The best family-friendly glamping near Markham, Ontario

Markham was once a quaint town and bedroom community but has recently developed into a business and industrial centre in its own right. You’ll need to head out of town to find campgrounds, but there are plenty of natural areas to explore nearby, including hiking trails, lakes, and parts of Ontario’s protected Greenbelt.

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Top-rated campgrounds

Markham was once a quaint town and bedroom community but has recently developed into a business and industrial centre in its own right. You’ll need to head out of town to find campgrounds, but there are plenty of natural areas to explore nearby, including hiking trails, lakes, and parts of Ontario’s protected Greenbelt.

99% (221)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Meanwhile Farm

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(97)

27km from Markham · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging · Sharon, ON

Family run blueberry farm just outside of Newmarket Ontario. We have 3 private, unserviced, grass campsites for tents or pop ups and we park RVs on the front grass. Outdoor shower and bathroom facilities. Communal fireplace, with perimeter walking trails. Feed the donkeys, goat, chickens, ducks and fish and freshen up for tomorrow's adventure! 5 minutes to restaurants, groceries, gas and 2 golf courses.

2. Camp Willowbrook

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(136)

77km from Markham · 6 sites · Lodging · Amaranth, ON

We purchased this farm in 1998 from the previous farmer who had owned it since 1929. The train line ran right by the gate where the Kota hut now sits and would drop cattle right there to be finished and sold later at the Toronto Stockyards. Our barn was built in 1890 with the old farmhouse located across the creek. Two creeks meet the Grand River on our farm. The bunkie is situated north of the barn and faces Willow creek. During the summer the creek gets quite shallow but there are a couple of pools that work nicely for a float with our river tubes. The river also has a small swimming hole. The bunkie is nestled between 2 hills which creates a natural little valley. Campers can take a walk around the property or use the nearby long walking trail. New this spring, campers will be able to enjoy the firewood sauna, located close to the bunkie and nestled in a private spot near the creek.

3. T's Pond

90%

(114)

101km from Markham · 2 sites · Lodging · Port Colborne, ON

Like most folks who’ve been bitten by the water ski bug, I dreamed of having my own lake and when I met my life partner Harald, an elite slalom skier, my search began in earnest. By a combination of good timing and good luck, I was able to make that dream come true and in the spring of 2014 I acquired this land with the hopes of building my dream water ski lake on it. 7 years later, we have a thriving water ski club and are constantly making improvements to the site. We now have decided to add some sites for rent to share this incredible property with others outside the water ski community. Site #1 is a small cabin that sleeps 3 and site #2 is a small houseboat that has been converted to a bunkie. Onsite activities include use of a canoe and paddleboard. Use of a kid's swingset and olympic trampoline. Swimming and fishing. Pets are welcome, campfires are permitted.

4. The Rustic Shack in the Wood's

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26km from Markham · 1 site · Lodging · Mount Albert, ON

Please read to the END! For full details :) If you are looking to escape the noise of everyday life, this is the place for you! Come enjoy the peaceful tranquility of our rustic little Shack on the 113 acre farm of rolling hills + open fields set by the edge of the forest. Previously used as the hot chocolate shack for our tree farm business which has finished after a 30 year run. The Shack is completely "OFF GRID" and you can get a feel for staying amongst the sounds of nature and possibly find yourself shutting off your phone and really enjoying the quiet peaceful escape. Sitting by a bon-fire at night, with the stars bright in the dark sky. Enjoying a good book or a walk on the property looking out for Wild Turkey's, Coyotes, Raccoons, Ground hogs and a variety of Bird's. Take an evening walk to the top of the hill to catch a beautiful farm sunset over the corn fields. Local businesses nearby are Brooks Farm Playground and Market 2 min up the road. Rose Family Farm with fresh cut fries 4 min away. Musselman's Lake is a 6 min drive to enjoy the fabulous Fishbone on the Lake, casual outdoor dining. In nearby Stouffville find Timber Creek Mini Golf, Gallucci Winery, Willow Springs Winery + Tree top trekking at Bruce's Mill. With many hiking trails in the area including Eldred King Woodlands, Vivian forest Trails, Durham Regional Forest and almost directly across the road and slightly south of our property new York Region Forest walking/hiking trails can be accessed. Nearby restaurants in Ballantrae. In the quaint little town of Mt. Albert 5 min with an LCBO in it open till 8pm daily. Ballantrae Ultramar 6 min away also has an LCBO open till 11 pm daily. Uxbridge is nearby and a large variety of restaurants and shopping Lots to check out in the area, or simply stay put at The Shack and enjoy cooking a meal on the BBQ in the outdoor kitchen area (propane included) and relaxing by the bonfire (wood included). The Shack is equipped with some cooking items, pots + pans, BBQ and utensils, knives, cutlery, plates, coffee cups, bowls, glasses + (wine glasses) cutting board, tray, kettle and a small chest cooler to keep your food and drinks cold (you will need to bring the ice) Dish washing rack is provided, as well as large jugs of clean potable water for cooking/drinking and doing the dishes. Please bring your garbage bags! Extra cooler is also provided. The Shack sleeps 3 people comfortably, with 2 bunks and 1 single size sofa-bed. Pillows and Bedding ARE NOT included. Plenty of room to set up additional tents for the additional per person nightly rate if more than 3 people. **2 Outhouses on premises. **Bonfire wood is provided - Large chunks - split your own - Axe is provided. You can leave any recyclables. Recycle containers are provided, but you must **Please Take Garbage Away at checkout!!! **Things you need to bring: -lanterns or flashlights -garbage bags -toilet paper -bedding and pillows -food and drinks, ice for coolers If you will need lights: **Generator including 1 full tank of gas can be provided for a small additional fee if you choose to add it on. Payable in cash at check in please. Hope you will come enjoy our peaceful little hideaway and give Shack Life a try! Cheers! ~Cathy

Stories from the community

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The

October 2025

With pets

5 nights at T's Pond

Was private and beautiful, T was a great host and we had a great time!

This Bunkie is perfectly situated for easy driving right up to the door if you needed.

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Shivani

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Camp Willowbrook

Amazing stay, my birthday weekend was awesome. Great hospitality. Thanks Angie and Bob :)

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Chelsiya

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Camp Willowbrook

Angie, Bob, Connell, and Chase are wonderful hosts, and the cabin by the creek is one of the most beautiful places we have ever stayed. The musical flow of the creek, the vintage barn, the fields, the apple trees, the tiny kitchen, the midnight moon, and the path by the creek are all enchanting elements of this countryside getaway. We would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a stay with true country farmstead charm.

Lindsay

September 2025

Weekend Trip to T's Pond

Very private and Teresa is so kind. We had a really great time for my boyfriends birthday just the 2 of us.

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Kathy

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Camp Willowbrook

A dreamy little nook, and so close to the city ! The property is just beautiful and the cabin and little kitchenette had everything we needed and more. There was a really positive energy from the land and the fields. And Angie and Bob went above and beyond to make our stay comfortable. I highly recommend the Kota dinner, it was such a highlight. Thanks Angie and Bob for sharing so much of yourselves and your world with us, what a beautiful memory we take with ourselves, we just wish we had stayed longer !

Stephen

September 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Rustic Shack in the Wood's

The perfect spot for our film shoot, with a stunning backdrop and endless possibilities. Our equally lovely host was extremely helpful. Will definitely go back.

Olena

August 2025

1 night at T's Pond

Wonderful houseboat retreat! This is a perfect spot for a peaceful getaway. The view is absolutely stunning --sitting by the water in the morning or evening is pure joy. 🌅✨ The houseboat itself is very clean, cozy, and thoughtfully arranged. It has everything you need: fridge, freezer, stove,light, dishes, and A/C. A frying pan and at least one blanket would be nice additions, but overall, the space is well-equipped. The outside area is just as lovely — quiet, private, and ideal for enjoying coffee or relaxing by the fire🥰 The sofa looks so nice, but unfortunately, it’s very uncomfortable for sleeping--even though we brought extra mattress Overall, this place has a special charm. Great views, privacy, and thoughtful touches --we will definitely come back again! 💛

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Luana

August 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Camp Willowbrook

My friends and I were looking for a relaxing place to reconnect with nature and spend a girly weekend together. We had high expectations for this place and somehow there were exceeded! The property is beautiful, the bunkie is very cozy, you have all the utensils for a simple meal with the bbq, the sauna+hot tub were divine, and Angie and Bob are amazing hosts! We had fresh eggs in the morning and got to stargaze during the night :) Highly recommended! We want to be back! Thanks for everything.

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Victor

August 2025

With kids

1 night at Camp Willowbrook

My second time at Camp Willowbrook. This is the best spot if you want some peaceful and relaxing personal time. It was so beautiful! Angie is very responsive, has been very kind and provided great hospitality all the time. I had a great stay! You'll have everything you need there.

Kriisten

August 2025

2 nights at The Rustic Shack in the Wood's

We loved staying at The Shack! Cathy's property is gorgeous and nestled away in a divine little spot. It's the perfect place to get away and escape somewhere quiet. We loved that we could rent the generator for an additional 20$, that made our stay much more comfier to be able to charge up our electronics or use the lights when needed. We also forgot our drinking water and Cathy had an ample amount provided for us. We look forward to returning.

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Amin

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Camp Willowbrook

Our recent stay was absolutely fantastic, offering the perfect blend of relaxation and rustic charm. The property itself is lovely and very well-maintained. Bob and Angie were wonderful hosts, truly making us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. We had a great time exploring the creek and even managed to catch some crayfish, which was a fun and unexpected activity. The hot tub was a highlight, providing a pleasant way to unwind after our daily adventures. We especially enjoyed interacting with the animals. Feeding apples to the horses and picking eggs were the memorable experiences, and we loved petting the friendly dogs and cats. Overall, this was a memorable trip and we would highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a peaceful and enjoyable escape.

M

Maaike

August 2025

With kids

3 nights at The Rustic Shack in the Wood's

The Rustic Shack had more than we expected: fresh water for drinking, washing, ice, fire wood, propane, butane, and much more! The third sleeping spot is a futon which was totally fine. Cathy is a wonderful host who went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and comfortable. The surroundings are beautiful. If you want to relax, spend time together, play games, go for walks, and enjoy time in nature, this is your spot!

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Priyankita

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camp Willowbrook

This little gem was one of the most private and peaceful places we’ve ever stayed. We’re so glad we found it! Angie and Bob were incredibly welcoming, and their beautiful dogs quickly became the highlight for our kids; 2 year old took his time warming up but my 6 year old instantly fell it love! The hot tub and sauna were perfect for unwinding, and the creek provided hours of fun for the little ones. Collecting fresh eggs from the chicken coop was another memorable moment, our kids were thrilled! We also highly recommend booking the kota hut meal. Angie was extremely accommodating to our dietary needs, and the dinner she prepared was both delicious and memorable. The evening was made even better by great conversation with Angie and Bob! The cabin itself was very comfortable and it tends to get a bit chilly in the night so would highly recommend carrying some extra blankets. Overall, we had such a special time here and are already looking forward to coming back!

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Sarah

August 2025

Weekend Trip to The Rustic Shack in the Wood's

The rustic shack has everything you need! Cathy was an amazing host. She provided everything we needed and gave great recommendations on what to do. I’m already excited for our next visit!

Alexandra

July 2025

With kids

1 night at T's Pond

T's Pond was the perfect place for us to stop on our trip to Niagara Falls! We enjoyed our time there and had fun swimming and watching a few skiiers on the lake. I did what a few other Hipcampers recommended and put our sleeping pad for tent camping on the pull-out couch. It was super comfortable that way. The only concerns I had was that the fridge and toaster oven weren't cleaned out from previous Hipcampers. Also, make sure any food you put in the fridge is in sealed containers! Everything I had in sealed containers was fine, but anything outside of sealed containers ended up with a really weird taste and had to be thrown out. Overall I would say it was a good experience and I'd be happy to go back :)

M

Mac

July 2025

2 nights at Camp Willowbrook

Angie has a great property with many cool things! Always great getting to interact with the different animals on the farm. Would definitely recommend!

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Isabelle

July 2025

Group trip

1 night at The Rustic Shack in the Wood's

I loved this cozy cabin! The views were beyond amazing for the price and the pictures don’t justify how beautiful the cabin is. There’s so many things to do and it’s a great place for friends or families it’s so inclusive for everyone. Would 100% come back again!

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Anna

July 2025

Weekend Trip to T's Pond

We really enjoyed our time at the little houseboat. The site is really private and had everything we needed. We enjoyed sitting by the fire, using the BBQ, the paddleboard and generally just chilling out by the water. The houseboat itself is lovely and cozy. Teresa is an excellent host and was available to answer and questions we had. Overall it's a great way to spend some time by the water and get out of the city. Would highly recommend.

a

adele

July 2025

With kids

1 night at Camp Willowbrook

Our hosts were very welcoming and took the time to show us around. Overall very nice

t

tina

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camp Willowbrook

Our experience was okay. Our biggest concern was that we were unable to lock the cabin from inside. Generally, it is much peaceful if we can lock the door from inside while sleeping.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best family-friendly glamping near Markham guide

Where to go

Rouge Valley

The Rouge River winds through the suburban landscape just east of Markham and makes its way down to Lake Ontario. A large area has been designated as Rouge National Urban Park, which is free to enter (unlike other national parks) and has lots of hiking trails and forest to explore. The park contains Toronto’s only public campground, the Glen Rouge Campground near Highway 401. The park also borders the Toronto Zoo, which makes the campground a great place for a family stay.

Musselman Lake

There are several camping options north of Markham if you drive up Highway 48. Here you’ll find lakefront parks with RV and tent camping, plus some with family amenities like kayak rentals, pools, and tennis courts.

East Gwillimbury

Further up Highway 48 you’ll find more campgrounds and glamping sites offering tent camping, cabins, and more.

When to go

Most of the campgrounds near Markham are seasonal and operate between May and September. Some may stay open until early October (Canadian Thanksgiving weekend). Going in May or early June will help you steer clear of the summer crowds. Plus, there are no black flies to contend with this far south.

Know before you go

Markham is home to a lot of large workplaces, so rush hour traffic can be awful. Avoid arriving or leaving between 8am and 10am or between 4pm and 6pm.

Many conservation areas near Markham have walking trails, and some feature beaches. None of the nearby conservation areas allow camping, but they are still worth a visit.
The Markham Fair—an annual event that is held the weekend before Thanksgiving (early October)—is one of the biggest agricultural fairs in Canada. Timing your trip to experience the fair is well worth it.
The Oak Ridges Trail is a multi-purpose trail over 160 kilometres long, which passes through Richmond Hill, north of Markham. The main trail and side trails offer lots of hiking and cycling options as well as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing when conditions are right.