The best waterside campgrounds in Georgian Bay

Georgian Bay, part of Lake Huron in Ontario, offers crystal-clear water, rugged shorelines, and various outdoor activities. The incredible rock formations are part of the Canadian Shield and are included in the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve, where rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, swimming, and birdwatching are phenomenal. Additionally, several provincial parks are situated along Georgian Bay or within a very short drive of it, adding additional options for outdoor fun and camping. This is cottage country and most towns come equipped to serve those who love being active outdoors—you’ll find outdoor gear outfitters, craft breweries, independent coffee shops, cafes with take-out picnic options, and tour guides.

95% (296)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Muskoka Bunkie Retreat

100%

(3)

7 sites · Lodging · Port Carling, ON

Enjoy the beauty of Muskoka, Lake Joseph, Lake Roseau, and kayak along the Joseph River that connects them. Breathe in the fresh pine scent of the Blue Heron Bunkie, equipped with double and single bunk beds. Relax and have fun at the private beach and enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding (SUP), hiking, and bird watching with native species including blue herons, loons, owls, and humming birds. You may see deer, beavers, martins, turtles, and can enjoy fishing right from the dock. The property has a main cottage that is occupied by the host/owners and is rented separately on other vacation rental/BNB websites. The bunkie is accessed by a staircase up to the deck and has a view of the Joseph River. There is a private swimmable beach and a spacious dock with one available boat slip. The property includes 500 feet of waterfront and is about 2 acres in total. There is plenty of room for parking. The driveway is steep and curved and just requires being cautious. If you prefer power boats and seadoos these can be rented at a nearby marina. This simple, clean, dry, and neat bunkie is comfortable and has a history of providing fantastic sleeping conditions with guests saying they had their best sleep in it. There are windows at the front and back providing a cross-breeze, assisted by a fan. The bunkie has electricity and lighting and can be used as a workspace. This location is ideal for paddlers, swimmers, hikers, artists, writers, and those interested in the additional comforts of a cabin rather than tent camping. There is a large deck, bbq, fire pit, Muskoka chairs, and outdoor eating area that can be shared with the host. Confirm details with host. Minimum stay 2 nights

Georgian Bay, part of Lake Huron in Ontario, offers crystal-clear water, rugged shorelines, and various outdoor activities. The incredible rock formations are part of the Canadian Shield and are included in the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve, where rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, swimming, and birdwatching are phenomenal. Additionally, several provincial parks are situated along Georgian Bay or within a very short drive of it, adding additional options for outdoor fun and camping. This is cottage country and most towns come equipped to serve those who love being active outdoors—you’ll find outdoor gear outfitters, craft breweries, independent coffee shops, cafes with take-out picnic options, and tour guides.

95% (296)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Muskoka Bunkie Retreat

100%

(3)

7 sites · Lodging · Port Carling, ON

Enjoy the beauty of Muskoka, Lake Joseph, Lake Roseau, and kayak along the Joseph River that connects them. Breathe in the fresh pine scent of the Blue Heron Bunkie, equipped with double and single bunk beds. Relax and have fun at the private beach and enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding (SUP), hiking, and bird watching with native species including blue herons, loons, owls, and humming birds. You may see deer, beavers, martins, turtles, and can enjoy fishing right from the dock. The property has a main cottage that is occupied by the host/owners and is rented separately on other vacation rental/BNB websites. The bunkie is accessed by a staircase up to the deck and has a view of the Joseph River. There is a private swimmable beach and a spacious dock with one available boat slip. The property includes 500 feet of waterfront and is about 2 acres in total. There is plenty of room for parking. The driveway is steep and curved and just requires being cautious. If you prefer power boats and seadoos these can be rented at a nearby marina. This simple, clean, dry, and neat bunkie is comfortable and has a history of providing fantastic sleeping conditions with guests saying they had their best sleep in it. There are windows at the front and back providing a cross-breeze, assisted by a fan. The bunkie has electricity and lighting and can be used as a workspace. This location is ideal for paddlers, swimmers, hikers, artists, writers, and those interested in the additional comforts of a cabin rather than tent camping. There is a large deck, bbq, fire pit, Muskoka chairs, and outdoor eating area that can be shared with the host. Confirm details with host. Minimum stay 2 nights

Stories from the community

Gregory

July 2025

1 night at Muskoka Bunkie Retreat

Great spot to enjoy nature and unwind near the lake

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterside camping in Georgian Bay guide

Where to go

Manitoulin Island

Often described as Northern Ontario’s best-kept secret, Manitoulin Island is the largest freshwater island in the world—so large that it’s home to over 100 lakes itself! Visitors can check out several lighthouses, including the famous Split Rock Light, while photographers love the stunning lookouts on the island’s many hikes. Put the Cup and Saucer Trail on your list for incredible views. Additionally, the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation is an excellent place to learn about Indigenous culture.

Parry Sound

This town is a great base camp for those exploring the great outdoors. It’s home to an excellent selection of shops and services—from downtown, you can even catch a scenic boat tour of Georgian Bay or call an outfitter to arrange fishing, hiking, and ATV tours. A 10-minute drive away, Oastler Lake Provincial Park is a nice spot for family-friendly activities.

Wasaga Beach

Wasaga Beach has a reputation as one of the region’s best spots for outdoor enthusiasts to base themselves—and to party, if that’s your scene. Although once known as a bar-hopping destination, today the vibe is much more family-friendly and focused on nature. The town is home to the world’s longest freshwater beach and offers panoramic views of the nearby Niagara Escarpment. You can rent gear to try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing. There is also excellent hiking, most notably on the Nottawasaga Bluffs Trail.

Killarney Provincial Park

This park’s landscape is different from what you might expect. It’s home to iconic pink granite rock formations, something both hikers and photographers love. No wonder Canada’s Group of Seven painters (including A.Y. Jackson, Franklin Carmichael, and A.J. Casson) found inspiration here! There are ample opportunities for backwoods canoeing, hiking, and camping, as well as more accessible car camping sites and soft shelters such as yurts.

French River Provincial Park

Set along the French River, Canada’s first designated Heritage River, this Provincial Park offers a 65-mile canoe route of interconnected lakes, gorges, and rapids from Lake Nipissing to Georgian Bay. All camping here takes place in the backcountry with no advanced reservations.