The best family-friendly glamping near Hamilton

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Coming across the Burlington Skyway, crossing the western end of Lake Ontario, most people get one image of this mid-sized city—the roaring industrial production of their steel mills, which produce 60 percent of the nation’s steel. But you’ll find plenty of places to get outdoors here. Divided by the Niagara Escarpment, 120 waterfalls tumble within the city limits, and the 890-kilometre Bruce Trail winds through town, right along the ridge. And they have plenty of waterfront, too. Rent a bike and cruise along the lake at West Harbour, stroll the trails at Confederation Beach Park, or enjoy a concert at the grassy natural amphitheatre at Bayfront Park. Then, take your pick of excellent campgrounds, all within easy driving distance.

96% (172) 3 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Hamilton

Camp Willowbrook

1. Camp Willowbrook

100%
(136)
80km from Hamilton · 6 sites · Lodging
We purchased this farm in 1998 from the previous farmer who had owned it since 1929. The train line ran right by the gate where the Kota hut now sits and would drop cattle right there to be finished and sold later at the Toronto Stockyards. Our barn was built in 1890 with the old farmhouse located across the creek. Two creeks meet the Grand River on our farm. The bunkie is situated north of the barn and faces Willow creek. During the summer the creek gets quite shallow but there are a couple of pools that work nicely for a float with our river tubes. The river also has a small swimming hole. The bunkie is nestled between 2 hills which creates a natural little valley. Campers can take a walk around the property or use the nearby long walking trail. New this spring, campers will be able to enjoy the firewood sauna, located close to the bunkie and nestled in a private spot near the creek.
Toilets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
CA$115
 / night
T's Pond

2. T's Pond

90%
(114)
61km from Hamilton · 2 sites · Lodging
Like most folks who’ve been bitten by the water ski bug, I dreamed of having my own lake and when I met my life partner Harald, an elite slalom skier, my search began in earnest. By a combination of good timing and good luck, I was able to make that dream come true and in the spring of 2014 I acquired this land with the hopes of building my dream water ski lake on it. 7 years later, we have a thriving water ski club and are constantly making improvements to the site. We now have decided to add some sites for rent to share this incredible property with others outside the water ski community. Site #1 is a small cabin that sleeps 3 and site #2 is a small houseboat that has been converted to a bunkie. Onsite activities include use of a canoe and paddleboard. Use of a kid's swingset and olympic trampoline. Swimming and fishing. Pets are welcome, campfires are permitted.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$107
 / night

Coming across the Burlington Skyway, crossing the western end of Lake Ontario, most people get one image of this mid-sized city—the roaring industrial production of their steel mills, which produce 60 percent of the nation’s steel. But you’ll find plenty of places to get outdoors here. Divided by the Niagara Escarpment, 120 waterfalls tumble within the city limits, and the 890-kilometre Bruce Trail winds through town, right along the ridge. And they have plenty of waterfront, too. Rent a bike and cruise along the lake at West Harbour, stroll the trails at Confederation Beach Park, or enjoy a concert at the grassy natural amphitheatre at Bayfront Park. Then, take your pick of excellent campgrounds, all within easy driving distance.

96% (172) 3 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Hamilton

Camp Willowbrook

1. Camp Willowbrook

100%
(136)
80km from Hamilton · 6 sites · Lodging
We purchased this farm in 1998 from the previous farmer who had owned it since 1929. The train line ran right by the gate where the Kota hut now sits and would drop cattle right there to be finished and sold later at the Toronto Stockyards. Our barn was built in 1890 with the old farmhouse located across the creek. Two creeks meet the Grand River on our farm. The bunkie is situated north of the barn and faces Willow creek. During the summer the creek gets quite shallow but there are a couple of pools that work nicely for a float with our river tubes. The river also has a small swimming hole. The bunkie is nestled between 2 hills which creates a natural little valley. Campers can take a walk around the property or use the nearby long walking trail. New this spring, campers will be able to enjoy the firewood sauna, located close to the bunkie and nestled in a private spot near the creek.
Toilets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
CA$115
 / night
T's Pond

2. T's Pond

90%
(114)
61km from Hamilton · 2 sites · Lodging
Like most folks who’ve been bitten by the water ski bug, I dreamed of having my own lake and when I met my life partner Harald, an elite slalom skier, my search began in earnest. By a combination of good timing and good luck, I was able to make that dream come true and in the spring of 2014 I acquired this land with the hopes of building my dream water ski lake on it. 7 years later, we have a thriving water ski club and are constantly making improvements to the site. We now have decided to add some sites for rent to share this incredible property with others outside the water ski community. Site #1 is a small cabin that sleeps 3 and site #2 is a small houseboat that has been converted to a bunkie. Onsite activities include use of a canoe and paddleboard. Use of a kid's swingset and olympic trampoline. Swimming and fishing. Pets are welcome, campfires are permitted.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$107
 / night

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

The best family-friendly glamping near Hamilton guide

Where to go

Bronte Creek Provincial Park

Just a few minutes north of town, this park is bisected by the 50-metre-deep Bronte Creek Ravine. Hike along several trails, including the 1.8-kilometre Lookout Ravine Trail, which meanders along the top of the valley. Families love the animals at the Children’s Farm, as well as the Playbarn, a 150-year-old structure that’s been converted into a massive play loft for climbing and jumping.

Rock Point Provincial Park

Stretching out along the shore of Lake Erie, this park has a kilometre-long beach, lined with the remains of a 350-million-year-old coral reef. Climb up to a viewing platform to look out over the sand dunes, or fish for bass and walleye from atop a limestone outcrop. Then hike along the Woodlot Trail, two kilometres through oak savanna.

Selkirk Provincial Park

Where the wetlands of Spring Creek meet the shores of Lake Erie, you can swim at two separate beaches here (beware, the one on the lake side tends to be pebbly). Canoe down the creek, or take a little hike along the boardwalks of Wheeler’s Walk Trail, an easy 1.5 kilometres through the marsh.

Turkey Point Provincial Park

Set on the shores of Long Point Bay, this is a favourite park for families, who love wading out a long way from the two-kilometre beach on the shallow, sandy bottom. There’s also a nine-hole golf course, plus three hiking trails—Lookout Bluff offers really nice views over the water.

When to go

While somewhat moderated by the influence of Lake Ontario, which acts as a sort of inland sea, Hamilton experiences four very distinct seasons. Summer is hot and humid, with July offering the best weather and evenings cooling quickly toward the end of August. The leaves start changing in September, with the peak of fall colours—so much red and gold—usually around Thanksgiving in early-mid October. Beaches and parks are crowded in late June, July, and August, but if you come after Labour Day, you may just have the whole place to yourself.

Know before you go

  • The Queen Elizabeth Way (the QEW) is the main thoroughfare between Toronto and Niagara, and is best avoided on Fridays and Sundays in summer, when it jams up with traffic.
  • You can fly right into Hamilton—the John C. Munro International Airport connects the city with international destinations and other places across Canada.
  • The distinctive green double-decker GO Trains run from Hamilton to Toronto’s Union Station, an easy ride that sometimes skirts the lake.
  • The city is home to several outdoors stores, or you can also cross the Skyway to next-door Burlington to shop at Mountain Equipment Co-op.

Nearby attractions

For an enriching nature retreat, camping near Rockwood Conservation Area is ideal. The Rockwood camping experience combines tranquil forest trails, mesmerizing limestone cliffs, and crystal-clear waters, promising a truly invigorating outdoor adventure.

Popular Hamilton glamping styles

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