90% (235)
Top-rated campgrounds near Kawartha Lakes
90% (235)
Top-rated campgrounds near Kawartha Lakes
Camper favorites near Kawartha Lakes
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
E
Esther
October 2025
Tent
The scenery is beautiful, and the lawn is very well maintained. It’s such an enjoyable place to watch the sunset.
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J
James
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
A beautiful and accessible but secluded spot! Great for a relaxed car camping experience. The host was helpful and responsive. Fire pit and provided chairs/picnic tables were all in excellent condition. Bathroom also excellent and clean. 10 / 10 would camp again!
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N
Nanyue
October 2025
Tent
Wonderful place for weekend getaway! Excellent privacy. Have garbage cans which is a huge plus. Most sites don’t offer them. Well decorated washroom, with sink and water. Off leash friendly, our dog was very happy.
Most importantly there is this beautiful pavilion, with lights at night and big enough for at least 10+ ppl.
Everything is just perfect.
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R
Riku
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
2025-I went 5times!
It’s all about perfect spot!
Loving view and vibes.
Clean and private ever!
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S
Saverio
October 2025
15 ft pop-up camper
Beautiful, well maintained site. Great for big groups or off leash pets. Amanda has put a lot of work into making guests feel comfortable and welcome on her property. The outhouse, gazebo, volleyball nets and night lights all over the site are great. Also very close to Ganaraska forest for hiking trails. She was also very respectful of our privacy. Will be booking again!👍🏻
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L
Lisa
October 2025
Tent
Wonderful setup and lovely location. Up on a hill surrounded by trees giving lots of privacy. Great clean and cozy outhouse/washroom facility. Lots of seating provided with brand new picnic tables for adults and kids. I am an avid kayaker and the Black River is just steps away. Thoroughly enjoyed my stay and hope to be back again.
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R
Richard
October 2025
Tent
It was a great spot to pitch a tent and unwind after a few days of fishing some Haliburton lakes. Easy to get to and Jennifer was a great and helpful host. The location is very scenic with the marsh and pond nearby and beautiful tall woods surrounding the site. We didn't get to meet Jennifer (we were too busy fishing all day) but she kept in contact and provided firewood as needed. The only downside I could think of was the barbecue on site didn't seem to have any propane, which was no big deal. We brought our own and actually didn't even know there would be one provided. The outhouse was a bit rustic, but for two guys living off the land it was a luxury to have a toilet at all. Lol. Would definitely go back!
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G
Gabriella
September 2025
Tent
We had an amazing time here. Wendi is super friendly and thoughtful, she checked what we needed and reminded us about the cold.
The horse experience was the best part. Grooming them felt so calming and the horses are beautiful and very friendly.
The firewood amount is really generous and lasts a long time. The campsite is spacious with lots of privacy. At night it was perfect for stargazing, I saw so many stars and even a few shooting stars.
The toilet is very clean and everything here feels well cared for. I also admire how much Wendi and her family have built in just a few years, they are really living my dream life.
Overall this was way better than camping in a provincial park. Highly recommend and I will definitely come back.
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J
Jason
September 2025
3 nights at Ranger on Rice!
The type of person you are and your expectations of what should be…determines how you accept your stay anywhere you go!!!
I can ABSOLUTELY say that my stay with my son at Tara’s piece of heaven on earth…known to most as…land…was wayyyy more than what I hoped for!!!
There was so much going on around us…and you know what…we didn’t even notice a thing going on…unless we wanted to notice something going on! Plain n Simple!!!
We were on a FAMILY owned PARADISE…with amazing people all around…no matter which way you poke a stick at it!
Peter…you’re a great man and just from our talks…I want you to know that I will forever be at your beck and call…WHEREVER and WHENEVER you need ANY sort of help!
Will most definitely be returning and for at least a month buddy!!!
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R
Riku
September 2025
Tent
With kids
I came four times here in 2025.
Heaven and great view!
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D
Darrah
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Three Ponds Homestead
We, three moms looking for a little escape, couldn’t have picked a more perfect spot for our fall weekend. From the moment we arrived, everything about this place felt quietly magical.
The setting is absolutely beautiful—peaceful, natural, restorative. The rustle of autumn leaves, crisp fresh air, and unspoiled surroundings made it easy to slow down and breathe. It’s rare to find somewhere so serene, where you can truly unwind.
The host was thoughtful and attentive in all the right ways. The tent was comfortable and well-prepared; everything was clean, cared for, and exactly what we needed. The out houses were immaculate—so well kept that they felt more like a pleasant surprise than an afterthought.
We left feeling refreshed, reconnected, and inspired. Thank you for the kindness, the care, and the chance to rest in such a lovely place. We very much hope to return!
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Chris
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Ranger on Rice!
Had a great stay! Peaceful, rejuvenating simple days.
Pros:
+ The RV is well furnished and comfortable. Sink, flush toilet, full fridge and even microwave!
+ Close to the lake, great if you have a boat.
+ Good fishing, little weedy but a good time.
+ Everything was clean.
+ Everyone was very friendly and accommodating!
Cons:
- The space is quite open and not very private if you're hoping for a "camping" feeling experience.
- The trees are by the lake so there isn't any shade or shelter. I'd recommend bringing a canopy or beach tent.
- The RV is older and not completely bug proof, our swatter got plenty of use.
Overall quite pleased and highly recommend staying here. Consider the RV a significant upgrade to a tent, get out on the lake if you can, you'll have a great time!
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E
Erica
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
Very beautiful property, we had a very private site, David was very helpful, friendly and easy to communicate with. We had a great stay and would definately recommend to anyone looking for a nice relaxing getaway. Lots of trails for walking or riding.
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R
Riku
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
I visited three time here and loved amazing views.
Thank you for hosting and sharing your space.
Def come back soon.
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I
Inaiara
September 2025
With kids
I highly recommend Wendi and her place. It was our first time camping with our two-year-old daughter, and everything was great. The place was clean and organized, and Wendi was extremely kind and attentive. We'll be back soon.
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j
julie
August 2025
23 ft pop-up camper
Absolutely stunning spot! Camping area nice and level. Adorable outhouse and the beaver pond was the perfect spot for morning coffee and sunset views.
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M
Moira
August 2025
With pets
We really enjoyed our stay, Peter was prompt at helping us when we needed it. This is a great place if you like peace and quiet. We enjoyed watching the sunset over the hill and the sunrise over the lake. Lots of geese and other birds to watch and listen to.
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kalen
August 2025
Tent
It was nice peaceful and quiet loved the view and the easy access
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M
M
August 2025
Tent
Tent camping at Three Ponds was such a lovely experience! The directions to our site were clear and easy to follow, and it was a real treat to have a camp fire and sleep outdoors following our trip to the Rama Pow Wow. The property is gorgeous, and has everything one needs for a comfortable stay. We opted to meet the horses the next morning, and it was so worth it! They were all such sweet and lovely creatures, and Wendi made it such a calm and informative experience! Checking out the peaceful koi pond afterwards was also lovely; would absolutely recommend to friends/ return again!
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Lisa
August 2025
With pets
Lovely place! Definitely worth the price. Beautiful views of the lake, fields, and farm. Fishing and swimming was so fun. The trailer and matress was very comfortable. They have fans in the trailer, but If you open the windows, there is a lovely cross breeze. There is a microwave for convenience and a fridge. They also provide a BBQ outside. I did bring my Coleman stove too. I could have easily stayed there for longer, wish I did! The owners were so friendly and accommodating. Everything was amazing!!! I would DEFINITELY go again!
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The best camping near Kawartha Lakes with horseback riding 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.