The best campgrounds in Cape Breton Island with swimming

On Cape Breton Island, camping with easy access to swimming means lakeside mornings and coastal afternoons. You’ll find over 35 spots geared for a dip—think natural swimming holes, riverbanks, and ocean views. Average nights run about $45, with some places dropping as low as $25. Top picks include Smokey View (31 reviews), Unique Cabot Trail Campground (26 reviews), and Accolade Retreat (13 reviews). Most sites let you bring pets, light up a campfire, and use basic toilets. When you’re not swimming, anglers, snow-sport fans, and wildlife-watchers will stay busy—there’s no shortage of things to do between swims.

84% (141)

Top-rated campgrounds near Cape Breton Island

On Cape Breton Island, camping with easy access to swimming means lakeside mornings and coastal afternoons. You’ll find over 35 spots geared for a dip—think natural swimming holes, riverbanks, and ocean views. Average nights run about $45, with some places dropping as low as $25. Top picks include Smokey View (31 reviews), Unique Cabot Trail Campground (26 reviews), and Accolade Retreat (13 reviews). Most sites let you bring pets, light up a campfire, and use basic toilets. When you’re not swimming, anglers, snow-sport fans, and wildlife-watchers will stay busy—there’s no shortage of things to do between swims.

84% (141)

Top-rated campgrounds near Cape Breton Island

1. Live Life In Tents Campground

99%

(61)

15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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 it for sale. I purchased it and completely renovated the 100-year-old house. Shortly after, 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.

2. Aspy Acres

98%

(21)

5 sites · Tents · Baddeck, NS

Discover serenity at Aspy Acres, a tranquil campsite near Aspy Bay. Unwind by the creek, explore nearby White Point beach, and relish the privacy of secluded sites amidst lush trees and the sound of the babbling Smelt Brook. Ideal basecamp for Northern Cape Breton adventures. Book now for an unforgettable, rejuvenating camping experience.

3. 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!

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. Accolade Retreat Kevin 902-292-1530

57%

(22)

10 sites · Tents, RVs · Chéticamp, NS

Discover a 24-acre haven for off-grid camping in Cheticamp, Nova Scotia, nestled at the foothills of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and conveniently situated directly across from the Gypsum Mine. This scenic property features an artisan well providing potable water, strategically located in the expansive 24-acre cleared field at the rear. This property is completely off grid and not for timid campers. if you are looking for complete privacy and across the road from the gypsum mine and a 20 minute walk to town, on the trail, then you will love it here! It is very rustic and not for the faint of heart. During the summer months, we operate a hostel on-site, offering access to washroom and shower facilities as needed. These washroom/shower facilities are NOT accessible in the winter. This space is ideally suited for off-grid camping enthusiasts who share a like-minded appreciation for nature. Please note that visitors are responsible for their own waste disposal arrangements. If you find this area intriguing, feel free to reach out to Kevin at 902-292-1530 or Charyl at 867-688-4611, via call or text for more information.

6. Silver Birch Camp

100%

(8)

1 site · RV · Havre Boucher, NS

A beautiful little gem on the shores of Archie Pond (a small inlet off The Strait of Canso) and minutes from Cape Breton Island. Tucked into nature right off the Trans Canada Hwy and close to amenities. Tim Hortons, Irving, Subway and more just down the road and grocery stores plus more restaurants and pubs in town 10 minutes away. Tons of trails and waterfalls are just minutes away. On our property you can enjoy our 2 bonfire pits, bbq & picnic area, 4 adult kayaks and 3 kids kayaks (lifejackets provided), large open area for games, walk through the forested area, sit by the waterfront, gaze at the stars, watch the spectacular sunrise over the water and walk across the road to the rocky shore of The Strait of Canso.

7. Smokey View

100%

(44)

1 site · RV · Sydney, NS

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.

8. Sally's Brook Wilderness Cabins

92%

(13)

8 sites · Lodging · 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 and a yurt available for rent year-round, and three Lotus Belle glamping tents in the warmer weather. We have a wood-fired sauna and communal CookHouse kitchen-dining building for guests. We also have the Hive Dome! This 26 foot year-round space is the perfect place to host your own event with us, gather for our movie nights, board games, playing music, and retreat from bad weather with so much space to move around. Guest Use of the Hive: While you are staying on the property, we welcome guests to reserve time in the Hive for their own private use. Our staff will prepare this space for you by lighting the wood stove, stocking wood and heating it up for your arrival. Stretch, practice yoga, play games or music, or celebrate with your group! $30 + HST for a 3.5 hour reservation to current guests Morning, afternoon or evening (until 10:00pm) reservations are available

9. Dome Yurt By The Ocean

2 sites · Lodging · 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.

10. 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!

Camper favorites in and near Cape Breton Island

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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!

Accolade Retreat Kevin 902-292-1530

57%

(22)

10 sites · Tents, RVs · Chéticamp, NS

Discover a 24-acre haven for off-grid camping in Cheticamp, Nova Scotia, nestled at the foothills of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and conveniently situated directly across from the Gypsum Mine. This scenic property features an artisan well providing potable water, strategically located in the expansive 24-acre cleared field at the rear. This property is completely off grid and not for timid campers. if you are looking for complete privacy and across the road from the gypsum mine and a 20 minute walk to town, on the trail, then you will love it here! It is very rustic and not for the faint of heart. During the summer months, we operate a hostel on-site, offering access to washroom and shower facilities as needed. These washroom/shower facilities are NOT accessible in the winter. This space is ideally suited for off-grid camping enthusiasts who share a like-minded appreciation for nature. Please note that visitors are responsible for their own waste disposal arrangements. If you find this area intriguing, feel free to reach out to Kevin at 902-292-1530 or Charyl at 867-688-4611, via call or text for more information.

Silver Birch Camp

100%

(8)

1 site · RV · Havre Boucher, NS

A beautiful little gem on the shores of Archie Pond (a small inlet off The Strait of Canso) and minutes from Cape Breton Island. Tucked into nature right off the Trans Canada Hwy and close to amenities. Tim Hortons, Irving, Subway and more just down the road and grocery stores plus more restaurants and pubs in town 10 minutes away. Tons of trails and waterfalls are just minutes away. On our property you can enjoy our 2 bonfire pits, bbq & picnic area, 4 adult kayaks and 3 kids kayaks (lifejackets provided), large open area for games, walk through the forested area, sit by the waterfront, gaze at the stars, watch the spectacular sunrise over the water and walk across the road to the rocky shore of The Strait of Canso.

Smokey View

100%

(44)

1 site · RV · Sydney, NS

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.

Sally's Brook Wilderness Cabins

92%

(13)

8 sites · Lodging · 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 and a yurt available for rent year-round, and three Lotus Belle glamping tents in the warmer weather. We have a wood-fired sauna and communal CookHouse kitchen-dining building for guests. We also have the Hive Dome! This 26 foot year-round space is the perfect place to host your own event with us, gather for our movie nights, board games, playing music, and retreat from bad weather with so much space to move around. Guest Use of the Hive: While you are staying on the property, we welcome guests to reserve time in the Hive for their own private use. Our staff will prepare this space for you by lighting the wood stove, stocking wood and heating it up for your arrival. Stretch, practice yoga, play games or music, or celebrate with your group! $30 + HST for a 3.5 hour reservation to current guests Morning, afternoon or evening (until 10:00pm) reservations are available

Dome Yurt By The Ocean

2 sites · Lodging · 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.

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!

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Landing is 25 feet deep to bank, 30 feet wide.

J

John

September 2025

20 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Smokey View

This was a truly exceptional spot with a beautiful view out over the water. On one side was a grassy area and steps leading down to the water's edge; on the other a hidden away picnic table and a firepit with bench and firewood supplied. Blair was welcoming and helpful with suggestions for things to do in the area. Highly, highly recommended.

S

Stephanie

September 2025

14 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Smokey View

The host was accommodating and friendly. The site was fantastic and the photos don't do it justice. We're already hoping to stay here again the next time we come up the CBI.

This booking is for a campsite ONLY. The tent is not provided.

J

Jake

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Live Life In Tents Campground

Great campsites with bathrooms and a shower. The apples were in season so we ate a few! This campsite is where we begin our bike tour of the Cabot Trail. I would stay here again in a heartbeat.

T

Theodore

September 2025

23 ft campervan

2 nights at Live Life In Tents Campground

Beautiful and convenient location, close to beaches, sites, gas and groceries, and a reasonable drive to Baddeck. Lee was a friendly, informative host. The site is called”unserviced” but the washrooms and showers were terrific, exceeding or on par with any other campground we visited.

This booking is for a campsite ONLY. A tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad are not included.

T

Theodore

September 2025

23 ft campervan

With pets

2 nights at Live Life In Tents Campground

Loved staying here, good clean facilities, laidback vibe, sweet sites to visit nearby and central to both coast and Bras Dor.

T

Tom

September 2025

26 ft campervan

1 night at Live Life In Tents Campground

Nice open area with view of surrounding hills. Lee was very friendly and provided a lot of helpful information about hikes in the area.

K

Kassondra

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Aspy Acres

What a great, private little spot right located at the tip of Cape Breton! If you’re adverse to national and provincial park campground feels, this is the site for you! It was very much our kind of camping, a lovely, quiet, private spot alongside a babbling brook, with the sound of the waves crashing against the shoreline in the distance. 10/10 would recommend.

Garrett

August 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Live Life In Tents Campground

Great views in a wide open field with tons of space. The food truck was closed for an event, but the menu looked bomb. Lee was friendly and helpful with tons of tips for the area.

Lauren

August 2025

16 ft Class B

3 nights at Smokey View

Blair’s spot is AMAZING!! This was our last camping spot while traveling around and camping on Cape Breton along the Cabot Trail and it was our favorite, hands down!! Blair was so helpful sharing some tips with us on some local spots or easy ways to access things, and the site itself was incredible! A great location for getting to the nearby beaches and beautiful natural views, but it was also so quiet and sp private. We loved the sunny grassy area for relaxing in the afternoon and we also loved watching all of the sea birds and fishing boats through the day. The picnic table was in a cozy spot tucked under beautiful trees with a view of the water and cape across the bay. The way the sunlight hits the cliffs in the late afternoon late across the water was absolutely breathtaking. We even saw a bald eagle! The star gazing was fantastic at night. We could go on and on. We will be back to Cape Breton again hopefully very soon and would definitely love to stay here again!

E

Elke

August 2025

16 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Live Life In Tents Campground

We enjoyed our stay at Life in tents. It was a lovely spot. We had our teardrop trailer there for a couple of nights. The showers and toilet were perfect. Thanks Lee and Kanary!

M

Mark

August 2025

22 ft Class B

1 night at Smokey View

What a fantastic overnight spot! Lovely view out to the bay from a secluded spot just off a quiet road. Blair has family history in the area and recommended some great local walks. Highly recommended.

Night Sky taken highest and lowest speed ultra-wide.

Alex

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Live Life In Tents Campground

One of the best camping sites around Cape Breton, and right close to the Cabot Trail! This was my first time camping out, and Lee's Campsite is really clean and open! I love the openness of the space. At night it's even better since it gets so dark with no visible lights around, that you're able to see the stars and milky way! Toilet being a compostable "humanure" spot is great! First time trying one and I gotta say, I would adopt it. It's great! There are 2 of them. Showers stalls are also spacious enough for a single person! I appreciate Lee for also allowing my to charge my Jackery Power Station at his check-in spot while I was out for the day, since I needed to use it for my CPAP. Bless this man and this campsite, because if I visit Cape Breton again, I'll definitely consider it in the future!

H

Hartley

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Aspy Acres

It was a great experience at Aspy Acres. The site is clean and is near a beautiful view of northern coast of Cape Breton. Michael was very accommodating as well, and messaged me a few times to make sure I found the location and I was settled in.

E

Eric

August 2025

19 ft Class B

1 night at Silver Birch Camp

Very easy to book. The site was nice and level, tucked away on their side yard. Adjacent to a pond. We were only there for a brief time but it was the perfect location on our travels going west. I would avoid the restaurant down the street. Nice folks but vibe, food and drinks left a lot to be desired. Also, bring bug spray in the summer.

C

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Live Life In Tents Campground

We loved everything about this site so much we end up staying three nights instead of one night we planned for. The camping sites were far enough for some privacy yet you see others to feel safe too. It was our first time here and we enjoyed it very much. The site includes washroom, shower room and the best part is everything is within 10-30 mins if you’re re driving. Convenient store is less than 5 mins driving, beach and Cabot trails is within 30 mins driving. To be brief, we loved this place and would definitely come back.

This booking is for a campsite ONLY. A tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag are not included.

John

August 2025

20 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Live Life In Tents Campground

I really enjoyed my stay at Lee's Hipcamp site. It was a good home base to explore the Cabot Trail for a couple days, and the open field setting was very peaceful, being far enough away from the main road. I appreciated the hot shower, although only had cold water one time. Did not feel cramped at all, as sites are spread out nicely. Really relaxing spot if you just want to hang out there for half the time.

S

Sabrina

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Live Life In Tents Campground

Great place for tents, On the Cabot trail, near some of the most popular hiking trails. (Sadly we couldn't experience them because all trails we're closed due to the forest fires) I recommend!

Natalie

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Aspy Acres

Camping at Aspy Acres was great. Secluded spot and Michael was very helpful in providing recommendations to nearby beaches because of the closed trails.

S

Stéfan

August 2025

12 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Smokey View

Wow!! Le plus spectaculaire site que nous ayons eu!! Directement sur le bord de l'eau avec même une petite plage privée dans la baie😍 Tout était parfait! On était à quelques pas de la belle grande plage d'Ingonish! Et que dire de notre hôte! Blair a été tellement gentil et attentionné. Il a pris le temps de discuter avec nous et nous a ciblé des sentiers et endroits à visiter selon nos intérêts! On s'est senti comme de la famille! Il y avait un joli petit espace pour se faire un feu, mais étant donné la sécheresse, nous n'avons malheureusement pas pu en faire. Nous recommandons à 100%!

S

Stéfan

August 2025

12 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Live Life In Tents Campground

Tout était parfait! Un très grand terrain vraiment propre avec une superbe vue sur les montagnes. On était plusieurs campeurs en même temps, mais chacun avait son espace et son intimité. Il y avait un espace à l'abri pour cuisiner en cas de pluie, des toilettes (composte) et même deux douches chaudes! Lee a été très gentil et accueillant!