The best waterside campgrounds near Kingston, Ontario

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.

97% (629)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Silver Shores Farm

100%

(11)

66km from Kingston · 2 sites · Lodging · Central Frontenac, ON

Welcome to our 200 acre farm nestled in the Canadian shield situated on a picturesque lake. With trails leading to a private beach, and majestic 35 foot waterfall, there is plenty to do for nature lovers including kayaking, fishing, swimming, hiking, stargazing and more. We have 2 private cabins on spacious private sites and will be adding more in the future. Settled in 1885 this property was a cattle farm for much of its history. Now owned by a mother and son we are restoring a century old barn, growing our own food, and milling our own lumber.

2. Kiltearn Peak House

33km from Kingston · 1 site · Lodging · Perth Road, ON

Cozy off-grid tiny house with an amazing lake view. Kiltearn on the Peak is perfect for a couple looking for a relaxing quasi-off-grid experience, but with lots of amenities to ensure comfort. Situated on a rocky peak overlooking Buck Lake (30 minutes north of Kingston, Ontario), the cabin is surrounded by forest on three sides, and has a terrific lake view from the front deck. Features include a loft with a queen bed, Wifi, soapstone propane heater, fridge, induction cooktop, kitchen sink, futon couch and a sheltered outdoor sitting area with barbeque and outdoor sink. The cabin is situated on 11 forested acres with 400 feet of shoreline and its own private bay, KOTP offers the perfect area for recreation: swimming, forest-bathing, messing around in small boats, spectacular sunsets on the deck. In the vicinity are great areas for hiking, canoeing, biking, and discovering the attractions of the Rideau canal system and the watersheds that feed it. There is excellent local food shopping in the area, and attractive small villages offer unique shopping opportunities. To get to the cabin involves a climbing 30 woodland steps up the back of the hill, and following a 200 meter path. As a quasi-off-grid tiny house, KOTP has AC power available to run the fridge, induction cooktop, other appliances and your computer. Solar power and a backup generator are also available if needed. The lights and the water pumps are 12v. The interior sink serves drinking water from 5 gallon jugs refilled from our filtered water supply at the nearby house. KOTP has a gorgeous soapstone propane heater that provides a great ambiance and comfort if the weather gets damp or chilly. On the deck outside is a propane barbeque and an outdoor sink that is fed from a 50 gallon rain barrel. We use this to do the dishes outside. The rain barrel also feeds an outdoor shower. The toilet is a composting unit that lives in the shed at the back of the cabin. A rustic path leads to the waterfront which is shared with the other cottage on the property. The waterfront features a large shallow sandy swimming area, a spacious floating dock, and access to various small watercraft including kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and Sunfish sailboats.

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.

97% (629)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Silver Shores Farm

100%

(11)

66km from Kingston · 2 sites · Lodging · Central Frontenac, ON

Welcome to our 200 acre farm nestled in the Canadian shield situated on a picturesque lake. With trails leading to a private beach, and majestic 35 foot waterfall, there is plenty to do for nature lovers including kayaking, fishing, swimming, hiking, stargazing and more. We have 2 private cabins on spacious private sites and will be adding more in the future. Settled in 1885 this property was a cattle farm for much of its history. Now owned by a mother and son we are restoring a century old barn, growing our own food, and milling our own lumber.

2. Kiltearn Peak House

33km from Kingston · 1 site · Lodging · Perth Road, ON

Cozy off-grid tiny house with an amazing lake view. Kiltearn on the Peak is perfect for a couple looking for a relaxing quasi-off-grid experience, but with lots of amenities to ensure comfort. Situated on a rocky peak overlooking Buck Lake (30 minutes north of Kingston, Ontario), the cabin is surrounded by forest on three sides, and has a terrific lake view from the front deck. Features include a loft with a queen bed, Wifi, soapstone propane heater, fridge, induction cooktop, kitchen sink, futon couch and a sheltered outdoor sitting area with barbeque and outdoor sink. The cabin is situated on 11 forested acres with 400 feet of shoreline and its own private bay, KOTP offers the perfect area for recreation: swimming, forest-bathing, messing around in small boats, spectacular sunsets on the deck. In the vicinity are great areas for hiking, canoeing, biking, and discovering the attractions of the Rideau canal system and the watersheds that feed it. There is excellent local food shopping in the area, and attractive small villages offer unique shopping opportunities. To get to the cabin involves a climbing 30 woodland steps up the back of the hill, and following a 200 meter path. As a quasi-off-grid tiny house, KOTP has AC power available to run the fridge, induction cooktop, other appliances and your computer. Solar power and a backup generator are also available if needed. The lights and the water pumps are 12v. The interior sink serves drinking water from 5 gallon jugs refilled from our filtered water supply at the nearby house. KOTP has a gorgeous soapstone propane heater that provides a great ambiance and comfort if the weather gets damp or chilly. On the deck outside is a propane barbeque and an outdoor sink that is fed from a 50 gallon rain barrel. We use this to do the dishes outside. The rain barrel also feeds an outdoor shower. The toilet is a composting unit that lives in the shed at the back of the cabin. A rustic path leads to the waterfront which is shared with the other cottage on the property. The waterfront features a large shallow sandy swimming area, a spacious floating dock, and access to various small watercraft including kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and Sunfish sailboats.

Stories from the community

S

Stephanie

July 2025

With kids

2 nights at Silver Shores Farm

We loved our stay apart from the fact that it was very very hot du ring out trip, small curtains in the Windows would definitely help! If we had known, we would have brought something to put in the windows to block the Sun to enter, escpecially in the morning. Everything was clean and there is everything you need for your stay. It's a great peaceful place to enjoy and relax. We appreciated being able to go to the two nearby national parks, Silver Lake and Sharbot Lake. The owners are kind and accessible. Thank you for all, you have a wonderfull place!!! 🥰

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterside camping near Kingston 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.