The best great views campgrounds near Kawartha Lakes, Ontario

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.

96% (250)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

96% (250)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Farm with Views

97%

(54)

47km from Kawartha Lakes · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Sunderland, ON

A 64 acre farm located just north of Uxbridge. Just a few minutes away, we have some of the most popular walking, hiking, biking trails in Ontario. We also have a walking path that surrounds our property that the campers will have access to. There are lots of birds to watch, views of rolling hills, and wonderful farm lands to oversee. Come enjoy our peaceful space out in the country and have memorable camp fires with your family and friends. Friday Check-In times during July and August is not until 4:30pm

2. Affordable Camping on Hobby Farm

97%

(55)

57km from Kawartha Lakes · 8 sites · Tents · Mount Albert, ON

Escape the city hustle and immerse yourself in the peaceful rhythm of farm life. Our small, working farm offers a genuine taste of the countryside—complete with the sights and sounds of animals, farm equipment, and the gentle hum of rural life. Wake up to birdsong and breathtaking sunrises. Spend your days surrounded by lush fields, open skies, and fresh country air. In the evening, cozy up by the fire pit and take in the stars under a wide, open sky. With only a handful of intimate campsites available, we offer a quiet, uncrowded retreat—perfect for those seeking a more personal experience. Booking ahead is recommended!

3. Sparrow Lake Camp

99%

(126)

52km from Kawartha Lakes · 4 sites · Tents · Severn Bridge, ON

Sparrow Lake Camp is situated on the southernmost tip of the majestic Canadian Shield.  The site is known to have been a campground for bands of the Huron people prior to the European intrusion.  It is considered probable that Samuel de Champlain, the first European to explore Huronia, spent a night on this site in the 17th Century.In 1892, what would become the west side of the current property was sold by pioneer Captain Thomas Stanton to Toronto's renowned Massey family to act as their summer resort.  The resort sported the main lodge, dining room, and cottages and was only accessible by train and steamer. From the onset, the Masseys used the site as a summer retreat for the Young Men's Bible League of the Central Methodist Church. Today, the property is a thriving summer camp that also offers overnight tent stays with stunning lake views. 

4. River Gettaway

92%

(65)

36km from Kawartha Lakes · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Minden Hills, ON

10 acres, land, partly cleared with grassy spots to camp. River frontage, access to river. Ample opportunity for canoeing down river and fishing It is right beside small falls, people enjoy swimming there Near Kinmount, Gooderham, 15 mins to Haliburton where you will find all of your camping needs. There are lots of lakes around the area, and opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and ATVing. It is primitive camping, so please bring whatever you need. There is one outhouse on site.

5. Simple Pleasures

96%

(48)

59km from Kawartha Lakes · 1 site · Tent · Bracebridge, ON

Learn more about this land:Suitable for overlanders! Located on the South Branch of the Muskoka River. Enjoy a private setting amongst well established trees. There is a dock and a 10’x10’ waterfront platform which can be used for tent set up. Swim in the clean clear waters. Launch your canoe or kayak for an adventure on the river. Bracebridge is just 15 minutes away if you need to replenish supplies or access medical assistance.

Stories from the community

P

Pat

November 2025

27 ft toy hauler

With pets

Weekend Trip to Farm with Views

Awesome location. Great views. Great hosts. Will return

P

Pat

October 2025

27 ft toy hauler

7 nights at Farm with Views

Very peaceful with great views. Close to lots of trails. Clean washrooms.

E

Esther

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Affordable Camping on Hobby Farm

The scenery is beautiful, and the lawn is very well maintained. It’s such an enjoyable place to watch the sunset.

P

Pat

October 2025

27 ft toy hauler

With pets

7 nights at Farm with Views

Beautiful view. Very quiet and peaceful. Hosts are very respectful and responsive

R

Riku

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

1 night at Affordable Camping on Hobby Farm

2025-I went 5times! It’s all about perfect spot! Loving view and vibes. Clean and private ever!

x

xiaoxiaoQAQ

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Simple Pleasures

Perfect view+access to the river! Sheila is a great host!

N

Nicole

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at River Gettaway

Lovely spot right by the River on Paul's land. My friend and I pitched our tents on site #2 and had plenty of space to enjoy while also being completely seperated from the other sites. This space offers the ease of car camping with the feel of backcountry - aside from the noise of cars near by (which didnt not bother us in the slightest, especially when sleeping at night) I would love to stay here again and am so thankful that Paul has created this space to share with others.

J

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Farm with Views

Very clean, tidy, and run efficiently. I felt additionally safe with the motion sensors at night which also guided the way to the facilities

K

Kasra

September 2025

1 night at Farm with Views

We loved the tent, the amenities are good, the farm is very quiet and tranquil. We enjoyed our stay and recommend it to others.

R

Riku

September 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Affordable Camping on Hobby Farm

I came four times here in 2025. Heaven and great view!

S

Sherri

September 2025

26 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Farm with Views

I had a lovely stay! Renee was kind (even though I mistook her for another camper!) and understanding, and the place was exactly what I was looking for for this visit: quiet and all to myself! The washrooms were clean and spacious, the crickets and birdsong and crackling fire were the only company I needed. I would absolutely return for another visit.

T

Tammy

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Simple Pleasures

Sheila has such a beautiful property. Being on the water was so relaxing. Nothing beats waking up in the morning and enjoying coffees on the dock with the sunrise. My husband and I had such a wonderful weekend. So peaceful ! Thank you Sheila for sharing your little peace of heaven.

N

Natalie

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Sparrow Lake Camp

The site was great! Very easy to access and private.

R

Riku

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

1 night at Affordable Camping on Hobby Farm

I visited three time here and loved amazing views. Thank you for hosting and sharing your space. Def come back soon.

J

Jessica

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Simple Pleasures

Sheila’s place is a little slice of heaven. I wanted to camp alone but as a single female, I needed to feel safe and this was the place! You are right on the water with an abundance of paddling opportunities if you want. Beautiful dock to have morning coffee and a dip all to yourself. Quite private and peaceful. There are other cottages around but not right next to you like a campground and the nights were quiet. You are only awoken by the sounds of owls and loons not loud campers next to you. There is a cute clean outhouse and a fire pit. There is a walk up to where your car is parked but it didn’t bother me as the only time I had to go up and down was set up and tear down. Sheila is lovely and I highly recommend if you are looking for a beautiful spot to yourself on the water. Thank you Sheila!

J

Jane

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sparrow Lake Camp

Walking through the forest heading to the campsite, a beautiful view by the lake, loons calling, peaceful and quiet at night. The lake is weedy still went swimming, hubby enjoyed fishing. The lady who met us was so nice she showed me the way to our campsite and brought firewood, we missed the complimentary canoe hopefully next year we will have one, aside from that no complain. Definitely we be back.

k

kalen

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Affordable Camping on Hobby Farm

It was nice peaceful and quiet loved the view and the easy access

S

Sebastian

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Simple Pleasures

Great spot to have a secluded space and river just near your campsite. It’s really good for stargazing too

Our tent was too big to set up on the deck. Sheila was happy to let us set up on the lawn.

S

Scotney

August 2025

Tent

3 nights at Simple Pleasures

My friend and I had a great holiday tent camping at Sheila's property for 4 nights! Everything was as described in the listing. Be prepared for a bit of a walk down the hill to the river from where you park. We didn't have any issues with anything :) Sheila is very friendly and kind.

J

Jason

August 2025

10 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to River Gettaway

Thank you for hosting us this weekend. You have a beautiful property, site #1 was absolutely spectacular. We had an amazing time despite the fire ban. At night, we still enjoyed just watching the river. We can't wait to return. The property is extremely well maintained, clear signage directing you. Swimming hole was very refreshing. Even the dog had so much fun. Only caution for other travelers, Bell/Telus very poor cell reception if you are relying on coverage. Other than that, 10/10. Thanks again.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best great views camping 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.