Camping near Brantford with horseback riding

99% (367 reviews)

When Wayne Gretzky was born here in 1961, nobody knew he would make his whole city famous. Now, both area buildings and streets bear his name. But there’s more to Brantford than #99. Home to the Bell Homestead—where Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone—here you can dial in all sorts of urban outdoor adventures. Buy or rent a tube and take a float down the Grand River, a lazy, all-ages ride that will fill a whole afternoon. Pedal down the local network of trails (70 kilometres) and bikeways (18 kilometres), or hit the dedicated bike park with its jumps, obstacles, and rated routes. Then settle in for a beer—Brantford is home to a number of good microbreweries.

Popular camping styles for Brantford

Top-rated campgrounds

All the sites have plenty of trees for hanging a hammock or two... or three.

1. Spring Arbour Magic Forest &Trails!

97%
(355)
58km from Brantford · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Walsingham, ON
Pitch your tent in our picturesque Carolinian forest in the heart of Norfolk county! Choose from 9 tent sites and 1 lodging site spread across 10 acres of wooded area on our 49 Acre farm. Well-kept trails to explore throughout. We are proud to have made the runner-up list for best Hipcamp in Ontario 2023 The terrain is mostly flat but interesting. Campsites are private with good separation from each other. Sites contain a picnic table and fire pit. Campfires are permitted according to our approved burn plan before midnight. 5G/LTE cellphone service is good for Bell, Rogers and Telus networks. FREE Firewood can be gathered on the forest floor or pay for on-site pre-cut wood. Outhouses are close to campsites....but not too close 💩 Port Rowan is only 12 minutes away by car, most amenities can be purchased only 1 minute away at the local Busy Bee gas station. We are situated in the middle of a Recreation Hotspot! Our site is within 3 minutes of paddling the Big Creek, 3 to 10 minutes to several A+ hiking trails, 15 minutes to amazing freshwater beaches of Long Point and Turkey Point, and the area is abound with cycling trails, motorcycle routes, geocaching, boat launches (we have room here for your boat!), cider/wine tours, and more! We are the perfect basecamp for everything the Long Point Bay area has to offer We have some great watering holes nearby like burning kiln winery, hounds of Erie and Charlotteville brewing company. Birders Paradise! The ‘Long Point Birding Area’ in Norfolk County is one of Canada’s premier birding locales. With over 400 species of birds observed, Long Point looms large as one of the most exciting places on the continent to observe our rich birdlife. For all tourism options check out https://www.norfolkcounty.ca/visiting/ We look forward to hosting you!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
CA$35
 / night
Big Apple Sky View

3. Secluded Starry Nights

96%
(134)
42km from Brantford · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Guelph, ON
Located in the hamlet of Mosborough on 113 acres, this is a working farm with open fields, an old orchard, and 27 acres of forest. We are a short drive to Guelph Lake, the Elora Gorge, Guelph to Goderich rail trail, and a 25-minute drive to St Jacob's farmers market. And a 1.4 km walk to a small country market and bakery. A great site for families that you can call home and plan day trips around the area, or hang out at the campsite. Firewood is available for purchase on-site. We have 3 campsites that are spread out on 4 acres of grass. 1 site is used for temporary summer trailers, 2 are for camping. Pets are welcome, but keep them on a leash. Please remember to remove all garbage and recycling from campsites, a compost bin is available on site by the garden. A portable toilet is available from May 15 to the end of thanksgiving weekend in October. And please note that we are located beside an active rail line that is used by the Go Train, VIA Rail and freighters, there are trains that pass throughout the night. A 2 night stay is required for summer weekends. We look forward to hosting you!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
CA$60
 / night
Just a typical fall sunrise

4. Tiny House in the Big Woods

100%
(32)
57km from Brantford · 1 site · Lodging · Erin, ON
Learn more about this land: Follow the dancing squirrels and singing birds to find this Tiny House in the Big Woods... a land where crickets sing as the sun goes down and chipmunks dance in the light of the moon. Where the summer night wind whispers gently through the trees and the stars glisten in the scented night skies. Next to the Tiny house is a meadow brimming with life; sweet apple blossoms, wild flowers, and honey bees to delight the senses. Quietly nestled near a spring fed pond brimming with fish, turtles, and frogs; this Tiny House is a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. With close proximity to Toronto, this is off-grid unplugged-relaxation at it's finest. The space is functional, very rustic, and a bit of a work in progress. There is a wood stove to keep the space somewhat warm in the cooler months, a 2 burner propane cook top stove and kitchen essentials. There's a BBQ and grill over the Fire Pit for your cooking needs. It is a 5-7 minute walk from the parking spot to get to the cabin. ABOUT THE SPACE: - camping essentials are provided - BBQ with propane - 5 gallons of drinking water will be provided - no running water/showers - your own private fire pit with grill - firewood is available - urine-diverting composting toilet - Coyotes live around here - Our family lives on the property, so there may be sounds of children playing   Nearby attractions include hiking and swimming at Rockwood Conservation area, Bellwood Lake, hiking along the Bruce Trail in Limehouse, mountain biking at Kelso Conservation area just 20 min drive away. Lovely walks and strolls at Scotsdale Farm.  Visit the quaint hamlet of Eden Mills. The possibilities are endless.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$104
 / night
The Pinecone Bunkie

5. The Pinecone Bunkie

97%
(17)
44km from Brantford · 1 site · Lodging · Simcoe, ON
Escape to this beautiful forest cabin nestled on 40 private acres, surrounded by nature and abundant wildlife—including deer, wild turkeys, and songbirds. Located just 15 minutes from the sandy shores of Turkey Point and Port Dover, this secluded getaway offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and convenience. Here’s what you’ll enjoy during your stay: • A peaceful bunkie tucked in 40 forested acres • Queen bed in a cozy loft (accessible by ladder), a fouton and a king • Fire pit with wood, 2 grills, and a shaded gazebo • Simple kitchen setup with 2 person dining table, cooler, utensils, and BBQ • Shower with warm water, shared toilet & outdoor well water tap • Outdoor Nature Shower - cold water only • Picnic table for outdoor dining • Dog-friendly space with lots of room to roam • Trails for exploring, star-gazing, and reconnecting • Electricity (solar-powered) • Hydro and running water WHAT WE PROVIDE • Bed linens and pillows • Basin for sponge/cloth baths • Toilet paper • Grill for BBQ (bring your own charcoal) • BBQ utensils • First aid kit WHAT TO BRING • Drinking water • Ice & food • Coal for grilling • Extra blankets • Bug spray, sunscreen, garbage bags Washroom & Shower: A shared washroom with warm/cold shower, toilet, and outdoor well-access tap is nearby and easy to access. Water & Electricity There is no drinking water on-site—please bring your own. Electricity is available in the bunkie (solar-powered). Wi-Fi & Cell Service: There is no Wi-Fi and very limited or no cell service. Plan to unplug and enjoy the quiet. Garbage: There are no large garbage bins and no road side pickup. Please be prepared to bring your garbage to the dump during your stay, or you need to bring it home with you to dispose of. If any garbage is left behind a $75 cleanup, transfer and dump fee will be charged. Temperature & Seasons: The bunkie is available year-round, however, it is not insulated. If you are coming in winter or intermit weather, we are assuming you "know what you're in for" and will pack and dress appropriately to be in the bush. In winter, the road may not be plowed and could require a short walk in. Bring extra blankets for chilly nights.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$133
 / night
Restored with pine board exterior to give a country feel to The Farm Shed.

6. The Farm Shed @ Walnut Ridge Farm

100%
(4)
51km from Brantford · 1 site · Lodging · Guelph, ON
Established in 1870 as a mixed farm for new immigrants to Canada to settle and begin their new life in Canada. In the early days the farm housed dairy cattle and pigs. Had pastures for cattle to graze and grew corn and wheat for cattle feed. In the 1980's the farm was rented by the University of Guelph to house their goat research livestock. Our family purchased the farm in 1998 to raise our daughters. The farm is located beside Trish's home farm, where she was a dairy farmers daughter growing up. Dean was raised on a beef farm. Dean & Trish meet in University studying agriculture. We began a beef business, and marketed our farm products through our website, www.whisperingmeadows.ca until we sold it to a young couple in 2016. Dean & I care about the land and the environment very much. Over the years we have have worked with the local conservation organization to plant treed wind erosion areas, improve farm drainage and grow crops using no-till practices. In 2010 we were awarded the Pasture Conservation Award by the Canadian Cattlemen Association. We take great pride in our farm and ensure it is managed using the best farm practices available. We grow a roation of corn, soybeans and winter wheat for food production. Ideal for a quiet getaway or short-term stay. High-speed fiber wi-fi is included allowing you to work away from the office.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$203
 / night
99% (367 reviews)

When Wayne Gretzky was born here in 1961, nobody knew he would make his whole city famous. Now, both area buildings and streets bear his name. But there’s more to Brantford than #99. Home to the Bell Homestead—where Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone—here you can dial in all sorts of urban outdoor adventures. Buy or rent a tube and take a float down the Grand River, a lazy, all-ages ride that will fill a whole afternoon. Pedal down the local network of trails (70 kilometres) and bikeways (18 kilometres), or hit the dedicated bike park with its jumps, obstacles, and rated routes. Then settle in for a beer—Brantford is home to a number of good microbreweries.

Popular camping styles for Brantford

Top-rated campgrounds

All the sites have plenty of trees for hanging a hammock or two... or three.

1. Spring Arbour Magic Forest &Trails!

97%
(355)
58km from Brantford · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Walsingham, ON
Pitch your tent in our picturesque Carolinian forest in the heart of Norfolk county! Choose from 9 tent sites and 1 lodging site spread across 10 acres of wooded area on our 49 Acre farm. Well-kept trails to explore throughout. We are proud to have made the runner-up list for best Hipcamp in Ontario 2023 The terrain is mostly flat but interesting. Campsites are private with good separation from each other. Sites contain a picnic table and fire pit. Campfires are permitted according to our approved burn plan before midnight. 5G/LTE cellphone service is good for Bell, Rogers and Telus networks. FREE Firewood can be gathered on the forest floor or pay for on-site pre-cut wood. Outhouses are close to campsites....but not too close 💩 Port Rowan is only 12 minutes away by car, most amenities can be purchased only 1 minute away at the local Busy Bee gas station. We are situated in the middle of a Recreation Hotspot! Our site is within 3 minutes of paddling the Big Creek, 3 to 10 minutes to several A+ hiking trails, 15 minutes to amazing freshwater beaches of Long Point and Turkey Point, and the area is abound with cycling trails, motorcycle routes, geocaching, boat launches (we have room here for your boat!), cider/wine tours, and more! We are the perfect basecamp for everything the Long Point Bay area has to offer We have some great watering holes nearby like burning kiln winery, hounds of Erie and Charlotteville brewing company. Birders Paradise! The ‘Long Point Birding Area’ in Norfolk County is one of Canada’s premier birding locales. With over 400 species of birds observed, Long Point looms large as one of the most exciting places on the continent to observe our rich birdlife. For all tourism options check out https://www.norfolkcounty.ca/visiting/ We look forward to hosting you!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
CA$35
 / night
Big Apple Sky View

3. Secluded Starry Nights

96%
(134)
42km from Brantford · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Guelph, ON
Located in the hamlet of Mosborough on 113 acres, this is a working farm with open fields, an old orchard, and 27 acres of forest. We are a short drive to Guelph Lake, the Elora Gorge, Guelph to Goderich rail trail, and a 25-minute drive to St Jacob's farmers market. And a 1.4 km walk to a small country market and bakery. A great site for families that you can call home and plan day trips around the area, or hang out at the campsite. Firewood is available for purchase on-site. We have 3 campsites that are spread out on 4 acres of grass. 1 site is used for temporary summer trailers, 2 are for camping. Pets are welcome, but keep them on a leash. Please remember to remove all garbage and recycling from campsites, a compost bin is available on site by the garden. A portable toilet is available from May 15 to the end of thanksgiving weekend in October. And please note that we are located beside an active rail line that is used by the Go Train, VIA Rail and freighters, there are trains that pass throughout the night. A 2 night stay is required for summer weekends. We look forward to hosting you!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
CA$60
 / night
Just a typical fall sunrise

4. Tiny House in the Big Woods

100%
(32)
57km from Brantford · 1 site · Lodging · Erin, ON
Learn more about this land: Follow the dancing squirrels and singing birds to find this Tiny House in the Big Woods... a land where crickets sing as the sun goes down and chipmunks dance in the light of the moon. Where the summer night wind whispers gently through the trees and the stars glisten in the scented night skies. Next to the Tiny house is a meadow brimming with life; sweet apple blossoms, wild flowers, and honey bees to delight the senses. Quietly nestled near a spring fed pond brimming with fish, turtles, and frogs; this Tiny House is a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. With close proximity to Toronto, this is off-grid unplugged-relaxation at it's finest. The space is functional, very rustic, and a bit of a work in progress. There is a wood stove to keep the space somewhat warm in the cooler months, a 2 burner propane cook top stove and kitchen essentials. There's a BBQ and grill over the Fire Pit for your cooking needs. It is a 5-7 minute walk from the parking spot to get to the cabin. ABOUT THE SPACE: - camping essentials are provided - BBQ with propane - 5 gallons of drinking water will be provided - no running water/showers - your own private fire pit with grill - firewood is available - urine-diverting composting toilet - Coyotes live around here - Our family lives on the property, so there may be sounds of children playing   Nearby attractions include hiking and swimming at Rockwood Conservation area, Bellwood Lake, hiking along the Bruce Trail in Limehouse, mountain biking at Kelso Conservation area just 20 min drive away. Lovely walks and strolls at Scotsdale Farm.  Visit the quaint hamlet of Eden Mills. The possibilities are endless.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$104
 / night
The Pinecone Bunkie

5. The Pinecone Bunkie

97%
(17)
44km from Brantford · 1 site · Lodging · Simcoe, ON
Escape to this beautiful forest cabin nestled on 40 private acres, surrounded by nature and abundant wildlife—including deer, wild turkeys, and songbirds. Located just 15 minutes from the sandy shores of Turkey Point and Port Dover, this secluded getaway offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and convenience. Here’s what you’ll enjoy during your stay: • A peaceful bunkie tucked in 40 forested acres • Queen bed in a cozy loft (accessible by ladder), a fouton and a king • Fire pit with wood, 2 grills, and a shaded gazebo • Simple kitchen setup with 2 person dining table, cooler, utensils, and BBQ • Shower with warm water, shared toilet & outdoor well water tap • Outdoor Nature Shower - cold water only • Picnic table for outdoor dining • Dog-friendly space with lots of room to roam • Trails for exploring, star-gazing, and reconnecting • Electricity (solar-powered) • Hydro and running water WHAT WE PROVIDE • Bed linens and pillows • Basin for sponge/cloth baths • Toilet paper • Grill for BBQ (bring your own charcoal) • BBQ utensils • First aid kit WHAT TO BRING • Drinking water • Ice & food • Coal for grilling • Extra blankets • Bug spray, sunscreen, garbage bags Washroom & Shower: A shared washroom with warm/cold shower, toilet, and outdoor well-access tap is nearby and easy to access. Water & Electricity There is no drinking water on-site—please bring your own. Electricity is available in the bunkie (solar-powered). Wi-Fi & Cell Service: There is no Wi-Fi and very limited or no cell service. Plan to unplug and enjoy the quiet. Garbage: There are no large garbage bins and no road side pickup. Please be prepared to bring your garbage to the dump during your stay, or you need to bring it home with you to dispose of. If any garbage is left behind a $75 cleanup, transfer and dump fee will be charged. Temperature & Seasons: The bunkie is available year-round, however, it is not insulated. If you are coming in winter or intermit weather, we are assuming you "know what you're in for" and will pack and dress appropriately to be in the bush. In winter, the road may not be plowed and could require a short walk in. Bring extra blankets for chilly nights.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$133
 / night
Restored with pine board exterior to give a country feel to The Farm Shed.

6. The Farm Shed @ Walnut Ridge Farm

100%
(4)
51km from Brantford · 1 site · Lodging · Guelph, ON
Established in 1870 as a mixed farm for new immigrants to Canada to settle and begin their new life in Canada. In the early days the farm housed dairy cattle and pigs. Had pastures for cattle to graze and grew corn and wheat for cattle feed. In the 1980's the farm was rented by the University of Guelph to house their goat research livestock. Our family purchased the farm in 1998 to raise our daughters. The farm is located beside Trish's home farm, where she was a dairy farmers daughter growing up. Dean was raised on a beef farm. Dean & Trish meet in University studying agriculture. We began a beef business, and marketed our farm products through our website, www.whisperingmeadows.ca until we sold it to a young couple in 2016. Dean & I care about the land and the environment very much. Over the years we have have worked with the local conservation organization to plant treed wind erosion areas, improve farm drainage and grow crops using no-till practices. In 2010 we were awarded the Pasture Conservation Award by the Canadian Cattlemen Association. We take great pride in our farm and ensure it is managed using the best farm practices available. We grow a roation of corn, soybeans and winter wheat for food production. Ideal for a quiet getaway or short-term stay. High-speed fiber wi-fi is included allowing you to work away from the office.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$203
 / night

Stories from the community

Camper favorites near Brantford

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Brantford with horseback riding guide

Where to go

Selkirk’s start of the show is Wheeler’s Walk Trail, an easy, 40-minute boardwalk stroll that winds through wetlands and a white pine plantation. You can also paddle along Spring Creek, or take a dip at one of two beaches (a small, sandy one, and a larger, pebbly beach on Lake Erie). 

Brant Conservation Area

Set on a big bend of the Grand River just west of town, this park offers riverbank hiking trails and two canoe launches on either side of rushing waters running over Wilkes Dam. It’s a great place for a swim, too, thanks to a huge, 1.25-acre swimming pool.

Elora Gorge

A place where the Grand River narrows and rushes over rapids below 22-metre cliffs, this major attraction offers amazing views just a little more than an hour north of Brantford. Hike along the top to take photos from several overlooks, or splash through the falls below on a kayak or tube.

One of the closest provincial parks to Brantford, the biggest attraction here is the beach, which stretches for two kilometres along Lake Erie’s Long Point Bay. You can also hike three separate trails (the longest, Fin and Feather, runs along an old hatchery pond) or hit the nearby eco-park for ziplining and axe-throwing.

When to go

One of the warmest parts of Southern Ontario, summers in Brantford tend to be hot and humid—perfect for anyone who wants to paddle or swim. It’s also the busiest season, especially on long weekends (Victoria Day in May, Canada Day on July 1, Civic Holiday in August, and Labour Day in September) when beaches and bike paths fill up. April can be rainy, but the weather warms significantly through May and June. September and October are far quieter and feature beautiful fall colours, as the seasons change. You can expect cold weather between December and March, the primary months for those who love snow.

Know before you go

  • The city is connected by the 403 freeway to the Queen Elizabeth Way (the QEW), with the latter connecting Toronto with the Niagara region along the Golden Horseshoe. The route gets very busy on Fridays and Sundays, especially in summer.
  • Brantford is serviced by VIA Rail, a train ride that comes with comfy seats and free wifi.
  • The neon lights and frozen treats at Dairee Delight have drawn crowds since 1953—people still drive from out of town to grab a cone at this local landmark.
  • You’ll always have Paris—Ontario. This charming village is just a five-minute drive away.
  1. Brantford