The best mountainous camping near Kingston

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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.

100% (111)

Top-rated campgrounds

The Ridge Retreat

1. The Ridge Retreat

99%
(73)
35km from Kingston · 1 site · Tent, RV · Kingston, ON
The Ridge Retreat is 6 acres of beauty topped off with amazing waterfront and an awesome new dock. A gravel road has been prepared from the road access right down to the lake. We recommend that you park on the upper portion of this driveway/road and walk or use an ATV to travel on the trail to the lake. As mentioned, there is about a 40 ft incline just as you approach the clearing down by the lake . Please wear running/walking shoes and descend slowly down either of the 2 trails provided. The trail "Easy Street" is definitely an easier descent and climb. Learn more about this land: Situated just off the main road, The Ridge Retreat offers you the privacy and beauty of 6 unspoiled acres. Follow the gravel walkway/road down (5 min walk) to your amazing private dock situated on Howes Lake, Verona Ontario. Deep, clean water for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, etc.  There are 2 firepits should you decide to have a campfire - one at the road site (RV and trailer) and one at the waters edge.  This property provides privacy and solitude for nature lovers. The designated RV parking spot is up near the main road along with a very nice outhouse but if you decide to tent camp, there are a few choices that would bring you closer to the water's edge.  An additional outhouse is located at the top of the incline to the lake.  The gravel/asphalt trail down by the lake is the steeper of the 2 trails. Choose the "Easy Street" trail off to your right after you pass the stop sign indicating that no vehicles should drive beyond. This trail is a bit longer but a much more gradual incline. Grocery shopping, nature trails, etc are just a few minutes away. The scenic town of Westport is a 30 min drive away with amazing shops and a local winery.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$75
 / night
Glamorous Camping in the Woods

2. Glamorous Camping in the Woods

99%
(69)
33km from Kingston · 2 sites · Lodging · Verona, ON
Sitting on 20 acres with purifying plants & comforting earth tones, Hilltop Glamorous Camping is home to guests from all over the world! A perfect space to unplug from technology and plug into nature to reboot the mind, body, and soul with family and friends. We have all the amenities you need! Private toilet and hot shower, clean drinking water, an outdoor kitchen with all cooking supplies, picnic table, and a barbecue. This space is especially great for first-time glampers, folks who only want to pack their clothes and food and nothing else, or even introducing a family member or friend to camping for the first time. Campfires are permitted and pets are welcome! There's so much to do in the South Frontenac Region! Enjoy the great outdoors, hiking, bird watching or visit the many lakes that are a stone's throw away for fishing, swimming, or boating. Go ATVing on the many trails in and around South Frontenac.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
CA$190
 / night

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.

100% (111)

Top-rated campgrounds

The Ridge Retreat

1. The Ridge Retreat

99%
(73)
35km from Kingston · 1 site · Tent, RV · Kingston, ON
The Ridge Retreat is 6 acres of beauty topped off with amazing waterfront and an awesome new dock. A gravel road has been prepared from the road access right down to the lake. We recommend that you park on the upper portion of this driveway/road and walk or use an ATV to travel on the trail to the lake. As mentioned, there is about a 40 ft incline just as you approach the clearing down by the lake . Please wear running/walking shoes and descend slowly down either of the 2 trails provided. The trail "Easy Street" is definitely an easier descent and climb. Learn more about this land: Situated just off the main road, The Ridge Retreat offers you the privacy and beauty of 6 unspoiled acres. Follow the gravel walkway/road down (5 min walk) to your amazing private dock situated on Howes Lake, Verona Ontario. Deep, clean water for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, etc.  There are 2 firepits should you decide to have a campfire - one at the road site (RV and trailer) and one at the waters edge.  This property provides privacy and solitude for nature lovers. The designated RV parking spot is up near the main road along with a very nice outhouse but if you decide to tent camp, there are a few choices that would bring you closer to the water's edge.  An additional outhouse is located at the top of the incline to the lake.  The gravel/asphalt trail down by the lake is the steeper of the 2 trails. Choose the "Easy Street" trail off to your right after you pass the stop sign indicating that no vehicles should drive beyond. This trail is a bit longer but a much more gradual incline. Grocery shopping, nature trails, etc are just a few minutes away. The scenic town of Westport is a 30 min drive away with amazing shops and a local winery.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$75
 / night
Glamorous Camping in the Woods

2. Glamorous Camping in the Woods

99%
(69)
33km from Kingston · 2 sites · Lodging · Verona, ON
Sitting on 20 acres with purifying plants & comforting earth tones, Hilltop Glamorous Camping is home to guests from all over the world! A perfect space to unplug from technology and plug into nature to reboot the mind, body, and soul with family and friends. We have all the amenities you need! Private toilet and hot shower, clean drinking water, an outdoor kitchen with all cooking supplies, picnic table, and a barbecue. This space is especially great for first-time glampers, folks who only want to pack their clothes and food and nothing else, or even introducing a family member or friend to camping for the first time. Campfires are permitted and pets are welcome! There's so much to do in the South Frontenac Region! Enjoy the great outdoors, hiking, bird watching or visit the many lakes that are a stone's throw away for fishing, swimming, or boating. Go ATVing on the many trails in and around South Frontenac.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
CA$190
 / night

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

The best mountainous camping near Kingston guide

Where to go

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.  

“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.