The best campgrounds near Kingston, Ontario with horseback riding

Kingston has a rich history, where visitors can learn about Canada’s early days and explore the shores of the St. Lawrence River along multiple waterfront trails. The famous Thousand Islands dotted around the river just east of Kingston attract thousands of sightseers annually, in either their own watercraft or seasonal tour boats. Day trips to the wineries and beaches of Prince Edward County are an easy 1-hour drive each way, and the extensive backcountry of Frontenac Provincial Park is even closer, just 41 kilometres from the city.

94% (31)

Top-rated campgrounds near Kingston

1. The meditation project

95%

(39)

24km from Kingston · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

🌿 Escape. Breathe. Reconnect. 🌿 Step onto sacred ground where the First Peoples once gathered for ceremony and celebration. Nestled between Peterborough and Kingston lies a rare geological wonder—the Alvar—a limestone-rich landscape with hidden caves and ancient stone formations found in only a few places on Earth. And it’s right here, in your backyard. 🟣 1600 Lavender Plants in Bloom Imagine a full day immersed in silence, surrounded by the calming scent of lavender, completely undisturbed. Walk our groomed trails, exhale stress, and feel time slow down. ✨ A Night Sky Like No Other Located near one of Canada's darkest sky conservation areas, this is stargazer heaven. Whether it’s a telescope or your naked eye, don’t miss the brilliance of the Milky Way or the thrill of a meteor streaking across the sky. 🏕 Private, Natural Campsites Choose from 5 unique sites—each one designed for maximum solitude and connection. Tent, car, or van campers are welcome. Bring your own gear and experience camping the way it was meant to be: pure, peaceful, and deeply grounding. 📍 Just 25 minutes from Kingston, with grocery and gas nearby. Explore hiking and biking trails, fish in local waters, or simply watch wildlife roam free. ⚠️ Important Rule: This is a dry site. No alcohol permitted anywhere on the land. This is sacred ground. We ask all guests to respect the spirit of the space and its natural rules. 🌄 Breathtaking in Every Direction Panoramic views, total tranquility, and an invitation to slow down. Whether you're seeking stillness, solitude, or a spiritual reset—this land will meet you where you are. 📅 Book your stay now and experience the land’s magic for yourself.

2. Serene Escape at Strange Wood Park

48km from Kingston · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in nature on our beautiful woodland property, nestled in the heart of the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence forest region within Leeds and the Thousand Islands Township. Here you will experience a serene and peaceful atmosphere - perfect for a relaxing and quiet getaway. Just 1.5 hr drive west of Ottawa and 3.5 hrs east of Toronto, we are centrally located within a 30 minute drive from Brockville, Gananoque, Kingston, Westport, Smithsfalls, and Perth. Our spacious campsites have a private fire-pit and are designed to provide privacy and comfort. Enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors while being close to many amenities. - Campsite 1 (Forest View Retreat): Drive-in site with fully-functional 2 bedroom RV, kitchen and bathroom. - Campsite 2 (Maple): Walk-in site suitable for tenting or drive-in with your own small RV. - Campsite 3 (Beech):: Walk-in site suitable for tenting - Campsite 4 (Hemlock): Walk-in site suitable for tenting Property Features/Guest Ammenities: - Guest Parking - park in a designated area suitable for small utility and boat trailers. - Garbage bin onsite - 5km of onsite walking/biking trails - on-ground 4 ft deep, pool and deck area (seasonal with access available upon request) - children's swings & monkey bars playground (access available upon request) - large grass field for lawn games (access available upon request) - campfire wood supplied (1 bundle complementary, additional bundles $10) Experience the wonders of nature first-hand with our wide range of local activities, such as mountain biking; hiking trails, trail rides, fishing, hunting, canoeing, and kayaking adventures. Local experiences & attractions: - 5-minute drive to Furnace Falls park with a public boat launch to access Lower Beverley Lake & public bathrooms. - 7-minute drive will take you to Kendrick's Park and beach, playground, bathrooms and canteen where you can swim & paddle all day in beautiful Lower Beverley Lake. - 15-minute drive to Charleston Provincial Park. Feel free to ask us about other local activities. Come disconnect from your busy world and reconnect with nature. Book your stay and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Kingston has a rich history, where visitors can learn about Canada’s early days and explore the shores of the St. Lawrence River along multiple waterfront trails. The famous Thousand Islands dotted around the river just east of Kingston attract thousands of sightseers annually, in either their own watercraft or seasonal tour boats. Day trips to the wineries and beaches of Prince Edward County are an easy 1-hour drive each way, and the extensive backcountry of Frontenac Provincial Park is even closer, just 41 kilometres from the city.

94% (31)

Top-rated campgrounds near Kingston

1. The meditation project

95%

(39)

24km from Kingston · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

🌿 Escape. Breathe. Reconnect. 🌿 Step onto sacred ground where the First Peoples once gathered for ceremony and celebration. Nestled between Peterborough and Kingston lies a rare geological wonder—the Alvar—a limestone-rich landscape with hidden caves and ancient stone formations found in only a few places on Earth. And it’s right here, in your backyard. 🟣 1600 Lavender Plants in Bloom Imagine a full day immersed in silence, surrounded by the calming scent of lavender, completely undisturbed. Walk our groomed trails, exhale stress, and feel time slow down. ✨ A Night Sky Like No Other Located near one of Canada's darkest sky conservation areas, this is stargazer heaven. Whether it’s a telescope or your naked eye, don’t miss the brilliance of the Milky Way or the thrill of a meteor streaking across the sky. 🏕 Private, Natural Campsites Choose from 5 unique sites—each one designed for maximum solitude and connection. Tent, car, or van campers are welcome. Bring your own gear and experience camping the way it was meant to be: pure, peaceful, and deeply grounding. 📍 Just 25 minutes from Kingston, with grocery and gas nearby. Explore hiking and biking trails, fish in local waters, or simply watch wildlife roam free. ⚠️ Important Rule: This is a dry site. No alcohol permitted anywhere on the land. This is sacred ground. We ask all guests to respect the spirit of the space and its natural rules. 🌄 Breathtaking in Every Direction Panoramic views, total tranquility, and an invitation to slow down. Whether you're seeking stillness, solitude, or a spiritual reset—this land will meet you where you are. 📅 Book your stay now and experience the land’s magic for yourself.

2. Serene Escape at Strange Wood Park

48km from Kingston · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in nature on our beautiful woodland property, nestled in the heart of the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence forest region within Leeds and the Thousand Islands Township. Here you will experience a serene and peaceful atmosphere - perfect for a relaxing and quiet getaway. Just 1.5 hr drive west of Ottawa and 3.5 hrs east of Toronto, we are centrally located within a 30 minute drive from Brockville, Gananoque, Kingston, Westport, Smithsfalls, and Perth. Our spacious campsites have a private fire-pit and are designed to provide privacy and comfort. Enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors while being close to many amenities. - Campsite 1 (Forest View Retreat): Drive-in site with fully-functional 2 bedroom RV, kitchen and bathroom. - Campsite 2 (Maple): Walk-in site suitable for tenting or drive-in with your own small RV. - Campsite 3 (Beech):: Walk-in site suitable for tenting - Campsite 4 (Hemlock): Walk-in site suitable for tenting Property Features/Guest Ammenities: - Guest Parking - park in a designated area suitable for small utility and boat trailers. - Garbage bin onsite - 5km of onsite walking/biking trails - on-ground 4 ft deep, pool and deck area (seasonal with access available upon request) - children's swings & monkey bars playground (access available upon request) - large grass field for lawn games (access available upon request) - campfire wood supplied (1 bundle complementary, additional bundles $10) Experience the wonders of nature first-hand with our wide range of local activities, such as mountain biking; hiking trails, trail rides, fishing, hunting, canoeing, and kayaking adventures. Local experiences & attractions: - 5-minute drive to Furnace Falls park with a public boat launch to access Lower Beverley Lake & public bathrooms. - 7-minute drive will take you to Kendrick's Park and beach, playground, bathrooms and canteen where you can swim & paddle all day in beautiful Lower Beverley Lake. - 15-minute drive to Charleston Provincial Park. Feel free to ask us about other local activities. Come disconnect from your busy world and reconnect with nature. Book your stay and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping near Kingston with horseback riding guide

Where to go

Frontenac Provincial Park

North of Kingston is one of Ontario’s top spots for backcountry camping. Frontenac is open year-round and caters to both paddlers and backpackers with 12 small clusters of campsites (48 interior campsites in total) that limit the impact on nature while providing basic facilities. Each campsite has a tent pad, firepit, picnic table, privy, and food locker.

Prince Edward County

“The County” is not quite an island, but it does feel like an escape from the mainland filled with antique shops, wineries, and sandy shores. Campers pack the 500 car camping sites at Sandbanks Provincial Park all summer, and day visitors join them on the popular beachfront. Rent a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard to enjoy the water even more.

Thousand Islands

The Thousand Islands in the St. Lawrence River create a complex archipelago. Thousand Islands National Park comprises 19 of these islands, and primitive camping is available on many of them. Navigation can be difficult due to dangerous shoals, so purchase a good set of charts unless you are in a canoe or kayak. Several private campgrounds operate near the Thousand Islands Parkway on the river’s north shore.

When to go

If you’re planning to enjoy the water, July and August are the warmest times to take a dip but also the hardest times to book a campsite. Choose a spring or fall trip for a more relaxing experience, with fewer crowds. Campsites in Thousand Islands National Park are available from late May to mid-October.

Know before you go

As a university town, Kingston is relatively quiet from June to August, while the students are away for the summer.
Cycling is a great way to see Kingston’s waterfront, and there are also cycling routes throughout the city.
Prince Edward County is home to dozens of craft winemakers, cideries, and breweries. Most offer tastings and onsite shops.
The three large beaches at Sandbanks Provincial Park are natural dunes and considered some of the best sandy beaches in Canada.