12 Best Cabin Rentals in Belleville, ON, CA 2024

Halfway between Toronto and Ottawa, the area of Belleville is part of the Lake Ontario plain which provides relatively flat, fertile farmland, gentle slopes, and many bodies of water. The Bay of Quinte offers terrific sailing and walleye fishing. Beachfront camping in Prince Edward County, just south of Belleville, brings campers close to charming wineries and local farms. Further north, Bon Echo Provincial Park is famous for Mazinaw Rock, a lakeside cliff adorned with ancient First Nations pictographs. Or try out Thousand Islands National Park—it offers unique island camping experiences accessible only by boat.

Where to go

Prince Edward County

Just across Belleville Bay Bridge, Prince Edward County is home to beaches, Lake Ontario waters, and Sandbanks Provincial Park. With expansive sandy shores and shallow waters, the park offers a great spot to go swimming, kayaking, or sunbathing. The bird migration hotspot is also popular among birdwatchers. Find beachfront and waterfront campsites throughout Prince Edward and within Sandbanks Provincial Park that have excellent access to the county’s noteworthy wineries and farm-to-table restaurants. Then, return back to nature in a year-round waterfront cottage rental.

Bon Echo Provincial Park

North of Belleville, Bon Echo Provincial Park is best known for Mazinaw Rock. The sheer rock cliff rises 100-metres above the shores of Mazinaw Lake. A national historic site of Canada, the cliff face is adorned with a diverse collection of over 260 First Nations pictographic symbols. From the park’s various campsites—backcountry, roofed, and RV—campers can paddle up in a canoe or kayak to get a closer view of the ancient artwork. Then, wander along nature trails that weave through forests, wetlands, and lake shorelines.

Thousand Islands National Park

One of the most unique camping experiences available near Belleville is Thousand Islands National Park on St. Lawrence River. Despite its name, the park actually consists of 20 granite islets of varying sizes where explorers can snorkel and dive to observe underwater wildlife. Both mainland and island camping are available, but island access is only by private boat. Amenities vary by island and may not include potable water. Glampers may want to try cottage rentals in luxurious waterfront locations around the park as another option.

When to go

With average daytime temperatures in the mid-20s, summertime is peak camping season near Belleville. Warm, sunny weather is ideal for swimming, hiking, and mountain biking, and campsites can fill up quickly. In spring, landscapes fill with blossoming flowers and budding trees. It’s also when Maple in the County festivities take place, which celebrate the region’s maple syrup production with activities, tours, and tastings. Vibrant autumn foliage sets a colorful stage for fall camping. It’s also harvest season for apple picking at local orchards. Winter temperatures are colder, ranging from -2 to 0°C.