The best waterside camping near Kawartha Lakes

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In Kawartha Lakes, waterside camping means waking up to the slap of paddle on water and the calls of loons echoing off the shore. You'll find over 80 campsites right on the lakes, rivers, and creeks—prime spots for swimming, wildlife-watching, or snow sports as the seasons turn. Pitch your tent for as little as $25 a night, though most sites average around $120. Top picks include Sparrow Lake Camp (67 reviews), Beneath the Stars - Haliburton County Escape (56 reviews), and Dragonfly Ridge Rescue Farm (54 reviews). Most sites come with toilets, showers, and allow campfires—practical comforts after a day on the water. Bring sturdy waterproof boots and a sense of adventure; the lakes here reward both.

97% (677)

Top-rated campgrounds

Tryfan Forest

3. Tryfan Forest

94%
(199)
51km from Kawartha Lakes · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · Haliburton, ON
Tryfan Forest is an 800 acre privately owned managed forest and wilderness reserve. It borders thousands of acres of crown land wilderness. This is truly a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience. The property gives access to the lake as well as Tryfan Forest's many trails, and diverse landscape. Tryfan Forest provides something for all outdoor enthusiasts no matter what your experience level is! Choose from five different options including: Ravens Point Camping - 3 different lakeside sites accessible by 1.5-2km hike or by canoe. All three Raven's Point campsites have their own thunderbox toilet as well as picnic tables and private docks on the lake. Sand Flats - This campsite is ideally suited for large groups and for winter camping. It features a sheltered, private, flat area for tents, and a central picnic table. This site is located deep in a remote wilderness setting.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$41
 / night
Wide angle view of the large 1 acre nature oasis.

5. Beneath the Stars - Haliburton County Escape

94%
(79)
45km from Kawartha Lakes · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Minden, ON
We have a beautiful, densely treed, and well-groomed 1-acre piece of property in desirable cottage country that's craving your company! The mature trees, corner lot and private road offer seclusion, tranquility and peaceful atmosphere. The terrain is steep and hilly; however there are flatter areas to pitch a tent or level a trailer. The site boasts serenity as it remains untouched to significant changes to honor its original beauty and encourage its sustainability. It is within walking distance to the world-famous, Panam Summer Games host " The Minden White Water Preserve/Rapids", which is used for kayaking and hiking. Walking distance to a public beach on the desirable Horseshoe Lake, part of a 3 chain lake, where you can fish, swim and relax in clean, sparkling waters. Our oasis welcomes you! Choose from two options. Beneath The Stars Tenting Escape - tent or RV(up to 25 feet) site with an outhouse Rustic Cozy Cabin - ideal for a family or group. Currently can sleep 5 adults comfortably, or 6 with small children. We are in a very desirable location; only 10 minute drive to the village of Minden, and surrounded by natural beauty and activities for nature lovers!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$57
 / night
Long's Lake Vista ~ Loft, Tent, Van

6. Long's Lake Vista ~ Loft, Tent, Van

91%
(11)
80km from Kawartha Lakes · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Huntsville, ON
Pitch your tent on the hilltop plateaus with lake and sunset views (zone 8 or 9). Or your Hammock in Zone 6 under the trees. Pit toilet available (zone 7). Power is available along with the use of the common deck and BBQ area in (zones 3 and; 4). Includes Outdoor Hot Shower Stall and Sink. Rent the Indoor loft space (zone 2), with 2x double air mattress, power, TV, fridge, dishes, air fryer, kettle, toaster, microwave, and hot plate. Power up your Van or RV (zone 1) with outdoor plugs, and park on the newly created flat drive area. For the more athletic, hike up to the cleared forest edge in zone 10 or get really rustic in zone 11 hike into the bush for some natural Bush floor camping. There is a table fire pit (propane) for you to use and enjoy responsibly; as Muskoka always has a fire ban on in the summer. There are 27 acres of beautiful Muskoka bush for you to explore and enjoy. If you’re feeling adventurous you can hike around the surrounding forest; stay within the property boundaries and you will discover the hydro cut and its valley view, the ravine, the waterfall, and a footpath that leads to a bridge at the back of the lot. Or simply just relax and enjoy the soundings and view from the sitting rocks. The public beach for swimming is a quick walk down Beach Road. It has a large dock, picnic tables, grassy area along with an portapotty. Or check out the sandbar and drop off at the boat launch at the end of the road. The lake has a diverse shoreline and perfect for small boats and kayaks. Enjoy beautiful sunsets overlooking the western end of the lake. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Common Areas: ZONE 3 - CAMP WATER SOURCE | WASH STATION and HOT SHOWER ZONE 4 - COMMON KITCHEN AREA ZONE 7 - PIT TOILET - Outhouse building uphill behind tenting area. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Available Sites: ZONE 1 - VAN/RV 'S/MOTORBIKES ZONE 2 - LOFT GLAMPING ZONE 5 - SMALL / MOBILITY CAMPING ZONE 6 - HAMMOCK HANGING CAMPING ZONE 8, 9 - LAKEVIEW CAMPING ZONE 10 - FOREST EDGE CAMPING ZONE 11 - BUSH FLOOR CAMPING See the other listings for details. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
CA$16
 / night

In Kawartha Lakes, waterside camping means waking up to the slap of paddle on water and the calls of loons echoing off the shore. You'll find over 80 campsites right on the lakes, rivers, and creeks—prime spots for swimming, wildlife-watching, or snow sports as the seasons turn. Pitch your tent for as little as $25 a night, though most sites average around $120. Top picks include Sparrow Lake Camp (67 reviews), Beneath the Stars - Haliburton County Escape (56 reviews), and Dragonfly Ridge Rescue Farm (54 reviews). Most sites come with toilets, showers, and allow campfires—practical comforts after a day on the water. Bring sturdy waterproof boots and a sense of adventure; the lakes here reward both.

97% (677)

Top-rated campgrounds

Tryfan Forest

3. Tryfan Forest

94%
(199)
51km from Kawartha Lakes · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · Haliburton, ON
Tryfan Forest is an 800 acre privately owned managed forest and wilderness reserve. It borders thousands of acres of crown land wilderness. This is truly a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience. The property gives access to the lake as well as Tryfan Forest's many trails, and diverse landscape. Tryfan Forest provides something for all outdoor enthusiasts no matter what your experience level is! Choose from five different options including: Ravens Point Camping - 3 different lakeside sites accessible by 1.5-2km hike or by canoe. All three Raven's Point campsites have their own thunderbox toilet as well as picnic tables and private docks on the lake. Sand Flats - This campsite is ideally suited for large groups and for winter camping. It features a sheltered, private, flat area for tents, and a central picnic table. This site is located deep in a remote wilderness setting.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$41
 / night
Wide angle view of the large 1 acre nature oasis.

5. Beneath the Stars - Haliburton County Escape

94%
(79)
45km from Kawartha Lakes · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Minden, ON
We have a beautiful, densely treed, and well-groomed 1-acre piece of property in desirable cottage country that's craving your company! The mature trees, corner lot and private road offer seclusion, tranquility and peaceful atmosphere. The terrain is steep and hilly; however there are flatter areas to pitch a tent or level a trailer. The site boasts serenity as it remains untouched to significant changes to honor its original beauty and encourage its sustainability. It is within walking distance to the world-famous, Panam Summer Games host " The Minden White Water Preserve/Rapids", which is used for kayaking and hiking. Walking distance to a public beach on the desirable Horseshoe Lake, part of a 3 chain lake, where you can fish, swim and relax in clean, sparkling waters. Our oasis welcomes you! Choose from two options. Beneath The Stars Tenting Escape - tent or RV(up to 25 feet) site with an outhouse Rustic Cozy Cabin - ideal for a family or group. Currently can sleep 5 adults comfortably, or 6 with small children. We are in a very desirable location; only 10 minute drive to the village of Minden, and surrounded by natural beauty and activities for nature lovers!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$57
 / night
Long's Lake Vista ~ Loft, Tent, Van

6. Long's Lake Vista ~ Loft, Tent, Van

91%
(11)
80km from Kawartha Lakes · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Huntsville, ON
Pitch your tent on the hilltop plateaus with lake and sunset views (zone 8 or 9). Or your Hammock in Zone 6 under the trees. Pit toilet available (zone 7). Power is available along with the use of the common deck and BBQ area in (zones 3 and; 4). Includes Outdoor Hot Shower Stall and Sink. Rent the Indoor loft space (zone 2), with 2x double air mattress, power, TV, fridge, dishes, air fryer, kettle, toaster, microwave, and hot plate. Power up your Van or RV (zone 1) with outdoor plugs, and park on the newly created flat drive area. For the more athletic, hike up to the cleared forest edge in zone 10 or get really rustic in zone 11 hike into the bush for some natural Bush floor camping. There is a table fire pit (propane) for you to use and enjoy responsibly; as Muskoka always has a fire ban on in the summer. There are 27 acres of beautiful Muskoka bush for you to explore and enjoy. If you’re feeling adventurous you can hike around the surrounding forest; stay within the property boundaries and you will discover the hydro cut and its valley view, the ravine, the waterfall, and a footpath that leads to a bridge at the back of the lot. Or simply just relax and enjoy the soundings and view from the sitting rocks. The public beach for swimming is a quick walk down Beach Road. It has a large dock, picnic tables, grassy area along with an portapotty. Or check out the sandbar and drop off at the boat launch at the end of the road. The lake has a diverse shoreline and perfect for small boats and kayaks. Enjoy beautiful sunsets overlooking the western end of the lake. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Common Areas: ZONE 3 - CAMP WATER SOURCE | WASH STATION and HOT SHOWER ZONE 4 - COMMON KITCHEN AREA ZONE 7 - PIT TOILET - Outhouse building uphill behind tenting area. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Available Sites: ZONE 1 - VAN/RV 'S/MOTORBIKES ZONE 2 - LOFT GLAMPING ZONE 5 - SMALL / MOBILITY CAMPING ZONE 6 - HAMMOCK HANGING CAMPING ZONE 8, 9 - LAKEVIEW CAMPING ZONE 10 - FOREST EDGE CAMPING ZONE 11 - BUSH FLOOR CAMPING See the other listings for details. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
CA$16
 / night

Camper favorites near Kawartha Lakes

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Stories from the community

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