Beach camping in Nova Scotia with wildlife watching

This is where you want to be for salty waves, rambling coasts, and fresh fish.

98% (128 reviews)
98% (128 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Nova Scotia

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12 top beach campgrounds in Nova Scotia with wildlife watching

100%
(30)

Tent/Camper Camping by the Ocean!

1 site · Tent2 acres · Head Of Jeddore, NS
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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CA$25
 / night
87%
(130)

Sandpoint Ocean Front Resort

13 sites · Lodging, 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.
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CA$50
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100%
(10)

Open Sky

1 site · RV, Tent8 acres · Halifax, NS
The property is located up a hill away from other homes and the highway, 4mins away from Clam Harbour beach . The main house is 80 meters away from the RV and tenting spot for privacy. There is 8 acres total. 3 acres are open field for Frisbee, baseball, any other sport (basketball hoop) or letting the dog run around. We are pet friendly. There are paths through the woods for walking the dog. In a pen near the main house is Tess the potbelly pig. She is super friendly and loves people, kids, and other animals. The area is suitable for a self -contained RV or tenting. There is a outdoor toilet and shower. There is 110 power at the spot via 2 extension cords. There is a shed available for storage, Wi-Fi, dishwashing station, BBQ, cooking station.
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CA$30
 / night
100%
(39)

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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CA$50
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100%
(5)

Unique Cabot Trail 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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CA$35
 / night
83%
(6)

4 Oaks Park

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · New Glasgow, NS
Learn more about this land:Beautiful cleared lot overlooking Barney’s River and a large interval with plenty of wildlife. Minutes from Northumberland Strait and beautiful Big Island BeachSite has access to River for Kayak or canoe launch which leads into Merigomish Harbour. Walking distance to convenience store and NSLC outlet. Easy drive to Cape George ( The Mini Trail ) and close to New Glasgow or Antigonish. We have beautiful orchards and blueberry fields, if you are here in July or August you can probably pick blueberries for breakfast. There is excellent biking and hiking nearby. The site has beautiful views of the surrounding area and very peaceful and quiet. You will have access to drinking water but no bathroom facilities. We are located between New Glasgow and Antigonish along the beautiful shore road called Route 245. Also, 10 minutes from TCH heading to Cape Breton. No toilet facility must be a self-contained RVBring all trash out that you bring in
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CA$30
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Booked 1 time

Bear River Millyard Resort &RV Park

1 site · Tent7 acres · Digby, NS
Listing description Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. This peaceful and relaxing environment immerses you in nature and provides plenty to see and do. Fishing, Kayaking, Canoeing, Bird Watching, Bike Rides, Hikes, Wine Tasting, Getting lost in Town, Famous Digby Scallops, Enjoy sunsets over the water However if you do want to explore further there is plenty to do in Digby and the Annapolis Valley - Book on our site brmillyard
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CA$54
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Saved 1 time

The Hanna's Life on the Lake escape

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · St. Mary's, NS
Not a commercial campground Beautiful waterfront camping getaway! Quiet & Cozy camping site on Indian Harbour Lake. **50 Amp Service Connection** **Well Water Connection** **Septic Dump Station on Site** **Septic Pump Service Available** +Tent friendly +RV/Camper friendly +Pet friendly +Family/Groups Welcome 200 feet of water front space all for you to enjoy and there is a boat slip too for direct water access. +Picnic Table +Chairs +Fire Pit +BBQ Grill/Utensils +Basic Cooking supplies (pots,pans,plates,silverware etc) +Hot water campfire kettle +Coffee/Tea +Beach Towels + Dry Towels + Dry Rack +Quick air pump (Electric) Firewood on site for sale. There is also a sandy beach just 2 minutes away (The lake has a brook that flows into it - you got to see it, very pretty!) Seasonal Offered
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CA$60
 / night
Saved 8 times

Brier Island on the Bay of Fundy

6 sites · Tents6 acres · Westport, NS
Learn more about this land:Be on the ocean and in the forest all at one time! Be immersed in nature. You can hike around the property or leave and take a general hike around the whole island. You also have the opportunity to watch birds and perhaps even seals and whales. Self-defense and basic stick fighting and survival skills are available upon request and for a small extra fee.
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CA$40
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Saved 25 times

Dome Yurt By The Ocean

2 sites · Lodging5 acres · Baddeck, NS
Glamping at its best: Tthe magical cozy River Inhabitants Basin and the breathtaking panoramic view from this elevated dome yurt facing the deep blue glittering ocean is the #1 getaway for affordable, relaxing, peaceful holidays, kayaking, hiking, biking, swimming, reading, writing, loving Rent our dome yurt in high season 2023 for 99 CAD per night with 2 (max 4 if you bring your own sleeping gear), plus final cleaning $80.00 plus 15% tax. As the river mouth and basin with lots of uninhabited islands offers a lot of things to do we suggest you to combine water sports adventure with your stay. An ocean kayak will be provided if you stay for a week or longer. We offer sailing tours, kayaking and fishing. Although we understand the desire to see as many places as possible when on vacation, we highly recommend people to stay with us for several days. Let your mind come to rest and get a good sleep on real good spring mattresses. ! We would love to be the place where you come to rest. Deep dive into nature and forget the day to day hustle for a while! Writers, painters, artists (like your host) find the inspiration and recharging for new productivity. Internal curtains at the huge windows enhance the impression that this has traditional-style solid HydroTex walls yet can be rolled up for views out and to the Milky Way. The front door has a mesh panel behind and low vents aid air flow.
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CA$99
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100%
(1)

Fred's Place

4 sites · Tents2 acres · Baddeck, NS
2.3 acres of woodlot at the end of the road. Very rustic. Ideal for campers and bicycle campers. Very few facilities but you can put up a tent and have a fire. It's super quiet and the only sound is the wind and the very occasional car (like one a day). Five minute walk to the ocean. 15 kms to the nearest store. I will be at my cabin but the property is large enuf for you to have total privacy if you want it. I can be reached by email at frederick.gardiner123abc@gmail.com. I'm located at the end of Richard's Pond Lane. To get here, go to South Side Road, South Side River Bourgeois. Turn right on Richard's Pond Lane and follow it to the end. Turn right, go to the first sign that says 7/8 and follow the path up to my cabin. There is red tuck tape to show the way. On the map, I am not The Cuffs, but the location is the same.
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CA$25
 / night

KATIE'S CLOSE

2 sites · RVs3 acres · Baddeck, NS
Very private spot 10 minutes from Mabou, Cape Breton, just minutes from Cabot trail with access to over 200 miles of scenic trails. Full service, water, sewer and electric. Minutes from Glenora distillery, Cabot Links golf course, sandy beaches, known for Authentic Celtic Music and dance. Welcome to your home away from home!
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CA$75
 / night

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Star Hosts in Nova Scotia

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Beach camping in Nova Scotia with wildlife watching guide

Overview

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.

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