Campervan Sites in Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia: Best Cabot Trail Campervan Sites 2025

Located in northwest Cape Breton Island in the province of Nova Scotia, the “Trail” (as locals call it) is renowned for its spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, rugged coastlines, and charming fishing villages. You can drive the loop in a day and, for the best possible views, start east in the town of Baddeck and drive west toward Cheticamp. Those who linger in the region a bit longer for a camping road trip can enjoy incredible hiking trails, superb photography opportunities, and excellent golf, fishing, and swimming. Moose, bald eagles, and whales all call the area home.

77% (76)

Top-rated campgrounds

Festival layout during covid (250 max attendence). Most tenters setup to right of row of cars.

Located in northwest Cape Breton Island in the province of Nova Scotia, the “Trail” (as locals call it) is renowned for its spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, rugged coastlines, and charming fishing villages. You can drive the loop in a day and, for the best possible views, start east in the town of Baddeck and drive west toward Cheticamp. Those who linger in the region a bit longer for a camping road trip can enjoy incredible hiking trails, superb photography opportunities, and excellent golf, fishing, and swimming. Moose, bald eagles, and whales all call the area home.

77% (76)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Big Belle Farm

97%

(230)

595 sites · Tents, RVs · Mabou, NS

INSTRUCTIONS When you reserve your tent/rv make sure to select the day you want to check in until the day you are leaving. For example, to stay all weekend, select Friday to Sunday. To stay only Friday night, select Friday to Saturday. Selecting only one date will not reserve the date you want as it expects a start and end date to select any given date or date range. ABOUT Big Belle Farm is surrounded by large hayfields on the front of our property and at the back behind where the concert will take place. Tenters will be camping in the front fields and RVs will behind the concert field. When you come onsite there will be someone to meet you who will point out the locations were you can setup your tent or RV. There will be event Portable Toilets on site and access to water near the concert grounds.

2. Great Bras D'Or Waterside Camp

100%

(1)

3 sites · Tents, RVs · Ross Ferry, NS

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.

3. Oceanview RV Stop

1 site · RV · Glace Bay, NS

The Cape Breton Miners Museum is home to the profound stories of miners and their families—the communities born and raised by the flame of the coal fire, and the resource that helped build a nation. We are also the proud home of the Men of the Deeps. //

4. Doirie Maple Farm

2 sites · RVs · Baddeck, NS

We have a variety of camping experiences, whether you want to hike and pitch a tent on a cliff overlooking the Mabou River, or park your RV for the night without worrying you will be chased off. Come and experience our superior beaches and picturesque and impeccably maintained multi-purpose trails. The hardest part will be going home!

5. Island Point Resort

3 sites · RVs · Southside Boularderie, NS

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.

6. Smokey View

100%

(44)

1 site · RV · Sydney, NS

At the other side of the harbour is Ingonish Ferry. At one time the road around the harbour did not exist. People, horses and goods came across the bar by means of a ferry. There were many wharves with wooden ships tied up. The long white building on the corner used to be on the bar. A walk along the bar will award you with a view of the Keltic Lodge. Continue straight at the corner and you will find a trail that will take you to Ingonish beach.

7. Accolade Retreat Kevin 902-292-1530

57%

(22)

10 sites · Tents, RVs · Chéticamp, NS

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.

8. The Country

83%

(3)

10 sites · Tents, RVs · Baddeck, NS

Spacious, serine, and close to all amenities! Clean Beaches nearby, we are close to lobster and crab docks, and on the Cabot Trail. In the area you will enjoy hiking trails, lots of hiking, mountain biking, 4 wheeler trails and fishing. The co-op is a short distance away. On site there is a controlled fire pit and bbq. No potable water. We are Close to Cheticamp and there are many interesting things around to see and do!

Camper favorites in and near Cabot Trail

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Doirie Maple Farm

2 sites · RVs · Baddeck, NS

We have a variety of camping experiences, whether you want to hike and pitch a tent on a cliff overlooking the Mabou River, or park your RV for the night without worrying you will be chased off. Come and experience our superior beaches and picturesque and impeccably maintained multi-purpose trails. The hardest part will be going home!

Island Point Resort

3 sites · RVs · Southside Boularderie, NS

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.

Smokey View

100%

(44)

1 site · RV · Sydney, NS

At the other side of the harbour is Ingonish Ferry. At one time the road around the harbour did not exist. People, horses and goods came across the bar by means of a ferry. There were many wharves with wooden ships tied up. The long white building on the corner used to be on the bar. A walk along the bar will award you with a view of the Keltic Lodge. Continue straight at the corner and you will find a trail that will take you to Ingonish beach.

Accolade Retreat Kevin 902-292-1530

57%

(22)

10 sites · Tents, RVs · Chéticamp, NS

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.

The Country

83%

(3)

10 sites · Tents, RVs · Baddeck, NS

Spacious, serine, and close to all amenities! Clean Beaches nearby, we are close to lobster and crab docks, and on the Cabot Trail. In the area you will enjoy hiking trails, lots of hiking, mountain biking, 4 wheeler trails and fishing. The co-op is a short distance away. On site there is a controlled fire pit and bbq. No potable water. We are Close to Cheticamp and there are many interesting things around to see and do!

Stories from the community

Landing is 25 feet deep to bank, 30 feet wide.

J

John

September 2025

20 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Smokey View

This was a truly exceptional spot with a beautiful view out over the water. On one side was a grassy area and steps leading down to the water's edge; on the other a hidden away picnic table and a firepit with bench and firewood supplied. Blair was welcoming and helpful with suggestions for things to do in the area. Highly, highly recommended.

S

Stephanie

September 2025

14 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Smokey View

The host was accommodating and friendly. The site was fantastic and the photos don't do it justice. We're already hoping to stay here again the next time we come up the CBI.

Lauren

August 2025

16 ft Class B

3 nights at Smokey View

Blair’s spot is AMAZING!! This was our last camping spot while traveling around and camping on Cape Breton along the Cabot Trail and it was our favorite, hands down!! Blair was so helpful sharing some tips with us on some local spots or easy ways to access things, and the site itself was incredible! A great location for getting to the nearby beaches and beautiful natural views, but it was also so quiet and sp private. We loved the sunny grassy area for relaxing in the afternoon and we also loved watching all of the sea birds and fishing boats through the day. The picnic table was in a cozy spot tucked under beautiful trees with a view of the water and cape across the bay. The way the sunlight hits the cliffs in the late afternoon late across the water was absolutely breathtaking. We even saw a bald eagle! The star gazing was fantastic at night. We could go on and on. We will be back to Cape Breton again hopefully very soon and would definitely love to stay here again!

M

Mark

August 2025

22 ft Class B

1 night at Smokey View

What a fantastic overnight spot! Lovely view out to the bay from a secluded spot just off a quiet road. Blair has family history in the area and recommended some great local walks. Highly recommended.

S

Stéfan

August 2025

12 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Smokey View

Wow!! Le plus spectaculaire site que nous ayons eu!! Directement sur le bord de l'eau avec même une petite plage privée dans la baie😍 Tout était parfait! On était à quelques pas de la belle grande plage d'Ingonish! Et que dire de notre hôte! Blair a été tellement gentil et attentionné. Il a pris le temps de discuter avec nous et nous a ciblé des sentiers et endroits à visiter selon nos intérêts! On s'est senti comme de la famille! Il y avait un joli petit espace pour se faire un feu, mais étant donné la sécheresse, nous n'avons malheureusement pas pu en faire. Nous recommandons à 100%!

Q

Quincy

July 2025

20 ft Class B

2 nights at Smokey View

This was a lovely little spot tucked in right near Ingonish. Blair was a great host and we loved our stay!

Julianne

July 2025

24 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Smokey View

Smokey View is in a beautiful spot. We enjoyed local hikes and sights as well as just hanging out at the RV site and walking and swimming at the beach nearby. Once we figured that we were indeed going to be able to fit our 24 ft Class C RV in the site and the slope to the site was actually quite minimal, we settled in comfortably. Blair was very friendly and informative. We really enjoyed time spent just chatting about life and left feeling like we have a new friend.

K

Kyla

July 2025

25 ft Class C

Group trip

2 nights at Smokey View

Blair's spot is perfect and he is a kind and generous host! He has great knowledge of the area, lots of excellent tips for food, trails, and rainy day activities. Our family with three teenagers loved it there. We walked to the Ingonish Beach, which was a gentle fifteen minutes. We swam in the ocean and then hopped into the freshwater lake right next door. We only spent two nights as we are cramming in as much as we can, but I would have loved to stay for more!

Michele

June 2025

20 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Smokey View

Beautiful views and peace and quiet. Blair was helpful and friendly.

Joerg

June 2025

25 ft Class B

2 nights at Smokey View

One of the most beautiful places we have ever stood at. Blair is also a very friendly and helpful person! He created a magical place! Thank you Blair!!!

A

Adrienne

May 2025

16 ft campervan

1 night at Accolade Retreat Kevin 902-292-1530

Kevin was very nice and welcoming! I took the spot a short drive back on the property next to a little pond with artesian well water. The site was packed gravel and level- good for sleeping in my van. The best part was the bathrooms in the nearby barn with showers!

PETER

May 2025

22 ft Class B

1 night at Smokey View

Blair is a wonderful host. Extremely helpful and accommodating. The site is beautifully situated and well-equipped. In summary: an unreservedly recommendable campsite in a prime location with an extremely friendly host.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best campervan sites in Cabot Trail guide

Where to go

Baddeck

The gateway to the Cabot Trail, Baddeck offers some of the prettiest scenery in Nova Scotia, thanks to the picturesque Bras d’Or Lakes. The town is full of history, home to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, the Kidston Lighthouse, and Theatre Baddeck. Look out for tent campsites, RV spots, and glamping sites outside of town.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

A third of the Cabot Trail winds through this national park, home to 26 hikes, including the renowned Skyline Trail. This five-mile loop is partially covered with a boardwalk (to help protect sensitive plant species). It offers the best views of any spot along the Cabot Trail. If you have a keen eye, you might spy moose, eagles, or even bears from your national park campsite.

Pleasant Bay

If you enjoy whale watching, this is one of the very best spots in the province. You can also check out whales on land with a visit to the excellent Whale Interpretive Centre. Visitors can see a life-size model of a pilot whale, saltwater livestock tanks containing live creatures found in the whale’s habitat, and 16-scale illustrations of whales frequently spotted in the nearby waters.

Cheticamp

The Acadian community of Cheticamp is a significant cultural and linguistic destination in Nova Scotia. Here you’ll learn about the Francophone community’s history, traditions, and culinary heritage. A must-see attraction is Les Trois Pignons. It’s home to Hooked Rug and Home Life Museum and offers demonstrations for the local craft of rug hooking.