The best pets off leash campgrounds in Cabot Trail

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.

83% (186) • 12 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Cabot Trail

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.

83% (186) • 12 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Cabot Trail

1. Black Rock Stables

97%

(89)

2 sites · Tents · Black Rock, NS

If you enjoy beautiful views of lakes/ocean and mountains, gorgeous sunsets, stargazing, the sound of the waves and bell buoys then Black Rock Stables campsite is the place for you to pitch your tent. Located at the end of the farm on a cliff (6’ wire fence) overlooking the beautiful Brasd’Or lakes. You are welcome to have a campfire (wood available for $5.00), but check the Nova Scotia Government site to make certain campfires are permitted. Please feel free to visit the animals on the farm (horses, goats, rabbits and chickens); however, children must be accompanied by an adult. Also, please do not bring dogs near the farm animals.

2. 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.

3. Accolade Retreat Kevin

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.

4. 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.

5. Cabot Cottage and Seaside Cabins

3 sites · Lodging · Englishtown, NS

Enjoy the beauty of both the forest and the ocean on this 4 acre property off the Cabot Trail, where 3 wilderness cabins and a large 2-level home are nestled among the forest which leads down to the waterfront. The space is perfect for those who love nature and rustic vibes. All of the cabins sleep two people, with a personal fire pit, bbq, kitchenette, drinking water (although no running water), and all the amenities needed to spend a few nights in nature. The shared outdoor bathroom has been hand crafted with lots of natural light, a composting toilet (i.e. non-flushing), hot water shower and two sinks. ------- Shared spaces include the trails, washroom, deck overlooking the bay, adirondack chairs at the lookoff, kayaks, hammocks, wood shed, and checkerboard table. There will be up to 12 people on the property - 6 in the cabins, 4 in the main level of the home, and our on-site property managers stay in the walkout basement of the home. ------- The whole property is essentially on a hill. Parking is near the top, followed by the cabins, the shared bathrooms, the 2-story home, and then the waterfront is a few minutes further down. The paths are not suitable for people with mobility issues and potentially seniors. --------------------------------- Registration Number: STR2526T9953

6. Dragonfly Cottage

100%

(3)

3 sites · Lodging · Rock Elm, NS

Get away from it all, a very quiet cabin in the woods. A great place to decompress and enjoy some time away. The property is left natural and has an apple tree and berries can be found around the area. Excellent high speed internet now available. There is an area to hook up a camper that provides water, power and sewer. Registration # STR2526B0709

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

C

Camille

November 2025

Tent

3 nights at Great Bras D'Or Waterside Camp

I booked, confirmed by email, three nights here as their ad offered full services, drove quite a ways to get there and was exhausted the first night when I arrived so went directly to the site and slept. Come morning, I went down to the house that the ad says has the kitchen, shower, toilet, water, electricity. All doors were locked. Took two hours for the owner to respond to my email and he responded that they were closed for the season and would offer a full refund. I requested a full refund then had to follow up to obtain it. Then I checked my records and see that I did not get the full refund. I had to email again and was advised by owner that I had to contact hip camp for the remainder. Waste of time I replied, for all of this. He then challenged me that I had somewhere to lay my head for the night for $10 and asked me if I liked the view. I only wasted $50 to get there, sleep, NOT shower and have amenities then had to find somewhere else and drive there. Terrible service.

M

Myles

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Black Rock Stables

Nicest view with a lot of protection from the wind and rain.

Location of the 5 woodland camp sites. Campsite 1 is the nearest campsite in this photo.

Marnie

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Big Belle Farm

Clear directions and beautiful views, perfect spot to pitch a tent for the night

J

Jacob

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Black Rock Stables

Excellent spot! The views were incredible! (Needs 50 spaces so fjalfjsnflsmxbxkebrjficntjenfj)

Kim

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Black Rock Stables

Kim is a friendly host, and her property is just beautiful, with horses, dogs, chickens, goats and rabbits! The campsite is positioned beyond the homestead, through a gate and has a beautiful view of the ocean. The campsite is laid out very well and has a clean, well kept outhouse. It feels private and peaceful to camp on this farm. There is no traffic noise whatsoever, just the sounds of the country, farm animals and the ocean. Would stay again! A very short drive to N Sydney which was an added bonus.

E

Extoljc

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Black Rock Stables

We enjoyed our stay on Kim’s property. Very peaceful and private location with amazing star gazing without the light pollution from the city. Awesome views of the ocean and the goats were cool too! She was very swift to answer any questions we had and gave great advice. Would recommend this place.

On a hill overlooking the farm buildings.

E

Emily

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Big Belle Farm

I love tenting here! Great environment for blueberry jam and everyone was welcoming!

A

Amélie

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Black Rock Stables

This place was the perfect spot for my kids and me to begin our journey in Nova Scotia! It offered everything we needed to rest, relax, and truly connect with nature — all while enjoying the company of the animals. If they could have, I’m sure my kids would have begged me to stay more than just one night! Thank you for giving us the chance to share a wonderful dinner together while admiring the most breathtaking sunset view. It was an unforgettable moment we will cherish.

P

Peter

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Black Rock Stables

What an amazing place to camp - up on the cliffs looking over the ocean at the opposite bay, view of the active lighthouse off to the left, sound of buoy bells if the waves are up, stars in the sky. There are 3 sites well spread out, all w/ ocean sitting areas and firepits (wood provided) - unfortunately there was a fire ban when we were there so no fire, but we were alone for the night we stayed and all was great. The pit toilet is clean and fine, and there is even a solar shower to use. Kim met us as we arrived - horses wandering around and dogs barking (but nicely) and directed us. No hassle at all, and excellent location on the island. We would highly recommend!!

G

Gerard

August 2025

Tent

4 nights at Big Belle Farm

Great host. Wide open field but perfect for a campervan base for day trips

B

Belspethen

August 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Black Rock Stables

We really enjoyed our time at Black Rock Stables. Kim has done a wonderful job creating a relaxing and thoughtfully appointed campsite, and was a gracious host. The highlights for us were: the location, the menagerie of friendly animals, and the hammock area with sea views. Thanks for a great stay!

B

Bertille

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Black Rock Stables

We loved camping on the farm ! We had an unexpected visit from one of the horses and it was such a nice experience. Kim was very reactive and we could go to her for any issue. Would go back again !

S

Susan

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Black Rock Stables

We enjoyed our time camping on Kim’s land. Easy directions to find her farm, we arrived at night (very dark) and she was very nice about ensuring we found our site. It was very quiet, and we could see the stars. We had bfast on the picnic tables overlooking the ocean. What could be more perfect?!!

V

Vanessa

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Black Rock Stables

A fantastic view, and very private. Would definitely camp there again.

s

scott

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Black Rock Stables

Awesome 🤩 Wonderful place, great views! Could not ask for better!

N

Nikole

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Black Rock Stables

We loved staying at Kim’s! The ocean views seen from property were beautiful and a few steps away from your tent’s door. The seating areas are comfortable and well placed. All amenities were refreshed (water, outhouse, garbage, etc) from previous camping guests. This site is secluded and perfect for those that would like to be off the beaten path but enjoy the small comforts. Kim was very responsive to messages and a great host. If we are ever back in that area, would definitely stay again!

R

Rosalie

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Black Rock Stables

The place was great, beautiful farm and cute animals, the host was letting us pet the baby rabbits and the dog:)) Private place, really calm and welcoming! Would definitely recommend

R

Rosalie

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Big Belle Farm

Really clean, good spot and really good view! We stayed a night and could have spend more:)

Isabelle

July 2025

Tent

3 nights at Black Rock Stables

It's an amazing spot to relax. The host is very disponible. A Nice place to go!

L

Lesley

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Big Belle Farm

Paul’s farm was the perfect place to spend the night. The views of surrounding farms and rolling fields were beautiful and the dark night sky with full moon and complete quiet were very nourishing. We would love the chance to stay again next time we’re in Mabou.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best pets off leash camping 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.