The best lakeside camping near Baddeck

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In the heart of Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island is the quaint village of Baddeck. It marks both the beginning and end of the scenic Cabot Trail. The natural scenery is a quintessential representation of Atlantic Canada, with Acadian forest, rugged highlands, and the brackish waters of Bras d’Or Lake serving as a home for mollusks, ospreys, moose, and lynx. Camping at Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers a great opportunity to drive the iconic 298-kilometre Cabot Trail, soaking in coastal views and highland scenery. Or, enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and fishing on Bras d’Or Lake from Battery Provincial Park. Then visit Nova Scotia’s only totem pole at Whycocomagh Provincial Park. With a range of backcountry campsites and well-equipped campgrounds in the region, camping near Baddeck has something for everyone.

84% (19) 10 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Baddeck

Accolade Retreat Kevin

1. Accolade Retreat Kevin

57%
(22)
61km from Baddeck · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
Discover a 24-acre haven for off-grid camping in Cheticamp, Nova Scotia, nestled at the foothills of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and conveniently situated directly across from the Gypsum Mine. This scenic property features an artisan well providing potable water, strategically located in the expansive 24-acre cleared field at the rear. This property is completely off grid and not for timid campers. if you are looking for complete privacy and across the road from the gypsum mine and a 20 minute walk to town, on the trail, then you will love it here! It is very rustic and not for the faint of heart. During the summer months, we operate a hostel on-site, offering access to washroom and shower facilities as needed. These washroom/shower facilities are NOT accessible in the winter. This space is ideally suited for off-grid camping enthusiasts who share a like-minded appreciation for nature. Please note that visitors are responsible for their own waste disposal arrangements. If you find this area intriguing, feel free to reach out to Kevin at 902-292-1530 or Charyl at 867-688-4611, via call or text for more information.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$40
 / night
Great Bras D'Or Waterside Camp

2. Great Bras D'Or Waterside Camp

100%
(1)
14km from Baddeck · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Nicely treed with grassy clearings, this waterfront property has a pebble beach, with stunning views down the Great Bras D'Or Channel. At the beach, there’s swimming and fishing, shell searching, rock-skipping. Walk 100m down the beach to the Ross Ferry Marine Park where you’ll find shaded walking-trails, an outdoor fitness gym, and a jungle-gym with a slide for kids. Anyone who feels bold enough can jump off the wharf! There is also a boat launch that can be used (for a small donation to the Ross Ferry Marine Park. Guests of all campsites will have communal access to a small cabin close to the road in SUMMER TIMES ONLY. The interior of the cabin and the water are shut down in September. The cabin has power and water (AC cord can be run from the exterior outlet, and a hose can be attached to the exterior tap). Guests are free to use the small basic kitchen, bathroom, large deck and small living room, but the cabin is not for sleeping. There is no regular cleaning service, so guests are responsible for keeping the communal spaces clean.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
CA$35
 / night
Island Point Resort

3. Island Point Resort

17km from Baddeck · 3 sites · RVs
Island Point Resort is perfectly suited for: Family Vacations, Fishing or Boating. Getaways Retreats Quiet vacation spot to unwind. This peaceful resort tucked in on the shore of the Little Bras d’Or at Island Point Harbor. We are located 25min from Newfoundland ferry terminal. We are mainly a seasonal RV resort with some rental cabins. We have plenty of parking, boat ramp and small dock. Swimming raft and moorings for boats. Feel free to reach out to Jon at 902-322-1824 via call or text for more information.
Pets
Full hookups
from 
CA$50
 / night
Dome Yurt By The Ocean

4. Dome Yurt By The Ocean

56km from Baddeck · 2 sites · Lodging
Glamping at its best: Tthe magical cozy River Inhabitants Basin and the breathtaking panoramic view from this elevated dome yurt facing the deep blue glittering ocean is the #1 getaway for affordable, relaxing, peaceful holidays, kayaking, hiking, biking, swimming, reading, writing, loving Rent our dome yurt in high season 2023 for 99 CAD per night with 2 (max 4 if you bring your own sleeping gear), plus final cleaning $80.00 plus 15% tax. As the river mouth and basin with lots of uninhabited islands offers a lot of things to do we suggest you to combine water sports adventure with your stay. An ocean kayak will be provided if you stay for a week or longer. We offer sailing tours, kayaking and fishing. Although we understand the desire to see as many places as possible when on vacation, we highly recommend people to stay with us for several days. Let your mind come to rest and get a good sleep on real good spring mattresses. ! We would love to be the place where you come to rest. Deep dive into nature and forget the day to day hustle for a while! Writers, painters, artists (like your host) find the inspiration and recharging for new productivity. Internal curtains at the huge windows enhance the impression that this has traditional-style solid HydroTex walls yet can be rolled up for views out and to the Milky Way. The front door has a mesh panel behind and low vents aid air flow.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from 
CA$80
 / night
Bunkies on Bras d'Or

5. Bunkies on Bras d'Or

32km from Baddeck · 1 site · Lodging
Rustic Glamping Retreat – Private Beach, Forest Escape & Sauna Access Experience effortless glamping in nature’s embrace. Nestled in a serene forest setting, this cozy retreat features two charming loft bunkies—each with a queen-size mattress in the upper loft—plus a small leather futon on the main level. A modular fold-out dining table and chairs offer flexible indoor dining or workspace options. Bunkie lofts are high up with access by sturdy wooden ladder (if you have mobility issues, it is not suitable). There are small leather futons and extra bedding on the main floor of the bunkie as a sleeping option. NOTE - VERY IMPORTANT Bunkies are located on top a hill at an elevation. PARKING is located on the beach front landing below down a gravel road with max parking for 2 cars. Off-grid comfort with eco-conscious touches: • Refresh in the outdoor shower (with hot and cold water) • Use the eco-friendly incinerating toilet and composting toilet and handwashing stations • Stay cozy with clean linens, blankets, and towels provided (including dog towels upon request) • Light your space with LED lanterns and flashlights, and recharge with a solar panel + 12V power pack • Rain barrel with water for washing dishes Camp cooking made easy: Cabana with prep area and storage! Enjoy access to a BBQ grill, Propane stoves, cooking utensils, dishes, coolers, and complimentary coffee, tea, cooking oils, basic spices. Adventure-ready amenities: You’ll have full access to the private property and secluded beach, on beautiful Bras d’Dor saltwater lake, complete with: • Kayaks • Paddle boat • 4 adult life jackets Water shoes are recommended for your shoreline adventures. Unplug and unwind: While there is no Wi-Fi at the bunkies, you’ll have solid mobile data coverage—and Wi-Fi access is available just 600 feet away at the owner’s main property. Data is available but can be spotty. Additional features: • Wood-fired sauna access (located at the owner’s property) • Seasonal firepit (please respect provincial fire bans—penalties apply) • Pet-friendly—your furry companions are welcome! • Parking at beachfront down the hill from the bunkies—luggage assistance available via RTV Let nature’s soundtrack soothe you—from the gentle flow of a nearby waterfall to the call
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
CA$144
 / night
Where Eagles Soar

6. Where Eagles Soar

100%
(1)
60km from Baddeck · 3 sites · RVs
We are located 25 minutes from the causeway connecting mainland Nova Scotia to our beautiful Cape Breton Island home. We have 2 properties, at our home site we are on hill overlooking Upper MacMillin Lake in the village of Kemp Road. Our 2nd property which is still being developed but available is a lot located on River Inhabitants near Cleveland. If you kayak/canoe this river will take you out to the ocean to explore the islands. we recently installed electricity and an outhouse and will have running water coming in September 2025. The amazing Cabot Trail is a day trip from our locations. Enjoy great kayaking/canoeing from our locations! **Nova Scotia does have a website to view for indication of fires to be allowed for the present day. Please check every day as fines are up to $25000.
Electrical hookup
Pets
from 
CA$30
 / night
Kaia's lake home

7. Kaia's lake home

51km from Baddeck · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
160 acres of forest and hiking. 3000ft of virgin lake on the south east coast of beautiful cape Breton. Upper Joseph marie lake. The lake Is about a mile from the road. Set up your camp or tent by mobile home and explore the land. You can canoe or fish on lake 2hich navigates to lower Marie Joseph lake and to ocean.
Pets
Campfires
from 
CA$33
 / night

In the heart of Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island is the quaint village of Baddeck. It marks both the beginning and end of the scenic Cabot Trail. The natural scenery is a quintessential representation of Atlantic Canada, with Acadian forest, rugged highlands, and the brackish waters of Bras d’Or Lake serving as a home for mollusks, ospreys, moose, and lynx. Camping at Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers a great opportunity to drive the iconic 298-kilometre Cabot Trail, soaking in coastal views and highland scenery. Or, enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and fishing on Bras d’Or Lake from Battery Provincial Park. Then visit Nova Scotia’s only totem pole at Whycocomagh Provincial Park. With a range of backcountry campsites and well-equipped campgrounds in the region, camping near Baddeck has something for everyone.

84% (19) 10 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Baddeck

Accolade Retreat Kevin

1. Accolade Retreat Kevin

57%
(22)
61km from Baddeck · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
Discover a 24-acre haven for off-grid camping in Cheticamp, Nova Scotia, nestled at the foothills of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and conveniently situated directly across from the Gypsum Mine. This scenic property features an artisan well providing potable water, strategically located in the expansive 24-acre cleared field at the rear. This property is completely off grid and not for timid campers. if you are looking for complete privacy and across the road from the gypsum mine and a 20 minute walk to town, on the trail, then you will love it here! It is very rustic and not for the faint of heart. During the summer months, we operate a hostel on-site, offering access to washroom and shower facilities as needed. These washroom/shower facilities are NOT accessible in the winter. This space is ideally suited for off-grid camping enthusiasts who share a like-minded appreciation for nature. Please note that visitors are responsible for their own waste disposal arrangements. If you find this area intriguing, feel free to reach out to Kevin at 902-292-1530 or Charyl at 867-688-4611, via call or text for more information.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$40
 / night
Great Bras D'Or Waterside Camp

2. Great Bras D'Or Waterside Camp

100%
(1)
14km from Baddeck · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Nicely treed with grassy clearings, this waterfront property has a pebble beach, with stunning views down the Great Bras D'Or Channel. At the beach, there’s swimming and fishing, shell searching, rock-skipping. Walk 100m down the beach to the Ross Ferry Marine Park where you’ll find shaded walking-trails, an outdoor fitness gym, and a jungle-gym with a slide for kids. Anyone who feels bold enough can jump off the wharf! There is also a boat launch that can be used (for a small donation to the Ross Ferry Marine Park. Guests of all campsites will have communal access to a small cabin close to the road in SUMMER TIMES ONLY. The interior of the cabin and the water are shut down in September. The cabin has power and water (AC cord can be run from the exterior outlet, and a hose can be attached to the exterior tap). Guests are free to use the small basic kitchen, bathroom, large deck and small living room, but the cabin is not for sleeping. There is no regular cleaning service, so guests are responsible for keeping the communal spaces clean.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
CA$35
 / night
Island Point Resort

3. Island Point Resort

17km from Baddeck · 3 sites · RVs
Island Point Resort is perfectly suited for: Family Vacations, Fishing or Boating. Getaways Retreats Quiet vacation spot to unwind. This peaceful resort tucked in on the shore of the Little Bras d’Or at Island Point Harbor. We are located 25min from Newfoundland ferry terminal. We are mainly a seasonal RV resort with some rental cabins. We have plenty of parking, boat ramp and small dock. Swimming raft and moorings for boats. Feel free to reach out to Jon at 902-322-1824 via call or text for more information.
Pets
Full hookups
from 
CA$50
 / night
Dome Yurt By The Ocean

4. Dome Yurt By The Ocean

56km from Baddeck · 2 sites · Lodging
Glamping at its best: Tthe magical cozy River Inhabitants Basin and the breathtaking panoramic view from this elevated dome yurt facing the deep blue glittering ocean is the #1 getaway for affordable, relaxing, peaceful holidays, kayaking, hiking, biking, swimming, reading, writing, loving Rent our dome yurt in high season 2023 for 99 CAD per night with 2 (max 4 if you bring your own sleeping gear), plus final cleaning $80.00 plus 15% tax. As the river mouth and basin with lots of uninhabited islands offers a lot of things to do we suggest you to combine water sports adventure with your stay. An ocean kayak will be provided if you stay for a week or longer. We offer sailing tours, kayaking and fishing. Although we understand the desire to see as many places as possible when on vacation, we highly recommend people to stay with us for several days. Let your mind come to rest and get a good sleep on real good spring mattresses. ! We would love to be the place where you come to rest. Deep dive into nature and forget the day to day hustle for a while! Writers, painters, artists (like your host) find the inspiration and recharging for new productivity. Internal curtains at the huge windows enhance the impression that this has traditional-style solid HydroTex walls yet can be rolled up for views out and to the Milky Way. The front door has a mesh panel behind and low vents aid air flow.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from 
CA$80
 / night
Bunkies on Bras d'Or

5. Bunkies on Bras d'Or

32km from Baddeck · 1 site · Lodging
Rustic Glamping Retreat – Private Beach, Forest Escape & Sauna Access Experience effortless glamping in nature’s embrace. Nestled in a serene forest setting, this cozy retreat features two charming loft bunkies—each with a queen-size mattress in the upper loft—plus a small leather futon on the main level. A modular fold-out dining table and chairs offer flexible indoor dining or workspace options. Bunkie lofts are high up with access by sturdy wooden ladder (if you have mobility issues, it is not suitable). There are small leather futons and extra bedding on the main floor of the bunkie as a sleeping option. NOTE - VERY IMPORTANT Bunkies are located on top a hill at an elevation. PARKING is located on the beach front landing below down a gravel road with max parking for 2 cars. Off-grid comfort with eco-conscious touches: • Refresh in the outdoor shower (with hot and cold water) • Use the eco-friendly incinerating toilet and composting toilet and handwashing stations • Stay cozy with clean linens, blankets, and towels provided (including dog towels upon request) • Light your space with LED lanterns and flashlights, and recharge with a solar panel + 12V power pack • Rain barrel with water for washing dishes Camp cooking made easy: Cabana with prep area and storage! Enjoy access to a BBQ grill, Propane stoves, cooking utensils, dishes, coolers, and complimentary coffee, tea, cooking oils, basic spices. Adventure-ready amenities: You’ll have full access to the private property and secluded beach, on beautiful Bras d’Dor saltwater lake, complete with: • Kayaks • Paddle boat • 4 adult life jackets Water shoes are recommended for your shoreline adventures. Unplug and unwind: While there is no Wi-Fi at the bunkies, you’ll have solid mobile data coverage—and Wi-Fi access is available just 600 feet away at the owner’s main property. Data is available but can be spotty. Additional features: • Wood-fired sauna access (located at the owner’s property) • Seasonal firepit (please respect provincial fire bans—penalties apply) • Pet-friendly—your furry companions are welcome! • Parking at beachfront down the hill from the bunkies—luggage assistance available via RTV Let nature’s soundtrack soothe you—from the gentle flow of a nearby waterfall to the call
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
CA$144
 / night
Where Eagles Soar

6. Where Eagles Soar

100%
(1)
60km from Baddeck · 3 sites · RVs
We are located 25 minutes from the causeway connecting mainland Nova Scotia to our beautiful Cape Breton Island home. We have 2 properties, at our home site we are on hill overlooking Upper MacMillin Lake in the village of Kemp Road. Our 2nd property which is still being developed but available is a lot located on River Inhabitants near Cleveland. If you kayak/canoe this river will take you out to the ocean to explore the islands. we recently installed electricity and an outhouse and will have running water coming in September 2025. The amazing Cabot Trail is a day trip from our locations. Enjoy great kayaking/canoeing from our locations! **Nova Scotia does have a website to view for indication of fires to be allowed for the present day. Please check every day as fines are up to $25000.
Electrical hookup
Pets
from 
CA$30
 / night
Kaia's lake home

7. Kaia's lake home

51km from Baddeck · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
160 acres of forest and hiking. 3000ft of virgin lake on the south east coast of beautiful cape Breton. Upper Joseph marie lake. The lake Is about a mile from the road. Set up your camp or tent by mobile home and explore the land. You can canoe or fish on lake 2hich navigates to lower Marie Joseph lake and to ocean.
Pets
Campfires
from 
CA$33
 / night

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The best lakeside camping near Baddeck guide

Where to go

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Covering nearly 1,000 square kilometres, Cape Breton Highlands National Park protects about 20 percent of northern Cape Breton. One of 26 trails in the park, the 8.2-kilometre Skyline Trail loop leads to an eagle’s eye view of the Cabot Trail. Look for birds, moose, and bears along the way. The park boasts multiple campgrounds, from Broad Cove with over 200 campsites and hot showers to the backcountry campsites at Fishing Cove, once the site of a Scottish fishing community.

Battery Provincial Park

On the other side of Bras d’Or Lake, Battery Provincial Park is a terrific destination for campers who love water-based activities. Take in sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean from the hilltop campground, which features wooded and open campsites with a universal family restroom. Some campsites are equipped with hookups for drinking water and 30-amp electricity. Unsupervised swimming is available on St. Peter’s Bay, or go angling for Atlantic salmon, gaspereau, brook trout with a valid sportfishing license.

Whycocomagh Provincial Park

Up on a hillside overlooking the western shore of Bras d’Or Lake is Whycocomagh Provincial Park. It’s home to Nova Scotia’s only totem pole. Gifted in 1971 by British Columbia, the totem pole was carved by Patterson McKay, a member of the Greenville Band—part of Tsimshian First Nation. Today, the totem pole lays on its side to “return to the earth” on the McQueen Trail. The on-site campground loop offers showers, fire rings, and electrical and water hookups for RVers, but be mindful of the rough roads leading in and around the park. Yurts with bunk beds are also available for a comfortable stay.

When to go

The most pleasant time of year to go camping in and around Baddeck is from late spring to early fall. Some public campgrounds are only open from May to October to coincide with warmer weather. Prepare for precipitation year-round on Cape Breton Island. Daytime temperatures approach 15–20℃ by May, heating up to the mid-20s during sunnier summer months. Enjoy stunning colourful foliage and peak apple picking in early fall.