The best waterside campgrounds near Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Walking down Queen Street in the Heritage District feels a little like strolling through a 19th-century storybook with whimsy shop names, galleries, ice cream shops, and a much-photographed clock tower right in the middle of the road. You’ll find culture (in the form of the Shaw Festival) plus plenty of history to explore—set on the shores of Lake Ontario, Niagara-on-the-Lake was once Ontario’s capital, and several battles of the War of 1812 were fought nearby. It’s a perfect starting point for visiting some of the hundreds of area wineries and thousands of park acres. And of course, Niagara Falls is just down the road.

97% (440)

Top-rated campgrounds near Niagara-on-the-Lake

1. Tomtuga on the Erie Canal

100%

(142)

42km from Niagara-on-the-Lake · 4 sites · RVs

Thank you for looking at what I have to offer. We love to have fun here. Which is why we call our little campground Tomtuga. It is sort of a reference of the Caribbean pirate island of Tortuga, except my name is Tom. I'm here mostly for the canal and living the pirate life but there have been sightings of Bigfoot and his cousin Yeti. They show up once in awhile to keep things interesting.  Here at Tomtuga we are 2 acres with the Erie Canal across the front on a quiet street and the Genesee Valley Transportation, a local shortline railroad across the backyard. Boat season is May - Oct. Train runs mostly just two days a week all year. Step out and give the boats and trains a friendly wave.   We are a hard packed base that can handle the very large RVs. Campsite #1 is where the 50amp / 30amp / 110 electric outlets are.  Campsite #2 is the only area that has a "good" grassy spot. With only two campsites, along with my RV here, it is a rather peaceful camp. There are no bathrooms here, so I'm sorry but no tent camping available. We offer ''Buddy Camping'', in which if you are traveling with friends in a 2nd RV / camper. I allow you to both camp on the same campsite #1. You still need to book campsite #4. If you have more camping friends, I can add more campsites for each camper using our "Overflow sites" for booking. This is just a clerical thing for charges. Actually campsite #1 can hold three campers. Also if you don't need power, like you have solar or batteries etc. I might allow you to park anywhere on our two acres. You book campsite #3. You can check the property out before setting up. I allow 2nd vehicles or also ''toads'' on the campsites too at no charge.   I'm Ok if you show up early from an overnight drive to the site and park in the main driveway. If there are not any previous campers onsite, I might let you into the site. Just let me know beforehand.  *No bathrooms on the property! You must have self contained units! When I get the bathroom built, this will change. **Again, NO Bathrooms here! If you try to book posing as a ''campervan'' but just a van or staying in a cardboard box on a trailer, don't book here. Please go stealth camp at Walmart, they have bathrooms and are free to overnight. I wouldn't pee in your yard.  No water hookups. No dumpstation either. We have free WiFi. Firewood available for $5 a bundle or bring your own. The local gas station has small bundles down the street for $8 each. * Please ask me before you let any of your dogs off leash. If there are other campers here, we all need to be in agreement on this. For their children and pets safety too. I do allow multiple dogs here. Again, please clean up after them. Do NOT just toss it into my woods or the canal.  Nice small canal town here with local eateries, including two pizza places; two bars and a breakfast lunch spot / laundromat / hardware store / Dollar General / gas station. We have a veterinary in town too.  All within a short walking distance.   NYS Bike path on the opposite side of the canal, goes from Buffalo to Albany. Some 350 miles.  Also a free NYS Canal boat ramp 1,800ft to the east, on our side of the canal. So bring your bikes / kayaks / boats / fishing poles. Rentals available in Lockport. Worms available at the hardware store in town. We are also open during the winter season, Uh yep. Please message me before hand because it depends on the snow depth if I'm letting campers in. *Special Bonus Offer - I am an online ordained minister and offer wedding nuptials here at Camp Tomtuga. Our twist is having your vows done by Rev Bigfoot or Padre Yeti in full regalia. Comes with an actual wedding certificate (you still need a license to make it legal). Cake is an extra fee. NO Dumpstation here!!! There is one 20 minutes south, just off the NY Thruway at the Flying J Truck Stop. 8484 Allegheny Rd, Pembroke. It is in the RV fuel island. Costs is $10. Get the code inside. *Ask about our free camper sticker or buying a Camp Tomtuga T-shirt. The shirts are Made to Order and can be mailed out afterwards. Hey if you could, when on the booking page it asks you to "Say Hello". Please tell me what kind of camper you are coming in like an RV or trailer and the size. It asks you that question right above that but I don't receive that info till much later. It just helps me gauge on placement here. I have plenty of room but it's nice to know what it showing up. Thanks Lots of people asking so, we are 30 miles from Niagara Falls. Very easy ride there and back using NYS Rt 104. This route goes along the Niagara escarpment with lots of farms stands and a few wineries.  Most of my guests use my campsites as a basecamp to then go and explore Niagara Falls or even day trip to Toronto Canada 106 miles away. I provide a list of local NY info / places to visit in Canada and my experience on crossing the border.  My camp to downtown Buffalo is 38 miles. To downtown Rochester is 51 miles. Lake Ontario Olcott Beach is 17 miles. Letchworth NYS Park 60 miles. We are 42 miles to the Buffalo Bills (Highmark Stadium). Thanks again, I hope you come and stay.

Walking down Queen Street in the Heritage District feels a little like strolling through a 19th-century storybook with whimsy shop names, galleries, ice cream shops, and a much-photographed clock tower right in the middle of the road. You’ll find culture (in the form of the Shaw Festival) plus plenty of history to explore—set on the shores of Lake Ontario, Niagara-on-the-Lake was once Ontario’s capital, and several battles of the War of 1812 were fought nearby. It’s a perfect starting point for visiting some of the hundreds of area wineries and thousands of park acres. And of course, Niagara Falls is just down the road.

97% (440)

Top-rated campgrounds near Niagara-on-the-Lake

1. Tomtuga on the Erie Canal

100%

(142)

42km from Niagara-on-the-Lake · 4 sites · RVs

Thank you for looking at what I have to offer. We love to have fun here. Which is why we call our little campground Tomtuga. It is sort of a reference of the Caribbean pirate island of Tortuga, except my name is Tom. I'm here mostly for the canal and living the pirate life but there have been sightings of Bigfoot and his cousin Yeti. They show up once in awhile to keep things interesting.  Here at Tomtuga we are 2 acres with the Erie Canal across the front on a quiet street and the Genesee Valley Transportation, a local shortline railroad across the backyard. Boat season is May - Oct. Train runs mostly just two days a week all year. Step out and give the boats and trains a friendly wave.   We are a hard packed base that can handle the very large RVs. Campsite #1 is where the 50amp / 30amp / 110 electric outlets are.  Campsite #2 is the only area that has a "good" grassy spot. With only two campsites, along with my RV here, it is a rather peaceful camp. There are no bathrooms here, so I'm sorry but no tent camping available. We offer ''Buddy Camping'', in which if you are traveling with friends in a 2nd RV / camper. I allow you to both camp on the same campsite #1. You still need to book campsite #4. If you have more camping friends, I can add more campsites for each camper using our "Overflow sites" for booking. This is just a clerical thing for charges. Actually campsite #1 can hold three campers. Also if you don't need power, like you have solar or batteries etc. I might allow you to park anywhere on our two acres. You book campsite #3. You can check the property out before setting up. I allow 2nd vehicles or also ''toads'' on the campsites too at no charge.   I'm Ok if you show up early from an overnight drive to the site and park in the main driveway. If there are not any previous campers onsite, I might let you into the site. Just let me know beforehand.  *No bathrooms on the property! You must have self contained units! When I get the bathroom built, this will change. **Again, NO Bathrooms here! If you try to book posing as a ''campervan'' but just a van or staying in a cardboard box on a trailer, don't book here. Please go stealth camp at Walmart, they have bathrooms and are free to overnight. I wouldn't pee in your yard.  No water hookups. No dumpstation either. We have free WiFi. Firewood available for $5 a bundle or bring your own. The local gas station has small bundles down the street for $8 each. * Please ask me before you let any of your dogs off leash. If there are other campers here, we all need to be in agreement on this. For their children and pets safety too. I do allow multiple dogs here. Again, please clean up after them. Do NOT just toss it into my woods or the canal.  Nice small canal town here with local eateries, including two pizza places; two bars and a breakfast lunch spot / laundromat / hardware store / Dollar General / gas station. We have a veterinary in town too.  All within a short walking distance.   NYS Bike path on the opposite side of the canal, goes from Buffalo to Albany. Some 350 miles.  Also a free NYS Canal boat ramp 1,800ft to the east, on our side of the canal. So bring your bikes / kayaks / boats / fishing poles. Rentals available in Lockport. Worms available at the hardware store in town. We are also open during the winter season, Uh yep. Please message me before hand because it depends on the snow depth if I'm letting campers in. *Special Bonus Offer - I am an online ordained minister and offer wedding nuptials here at Camp Tomtuga. Our twist is having your vows done by Rev Bigfoot or Padre Yeti in full regalia. Comes with an actual wedding certificate (you still need a license to make it legal). Cake is an extra fee. NO Dumpstation here!!! There is one 20 minutes south, just off the NY Thruway at the Flying J Truck Stop. 8484 Allegheny Rd, Pembroke. It is in the RV fuel island. Costs is $10. Get the code inside. *Ask about our free camper sticker or buying a Camp Tomtuga T-shirt. The shirts are Made to Order and can be mailed out afterwards. Hey if you could, when on the booking page it asks you to "Say Hello". Please tell me what kind of camper you are coming in like an RV or trailer and the size. It asks you that question right above that but I don't receive that info till much later. It just helps me gauge on placement here. I have plenty of room but it's nice to know what it showing up. Thanks Lots of people asking so, we are 30 miles from Niagara Falls. Very easy ride there and back using NYS Rt 104. This route goes along the Niagara escarpment with lots of farms stands and a few wineries.  Most of my guests use my campsites as a basecamp to then go and explore Niagara Falls or even day trip to Toronto Canada 106 miles away. I provide a list of local NY info / places to visit in Canada and my experience on crossing the border.  My camp to downtown Buffalo is 38 miles. To downtown Rochester is 51 miles. Lake Ontario Olcott Beach is 17 miles. Letchworth NYS Park 60 miles. We are 42 miles to the Buffalo Bills (Highmark Stadium). Thanks again, I hope you come and stay.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

M

Michael

November 2025

34 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Tomtuga on the Erie Canal

Beautiful place to camp the host was great and very accommodating. We definitely recommend nice level site great 50 amp service. Can’t wait to go back.

Natacha

November 2025

35 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Tomtuga on the Erie Canal

Our stay at Thomas' was perfect. Due to all campsites being closed for the season, had Thomas' place not been accepting reservations we would have been forced to drive 14hrs+ all the way home to Montreal. It was a lifesaver for sure. We got to his place around 6:30pm. He drove us right into our spot and help us setup. Great guy, great place. Only had electric, but that's all we needed for one night's stay. Thank you Thomas!

Peter

October 2025

13 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Tomtuga on the Erie Canal

Thomas was a very helpful host, met me upon arrival and helped me set up my trailer on the site. Not great at backing up my trailer yet but he gave me some helpful instruction! Gave me lots of information on what to see in the area as well. I'll definitely come back for a visit in the future!

T

Todd

October 2025

35 ft Class A

With pets

1 night at Tomtuga on the Erie Canal

We needed a campsite for a quick overnight stop. Thomas was a great host ensuring we had everything we needed. He greeted me as I was getting ready to leave in the morning and assisted me with directions. Campground was peaceful and quiet allowing us to get a great night’s sleep.

Angela

September 2025

32 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Tomtuga on the Erie Canal

Cute spot. We were coming in later than planned, Tom had a fire going for us upon arrival. The canal was just across the street from camp. Dog friendly and the kids will love the giant skeletons throughout the grounds. Tom is full of information on the area and Niagara Falls. Gave us directions to where we could go kayaking. He is very involved in the area.

Chad

September 2025

31 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Tomtuga on the Erie Canal

A perfect basecamp for the Niagara Falls, exploring Lake Erie, and Ontario. Easy to get in and out of with our 31 ft travel trailer. Such a neat little decorated place with giant skeletons, glowing cubes at night, and other eclectic decorations. You're right across the street from the Erie Canal, which makes for a nice evening walk over the draw bridge. Thomas was so helpful with suggestions on where to park at Niagara and other things to do. I would highly recommend this location. The location has a very safe feel to it as well.

B

Brittany

August 2025

33 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tomtuga on the Erie Canal

This is our second time here and we love it! Thomas is so accommodating and amazing… this time we were able to rent a make shit hot tub and we provided our own water heater submerge unit since we have one. Our two dogs came with us this time and it was absolutely incredible! Super kind every time and absolutely spotless and clean! Thank you again and we will see you for our next trip for sure :) (this is our spot when we attend concerts or events)

B

Brenna

August 2025

45 ft Class A

Weekend Trip to Tomtuga on the Erie Canal

Thomas is an excellent host! The property has plenty of space to explore. The decor of the property is fun full of originality. We will definitely be back!!!

D

Debbie

August 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Tomtuga on the Erie Canal

We loved our stay!. Very peaceful close to the bike trail. Highly recommend staying here

D

Deanna

July 2025

32 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tomtuga on the Erie Canal

Always a great stay. Tom is always helpful. The spot is quiet and off the beaten path so hardly any traffic noise and the lights at night are great. I’ll be back up next summer.

Christopher

July 2025

50 ft travel trailer

1 night at Tomtuga on the Erie Canal

We had a great stay. Tom greeted us and helped us get set up. The area was private and quiet. Just stayed one night on the way through. Would stay again.

C

Colton

July 2025

19 ft campervan

2 nights at Tomtuga on the Erie Canal

Accommodated me even though I came in very late. They even came out and showed me to my space.

J

Jeff

June 2025

27 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Tomtuga on the Erie Canal

This was one of the most interesting Hipcamps we have visited yet! The Host, Tom, was fabulous and provided enough area information to keep us busy for a couple of weeks, but we only had 2 days. We would highly recommend using this Hipcamp right on the Erie Canal. Peaceful and fun.

D

Deanna

June 2025

32 ft Class C

With pets

7 nights at Tomtuga on the Erie Canal

I highly recommend staying at Camp Tomtuga. Tom was very helpful. Everything went so well that I extended my stay. It’s very quiet, mainly the sounds of nature, hardly any road noise and the train only comes by every few days.

S

Sabrina

May 2025

21 ft travel trailer

With kids

9 nights at Tomtuga on the Erie Canal

Had a wonderful time at Thomas's Hipcamp! Thomas was very welcoming and accommodating. Nice quiet, peaceful place to camp! My boys and pups loved having lots of space to walk and run around. My boys also loved the lights that come on at night they thought it was cool.

S

Sarah

May 2025

10 ft pop-up camper

With pets

2 nights at Tomtuga on the Erie Canal

Tom was a great host and knows just about everything there is to know about the best places to visit and to eat.

C

Cam

May 2025

36 ft Class A

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tomtuga on the Erie Canal

Great spot, welcoming host! Thomas met me upon arrival which was very helpful to find the spot! Fire was lit and hot as well!!

J

Josh

April 2025

25 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tomtuga on the Erie Canal

Great guy, fun little spot, close enough to the falls. He drove a hour to meet me there, had a fire going for is and hooked up the camper for me. Provided lots of local and regional information for my travels.

A

Andrey

December 2024

28 ft Class C

1 night at Tomtuga on the Erie Canal

Tom is a great host! The spot is quiet and secluded but close to anything you may need. Tom even started the fire for us. We will try to stop by in the summer.

L

Lyndsey

November 2024

15 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Tomtuga on the Erie Canal

Super nice and knowledgeable host! Has a website that is super helpful. Had a balst here, stayed 2 nights!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterside camping near Niagara-on-the-Lake guide

Where to go

Dufferin Islands

Small but mighty, this 10-acre park sits within earshot of the roaring Niagara Falls. Stroll the trails, which run on footbridges between creeks, ponds, and tiny, picturesque islands. Bring your birding books to help you identify some of the abundant avian life here—the region is one of the best in the province for birders, with hundreds of birds living and migrating through every year.

Queenston Heights

Today, this 1812 battle site is much more. You’ll see the monument to General Isaac Brock long before you get here—especially if you’re biking up and down the Niagara Parkway, which skirts along 100-meter cliffs. Walk around the gardens and spend some time at Landscape of Nations, a tribute to the Indigenous peoples who fought on this site.

Fort George National Historic Site

Just beyond the center of town, history comes alive at this site where costumed interpreters take visitors through the events of more than 200 years ago. Enjoy the music of a drum and fife corps and take in a musket demonstration, then hike or bike a series of trails that link Fort George with other nearby historic sites.

Rock Point Provincial Park

This park set on Lake Erie packs a punch when it comes to activities. Swim along the kilometer-long beach, hike the two-kilometer Woodlot Trail, fish for bass and pickerel from the limestone outcrops, and explore fossils on a 350-million-year-old former coral reef.

When to go

Summer is the heart of high season, and July and August tend to be hot, humid, and very busy, especially on weekends, when you should book well in advance. Late spring is warm but potentially buggy, so pack a little spray. In autumn, the deciduous forests burst into a million shades of gold, red, and orange, although evenings get cold and dark quickly. Many facilities operate on a limited schedule in winter, but the cold months are perfect for anyone who enjoys skiing or skating.

Know before you go

Queen Elizabeth Way—the main highway that connects Niagara-on-the-Lake with Toronto—becomes extremely busy in summer, especially on Fridays (headed west) and Sundays (headed east). Plan your drive around peak times.
If you want to leave the car at home, GO Transit operates regular rail service between Union Station in Toronto and the central train station in Niagara Falls, about 20 kilometres south.
E-bikes are a perfect way to explore the town and surrounding wine region. Rent them in Niagara Falls.
You can find many places to stock up on camping gear in larger nearby cities like St. Catharines.