Discover the best forest campgrounds near Barrie, Ontario with campfires

Canada
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Ontario
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Barrie

96% (1032 reviews)

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12 top forest campgrounds near Barrie with campfires

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Pine the Sky

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Southgate, ON

This beautiful spot was re-forested with pine a number of years ago, and was sectioned off from the surrounding farmland, which is now maintained by the mennonite community. It is 8 1/2 acres of wetland and forest, with a mown perimeter, and cool places to tuck into the forest for the night. The current owner was a special educator, and now is slowly turning the land into her homestead. There is a beautiful, spa quality outdoor shower next to a tidy and 'fancier than most' outhouse, a strawberry patch as well as wild alpine strawberries all over the property, a big dog and a small indoor cat keep her company. Here is what the land offers: -Bunkie in the Forest: A sweet 8x8 ft. space with new bunk and mattresses as of April 2023 -Strawberry Fields bunkie: an 10x12 space with a loft with a queen memory foam mattress and a main floor with a full futon and a small table -Campsites: Meadow, Forest and River spots. Close to each other, but you'd never know it! All three are chill and serene places. The property backs onto a ten-foot swimming hole in an otherwise shallow part of the Saugeen River. -RV Spot: With electric hook up ideal for RVs 30 feet and under -a connection to the organization, 'Black Folks Camp Too'! Welcoming to all!!!!! So much to see and do in the area!

Natures Acres

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents39 acres · Mount Forest, ON

A perfect place to escape and rejuvenate the soul! Our beautiful 39-acre property consists of hard and softwood forests, open meadows for activities, and flat and grassy fields. Whether you're camping with your family or with a group of friends, this remote and private property is the perfect destination for a vacation retreat. There are plenty of trails surrounding the property where one can enjoy connecting with the sights and sounds of nature. Plenty of different bird species, rabbits, deer and wild turkeys abound and often on summer nights around the campfire you can hear the howl of the coyotes. This is a beautiful, tranquil piece of paradise, very private and fantastic for stargazing. We also have a couple goats, pot bellied pigs and chickens on the property. Guests can help themselves to the farm fresh eggs when on site camping. Whether you’re bringing an RV or a tent, we have the perfect campsite for you! We look forward to hosting you and welcoming you to our little piece of paradise.

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(38)

Three Ponds Homestead

6 sites · Lodging, Tents25 acres · Severn, ON

Nestled on the outskirts of Orillia, our serene 25-acre property and horse farm is minutes from Bass Lake and 15 minutes from local marinas. Our hidden gem homestead is the perfect place to disconnect. Trails to walk/hike, fields and forests to play in and the option for overnight pasture or stall horse board for our equine friends. You'll love the tranquility here. Follow us on IG at "Three.Ponds" for more pics, videos and info, including our Three Ponds Retreat dates!

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Laurenwood Farm

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Loretto, ON

Welcome to Laurenwood Farm! New for 2024: Due to health reasons the farm is fallow this season. It is still a quiet, peaceful escape to the country and you can enjoy all of the amenities but there will be no veggie boxes this season and there are fewer animals to visit. We do have some items available such as honey and syrup. The farm is a 100-acre working livestock and organic mixed produce farm with picturesque views, miles of wooded trails, and a beautiful little fish pond. Fresh organic veggies and farm-fresh eggs are available seasonally. Guests are welcome to wander the trails, check out the pond and gardens, and have a guided tour to experience meeting the animals. Nearby are several conservation areas and access to the Bruce Trail. Walking, biking or horseback riding is very pleasant on the quiet country roads around. There are many local fairs and festivals in the surrounding villages, such as the Beeton Honey Festival and Tottenham Bluegrass Festival. We have three different listings, a cottage, a barn loft, and a tent/RV site. We look forward to hosting you!

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Sacred Nature Eco Farm

4 sites · Lodging15 acres · Zephyr, ON

Our Sacred Nature Eco Farm is an incredibly beautiful +15 acre homestead, where we are slowly growing in becoming self-sufficient. We have 2 curious cats and a very friendly border collie dog. Coo, the Farm dog, who may occasionally visit you and want you to through a ball or stick endlessly. He may bark sometimes but he is NEVER aggressive. (Just let us know if dogs are an issue for you and we will try to keep him in the house backyard.) We usually grow a yearly organic vegetable garden (mostly for personal use), but this year, due to other circumstance, we are not. We have also grown many medicinal herbs, perennial flowers, and have a small dwarf tree orchard of over 35 different fruit and nut trees and bushes. We have a gorgeous spring-fed pond that you can swim in from late May to early September. The owner is Psychotherapist and a Retired Natural Building Architect. She is experienced at teaching courses on these various related subjects, including general homesteading, Sacred Ecology, strawbale building, as well as general mental wellness, healing core issues, sound healing therapy, or chakra clearing experiences. Coming soon.....homesteading teachings or healing experience packages with your Glamping stay. Contact us if you would like a custom experience sooner!

Ranchers2

4 sites · Lodging, Tents50 acres · Amaranth, ON

Learn more about this land:A beautiful property with sites overlooking a 2 acre pond which can be used for fishing paddleboards or canoeing. Enviromentally protected wetlands allow for unusual species of wildlife to be seen. Farm animals on site please do not feed them. Smoking is only permitted on your site.

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Back 2 Zen

1 site · RV, Tent14 acres · Meaford, ON

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Mountain Farm

1 site · RV, Tent7 acres · Halton Hills, ON

A beautiful, peaceful oasis with 7 acres on the Niagara Escarpment, in the middle of Silver Creek Conservation Area. Hike in from the Bruce Trail (the Roberts Side Trail runs to the property). Enjoy our trees and gardens that surround our charming old stone farmhouse. Trampoline available (with permission). Trees, field, wildlife, campfire - our small piece of paradise. Near horseback riding. Close to Georgetown and Erin. Camper vans and RVs may park in driveway (not long term), and there is room for several tents. If you are through-hiking and want some meat or other goodies for the campfire (we have a grill), let us know what you'd like a week in advance, and we'll have it ready for you at cost (cash only, please).

Cripple Creek

5 sites · Tents26 acres · Victoria Harbour, ON

26 acres of bush and open space. Several ponds and creeks. Hiking trails as well. Located close to beaches and fishing on Georgian bay as well as snowmobile trails. Lots of open space. The Tay trail for cycling is 3 kms away as well as all amenities 10 minutes down the road in Midland. Bonfires, horseshoe pits and clean fresh air. 5 minute frive to "Saint Marie among the Hurons, Indian village and the Wye marsh, which contains many live birds of prey in cages as well as miles of boardwalks through the marsh and guided canoe trips as well.

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Uxbridge Igloo

1 site · Lodging20 acres · Mount Albert, ON

Your own private getaway with a private lake, sauna, forest, trails, wildlife and plenty of places to explore. When hungry, take in the local eateries, wineries, cideries and the trail capital of canada for mountain biking, hiking or walking. In the winter, skate on our private lake or hit the slopes at lake ridge ski or dagmar.

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(42)

Hill Run Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Alton, ON

"Hey, remember when we visited those really friendly people on a farm about an hour from Toronto? You know, they also had horses, chickens and a donkey. That was one of the best nights we've ever had, sitting around the fire and watching that sunset - AHmazing! Let's book another night there. HECK - let's bring the trailer and book a weekend!"

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(18)

Off Grid Dark Sky River Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Ramara, ON

Get away from it all! Two acre off-grid retreat with river access across the road, located just below Coopers Falls. Round about driveway for easy access and parking. Bring your own trailer or tent and sleep under the stars in this dark sky oasis. Fire pit with seating overlooking the pond. Wildlife and nature is abundant here.

Forest camping near Barrie with campfires guide

Overview

Set on the shores of Lake Simcoe’s Kempenfelt Bay, downtown Barrie can feel like an escape. Watercraft filled with happy boaters roll in and out of the main marina, while parks and beaches stretch for several kilometres along the shoreline. Live events and festivals light up the night, including the concert stage and glittering midway of Kempenfest in July and August. Spend some time strolling through the butterfly bushes and rose gardens at Sunnidale Park’s arboretum, or head back in time at Historic Fort Willow, a supply depot during the War of 1812. Then head for the hills—some of the province’s best public parks and ski resorts (which welcome mountain bikers in summer) are just a short drive away.

Where to go

Springwater Provincial Park

Just 15 minutes’ drive northwest of downtown Barrie, Springwater is small but mighty. There’s no camping here, but day-use visitors can enjoy 12 kilometres of hiking and biking trails, some skirting a swan-filled pond. Winter is also fun—the park grooms eight kilometres of cross-country ski trails, plus a designated snowshoe path.

Earl Rowe Provincial Park

Set on the Boyne River and Earl Rowe Lake, this is a perfect place to get into the water. With two big beaches, plus a massive, one-acre swimming pool, campers can rent a canoe from a booth on East Beach, or watch the salmon spawning at the fish ladder. Then spend the night at one of 400 campsites.

Georgian Bay Islands National Park

The world’s largest freshwater archipelago, this park once inspired the Group of Seven, Canada’s most legendary painters. Here, the rugged rock of the Canadian Shield meets the clear waters of Georgian Bay. Swim in sheltered coves on Beausoleil Island (some with romantic names, like Honeymoon Bay), fish, hike, bike, canoe, and kayak, then spend the night—they’ve got cabins, glamping, and camping.

Sibbald Point Provincial Park

The beach is the biggest drawing card here. Lining Lake Simcoe, the sand stretches in a big, broad crescent with gentle waves perfect for families. Once you’ve dipped your toes, climb into a boat, canoe, or motorboat, or fish for jumbo perch, pike, trout, and northern pike. (You can also ice fish in winter.)

When to go

This part of Central Ontario experiences four very distinct seasons—the darkest nights in winter can dip below -40°C, while summer days can top 35°C. Time your visit to coincide with your interests: Skiers and snowboarders can expect good snow on the nearby slopes from December to March, while swimmers can get in the lakes from June to early September. Autumn is always glorious with an explosion of colour and some of the best sweater weather you’ll find anywhere.

Know before you go

Barrie sits about an hour’s drive north of Toronto. Roughly halfway between Toronto and the heart of Muskoka, traffic on Highway 400—the main thoroughfare connecting the two—can be very heavy in summer, especially on Fridays (northbound) and Sundays (southbound).
Load up before you leave town—Barrie has a number of camping and sporting goods stores and big supermarkets.
Instead of driving, take the GO Train—the distinctive green, double-decker cars of Toronto’s commuter rail system connect Barrie with downtown’s Union Station in under 90 minutes.