The best great views camping near Ottawa

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Set where the Ottawa River and Rideau Canal meet in eastern Ontario, Canada’s capital city is surprisingly outdoor-oriented, with biking routes, rafting spots, forested hiking trails, and ice skating. Several area parks have tent and RV spots for campers within 90 minutes of the city, including Rideau River, Murphys Point, and Fitzroy provincial parks. With a stay on the Quebec side of the river, campers can add francophone culture to their outdoor adventure. Quebec’s Gatineau Park, in Ottawa’s “backyard,” has more than 250 campsites.

97% (608)

Top-rated campgrounds near Ottawa

1. Agape Gardens - Nature Retreat

99%
(148)
22km from Ottawa · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Hi there! 🌞 We're thrilled to welcome you to Agape Gardens, our 30-acre homestead nestled in the Gatineau Hills. Our property is more than just land; it's a dream we've nurtured and cultivated with love—a place to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with nature. We have several unique spots for staying, each with its own vibe: cozy bell tents, our minimalist A-frame cabin, and sites to bring your own tent or RV/camper. Whether you’re here for a solo retreat, a family getaway, or simply a break from the city, you'll be surrounded by the peace and calm of the land. We’re open year-round, and guests are invited to embrace the beauty of winter as well. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experience the quiet magic of winter camping, with snowy forest views, crisp fresh air, and the warmth of our wood-fired sauna just steps away. For rest and relaxation, you can warm up in the sauna, cool off in the cold plunge, or try a venik session—a traditional sauna ritual with aromatic branches that feels incredible on the body (available in the extras section). On the property, you’ll find a pond to explore, trails to wander, wildflower gardens, chickens, and an edible garden. We’re passionate about conscious living and have designed our land using permaculture principles to create a thriving, edible landscape. We look forward to hosting you and sharing the magic of our land. Come, relax, explore, and reconnect with the simplicity of life—no matter the season.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$39
 / night

2. 4-Season Cliffside Camp

100%
(15)
44km from Ottawa · 1 site · Lodging
❄️ Cliffside Cabin at The Off Grid Ark — Cozy Winter Getaway in Western Quebec If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to a quiet, snow-covered forest — this is your spot. Perched on a west-facing cliff at The Off Grid Ark, our rustic shelter is now fully winter-ready. A whisper-quiet diesel heater, mounted safely outside, keeps the cabin toasty warm all night while you sleep surrounded by nature. Outside, a propane deck heater makes it easy to enjoy coffee or dinner under the stars. We’ve also added a Cuisinart tabletop propane BBQ, which cooks faster and cleaner than the old jet grill — perfect for winter gloves and quick meals. We have snowshoes for rent and 10 km of groomed snowshoe trails winding through maple forest, ridges, and lakeshores — the same trails used for Canada’s longest-running snowshoe and trail race series, The Mad Trapper. I’m also hoping to cut a new backcountry ski loop this winter at the top of the escarpment for adventurous guests. The shelter includes a queen bed with fresh linens and a down duvet, plus space for tents around the firepit if you’d like a group setup. Kids and pets stay free, just leave it like you found it. The covered deck has handcrafted rocking chairs for lingering over sunsets, while your private fire area sits just below — perfect for roasting marshmallows or watching the stars. Hammocks are tucked into quiet corners for lazy afternoons or stargazing at night. We’re also building a new bunkhouse nearby for families and groups — another step toward making The Ark a year-round destination for outdoor education and adventure. There’s no electricity or running water, but you’ll have remote-control and desktop LED lights, a Jackery battery bank to keep devices charged, and a Bluetooth speaker for music or podcasts. A cooler, lanterns, jugs of clean well water, and a clean outhouse are provided. Wildlife is plentiful — deer, foxes, loons, and the occasional wolf howl in the distance. I’ll haul your gear by ATV, so bring what you need and settle in. Come unplug, warm up, and experience the stillness of winter at The Off Grid Ark — where comfort meets true off-grid adventure.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
CA$128
 / night

4. Cartwright Springs Brewery

96%
(160)
51km from Ottawa · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Our micro brewery is located here because of our springs. The campsites are within walking distance to the brewery. The sites are in the forest with either a view of the pond, of Cartwrights Creek or of the Ottawa valley from a hillside. We have short hiking trails, some outdoor games such as horseshoes or beach volleyball, and we have beer. Contact Andre by texting 613-295-3377 FIRE: You must contact Andre before lighting a fire so a permit can be acquired. No fires before 6. GARBAGE: Please collect garbage and bring it with you. We unfortunately cannot accept garbage at the brewery. The municipality limits us to one bag and we have animals that would love to rip through your garbage bag before I can get to it. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE GARBAGE HERE! FOOD... don't leave food out for animals to get overnight... If you don't have a car you can put your food in the silo by the brewery... animals can't get in there!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$40
 / night

6. Spirit Wild Estate

100%
(39)
77km from Ottawa · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Spirit Wild A place, in nature, where you can let your spirit be free, to feel the healing power of nature. A private lake with no public access, and quite/peaceful. Lake is limited to 10hp outboards, and seldom seen - so no large boats or noise. Access to boat ramp. Located just outside Calabogie Village. Paved road to property. Many local attractions and things to do.. River Rafting, Hiking Trails, Cave Exploration, Galleries, Dining, etc. - Ck it out. Over 2 acres of mixed bush, fruit trees, organic garden, large open grassy play area, Virgin Lake (Dempsey) beautiful, clear clean water - sandy bottom - great waterfront for the smaller children. Charging Station @ House. Games, Horseshoes Bocce Ball. Boat Rentals, $ Message me for wants/needs. Best to arrange with me - cash on site, or e-transfer, please. Kayaks, canoe,12' Aluminum boat - Trolling motor available. Camping from bicycle - to Overland campers. Site 1 - Waterfront Turn right at end of driveway, left across lawn, to Herbert St. best suited for small units, tent trailers, smaller RV's, etc. No access for large trailers. No turn around for large trailers. Site 2 - Waterview Turn right at end of driveway, straight ahead, large site, easy access. larger trailers. Site for Tents - anywhere.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$75
 / night

Set where the Ottawa River and Rideau Canal meet in eastern Ontario, Canada’s capital city is surprisingly outdoor-oriented, with biking routes, rafting spots, forested hiking trails, and ice skating. Several area parks have tent and RV spots for campers within 90 minutes of the city, including Rideau River, Murphys Point, and Fitzroy provincial parks. With a stay on the Quebec side of the river, campers can add francophone culture to their outdoor adventure. Quebec’s Gatineau Park, in Ottawa’s “backyard,” has more than 250 campsites.

97% (608)

Top-rated campgrounds near Ottawa

1. Agape Gardens - Nature Retreat

99%
(148)
22km from Ottawa · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Hi there! 🌞 We're thrilled to welcome you to Agape Gardens, our 30-acre homestead nestled in the Gatineau Hills. Our property is more than just land; it's a dream we've nurtured and cultivated with love—a place to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with nature. We have several unique spots for staying, each with its own vibe: cozy bell tents, our minimalist A-frame cabin, and sites to bring your own tent or RV/camper. Whether you’re here for a solo retreat, a family getaway, or simply a break from the city, you'll be surrounded by the peace and calm of the land. We’re open year-round, and guests are invited to embrace the beauty of winter as well. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experience the quiet magic of winter camping, with snowy forest views, crisp fresh air, and the warmth of our wood-fired sauna just steps away. For rest and relaxation, you can warm up in the sauna, cool off in the cold plunge, or try a venik session—a traditional sauna ritual with aromatic branches that feels incredible on the body (available in the extras section). On the property, you’ll find a pond to explore, trails to wander, wildflower gardens, chickens, and an edible garden. We’re passionate about conscious living and have designed our land using permaculture principles to create a thriving, edible landscape. We look forward to hosting you and sharing the magic of our land. Come, relax, explore, and reconnect with the simplicity of life—no matter the season.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$39
 / night

2. 4-Season Cliffside Camp

100%
(15)
44km from Ottawa · 1 site · Lodging
❄️ Cliffside Cabin at The Off Grid Ark — Cozy Winter Getaway in Western Quebec If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to a quiet, snow-covered forest — this is your spot. Perched on a west-facing cliff at The Off Grid Ark, our rustic shelter is now fully winter-ready. A whisper-quiet diesel heater, mounted safely outside, keeps the cabin toasty warm all night while you sleep surrounded by nature. Outside, a propane deck heater makes it easy to enjoy coffee or dinner under the stars. We’ve also added a Cuisinart tabletop propane BBQ, which cooks faster and cleaner than the old jet grill — perfect for winter gloves and quick meals. We have snowshoes for rent and 10 km of groomed snowshoe trails winding through maple forest, ridges, and lakeshores — the same trails used for Canada’s longest-running snowshoe and trail race series, The Mad Trapper. I’m also hoping to cut a new backcountry ski loop this winter at the top of the escarpment for adventurous guests. The shelter includes a queen bed with fresh linens and a down duvet, plus space for tents around the firepit if you’d like a group setup. Kids and pets stay free, just leave it like you found it. The covered deck has handcrafted rocking chairs for lingering over sunsets, while your private fire area sits just below — perfect for roasting marshmallows or watching the stars. Hammocks are tucked into quiet corners for lazy afternoons or stargazing at night. We’re also building a new bunkhouse nearby for families and groups — another step toward making The Ark a year-round destination for outdoor education and adventure. There’s no electricity or running water, but you’ll have remote-control and desktop LED lights, a Jackery battery bank to keep devices charged, and a Bluetooth speaker for music or podcasts. A cooler, lanterns, jugs of clean well water, and a clean outhouse are provided. Wildlife is plentiful — deer, foxes, loons, and the occasional wolf howl in the distance. I’ll haul your gear by ATV, so bring what you need and settle in. Come unplug, warm up, and experience the stillness of winter at The Off Grid Ark — where comfort meets true off-grid adventure.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
CA$128
 / night

4. Cartwright Springs Brewery

96%
(160)
51km from Ottawa · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Our micro brewery is located here because of our springs. The campsites are within walking distance to the brewery. The sites are in the forest with either a view of the pond, of Cartwrights Creek or of the Ottawa valley from a hillside. We have short hiking trails, some outdoor games such as horseshoes or beach volleyball, and we have beer. Contact Andre by texting 613-295-3377 FIRE: You must contact Andre before lighting a fire so a permit can be acquired. No fires before 6. GARBAGE: Please collect garbage and bring it with you. We unfortunately cannot accept garbage at the brewery. The municipality limits us to one bag and we have animals that would love to rip through your garbage bag before I can get to it. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE GARBAGE HERE! FOOD... don't leave food out for animals to get overnight... If you don't have a car you can put your food in the silo by the brewery... animals can't get in there!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$40
 / night

6. Spirit Wild Estate

100%
(39)
77km from Ottawa · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Spirit Wild A place, in nature, where you can let your spirit be free, to feel the healing power of nature. A private lake with no public access, and quite/peaceful. Lake is limited to 10hp outboards, and seldom seen - so no large boats or noise. Access to boat ramp. Located just outside Calabogie Village. Paved road to property. Many local attractions and things to do.. River Rafting, Hiking Trails, Cave Exploration, Galleries, Dining, etc. - Ck it out. Over 2 acres of mixed bush, fruit trees, organic garden, large open grassy play area, Virgin Lake (Dempsey) beautiful, clear clean water - sandy bottom - great waterfront for the smaller children. Charging Station @ House. Games, Horseshoes Bocce Ball. Boat Rentals, $ Message me for wants/needs. Best to arrange with me - cash on site, or e-transfer, please. Kayaks, canoe,12' Aluminum boat - Trolling motor available. Camping from bicycle - to Overland campers. Site 1 - Waterfront Turn right at end of driveway, left across lawn, to Herbert St. best suited for small units, tent trailers, smaller RV's, etc. No access for large trailers. No turn around for large trailers. Site 2 - Waterview Turn right at end of driveway, straight ahead, large site, easy access. larger trailers. Site for Tents - anywhere.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$75
 / night

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The best great views camping near Ottawa guide

Where to go

Bon Echo Provincial Park

Explore the Indigenous pictographs and camp by the lake in this popular Ontario Park two hours southwest of Ottawa. The park has more than 500 car camping or walk-in sites, including 200 with electrical hookups, as well as comfort stations with flush toilets. Other options for campers include yurts, cabins, and backcountry campsites.

Morrisburg

Camp on the St. Lawrence River, hike the nature trails of Upper Canada Bird Sanctuary, and go back in time at Upper Canada Village, a family-friendly re-creation of a 19th-century community. Parks of the St. Lawrence operates several family camping areas and RV parks around Morrisburg, which is just over an hour’s drive south of Ottawa.

The Thousand Islands

More than 1,800 islands dot the St. Lawrence River, spanning the U.S.-Canada border, and nearly two dozen are protected as part of Thousand Islands National Park. Camp on one of the park’s islands, or on the mainland near the towns of Gananoque or Brockville, take a boat tour, or explore offshore by canoe or kayak.

Montreal

Ottawa is only two hours by train, bus, or car from Canada’s most cosmopolitan metropolis, so you can plan a weekend getaway for a hit of contemporary culture, great food, and cool cafés and bars. Choose a campground somewhere like Oka National Park between Ottawa and Montreal to explore the best of both cities.

When to go

For campers, Ottawa’s weather is most comfortable in the fall, when the days are crisp and the trees take on their autumn colors. Summer is the busiest season, with hot days and plenty of festivals, concerts, and other activities to keep you busy. Spring can be cool, with snow lingering into March or April. While the city stays active through the icy winters, when heavy snow is common, Ottawa rivals Moscow as one of the world’s coldest capital cities.

Know before you go

  • You don’t need a car to explore Ottawa. You can walk, bike, or take public transit around much of the area, but reaching the provincial and regional parks outside the city is much easier with your own wheels.
  • You should be able to find whatever provisions you need for your camping expedition in Ottawa. For local produce, check out the stalls outside the ByWard Market from spring through fall. Ottawa has a booming microbrew scene, so think local, too, when you’re stocking up on beer. 
  • Many of Ottawa’s restaurants, attractions, and parks are in “The Outauouis” region on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River. The city of Gatineau has its own transit system, which connects the district to central Ottawa. While Ottawa is bilingual, it’s French first as soon as you cross into Quebec.