- Camping with Swimming
The best camping near Sydney with swimming
85% (103) • 17 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Sydney
Sally's Brook Wilderness Cabins
1. Sally's Brook Wilderness Cabins
92%
(13)
37km from Sydney · 8 sites
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
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
CA$139
/ night
Smokey View
2. Smokey View
100%
(44)
66km from Sydney · 1 site
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.
Pets
from
CA$60
/ night
Live Life In Tents Campground
3. Live Life In Tents Campground
99%
(61)
77km from Sydney · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
CA$35
/ night
The Barachois Beach
4. The Barachois Beach
40km from Sydney · 1 site · Tent, RV
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!
Pets
Campfires
from
CA$25
/ night
Dome Yurt By The Ocean
5. Dome Yurt By The Ocean
80km from Sydney · 2 sites
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.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from
CA$80
/ night
85% (103) • 17 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Sydney
Sally's Brook Wilderness Cabins
1. Sally's Brook Wilderness Cabins
92%
(13)
37km from Sydney · 8 sites
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
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
CA$139
/ night
Smokey View
2. Smokey View
100%
(44)
66km from Sydney · 1 site
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.
Pets
from
CA$60
/ night
Live Life In Tents Campground
3. Live Life In Tents Campground
99%
(61)
77km from Sydney · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
CA$35
/ night
The Barachois Beach
4. The Barachois Beach
40km from Sydney · 1 site · Tent, RV
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!
Pets
Campfires
from
CA$25
/ night
Dome Yurt By The Ocean
5. Dome Yurt By The Ocean
80km from Sydney · 2 sites
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.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from
CA$80
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
J
John
September 2025
20 ft travel trailer
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.
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Stephanie
September 2025
14 ft travel trailer
With pets
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.
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J
Jake
September 2025
Tent
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.
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T
Theodore
September 2025
23 ft campervan
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.
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T
Theodore
September 2025
23 ft campervan
With pets
Loved staying here, good clean facilities, laidback vibe, sweet sites to visit nearby and central to both coast and Bras Dor.
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T
Tom
September 2025
26 ft campervan
Nice open area with view of surrounding hills. Lee was very friendly and provided a lot of helpful information about hikes in the area.
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Garrett
August 2025
20 ft campervan
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.
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Lauren
August 2025
16 ft Class B
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!
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E
Elke
August 2025
16 ft travel trailer
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!
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Mark
August 2025
22 ft Class B
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.
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Alex
August 2025
Tent
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!
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C
C
August 2025
Tent
With pets
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.
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John
August 2025
20 ft travel trailer
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.
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Sabrina
August 2025
Tent
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!
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S
Stéfan
August 2025
12 ft travel trailer
With pets
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%!
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S
Stéfan
August 2025
12 ft travel trailer
With pets
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!
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R
Randy
August 2025
24 ft campervan
You will not find a better piece of land to camp, while experiencing the Cabot Trail and the surroundings. Lee has done a wonderful job and clearing and creating a wonderful atmosphere for campers. I found the provisions to be quite luxurious for "campers". It's not often that you will have the option to a hot shower at most campsites and a community pavillion/cooking area. Lee provides both, as well as two outdoor compositing toilets.
Had I done more research, I would have spent more time at Lee's, as he also offers water activities, expanding trails to hike and a neighboring food truck within a stones throw. While visiting the food truck, I met a couple who were just completing their cycling trek around the Cabot Trail. Chapeau to them, as there are several challenging climbs on the trail.
I will definitely be coming back!
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Loyce
August 2025
20 ft campervan
With pets
I loved this camp so much that I am returning for a multiple-day stay. Beautifully maintained, large and spreadout campsites, as well as washrooms and showers. WiFi available, too! It checks all my boxes!!
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Quincy
July 2025
20 ft Class B
This was a lovely little spot tucked in right near Ingonish. Blair was a great host and we loved our stay!
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Julianne
July 2025
24 ft Class C
With pets
Smokey View is in a beautiful spot. We enjoyed local hikes and sights as well as just hanging out at the RV site and walking and swimming at the beach nearby. Once we figured that we were indeed going to be able to fit our 24 ft Class C RV in the site and the slope to the site was actually quite minimal, we settled in comfortably. Blair was very friendly and informative. We really enjoyed time spent just chatting about life and left feeling like we have a new friend.
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