Waterside camping in Nova Scotia

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

94% (589 reviews)

Canada
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Nova Scotia

94% (589 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Nova Scotia

Stories from the community

Weekend Trip to The Hanna's Life on the Lake Escape

Beautiful place great place to stay awesome lake views the only thing I would change is access to getting in it needs to be a wider driveway with better signage telling you there it is

Weekend Trip to The Hanna's Life on the Lake Escape

This was one of our favorite spots we've camped, it was extremely peaceful, you have a lot of privacy, the site is right on the lake and you can here the loons at night. Our dog loved roaming around here and there is a lot of good fishing in the area. There's a nice beach right up the road and the town has a grocery store with everything you need. Jason messaged extremely detailed instructions, which are very helpful in entering the correct path-make sure to read these over. Jason was very kind and helpful and responsive throughout our stay. If you have the chance I definitely recommend coming here, we loved it and if we didn't have a ferry to catch we would have loved to stay longer, it's a little piece of paradise.

Weekend Trip to The Hanna's Life on the Lake Escape

We loved camping here ! It was peaceful, quiet and so serene by the lake. Our dog loved swimming here - we would have gone in too if warmer temp . Very clean lot, all went smoothly and directions were clear. When we reached out to Jason to inquire on dumping spot location, he was very quick to kindly respond. Would recommend this camping spot to anyone looking to relax in an open lovely quiet lot.

4 top waterside campgrounds in Nova Scotia

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Waterside camping in Nova Scotia 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.