What are the rules for camping in Nova Scotia?

In Nova Scotia , camping rules and regulations may vary depending on whether you are camping in a provincial park, national park, or on private land. Here are some general guidelines to follow when camping in Nova Scotia : Reservations: Reserve your campsite in advance, especially during peak season. Most provincial and national parks have online reservation systems. Check-in and check-out: Typically, check-in time is after 1 pm, and check-out time is before 11am. Confirm these times with the campground you are staying at. Quiet hours: Respect quiet hours, usually between 10 pm and 7 am, to ensure a peaceful experience for all campers. Fire regulations: Follow fire regulations and restrictions, which may change depending on the time of year and weather conditions. Use designated fire pits or fire pans, and never leave a fire unattended. Wildlife safety: Store food and scented items properly to avoid attracting wildlife. Do not feed or approach wildlife. Leave No Trace: Practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash, minimizing campsite impact, and respecting the natural environment. Pets: If you are camping with pets, keep them on a leash and clean up after them. Some campgrounds may have specific pet-friendly areas or restrictions. Alcohol: Alcohol consumption is typically restricted to your campsite. Drinking in public areas or causing disturbances may result in fines or eviction from the campground. Always check the specific rules and regulations of the campground or park you are visiting, as additional rules may apply depending on the location.

Camping in Nova Scotia: Best Nova Scotia Campgrounds 2023

Q: Is there free camping in Nova Scotia?

Yes, there is free camping in Nova Scotia . You can find free, dispersed camping in Crown lands, which are public lands managed by the provincial government. These sites are typically primitive, without facilities or amenities, and campers must follow Leave No Trace principles. Note that some Crown land areas may have restrictions or require permits, so it's essential to check with the Nova Scotia Department of Lands and Forestry for the most up-to-date information on specific locations.

Canada
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Nova Scotia

98% (533 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Nova Scotia

Star Hosts in Nova Scotia

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Top camping destinations

Sable Island National Park

39 campgrounds

Dollar Lake Provincial Park

291 campgrounds

Our site for the night. Each site had a nice wooden sign with a unique driftwood sculpture.

Yarmouth

164 campgrounds

Kejimkujik National Park

293 campgrounds

Digby

230 campgrounds

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

121 campgrounds

12 top campgrounds in Nova Scotia

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The Twisted Tent

39 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · New Glasgow, NS

You will find us just off Exit 20, Highway 104. The property boasts 3 ponds and a park like setting where the tents are located. There is a river near by if you like to Kayak or fish, we are within 20 minutes to the beach. Hiking trails are close by as well as museums, parks and Go-Karts on property. This is off grid, there is a porta potty and an outdoor shower. Whistleberry Market is 2 minutes away, Green Thumb 5 min walk away.

Porters Peak

9 sites · Lodging250 acres · Halifax, NS

Breathe in the fresh air, unwind, reconnect, and recharge as you escape in the great outdoors. Porters Peak is an adventure getaway located in Porters Lake, only 40 minutes from Halifax. We offer over 250 acres of rolling hills, adventure activities and 2 unique types of accommodations; Safari Tents and Cozy Cabins. Built by Canadian adventurers, for adventurers of all types. Enjoy Luxurious Glamping Tents for Your Next Adventure. Relax in style with our luxurious glamping tents featuring plush bedding for a comfortable night's sleep. Enjoy cooking in our fully equipped outdoor kitchen and seating area, surrounded by beautifully landscaped surroundings. As the sun sets, cozy up around your personal fire pit and soak up the ambiance with solar lights illuminating your tent, or grill up some delicious food on your personal BBQ. Our glamping tents offer the perfect blend of comfort and nature for an unforgettable outdoor experience. Experience the magic of the great outdoors!

Sandpoint Ocean Front Resort

12 sites · RVs, Tents87 acres · Tatamagouche, NS

Located within a five minute drive just outside of Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia, our property has over 2500 feet of oceanfront with a mixture of Sand, Pebble and Rock covered beaches. 1500 ft of our ocean front is mostly made up of 60ft high cliffs with trees for shelter from the wind and sun. We supply everything you need such as two prefabricated C-Can washroom / Shower Units with both of the washrooms having showers with running hot water, unlimited firewood, and running water to have an unforgettable Ocean Front RV/camping/tenting experience. Tatamagouche is home to the Tatamagouche Brewery, The Train Station Inn, The Creamery Square / Heritage Society (Anna Swan Museum) and the Balmoral Gristmill. Guests can take in dinning experiences at restaurants such as the Nook & Cranny, The Chowder House and Big Als Pub. For the golf enthusiasts, we are just 5 min away from the water front Brule Point Golf Course and for world class golfing experience we are just 30 minutes from the Fox Harbor Golf Resort. Our property is mainly made up of open spaces with few trees, we have an abundant of Pic-nic areas with oversized pic-nic tables are placed along the ocean front so guests can have an unforgettable gathering with friends and family. With steps down to our premium beach front and a walk out dock for our kayakers, the property has easy access to the water for kayaking, swimming and we have a small boat launch for personal water crafts during high tides. Come check out this one-of-a-kind property! All ocean front tenting / RV sites have no services available if you want access to power and water you will have to book one of the sites that have services to it. We only have seven serviced sites available to our guests.

Breezy Petals Camping Resort

6 sites · Lodging, Tents204 acres · Rines Creek, NS

Breezy Petals Camping Resort is a family oriented campground offering tenting, RVing, glamping as well as fun outdoor activities and music events.Our mission is to build a camping wonderland, where families and friends can discover true happiness, health and green lifestyle. Here you can forget all of your stress, just enjoy the great nature by listening birds singing, watching beaver swimming, discovering the secret from deep woods, observing starlight with telescope at night, relaxing your body with yoga by the dome..... So much more you could do.Come and join us, let's have some fun together!

Wolf Pines Glamping Life

8 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Bayhead, NS

Authentic Mongolian Yurt is nestled in a heart of beautiful pine forest on the North Shore between Tatamagouche and Malagash. You can enjoy near by beaches, boating, kayaking, biking, vineyard, brewery and local markets. The Yurt sits on an elevated deck for you to enjoy the views of a forest. It is equipped with a double bed and traditional Mongolian single bed. Bedding is also provided. There is a BBQ available and an outdoor fire pit. Gravity fed outdoor shower and toilets are located next to the Yurt. We ask that you only use natural soaps.

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Off the Beaten Trail Eco Lodging

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Rose Bay, NS

Welcome to Off the Beaten Trail. Found on the beautiful South Shore of Nova Scotia, near the famous U.N.E.S.C.O Town of Lunenburg, making us a great central location. We offer a glamping experience that will be hard to beat. Offering unique full service units, Tent and RV sites. Recognized Superhost with Airbnb and voted #3 in Nova Scotia for Best Hipcamp in 2022 Open year round, for those who enjoy winter camping. Near by you’ll find Sea Glass beach (aka Spindlers Beach), The Ovens Natural Park, Sand Dollar Beach, Hirtles Beach, Oxners Beach (usually peaceful), Gaff Point Hiking Trail, Indian Path Common Trails, and Kingburg beach to name a few. For shopping locally we have The Rose Bay General Store and Bistro with NSLC Outlet. You’ll find convenience items, seasonal produce, fresh baked goods, take out and dine in eating, a great selection of imported Specialty items, and authentic Nova Scotian products. A great spot to stop on the way back from the beach for a bite to eat and supplies. We also have the Bayport Pub at the beginning of Feltzen South Road. With Great pub classics and fresh hot fish and chips, you’ll want to let them handle the cooking for a night, but make sure to leave room for the best Ice Cream around. Get the Scoop located in Feltzen South, just a short distance from us here at Off the Beaten Trail. Look up these great places and more online for hours and specials.

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Live Life In Tents Campground

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Baddeck, NS

This was one of the original homesteads in the Margarees. There was an old sawmill on site which was used to build the house and barn. It was sold to a man who started renovations for a summer house but ended up listing for sale about 8 years ago. I purchased it 4 years ago and completely renovated the 100-year-old house. 2 years ago my brother and I started an outfitting company with no plan of building a campground but in 2017 we saw a great opportunity for building something unique. We wanted to keep a backwoods camping feel but yet create it around a hostel-inspired environment. We launched June 1, 2018 and are in full swing now. We look forward to meeting you and will help you out in any way to make your trip here something to remember. Adventure awaits at this eco-camping hostel offering a natural setting, overlooking a picturesque valley. This location offers close to off-grid camping with a twist of comfort; furnished Glamping tents, sleeping up to 4 people per tent on a queen bed with twin camping beds for extra guests. Cooking gear, bedding, and towels are provided. Each tent, located at this eco-hostel, has its own campfire pit, with a solar outdoor shower on site and beautiful views of the river valley.

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Winged Spur Farm

10 sites · RVs, Tents76 acres · Pictou, NS

Get back to nature in this historical 76 acre farm! Come camp in a rustic camping environment with an off grid experience, learn about a farm to table farm. We also welcome you to come and camp with your horse and enjoy the trails, lg outdoor arena, round pen and small outside practice arena. We have guest stalls and pastures, we are a new facility and learning as we go, one thing we are sure of is the land is beautiful and captures your heart. We also offer event bookings, birthday parties and just a fun afternoon with the family.

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Sally's Brook Wilderness Cabins

6 sites · Lodging55 acres · Baddeck, NS

Sally’s Brook is located in Unama’ki, within the unceded ancestral territory of the Mikmaq people. Sally’s Brook is an Eco-friendly property in the heart of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. We have three wilderness cabins available for rent year-round, and two Lotus Belle glamping tents un the warmer weather. We opened in fall 2020 and are excited to be in operation for many years ahead.

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Ingomar Oceanfront Camping

11 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Shelburne, NS

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FORT NOVA

10 sites · RVs, Tents127 acres · Jordan Falls, NS

Oh. My. Gawd. Where to start?! This is one of the original properties for the area. Owned by one lovely family since the 1700's until your current (very lucky) host. The house was the post office from 1861 to 1961. One of the rooms was the hospice for the area... SPOOOOOKY!!! There is a culvert from the 1700's on the property from where the province moved the highway sometime before the 40's. Reggie took over ownership in 2020 and is keeping things as original as possible, but adding his touch, like his battle axe travel trailer, Franny, makes her home in the driveway, but of course. She's worth a visit! - TENT ADVANCED LEVEL LAKESIDE is by far the most beautiful, however it is a small area, and on the edge of the property and I can't be responsible for neighbours to a point. Learn more about this land: Fort Nova is your home for as long as you choose. Let's get campy! You can pick from the lawn, living amongst the pines, a forrest clearing, or even the lake side peninsula. Complete privacy, and y'all can hit me up in the house if you need anything. On the property there is: - A decent sized lake - 1700's abandon bridge - Lots of foraging So many things bloody things to do nearby: - The ocean is right across the street. - Oasis Fish and Chips (Also right across the street!) - Beech Street Kitchen (in Lockeport) - Barrington (Lobster capital of the world, UFO capital of Canada) - Brooklyn (Hank Snow's hometown) - Rail Trail (runs through the property) - Provincial Parks - Boxing Rock Brewing Co.

Hidden Brook Wilderness Camping

10 sites · Tents110 acres · Barss Corner, NS

Learn more about this land:Large private wilderness sites with a beautiful babbling brook running through them in an area surrounded by lakes, rivers, and farmland.There are 10 sites to choose from on the vast property. Please note there is no restroom facility available at the site, dig a cathole. pack it out or bring your own camping toilet. Pets on a leash are welcome. Campfires are permitted within local regulation.Enjoy, horseback, riding, kayaking, shopping, restaurants, and artists in museums all in the surrounding areas

Under $50

99%

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Breezy Petals Camping Resort

6 sites · Lodging, Tents204 acres · Rines Creek, NS

Breezy Petals Camping Resort is a family oriented campground offering tenting, RVing, glamping as well as fun outdoor activities and music events.Our mission is to build a camping wonderland, where families and friends can discover true happiness, health and green lifestyle. Here you can forget all of your stress, just enjoy the great nature by listening birds singing, watching beaver swimming, discovering the secret from deep woods, observing starlight with telescope at night, relaxing your body with yoga by the dome..... So much more you could do.Come and join us, let's have some fun together!

Wolf Pines Glamping Life

8 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Bayhead, NS

Authentic Mongolian Yurt is nestled in a heart of beautiful pine forest on the North Shore between Tatamagouche and Malagash. You can enjoy near by beaches, boating, kayaking, biking, vineyard, brewery and local markets. The Yurt sits on an elevated deck for you to enjoy the views of a forest. It is equipped with a double bed and traditional Mongolian single bed. Bedding is also provided. There is a BBQ available and an outdoor fire pit. Gravity fed outdoor shower and toilets are located next to the Yurt. We ask that you only use natural soaps.