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

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Popular camping styles for Nova Scotia

Dog-friendly getaways

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Top camping destinations

Kejimkujik National Park

293 campgrounds

Dollar Lake Provincial Park

294 campgrounds

Sable Island National Park

40 campgrounds

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

122 campgrounds

12 top campgrounds in Nova Scotia

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Breezy Petals Camping Resort

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

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!

The Twisted Tent

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

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.

Owl's Hollow

1 site · Lodging6 acres · Caledonia, Queens

Get back to nature at our lakefront eco-glamping property where you will experience serene lake life and forest bathing at its best! Owl's Hollow offers you private camping and glamping on Tupper Lake with everything in place to make your experience an adventurous one (with exception to your own camping gear). Tucked away at the end of a walk-in trail you'll find yourself in a protected cove surrounded by majestic white pines. You'll have exclusive use of the insulated and cozy Hollow Hut as well as your own private lakeside deck with comfortable deck chairs to take in the beautiful lake view or amazing star gazing. This is a very private part of the lake with very few residents and motorized boats. The only thing you'll hear is the wind rustling through the trees, call of the loons, owls, frogs or coyotes. You will also have exclusive use of the swim raft, 10x10 steel roofed canopy, BBQ, fire pit with fire wood, 3 camping pads, picnic table, 3 point hammock, outdoor shower and compost outhouse. Exclusive use of a canoe and 2 kayaks equipped with paddles and lifejackets is also included. What are you waiting for? Book Owl's Hollow for your next camping adventure and be as lazy or active as your body needs to rejuvenate. Guaranteed the experience will bring you back to the calmness you may have been missing! Nova Scotia Registration Number: RYA-2023-24-04051421027007770-28

Porters Peak

9 sites · Lodging250 acres · Halifax, Halifax

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!

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Luxury Glamping at Nalu Retreat!

2 sites · Lodging25 acres · Porters Lake, Halifax

Nalu Retreat is a healing retreat and nature sensory experience perched on the edge of a cliff where we invite you to practice mindfulness and enjoy the art of simply being. Our unique, four season geodesic domes offer an extraordinary and unforgettable glamping experience where one can connect to nature, but still have all the luxuries of a boutique hotel. Each dome has 16 ft high ceilings, large panoramic windows that bring mother nature indoors, a well equipped kitchen, spa inspired bathroom, fireplace, queen size bed, private deck with hot tub, bbq and outdoor shower for a cold plunge. Amenities: Hot tub, cold water therapy and propane fireplace for your own nordic spa experience on your private deck All inclusive packages and spa packages offering farm to table meal options and spa treatments Shared fire pit and walking trails (Sauna coming soon) Fully equipped kitchen with coffee, tea, sweeteners and oat milk, toaster, convection oven, fridge / freezer Spa inspired bathroom with rain-head shower, custom Nalu scented soap/lotion, shower cap and hair dryer Robes, slippers, aromatherapy diffuser and custom nalu chocolates to give that spa feel! Wifi, board games, adult colouring books, Yoga mats, meditation rounds, stargazing loft, cards, singing bowls, sound machine and much more!

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PEBs by the Sea

2 sites · Lodging1 acres · Clark's Harbour, Shelburne

Camping with a G... Glamping Great views and beautiful beaches The Price is for both domes together Here is a place to relax and unwind. Nothing but the sounds of nature and sunset views over white sand islands. Take a picnic to the beach. Light a fire and cook fresh seafood. Beautiful spot on the Most Southern Point of Nova Scotia. Have added an outdoor kitchen and bar area. Moved the Compost toilet closer to the dome. We have propane hot shower. Let me know if there's anything I can help with in any way?

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Yurt Nestled in Nature on Community

1 site · Lodging25 acres · East Hants, Hants

Nestled in the trees on a large deck with the sounds of birds and squirrels all around, this unique structure spans 15 ft across with 14 triangular sides. It holds a double bed, dinning table, rocking chair, 3 burner stove, sink with water, full kitchenette and all the cooking utensils you need. The wood stove keeps the space very warm and cozy and we offer professional massage and reiki. You can walk, ski or bike for hours along a river. Or visit towering gypsum cliffs that host huge bat caves.. Our yurt is tucked away in the trees of our 20 acre wood lot. We provide lots of wood and fire starter for the wood stove but guests should have experience with wood stoves (or be really keen to learn). The stove is big enough to easily heat the whole yurt to cozy comfort but guests should expect to have to keep the stove going in order to keep the space warm and this may mean stoking it once in the night. We provide lots of extra blankets and two pairs of extra slippers for those who forget to bring their own. The solar panel creates enough power to run the lights, charge a cell phone and sometimes a computer but not much more. The space is beautiful, unique and quite dreamy but it is rustic. There is a composting toilet next to the yurt (with hand sanitizer but no sink) and outdoor showers (with hot water) near our farm house. There is a three burner propane cook stove, cooking and dining wares and a small sink for dishes. There are all the utensils that you may need to cook for yourself but there is limited counter space so cooking elaborate meals is possible but could be cumbersome. There is a cooler and we can stock it with ice packs upon request. We supply coffee and a french press,. We also offer massage and reiki to guests for $90 (60 min). Morghain Lee is a massage therapist and Reiki Master and enjoys blending these two body therapies for a holistic healing experience. There is an outdoor fire pit and star gazing chairs. We ask that you only use natural soaps in the shower, the sink, pond or river. We have some Dr Bronners if you like:) Cell reception on the land depends on the provider but most people have weak service (one or two bars). Enough to maintain a phone connection (if you are not walking around too much) but not enough to download videos. Some people have more or less. We do allow pets but we ask for an extra $15 contribution to compensate for the extra cleaning. We also ask that dogs not be on the bed and that they don't chase our chickens or kittens. There are outdoor showers available in spring, summer and fall when the pipes won't freeze. For those wanting to stay for longer periods in the winter we can discuss usage of the shower in our house.

Fundy Fantasy Oceanfront Cabin

1 site · Lodging7 acres · Digby, Annapolis

Oceanfront cabin located on the famous Bay of Fundy. Private & secluded accommodation geared toward adventurous couples. Firepit, outdoor heated shower (seasonal), outdoor composting toilet. Woodburning stove solar equipped for lighting and refrigeration. All cooking supplies available. Designed and owner build. Pizza oven coming soon!

Booked 1 time

Moo Nay Farms

15 sites · Tents100 acres · Cooks Brook, Halifax

Moo Nay Farms is a located in Cooks Brook, Nova Scotia, about an hour from Halifax and 20 minutes from our local airport. We are a 100 acre free range beef, pig and rabbit farm, and horse boarding facility on a corner bordering on 2 rivers, a running brook and a sitting on a huge pile of sand. We encourage our campers to also be free range and choose any nice quiet spot they find, a wide open sand lot, along the river, or deep in the woods. Campers are free to set up tents and sites on either side of the pasture, I don't allow trailer campers in the pastures as the cows tend to like to use them as scratching posts and can damage units. You never know when a litter of piglets is going to be born, a new calf arrives, or when the cows will skip the fence and we call on ya for a cattle drive, but always guaranteed something interesting is going to happen on the farm. We welcome campers to bring their pets responsibly, please be aware it is a livestock farm. For people vacationing or travelling with horses, we have stalls and paddocks available and plenty of sand arenas and trails to ride in. Key features of the property are definitely the livestock, horses, a beautiful swimming or fishing hole at the corner of the property tons of walking or biking trails, a beach volleyball court, huge bbq pit, firepit area complete with seating, bbq capable of roasting whole hogs if you're planning a party event or gathering. With 100, very accessible acres, so many things to do, to learn about free range farming, and country life, we're sure you will find a beautiful location to enjoy nature on our farm, and lots of fun for the kids.

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The Ship Wreck

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Chester Basin, Lunenburg

The Ship Wreck is a secluded getaway on Hennigar Lake 45 minutes from Halifax. It includes a converted 29’ sailboat, a large open air cookhouse including a wood fired pizza oven and propane fridge and stove and a wash house with composting toilet and gravity fed sink. An outdoor shower can wash away a day’s labours! Added amenities include kayaks a horseshoe pitch, two fire pits and a hammock beneath the overhanging trees. Sandy walkways connect the beach to all of the different elements. Multiple spots around the property invite quiet reflection. Take your shoes off and stay a while.

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Tent/Camper Camping by the Ocean!

1 site · Tent2 acres · Head Of Jeddore, Halifax

Learn more about this land: Nestled in a quaint old Fishing Town is a 2-Acre Forest property, that hadn’t been touched since 1885! This land overlooks the North Atlantic Ocean, with a 25ft bank at the edge of the property, and almost 100ft of private stone beach! No hydro, or running water on this property (yet) - but 10 minutes by car you’ll find a Sobeys, a Home Hardware, and small local shops. A driveway was recently put onto the property so now all campers can drive right up to the site instead of trudging through the forest! There is currently a Tiny Home on the property being built. Feel free to pitch your tent, or park your van, behind the Tiny Home that way you could be blocked from the wind that might come off the ocean - if there is a storm coming in. Camper-vans are welcome on the property! I haven't been able to select both tents, and motor vehicles yet as options. Enjoy the peace and quiet under the stars, and fall asleep to the sounds of the waves breaking against the shore, and the leaves rustling in the breeze. __________ As of now, I do not have an accessible toilet. The land is in process of getting the hydro hooked up, and water is being tested. Under the deck of the Tiny Home there is a plastic table, and two plastic side tables. Feel free to use them. There is a large, black, garbage bin outside the tiny home, feel free to put your own garbage bag in there - but please take your garbage with you (as the city only collects one garbage bag on rotating weeks, and I cannot predict ahead which week it will be for you). Thank you!

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Bootsie's

1 site · Lodging40 acres · Amherst, Cumberland

Sunset view out the back patio door, birds and squirrels chirping galore. Relax, have a campfire, dip your feet in the nearby brook and enjoy nature in this cozy and comfortable space. Explore acres of wooded area or take a walk/snowshoe in the trail. Seasonal activities such as a small apple orchard near by, pumpkin patch along with some farm animals (chickens, turkeys and sometimes cows)

Star Hosts in Nova Scotia

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Tent/Camper Camping by the Ocean!

1 site · Tent2 acres · Head Of Jeddore, Halifax

Learn more about this land: Nestled in a quaint old Fishing Town is a 2-Acre Forest property, that hadn’t been touched since 1885! This land overlooks the North Atlantic Ocean, with a 25ft bank at the edge of the property, and almost 100ft of private stone beach! No hydro, or running water on this property (yet) - but 10 minutes by car you’ll find a Sobeys, a Home Hardware, and small local shops. A driveway was recently put onto the property so now all campers can drive right up to the site instead of trudging through the forest! There is currently a Tiny Home on the property being built. Feel free to pitch your tent, or park your van, behind the Tiny Home that way you could be blocked from the wind that might come off the ocean - if there is a storm coming in. Camper-vans are welcome on the property! I haven't been able to select both tents, and motor vehicles yet as options. Enjoy the peace and quiet under the stars, and fall asleep to the sounds of the waves breaking against the shore, and the leaves rustling in the breeze. __________ As of now, I do not have an accessible toilet. The land is in process of getting the hydro hooked up, and water is being tested. Under the deck of the Tiny Home there is a plastic table, and two plastic side tables. Feel free to use them. There is a large, black, garbage bin outside the tiny home, feel free to put your own garbage bag in there - but please take your garbage with you (as the city only collects one garbage bag on rotating weeks, and I cannot predict ahead which week it will be for you). Thank you!

Breezy Petals Camping Resort

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

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!

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Blueberry Run Trail RV Site

1 site · RV11 acres · Grand Desert, Halifax

Learn more about this land: 1 private premium site for a self contained RV, Travel Trailer or Camper Van on private land with no other campers near you. No Tenting permitted. Site has potable water hookup, 20 amp electrical outlet and free WiFi at the site. If you require black water service, a portable tank is included in your booking fee and will be on-site. The tank can hold 80 litres or 21 Gallons. If you require more black water capacity, you can add an extra dump for a fee and we will empty the tank and return it for an extra dump. Gray Water can be released into the drain on-site for showers, sink etc. The site is a solid gravel covered surface that is level. There is a gravel pad section in front of the site that has a picnic table and a fire pit. Fire wood is available for sale and will be delivered to the site upon request. The Trans Canada trail is in front of the site where you can walk, bike, ATV or horseback ride. Porters Lake, Lawrencetown Beach, Porters Lake shopping center and restaurants are only 10 minutes away. 20 minute drive to Dartmouth or 40 minutes to downtown Halifax via 107 HWY or 207 HWY. There is also a café within walking distance called Rose to Rooster. Park your trailer or RV and explore the trails, beaches, lakes and hidden gems this community has to offer. Bring your outdoor games, bikes and your camping supplies and let your adventure begin with us. If you surf, we are a surfing destination and we welcome surfers to stay with us and be close to the action (within 10-15 minutes away depending which beach you choose) The site and community is L.G.B.T.Q.I.A.+ safe and everyone is welcome. Book now and enjoy your visit. We are OPEN from May 1st to Nov 25th 2024

Owl's Hollow

1 site · Lodging6 acres · Caledonia, Queens

Get back to nature at our lakefront eco-glamping property where you will experience serene lake life and forest bathing at its best! Owl's Hollow offers you private camping and glamping on Tupper Lake with everything in place to make your experience an adventurous one (with exception to your own camping gear). Tucked away at the end of a walk-in trail you'll find yourself in a protected cove surrounded by majestic white pines. You'll have exclusive use of the insulated and cozy Hollow Hut as well as your own private lakeside deck with comfortable deck chairs to take in the beautiful lake view or amazing star gazing. This is a very private part of the lake with very few residents and motorized boats. The only thing you'll hear is the wind rustling through the trees, call of the loons, owls, frogs or coyotes. You will also have exclusive use of the swim raft, 10x10 steel roofed canopy, BBQ, fire pit with fire wood, 3 camping pads, picnic table, 3 point hammock, outdoor shower and compost outhouse. Exclusive use of a canoe and 2 kayaks equipped with paddles and lifejackets is also included. What are you waiting for? Book Owl's Hollow for your next camping adventure and be as lazy or active as your body needs to rejuvenate. Guaranteed the experience will bring you back to the calmness you may have been missing! Nova Scotia Registration Number: RYA-2023-24-04051421027007770-28

Yurt Nestled in Nature on Community

1 site · Lodging25 acres · East Hants, Hants

Nestled in the trees on a large deck with the sounds of birds and squirrels all around, this unique structure spans 15 ft across with 14 triangular sides. It holds a double bed, dinning table, rocking chair, 3 burner stove, sink with water, full kitchenette and all the cooking utensils you need. The wood stove keeps the space very warm and cozy and we offer professional massage and reiki. You can walk, ski or bike for hours along a river. Or visit towering gypsum cliffs that host huge bat caves.. Our yurt is tucked away in the trees of our 20 acre wood lot. We provide lots of wood and fire starter for the wood stove but guests should have experience with wood stoves (or be really keen to learn). The stove is big enough to easily heat the whole yurt to cozy comfort but guests should expect to have to keep the stove going in order to keep the space warm and this may mean stoking it once in the night. We provide lots of extra blankets and two pairs of extra slippers for those who forget to bring their own. The solar panel creates enough power to run the lights, charge a cell phone and sometimes a computer but not much more. The space is beautiful, unique and quite dreamy but it is rustic. There is a composting toilet next to the yurt (with hand sanitizer but no sink) and outdoor showers (with hot water) near our farm house. There is a three burner propane cook stove, cooking and dining wares and a small sink for dishes. There are all the utensils that you may need to cook for yourself but there is limited counter space so cooking elaborate meals is possible but could be cumbersome. There is a cooler and we can stock it with ice packs upon request. We supply coffee and a french press,. We also offer massage and reiki to guests for $90 (60 min). Morghain Lee is a massage therapist and Reiki Master and enjoys blending these two body therapies for a holistic healing experience. There is an outdoor fire pit and star gazing chairs. We ask that you only use natural soaps in the shower, the sink, pond or river. We have some Dr Bronners if you like:) Cell reception on the land depends on the provider but most people have weak service (one or two bars). Enough to maintain a phone connection (if you are not walking around too much) but not enough to download videos. Some people have more or less. We do allow pets but we ask for an extra $15 contribution to compensate for the extra cleaning. We also ask that dogs not be on the bed and that they don't chase our chickens or kittens. There are outdoor showers available in spring, summer and fall when the pipes won't freeze. For those wanting to stay for longer periods in the winter we can discuss usage of the shower in our house.

Under $50

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Smokey View

1 site · RV1 acre · Sydney, Victoria

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.

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Big Belle Farm

233 sites · RVs, Tents61 acres · Baddeck, Inverness

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.

Tent/Camper Camping by the Ocean!

1 site · Tent2 acres · Head Of Jeddore, Halifax

Learn more about this land: Nestled in a quaint old Fishing Town is a 2-Acre Forest property, that hadn’t been touched since 1885! This land overlooks the North Atlantic Ocean, with a 25ft bank at the edge of the property, and almost 100ft of private stone beach! No hydro, or running water on this property (yet) - but 10 minutes by car you’ll find a Sobeys, a Home Hardware, and small local shops. A driveway was recently put onto the property so now all campers can drive right up to the site instead of trudging through the forest! There is currently a Tiny Home on the property being built. Feel free to pitch your tent, or park your van, behind the Tiny Home that way you could be blocked from the wind that might come off the ocean - if there is a storm coming in. Camper-vans are welcome on the property! I haven't been able to select both tents, and motor vehicles yet as options. Enjoy the peace and quiet under the stars, and fall asleep to the sounds of the waves breaking against the shore, and the leaves rustling in the breeze. __________ As of now, I do not have an accessible toilet. The land is in process of getting the hydro hooked up, and water is being tested. Under the deck of the Tiny Home there is a plastic table, and two plastic side tables. Feel free to use them. There is a large, black, garbage bin outside the tiny home, feel free to put your own garbage bag in there - but please take your garbage with you (as the city only collects one garbage bag on rotating weeks, and I cannot predict ahead which week it will be for you). Thank you!

The Twisted Tent

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

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.

Breezy Petals Camping Resort

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

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!

Camping in Nova Scotia guide

Almost entirely surrounded by water, Nova Scotia is central to Canada’s maritime region. Ocean inlets sneak tendrils into the province’s forested interior, while seafront restaurants dole out fresh fish, lighthouses beckon ships to shore, and beach bonfires dot the coast. The region shines in summer, when most Nova Scotia campgrounds open and gulf currents warm the Atlantic for swimming and boating. Autumn’s crisp temperatures and colorful foliage are perfect for hikes through the Cape Breton highlands or a drive on the Cabot Trail, and winter snow lays a smooth foundation for cross-country skiing.

Cape Breton Island

Cape Breton Highlands National Park is ideal for camping in summer and hiking year-round, with old-growth boreal forests, river canyons, and plenty of sandy beaches. Campers can also consider taking a road trip along the coast and across the highlands on the scenic Cabot Trail highway. Further south, the saltwater Bras d’Or Lake is a sailing and swimming hotspot.

Bay of Fundy & Annapolis Valley

Here, you can experience the world’s most dramatic ocean tides in Fundy National Park, comb the beaches of Five Islands Provincial Park, or canoe through Kejimkujik National Park. Catch a glimpse of humpback and right whales during their summer migration—then, venture inland for fresh local produce and wine tastings at Annapolis Valley vineyards.

Eastern Shore

Head to Larencetown and Martinque beaches outside Halifax for some of the best cold-water surfing on Canada’s east coast. Visit the region’s authentic fishing communities on the way, then take a boat out to the 100 Wild Islands archipelago, where you can hike and camp in secluded coves and boreal rainforests.

Northumberland Shore

Plenty of warm-water beaches lie along the sheltered Northumberland Strait, as does a thriving local wine scene and Gaelic culture in Pictou, known as “the Birthplace of New Scotland." The region’s fishing industry also brings fresh lobster to area restaurants.

South Shore

The South Shore of Nova Scotia offers opportunities to dive into maritime history at colorful Old Town Lunenburg (home of the Bluenose II schooner), snap a picture of the Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, or get off the grid for a camping trip in one of the region’s wilderness areas—many of which feature thick canopied forests and white-sand beaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Camping costs in Nova Scotia can vary depending on the type of campsite and amenities offered. On average, you can expect to pay between CAD $20 to $45 per night for a basic tent or RV site in a provincial park. Prices may be higher for private campgrounds with additional amenities such as showers, electricity, and Wi-Fi. Keep in mind that prices can also fluctuate based on the season and availability. For more information on camping options in Nova Scotia, visit Nova Scotia's official tourism website.

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.

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.

Yes, wild camping (also known as dispersed or backcountry camping) is allowed in certain areas of Nova Scotia. The province is home to numerous provincial parks, wilderness areas, and Crown lands where you can camp for free or with a permit, depending on the location. However, it is essential to follow Leave No Trace principles and camp in designated areas or away from developed sites, trails, and water sources.

Some popular wild camping locations in Nova Scotia include Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and various provincial parks and wilderness areas. Always check with the park or land management agency for specific regulations and guidelines before setting up camp.