Beach camping near Port Stanley with hiking
Port Stanley charms lakefront campers with quiet escapes for the whole family.
Popular camping styles for Port Stanley
Beach camping near Port Stanley with hiking guide
Overview
A charming town on the picturesque shores of Lake Erie in Ontario, Port Stanley is perhaps best known for the sandy expanses of Port Stanley Beach. Camping in the region offers quick access to unique ecosystems like wetlands. Big Creek National Wildlife Area and Long Point Provincial Park are havens for birdwatchers, while Port Burwell Provincial Park has a great dog beach. For families, seasonal apple picking is a treat, as is learning about the area’s history at Elgin County Railway Museum or the Museum of Naval History. For grown-ups, local wineries near Port Stanley are among Ontario’s finest. Waterfront cabins and geodomes are among the campsite options.
Where to go
Port Stanley Beach
With Blue Flag status, Main Beach in Port Stanley is recognized for its excellent water quality, safety measures, and environmental responsibility. The long span of sandy beach stretches along the northern shores of Lake Erie, and lifeguards are on duty in the summer. On-site features include changing facilities, accessible washrooms, a beach volleyball court, and canoe or kayak rentals. Stroll down the nearby boardwalk and pier to Port Stanley Lighthouse, and watch Lake Erie’s waves crash against the stone walls.
Long Point Provincial Park
Just past Big Creek National Wildlife Area, Long Point Provincial Park is perhaps one of the most unique camping spots in all of Ontario. Stretching to Long Point National Wildlife Area, the narrow peninsula of sand dunes, wetlands, and Carolinian forest juts out into Lake Erie. The hamlet of Long Point is a mere one kilometre across at its widest point. Along with its beaches, Long Point is an incredible location for watching hundreds of migratory bird species every spring and fall. Several of the park’s beach-accessible campsites have electrical hookups, while others are designated as radio-free.
Port Burwell Provincial Park
About a half-hour east of Port Stanley, Port Burwell Provincial Park is a great place to camp with the whole family. There are designated dog-friendly beach areas, both on-leash and off-leash. The sandy beach has very few rocks, with lower water levels that are pet-friendly. The playground keeps spirits high for younger Hipcampers, and the trail network invites hikers and bikers to explore the natural surroundings. The park campground is well-appointed for both tent and RV campers, including many campsites with electrical hookups. Common amenities include laundry, washrooms, and hot showers, and there’s even a campfire theater for evening entertainment.
When to go
Camping season near Port Stanley, Ontario typically runs from May to October. Several campgrounds in the region’s public parks may only be open for camping during this time of year, though private campsites may operate in other parts of the year, as well. The summer months see daytime highs around 25°C, offering a great setting for beach days, fishing, hiking, and exploring nature. The abundance of migratory birds in the spring and fall entice Hipcampers to visit during the shoulder seasons.
