The best family-friendly glamping near Peterborough

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This small city in Central Ontario is the perfect jumping-off point to explore “bright waters and happy lands”—the literal meaning of the Kawarthas, a string of nearby glacier-carved lakes. But you’ll find plenty to do in town, too. Both the Otonabee River and the canals of the Trent-Severn Waterway (which links Georgian Bay and Lake Ontario) wind right through Peterborough. The former is lined with good beaches, while the latter runs through the world’s tallest lift lock. Downtown’s Del Crary Park, on the waters of Little Lake, rocks with a summer music festival.

99% (289)

Top-rated campgrounds

Foresthill Retreat

1. Foresthill Retreat

96%
(135)
28km from Peterborough · 2 sites · Lodging · Harcourt, ON
New bigger tent this year. This property used to be a farm until 1912, the glamping site is located far from the house in what used to be a vegetable garden! The glamping tent is new this year and well equipped and has everything you need for a cozy comfortable stay including electricity! The outdoor kitchen on site has everything you need to cook a delicious meal. There are also outdoor shower, tables and chairs, and an extremely well-stocked site super clean outhouse. Lots of lakes in the area. General stores and gas within 5 minutes and the Grocery stores are within 15 minutes for all your camping needs. Provincial Parks Nearby: Wolf Island Provincial Park - 10 minutes, Kawartha Highlands Signature Park - 15 minutes, Quackenbush Provincial Park - 25 minutes, Petroglyphs Provincial Park - 30 minutes At night you will hear nothing but frogs, very private and very romantic. We can't wait to host you at Foresthill Retreat!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
CA$75
 / night
Cozy spot to snuggle up in the cabin by the fire

2. Dragonfly Ridge Rescue Farm

96%
(85)
39km from Peterborough · 4 sites · Lodging · ON
Dragonfly Ridge is a 98 acre farm. Our pretty cabins are perfect for folks to enjoy some glamping in the country, on the farm surrounded by friendly animals.  You can arrange to have a tour of the farm and hang out with donkeys, mini horses, llamas, alpacas, pigs, bunnies, sheep, goats, peacocks, ducks and chickens.  We have a lovely pond, and acres of forest you can explore.  Our farm is on a quiet country road where you can take a walk and enjoy the peace and quiet and connect with nature and one another without the distractions of wifi, street noises or city lights. We are within minutes of the Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park with all there is to see and do there, such as hiking, paddling, exploring, swimming.  We have a fire pit where you can enjoy a spectacular night sky unimpeded by any other lights. The cabin has electricity, lights, electric fireplace for heat. In the cabin we have a double bed, a table and 2 chairs, a two-burner stove with oven, a washing up station. Fall asleep listening to owls call and wolves howling in the distance.  Wake to the sounds of the animals on the farm, you may even be able to arrange to gather your own eggs for breakfast! We are confident you won't want to leave the farm, but in case you choose to explore beyond our 98 acres there is lots to still see and do within only a short drive. We are located close to Buckhorn, where you can explore more lakes, pick your own berries or visit pumpkin patches, pick up groceries or enjoy the restaurants in Buckhorn.  Also, in nearby Bobcaygeon you can find world-class shopping and dining, parks, beaches, festivals, a heritage village, and even more lakes. One hour north of us is Haliburton, with the Haliburton Forest and Wolf visitation Centre, Sir Sam's ski resort, shops and restaurants, and Sir Sandford Fleming's college of Fine Arts. Lakefield is only 35 minutes away offering shopping, a world famous literary festival, fine dining, and antique shows most weekends. Trent University is only 40 minutes south, in Peterborough where you can watch Peterborough Petes play hockey, attend free music festivals in the summer months, experience the best restaurants around, shop, see a movie, watch the boats in the Lift Locks, a World Heritage, visit the canoe museum, skate on the canal, and much more.
Toilets
Campfires
Cooking equipment
from 
CA$145
 / night
The Waterfall, it rages in the Spring and Fall for white water kayakers

3. Cabin in the Woods

100%
(94)
58km from Peterborough · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging · Marmora, ON
7 acres of field, forest, pond, waterfall, rapids, swimming hole! There are no bad views! Sit by the pond, sit by the creek, sit in the waterfall, sit out at Blueberry Hill for a pleasant breeze or up on SunStar Ridge for some nightly star gazing or lay back in a hammock or on zero gravity chairs 1 Bunkie on a hill overlooking the pond and 2 private tent sites, one at Boot Hill and one in the Field of Dreams. Each site has a fire pit and a compostable toilet and there is a compostable toilet in an outhouse on the property for the bunkie. Great for canoes, kayaks, bird and wildlife watching with spectacular star gazing. This property was part of an old homestead and as such I am still finding things so please respect the caution tape. Some finds are treasures (European Grapes, Bergamot, French Roses, Asparagus, Rhubarb, Ramps, Fiddle-heads) and others not so much. I am re purposing what I can and collecting the rest for disposal as I nurture this land back to what it was meant to be, paradise. There is an outdoor shower available as well. If you are green minded you are welcome here!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$20
 / night
The Rustic Shack in the Wood's

4. The Rustic Shack in the Wood's

100%
(47)
78km from Peterborough · 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
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$125
 / night

This small city in Central Ontario is the perfect jumping-off point to explore “bright waters and happy lands”—the literal meaning of the Kawarthas, a string of nearby glacier-carved lakes. But you’ll find plenty to do in town, too. Both the Otonabee River and the canals of the Trent-Severn Waterway (which links Georgian Bay and Lake Ontario) wind right through Peterborough. The former is lined with good beaches, while the latter runs through the world’s tallest lift lock. Downtown’s Del Crary Park, on the waters of Little Lake, rocks with a summer music festival.

99% (289)

Top-rated campgrounds

Foresthill Retreat

1. Foresthill Retreat

96%
(135)
28km from Peterborough · 2 sites · Lodging · Harcourt, ON
New bigger tent this year. This property used to be a farm until 1912, the glamping site is located far from the house in what used to be a vegetable garden! The glamping tent is new this year and well equipped and has everything you need for a cozy comfortable stay including electricity! The outdoor kitchen on site has everything you need to cook a delicious meal. There are also outdoor shower, tables and chairs, and an extremely well-stocked site super clean outhouse. Lots of lakes in the area. General stores and gas within 5 minutes and the Grocery stores are within 15 minutes for all your camping needs. Provincial Parks Nearby: Wolf Island Provincial Park - 10 minutes, Kawartha Highlands Signature Park - 15 minutes, Quackenbush Provincial Park - 25 minutes, Petroglyphs Provincial Park - 30 minutes At night you will hear nothing but frogs, very private and very romantic. We can't wait to host you at Foresthill Retreat!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
CA$75
 / night
Cozy spot to snuggle up in the cabin by the fire

2. Dragonfly Ridge Rescue Farm

96%
(85)
39km from Peterborough · 4 sites · Lodging · ON
Dragonfly Ridge is a 98 acre farm. Our pretty cabins are perfect for folks to enjoy some glamping in the country, on the farm surrounded by friendly animals.  You can arrange to have a tour of the farm and hang out with donkeys, mini horses, llamas, alpacas, pigs, bunnies, sheep, goats, peacocks, ducks and chickens.  We have a lovely pond, and acres of forest you can explore.  Our farm is on a quiet country road where you can take a walk and enjoy the peace and quiet and connect with nature and one another without the distractions of wifi, street noises or city lights. We are within minutes of the Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park with all there is to see and do there, such as hiking, paddling, exploring, swimming.  We have a fire pit where you can enjoy a spectacular night sky unimpeded by any other lights. The cabin has electricity, lights, electric fireplace for heat. In the cabin we have a double bed, a table and 2 chairs, a two-burner stove with oven, a washing up station. Fall asleep listening to owls call and wolves howling in the distance.  Wake to the sounds of the animals on the farm, you may even be able to arrange to gather your own eggs for breakfast! We are confident you won't want to leave the farm, but in case you choose to explore beyond our 98 acres there is lots to still see and do within only a short drive. We are located close to Buckhorn, where you can explore more lakes, pick your own berries or visit pumpkin patches, pick up groceries or enjoy the restaurants in Buckhorn.  Also, in nearby Bobcaygeon you can find world-class shopping and dining, parks, beaches, festivals, a heritage village, and even more lakes. One hour north of us is Haliburton, with the Haliburton Forest and Wolf visitation Centre, Sir Sam's ski resort, shops and restaurants, and Sir Sandford Fleming's college of Fine Arts. Lakefield is only 35 minutes away offering shopping, a world famous literary festival, fine dining, and antique shows most weekends. Trent University is only 40 minutes south, in Peterborough where you can watch Peterborough Petes play hockey, attend free music festivals in the summer months, experience the best restaurants around, shop, see a movie, watch the boats in the Lift Locks, a World Heritage, visit the canoe museum, skate on the canal, and much more.
Toilets
Campfires
Cooking equipment
from 
CA$145
 / night
The Waterfall, it rages in the Spring and Fall for white water kayakers

3. Cabin in the Woods

100%
(94)
58km from Peterborough · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging · Marmora, ON
7 acres of field, forest, pond, waterfall, rapids, swimming hole! There are no bad views! Sit by the pond, sit by the creek, sit in the waterfall, sit out at Blueberry Hill for a pleasant breeze or up on SunStar Ridge for some nightly star gazing or lay back in a hammock or on zero gravity chairs 1 Bunkie on a hill overlooking the pond and 2 private tent sites, one at Boot Hill and one in the Field of Dreams. Each site has a fire pit and a compostable toilet and there is a compostable toilet in an outhouse on the property for the bunkie. Great for canoes, kayaks, bird and wildlife watching with spectacular star gazing. This property was part of an old homestead and as such I am still finding things so please respect the caution tape. Some finds are treasures (European Grapes, Bergamot, French Roses, Asparagus, Rhubarb, Ramps, Fiddle-heads) and others not so much. I am re purposing what I can and collecting the rest for disposal as I nurture this land back to what it was meant to be, paradise. There is an outdoor shower available as well. If you are green minded you are welcome here!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$20
 / night
The Rustic Shack in the Wood's

4. The Rustic Shack in the Wood's

100%
(47)
78km from Peterborough · 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
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$125
 / night

Stories from the community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best family-friendly glamping near Peterborough guide

Where to go

The second-largest provincial park in Ontario, Kawartha Highlands offers a wilderness experience, just an hour north of Peterborough. Backcountry campsites are available, accessed only by canoe. Hike through the Canadian shield or paddle along six recommended routes (maps are available in the park office), and spot osprey, great blue herons, and loons, whose distinctive and beautiful call will lull you to sleep at night. 

Beavermead Park

A city park with 95 sites, Beavermead offers camping right in the heart of town. Head to the beach to swim, build sandcastles or play some beach volleyball, or grab a canoe or kayak and paddle under the Centennial Fountain in Little Lake, which shoots 75 metres into the air. And you can explore on two wheels, too, along the Rotary Greenway Trail, which runs right through the park, stretching seven kilometers past the beaches at Rogers Cove, all the way along the river to Trent University.

Less than 20 minutes northwest of Peterborough, the calm waters of the Pigeon River here are favourite for families. Swimming is shallow, and warm, and it’s a perfect place to learn canoeing—you can rent one at the park store. And fishing, too—the river is filled with walleye, bass, and big muskies.

This park really is quiet—the namesake lake doesn’t allow any boat with a motor. It’s all very peaceful and self-contained—the campgrounds connect to two sandy beaches, two mountain bike loops (one 11 kilometres in length, the other 17), plus a series of hiking trails, including one that circumnavigates the lake.  

When to go

Summers in this corner of Southern Ontario are hot, well-suited to all sorts of aquatic adventures, and you’ll find the best swimming in these deep, cold lakes in July and August. In fall, the foliage changes to red, orange and gold, and if you’re okay with chilly nights, the camping can stretch through September and October, which are mostly mosquito-free. Winters are cold but rewarding for those who love skiing, snowshoeing, and ice-skating, perhaps on the frozen canal.   

Know before you go

  • With big-city Toronto just 90 minutes down the road, parks can get busy and campgrounds book up quickly in summer—the wise book well in advance.
  • Pick up the region’s freshest produce at one of two farmer’s markets: one downtown that runs on Wednesdays, the other near the Memorial Centre arena on Saturdays.
  • While there’s a comprehensive public transit system in the city, you’ll need a car to travel beyond city limits.

Popular Peterborough glamping styles