The best family-friendly glamping near Kawartha Lakes

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The Kawartha Lakes region features a series of long, thin lakes, many of them connected as part of the Trent-Severn Waterway. The area attracts anglers, paddlers, hikers, and campers from all around southern Ontario. Winter activities are also abundant, including skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Cycling has become a year-round activity too, thanks to “fat biking.” It’s a popular getaway for Torontonians—just a 90-minute drive from the city with lots of campgrounds to choose from, and just to the north is Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park.

98% (278)

Top-rated campgrounds

Foresthill Retreat

2. Foresthill Retreat

96%
(135)
50km from Kawartha Lakes · 2 sites · Lodging · Harcourt, ON
New bigger tent this year. This property used to be a farm until 1912, the glamping site is located far from the house in what used to be a vegetable garden! The glamping tent is new this year and well equipped and has everything you need for a cozy comfortable stay including electricity! The outdoor kitchen on site has everything you need to cook a delicious meal. There are also outdoor shower, tables and chairs, and an extremely well-stocked site super clean outhouse. Lots of lakes in the area. General stores and gas within 5 minutes and the Grocery stores are within 15 minutes for all your camping needs. Provincial Parks Nearby: Wolf Island Provincial Park - 10 minutes, Kawartha Highlands Signature Park - 15 minutes, Quackenbush Provincial Park - 25 minutes, Petroglyphs Provincial Park - 30 minutes At night you will hear nothing but frogs, very private and very romantic. We can't wait to host you at Foresthill Retreat!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
CA$75
 / night
Cozy spot to snuggle up in the cabin by the fire

3. Dragonfly Ridge Rescue Farm

96%
(85)
35km from Kawartha Lakes · 4 sites · Lodging · ON
Dragonfly Ridge is a 98 acre farm. Our pretty cabins are perfect for folks to enjoy some glamping in the country, on the farm surrounded by friendly animals.  You can arrange to have a tour of the farm and hang out with donkeys, mini horses, llamas, alpacas, pigs, bunnies, sheep, goats, peacocks, ducks and chickens.  We have a lovely pond, and acres of forest you can explore.  Our farm is on a quiet country road where you can take a walk and enjoy the peace and quiet and connect with nature and one another without the distractions of wifi, street noises or city lights. We are within minutes of the Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park with all there is to see and do there, such as hiking, paddling, exploring, swimming.  We have a fire pit where you can enjoy a spectacular night sky unimpeded by any other lights. The cabin has electricity, lights, electric fireplace for heat. In the cabin we have a double bed, a table and 2 chairs, a two-burner stove with oven, a washing up station. Fall asleep listening to owls call and wolves howling in the distance.  Wake to the sounds of the animals on the farm, you may even be able to arrange to gather your own eggs for breakfast! We are confident you won't want to leave the farm, but in case you choose to explore beyond our 98 acres there is lots to still see and do within only a short drive. We are located close to Buckhorn, where you can explore more lakes, pick your own berries or visit pumpkin patches, pick up groceries or enjoy the restaurants in Buckhorn.  Also, in nearby Bobcaygeon you can find world-class shopping and dining, parks, beaches, festivals, a heritage village, and even more lakes. One hour north of us is Haliburton, with the Haliburton Forest and Wolf visitation Centre, Sir Sam's ski resort, shops and restaurants, and Sir Sandford Fleming's college of Fine Arts. Lakefield is only 35 minutes away offering shopping, a world famous literary festival, fine dining, and antique shows most weekends. Trent University is only 40 minutes south, in Peterborough where you can watch Peterborough Petes play hockey, attend free music festivals in the summer months, experience the best restaurants around, shop, see a movie, watch the boats in the Lift Locks, a World Heritage, visit the canoe museum, skate on the canal, and much more.
Toilets
Campfires
Cooking equipment
from 
CA$145
 / night
The Rustic Shack in the Wood's

4. The Rustic Shack in the Wood's

100%
(47)
65km from Kawartha Lakes · 1 site · Lodging · Mount Albert, ON
Please read to the END! For full details :) If you are looking to escape the noise of everyday life, this is the place for you! Come enjoy the peaceful tranquility of our rustic little Shack on the 113 acre farm of rolling hills + open fields set by the edge of the forest. Previously used as the hot chocolate shack for our tree farm business which has finished after a 30 year run. The Shack is completely "OFF GRID" and you can get a feel for staying amongst the sounds of nature and possibly find yourself shutting off your phone and really enjoying the quiet peaceful escape. Sitting by a bon-fire at night, with the stars bright in the dark sky. Enjoying a good book or a walk on the property looking out for Wild Turkey's, Coyotes, Raccoons, Ground hogs and a variety of Bird's. Take an evening walk to the top of the hill to catch a beautiful farm sunset over the corn fields. Local businesses nearby are Brooks Farm Playground and Market 2 min up the road. Rose Family Farm with fresh cut fries 4 min away. Musselman's Lake is a 6 min drive to enjoy the fabulous Fishbone on the Lake, casual outdoor dining. In nearby Stouffville find Timber Creek Mini Golf, Gallucci Winery, Willow Springs Winery + Tree top trekking at Bruce's Mill. With many hiking trails in the area including Eldred King Woodlands, Vivian forest Trails, Durham Regional Forest and almost directly across the road and slightly south of our property new York Region Forest walking/hiking trails can be accessed. Nearby restaurants in Ballantrae. In the quaint little town of Mt. Albert 5 min with an LCBO in it open till 8pm daily. Ballantrae Ultramar 6 min away also has an LCBO open till 11 pm daily. Uxbridge is nearby and a large variety of restaurants and shopping Lots to check out in the area, or simply stay put at The Shack and enjoy cooking a meal on the BBQ in the outdoor kitchen area (propane included) and relaxing by the bonfire (wood included). The Shack is equipped with some cooking items, pots + pans, BBQ and utensils, knives, cutlery, plates, coffee cups, bowls, glasses + (wine glasses) cutting board, tray, kettle and a small chest cooler to keep your food and drinks cold (you will need to bring the ice) Dish washing rack is provided, as well as large jugs of clean potable water for cooking/drinking and doing the dishes. Please bring your garbage bags! Extra cooler is also provided. The Shack sleeps 3 people comfortably, with 2 bunks and 1 single size sofa-bed. Pillows and Bedding ARE NOT included. Plenty of room to set up additional tents for the additional per person nightly rate if more than 3 people. **2 Outhouses on premises. **Bonfire wood is provided - Large chunks - split your own - Axe is provided. You can leave any recyclables. Recycle containers are provided, but you must **Please Take Garbage Away at checkout!!! **Things you need to bring: -lanterns or flashlights -garbage bags -toilet paper -bedding and pillows -food and drinks, ice for coolers If you will need lights: **Generator including 1 full tank of gas can be provided for a small additional fee if you choose to add it on. Payable in cash at check in please. Hope you will come enjoy our peaceful little hideaway and give Shack Life a try! Cheers! ~Cathy
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$125
 / night

The Kawartha Lakes region features a series of long, thin lakes, many of them connected as part of the Trent-Severn Waterway. The area attracts anglers, paddlers, hikers, and campers from all around southern Ontario. Winter activities are also abundant, including skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Cycling has become a year-round activity too, thanks to “fat biking.” It’s a popular getaway for Torontonians—just a 90-minute drive from the city with lots of campgrounds to choose from, and just to the north is Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park.

98% (278)

Top-rated campgrounds

Foresthill Retreat

2. Foresthill Retreat

96%
(135)
50km from Kawartha Lakes · 2 sites · Lodging · Harcourt, ON
New bigger tent this year. This property used to be a farm until 1912, the glamping site is located far from the house in what used to be a vegetable garden! The glamping tent is new this year and well equipped and has everything you need for a cozy comfortable stay including electricity! The outdoor kitchen on site has everything you need to cook a delicious meal. There are also outdoor shower, tables and chairs, and an extremely well-stocked site super clean outhouse. Lots of lakes in the area. General stores and gas within 5 minutes and the Grocery stores are within 15 minutes for all your camping needs. Provincial Parks Nearby: Wolf Island Provincial Park - 10 minutes, Kawartha Highlands Signature Park - 15 minutes, Quackenbush Provincial Park - 25 minutes, Petroglyphs Provincial Park - 30 minutes At night you will hear nothing but frogs, very private and very romantic. We can't wait to host you at Foresthill Retreat!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
CA$75
 / night
Cozy spot to snuggle up in the cabin by the fire

3. Dragonfly Ridge Rescue Farm

96%
(85)
35km from Kawartha Lakes · 4 sites · Lodging · ON
Dragonfly Ridge is a 98 acre farm. Our pretty cabins are perfect for folks to enjoy some glamping in the country, on the farm surrounded by friendly animals.  You can arrange to have a tour of the farm and hang out with donkeys, mini horses, llamas, alpacas, pigs, bunnies, sheep, goats, peacocks, ducks and chickens.  We have a lovely pond, and acres of forest you can explore.  Our farm is on a quiet country road where you can take a walk and enjoy the peace and quiet and connect with nature and one another without the distractions of wifi, street noises or city lights. We are within minutes of the Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park with all there is to see and do there, such as hiking, paddling, exploring, swimming.  We have a fire pit where you can enjoy a spectacular night sky unimpeded by any other lights. The cabin has electricity, lights, electric fireplace for heat. In the cabin we have a double bed, a table and 2 chairs, a two-burner stove with oven, a washing up station. Fall asleep listening to owls call and wolves howling in the distance.  Wake to the sounds of the animals on the farm, you may even be able to arrange to gather your own eggs for breakfast! We are confident you won't want to leave the farm, but in case you choose to explore beyond our 98 acres there is lots to still see and do within only a short drive. We are located close to Buckhorn, where you can explore more lakes, pick your own berries or visit pumpkin patches, pick up groceries or enjoy the restaurants in Buckhorn.  Also, in nearby Bobcaygeon you can find world-class shopping and dining, parks, beaches, festivals, a heritage village, and even more lakes. One hour north of us is Haliburton, with the Haliburton Forest and Wolf visitation Centre, Sir Sam's ski resort, shops and restaurants, and Sir Sandford Fleming's college of Fine Arts. Lakefield is only 35 minutes away offering shopping, a world famous literary festival, fine dining, and antique shows most weekends. Trent University is only 40 minutes south, in Peterborough where you can watch Peterborough Petes play hockey, attend free music festivals in the summer months, experience the best restaurants around, shop, see a movie, watch the boats in the Lift Locks, a World Heritage, visit the canoe museum, skate on the canal, and much more.
Toilets
Campfires
Cooking equipment
from 
CA$145
 / night
The Rustic Shack in the Wood's

4. The Rustic Shack in the Wood's

100%
(47)
65km from Kawartha Lakes · 1 site · Lodging · Mount Albert, ON
Please read to the END! For full details :) If you are looking to escape the noise of everyday life, this is the place for you! Come enjoy the peaceful tranquility of our rustic little Shack on the 113 acre farm of rolling hills + open fields set by the edge of the forest. Previously used as the hot chocolate shack for our tree farm business which has finished after a 30 year run. The Shack is completely "OFF GRID" and you can get a feel for staying amongst the sounds of nature and possibly find yourself shutting off your phone and really enjoying the quiet peaceful escape. Sitting by a bon-fire at night, with the stars bright in the dark sky. Enjoying a good book or a walk on the property looking out for Wild Turkey's, Coyotes, Raccoons, Ground hogs and a variety of Bird's. Take an evening walk to the top of the hill to catch a beautiful farm sunset over the corn fields. Local businesses nearby are Brooks Farm Playground and Market 2 min up the road. Rose Family Farm with fresh cut fries 4 min away. Musselman's Lake is a 6 min drive to enjoy the fabulous Fishbone on the Lake, casual outdoor dining. In nearby Stouffville find Timber Creek Mini Golf, Gallucci Winery, Willow Springs Winery + Tree top trekking at Bruce's Mill. With many hiking trails in the area including Eldred King Woodlands, Vivian forest Trails, Durham Regional Forest and almost directly across the road and slightly south of our property new York Region Forest walking/hiking trails can be accessed. Nearby restaurants in Ballantrae. In the quaint little town of Mt. Albert 5 min with an LCBO in it open till 8pm daily. Ballantrae Ultramar 6 min away also has an LCBO open till 11 pm daily. Uxbridge is nearby and a large variety of restaurants and shopping Lots to check out in the area, or simply stay put at The Shack and enjoy cooking a meal on the BBQ in the outdoor kitchen area (propane included) and relaxing by the bonfire (wood included). The Shack is equipped with some cooking items, pots + pans, BBQ and utensils, knives, cutlery, plates, coffee cups, bowls, glasses + (wine glasses) cutting board, tray, kettle and a small chest cooler to keep your food and drinks cold (you will need to bring the ice) Dish washing rack is provided, as well as large jugs of clean potable water for cooking/drinking and doing the dishes. Please bring your garbage bags! Extra cooler is also provided. The Shack sleeps 3 people comfortably, with 2 bunks and 1 single size sofa-bed. Pillows and Bedding ARE NOT included. Plenty of room to set up additional tents for the additional per person nightly rate if more than 3 people. **2 Outhouses on premises. **Bonfire wood is provided - Large chunks - split your own - Axe is provided. You can leave any recyclables. Recycle containers are provided, but you must **Please Take Garbage Away at checkout!!! **Things you need to bring: -lanterns or flashlights -garbage bags -toilet paper -bedding and pillows -food and drinks, ice for coolers If you will need lights: **Generator including 1 full tank of gas can be provided for a small additional fee if you choose to add it on. Payable in cash at check in please. Hope you will come enjoy our peaceful little hideaway and give Shack Life a try! Cheers! ~Cathy
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$125
 / night

Stories from the community

Value Prop
Value Prop
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 Kawartha Lakes guide

Where to go

Near Peterborough

Peterborough is the largest city in the region and offers the most conveniences for campers who want to get supplies or indulge in a restaurant meal. Beavermead Campground is right on the edge of the city, but a short drive north provides lakeside options on Chemong Lake and Pigeon Lake. Many trailer parks also have cabins available for rent. 

Near Fenelon Falls

The village of Fenelon Falls is one of those oh-so-charming places that visitors can’t resist. It sits between Cameron Lake and Sturgeon Lake, and offers access to the 85-kilometre Victoria Rail Trail, a multi-use trail open year round. Head north of town on Country Road 121 to find private campgrounds like Log Chateau Park and Fenelon Valley Trailer Park. 

Near Bobcaygeon

Bobcaygeon is located on an island between Pigeon Lake and the north end of Sturgeon Lake. Campers in the area have a lot of choices, with campgrounds, trailer parks, resorts, and cottages all along the shorelines. Staying near Bobcaygeon puts you close to Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park (an hour’s drive from town) if that’s your eventual destination.

When to go

Kawartha Lakes can be enjoyed year-round, although winter camping options will be limited because many private campgrounds are open only from May to October. However, Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park stays open all year. Summer visits are best planned for midweek, since weekends are very busy. For peace and quiet, visit in early spring before fishing season opens and seasonal campers arrive. 

Know before you go

  • Although trailer parks are abundant in the area, many of them book out most of their sites to customers for the whole season, leaving little availability for short-term campers.
  • Many area cottage “resorts” also have camping options. Don’t let the name fool you.
  • The Trent-Severn Waterway makes boating a common activity in the area. Paddlers should be prepared for traffic on the lakes and try to stay away from the main thoroughfares.
  • Hikers should grab a guide to the 500-kilometre Ganaraska Hiking Trail, which passes through the region.

Popular Kawartha Lakes glamping styles