Private Waterfall, Rapids, Lake, Forest, Mountain, Private Beach, 1h40 from Montréal, 1h from Ottawa, 30mn from Parc Oméga, 3mn from Chénéville accomodations, 3mn from Lake Simon N° CITQ: 628318
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Blacksmith Landing Eco Camp

8. Blacksmith Landing Eco Camp

99%
(478)
Canal Flats, BC · 17 sites · Tents, RVs
Hosted by Berny and Stuart Moore, Blacksmith Landing Eco Camp is nestled in the majestic Rocky Mountain Trench in Southeastern BC, just a short drive from Lussier natural hot springs, hiking, boating, canoeing, golfing, breathtaking WhiteSwan Lake, Premier Lake, Findlay Falls and the Kootenay and Columbia rivers Questions . Many people ask… 1) .”How far are we from Banff… 2 hours of a beautiful drive that includes kootenay national park. 2)..Important ❗️❗️Please do not bring firewood from other areas to our camp as our property is heavily treed forest and we do not want any transfer of raw wood bugs. We offer $10 generous bundles of wood. 3) When you book, One tent or RV and one vehicle per site. If you are looking to book for a group of friends/family area, we can help with that.. prior to booking. Also, we reserve the right to put you in the best possible spot to fit in a proper site for what you are camping in and what your needs are. Often people book a site that’s completely wrong for them… but that’s ok… we will fix it. 😊 4) Smoking only on sand at sites and nowhere else on our property Please use a container to hold your butts. 5) Noise restrictions after 9pm…no music or loud behaviour after that. Strictly enforced. We value respect in the camp for all campers. 6) Once you book, we will reply back with important information on the phone number you booked with. Please check for our messages to you for a smooth booking and arrival. Campers… please do Not put any garbage, of any kind, and especially diapers in our pit toilets. . thank you Blacksmith Landing is a safe, spacious and peaceful camp where minimal environmental impact is encouraged. We are faithful stewards and respect our beautiful forested lands and animals Our expectation is that campers will also share this respect for our Eco systems in an environmentally friendly way. As we take this Hipcamp journey together, we are finding little things we can do to make your stay better…Like offering a complimentary table at your site should you require one…. or adjusting the site you booked to one that would perhaps fit your needs much better as we know it’s difficult to choose a perfect site on line. If you forgot something, we probably have one…. Feel free to ask.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Tryfan Forest

9. Tryfan Forest

94%
(205)
Haliburton, ON · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Tryfan Forest is an 800 acre privately owned managed forest and wilderness reserve. It borders thousands of acres of crown land wilderness. This is truly a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience. The property gives access to the lake as well as Tryfan Forest's many trails, and diverse landscape. Tryfan Forest provides something for all outdoor enthusiasts no matter what your experience level is! Choose from five different options including: Ravens Point Camping - 3 different lakeside sites accessible by 1.5-2km hike or by canoe. All three Raven's Point campsites have their own thunderbox toilet as well as picnic tables and private docks on the lake. Sand Flats - This campsite is ideally suited for large groups and for winter camping. It features a sheltered, private, flat area for tents, and a central picnic table. This site is located deep in a remote wilderness setting.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Coutts Farm

10. Coutts Farm

99%
(150)
Utterson, ON · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
This is the back of a small beef cattle farm located on beautiful Three Mile Lake in Muskoka Lakes. These sites each have their own private beach with access to approximately 1500 feet of lake front. Beautiful Sherwood creek within walking distance on the property with some beautiful spots for a picnic. Plenty of wild life to see!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
The Secret Sanctuary

11. The Secret Sanctuary

98%
(359)
Wetaskiwin, AB · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We are passionate about nature and the environment. Living close to off-grid makes this area low in EMF, light and noise pollution. The well water is clean, pure and delicious. We are excited to share this Alberta wilderness with like-minded outdoor-type individuals who enjoy community glamping. There are two beautiful lakes (Battle Lake and Pigeon Lake) within a 10-minute drive that offer boating, fishing, beaches, biking and walking trails. Our property is about 1 hour south of Edmonton, Alberta. We have 2 different listings to choose from. Our Tiny Home Cabin and unique Glamping tents. Come enjoy this tranquil piece of nature with us - we look forward to hosting you!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Pacific Ranch

12. Pacific Ranch

98%
(120)
Victoria, BC · 1 site · Tent, RV
On a hillside property in the heart of Vancouver Island’s west coast, Pacific Ranch offers amazing views, stream-side forest walks, and private tranquillity. Driving in along the winding and steep driveway, you will arrive on our unique property and find rocky, moss-covered bluffs, and fern-carpeted forests. Across these settings are two private campsites for one to choose from. There are no toilet facilities at our site so you will have to bring your own toilet. There is a lot to do in the area for outdoor adventurers, including walks along the Galloping Goose Trail, many local beaches, as well as biking and hiking trails right off of the ranch. You can visit picturesque local villages close by, as well as head to one of the local lakes for a day of swimming. Bring your own tents and van/truck campers. We can accommodate vehicles under 22 feet (water hookup available). You will be parking on loose gravel and the site requires levelling. Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban.
Pets
Campfires
Water hookup
Murphy's Gold Creek Ranch

13. Murphy's Gold Creek Ranch

95%
(202)
Wardner, BC · 19 sites · Tents, RVs
I sold a business in Toronto and moved West in 1990 and drove all over North America looking for a new place to settle and raise a family. While camping in the Kootenay's I found this oasis and bought it. I have raised a family living totally off the grid since and love it. The water here is so clean and and the air is so fresh is why I stay. The night sky is so hard to explain it has to be seen to believe. Come check it out and you will agree. Learn more about this land: Enjoy camping on our 25-acre property just outside of Cranbrook, BC! We have multiple spots to choose from. You can camp beside the creek, in an open field, or up high with beautiful views of the valley. It all depends on your preferences and the privacy that you desire. We welcome tent and RV campers. If you're bringing an RV, there are sites that do not require levelling and we can accommodate vehicles up to 75ft in length. Bring your animals - there are a lot of great spaces for them to play! Our yard is equipped for horseback riding with a horse ring and stable.  The property is a great step-off point for ATV, dirt bikes, horseback and hiking adventures.  Potable water, toilet, picnic table, wifi and showers are available. Pets welcome, campfires permitted.  We are a 15-20 minute drive to Cranbrook. As the basecamp of the Kootenay Rockies, Cranbrook has it all - From all the trails one can dream of to multiple award-winning golf courses all within a 20-minute drive out of town, Cranbrook is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. PLEASE USE GOOGLE MAPS FOR CORRECT DIRECTIONS I look forward to hosting you!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Ball Lake Tent Camping

14. Ball Lake Tent Camping

98%
(223)
Cloyne, ON · 6 sites
A quiet place to get away with various wildlife to be seen including great swimming with more than 300 acres to explore, cleared trails for hiking, Thanks to a small blow down that went through a few years back.Dark clear nights for star gazing and so much more. There are six separate sites, each with their own picnic table, fire pit, and outhouse. This is back woods camping .There is a shared beach with plenty of room for everyone. The lake is weedy in spots but just makes it better for fishing .Great place for all ages and of course all pet's welcome. Tear Drop Trailers allowed, depending on what site. Please message first.Please practice catch and release. And No Loud Music At Any Time .
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Forested Meadow at Beach Resort

15. Forested Meadow at Beach Resort

99%
(73)
Winnipeg Beach, MB · 7 sites · Tents, Lodging
This 45-acre property is the original farm homestead of the Kozak family. Since 1996, the land has been stewarded and enhanced by Cheryl Cohan and Noah Erenberg and is now home to Nature On! Matlock Biodiversity Retreat and Horticultural Therapy Centre. There are 3 different listings to choose from: Deluxe Wall Tent in Forest Meadow, Bunkie in Forest Meadow, and Tent Camping in Forest Meadow. We have something for everyone, no matter the type of camper that you are! The surrounding area includes the beautiful and quaint, resort village of Dunnottar bordering along with the property: Matlock main beach on Lake Winnipeg’s southwest shore is just a three-minute walk away as is the hiking trail that meanders northward through Whytewold, Ponemah and up to Winnipeg Beach. Dunnottar Sports Courts for tennis and basketball as well as Julia’s Restaurant are a short one block to the east; Matlock General Store is a ten-minute walk to the north; many more amenities and attractions are available to explore throughout the Interlake, with lots to see and do in nearby Winnipeg Beach, Gimli, Camp Morton, Riverton, Arborg, etc. The property has many trails throughout the forest and meadow that are walkable all year round. There is a porta-potty on the property centrally located near the accommodations. There is a water hose available with cold water only. There are no showers.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Beneath the Stars - Haliburton County Escape

16. Beneath the Stars - Haliburton County Escape

94%
(82)
Minden, ON · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We have a beautiful, densely treed, and well-groomed 1-acre piece of property in desirable cottage country that's craving your company! The mature trees, corner lot and private road offer seclusion, tranquility and peaceful atmosphere. The terrain is steep and hilly; however there are flatter areas to pitch a tent or level a trailer. The site boasts serenity as it remains untouched to significant changes to honor its original beauty and encourage its sustainability. 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. Our oasis welcomes you! 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 5 adults comfortably, or 6 with small children. 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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Uxbridge Igloo

17. Uxbridge Igloo

90%
(29)
Mount Albert, ON · 1 site
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Mitziville By The Lake

18. Mitziville By The Lake

95%
(30)
Burk's Falls, ON · 48 sites
Discover the beauty of nature and the peace of lakeside living at Mitziville By The Lake. Here, you’ll experience the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. Set up camp beside a beautiful sandy beach on the shores of Himbury Lake, ideal for swimming, fishing, sunbathing, and soaking in unforgettable sunsets.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Waterfront Beach Site Port Granby

19. Waterfront Beach Site Port Granby

100%
(3)
Newcastle, ON · 1 site
Beautiful Rocky Beach on the shore of Lake Ontario. Southern Exposure. Soft patch of grass for you to pitch your tent. Gradual shallow water to put your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard in. As long as there are no fire bans, you can have a great bonfire right on the beach! Beautiful driftwood logs to sit on, water to swim in, and southern exposure sky to gaze at! Parking available. On the Lakeshore; a fantastic spot for cycling. We live on the property 1 acre away. We have 2 friendly dogs! Guests must love dogs; they will make friends with you :)
Campfires
Toilets
Picnic table
An Experience!-Golden Ears Glamping

20. An Experience!-Golden Ears Glamping

100%
(87)
Maple Ridge, BC · 1 site
Not a suite in a house in a subdivision! Golden Ears Glamping is a forested riverside getaway that has has two types of stays: The Cabin-like self contained suite with private entrance and your personal hot tub or the riverside self-contained Glamping Tent with seclusion and a personal 2 person tub. 1. The Bear Suite, attached to the house that has complete privacy. Private entrance, hot tub for two, and deck with personal BBQ. and personal lounge area. Walls are double and ceiling is soundproofed. 2. Rivers Edge, a riverfront (Alouette River South) glamping tent that is elevated in the large cedars overlooking the river. Personal kitchenette, full bathroom and outdoor shower. We have one Glamping tent and is completely private and is away hidden from the main house but close enough for anything you request. Either option of accommodation has everything you need to "Relax, Rejuvenate and Romance" (our motto). We are professional hosts and take this seriously, your happiness is our 1st goal. We have a huge river frontage with a swimmable natural pond and many relaxation areas that are very private and secluded. Great for fishing for rainbows all year round, salmon in fall, and steelhead in the winter. We have been hosting for seven years now and everyone loves this place and have many returning guests year after year. We are so close to metro Vancouver and anywhere in the Fraser Valley so you don't need a big road trip. We have people coming from Australia, Europe, lots from the U.S., even returning guests from Hawaii. This is the place where you can truly "Relax, Rejuvenate and Romance"
Toilets
Showers
Campfires

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Provinces in Canada