Camping in Cabot Trail: The 20 Best Campgrounds

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.

76% (97)

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.

76% (97)

Top-rated campgrounds near Cabot Trail

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. The Barachois Beach

1 site · Tent, RV · Englishtown, NS

Located in River Bennett / Jersey Cove on the north side of the Englishtown Ferry. Available for single or multi night, weekly or monthly stays. This waterfront property has a beautiful view of Kellys mountain, the ocean with easy access to the Waterfront for swimming or fishing. Close by are other beach access locations and; the Cabot Trail. You are between Ingonish and Baddeck for access to the Highlands or nearby amenities. Eat at the Clucking Hen Café or the Other Cupboard Emporium for shopping needs in the area. Lot is unserviced with no power, water or sewer. Private location. Welcome to book for individual nights or the entire summer!

3. 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!

4. Cape Breton Glamping, The Pioneer

100%

(1)

1 site · Lodging · Pleasant Bay, NS

Learn more about this land:The perfect spot for glampers looking to get back to nature with an added touch of 21st-century amenities. About the PropertyThe tent is in a private wooded location, with distant views of the Atlantic Ocean. The property is situated only minutes away from several trailheads and borders the Cape Breton Highlands National park. It is very close to Skyline, Fishing Cove and Benjies lake and many others outside the park including Polletts cove and Roberts Mt. It is also only minutes away from several beaches, amazing whale watching tours, and great restaurants.About the Listing You will have a peaceful sleep on a full-size comfortable mattress with the sound of nature all around you. The Pioneer features a private outdoor shower and porta potty. All towels and toiletries are provided. A BBQ, utensils, and cookware are provided. Wifi available. Please note Pets are not permitted.Looking forward to having you!

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. 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!

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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

C

Cheever Ames

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Big Belle Farm

A beautiful site and gracious hosts, clear signage and they were happy to help with any questions :)

Taylor

June 2025

Tent

1 night at Big Belle Farm

The view is spectacular and is very quite. I would recommend here

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best 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.