Dog-friendly a-frames near Southampton
Plunge into Southampton to scuba-dive shipwrecks and explore national parks.
Popular camping styles for Southampton
Dog-friendly a-frames near Southampton guide
Overview
A quaint community set on the shores of Lake Huron in Bruce County, Southampton has a picturesque town center, a long sandy beach, and plenty of nearby parks. Set up camp near Fathom Five National Park, Bruce Peninsula National Park, or the Inglis Conservation Area to access scuba diving, hiking, and cascading waterfalls. Or, hitch the boat to the RV and stop at a full-service campsite near a lake or pond in July to check out the epic fireworks display on Canada Day (July 1) and the Chantry Chinook Salmon Derby held every summer.
Where to go
Fathom Five National Marine Park
Situated beside the town of Tobermory, Fathom Five National Marine Park is a one-hour and 18-minute drive from Southampton, making it an easy day trip. The park has wheelchair-accessible areas, allows dogs, and offers easy walking trails for kids. Book a scuba diving tour to see 22 historic shipwrecks dotted across the lake bottom, or hop in a kayak and paddle to Flowerpot Island’s natural rock pillars carved by waves over thousands of years. Tent camping is available for easy access to marine life and aquatic activities.
Bruce Peninsula National Park
Bruce Peninsula National Park is just over an hour away and highlights 154 square kilometres of natural lakeside beauty. Park at the Halfway Log Dump Lot (making reservations is a good idea since there aren’t any other lots) and hike the 4.4-km section of the Bruce Trail called The Grotto Hike to a natural limestone sea cave well-known for swimming, cliff jumping, and craggy terrain. There are plenty of tent and backcountry campsites as well as some glamping campgrounds with yurts featuring wood-burning fireplaces and bathroom facilities.
Inglis Falls Conservation Area
Close to Owen Sound and just over a 30-minute drive from Southampton, Inglis Falls Conservation Area features 200 hectares of forested grounds with 7.42 kilometres of trails. Inglis Falls—an 18-meter-high waterfall—is one of the main draws. Visit in winter to view the awe-inspiring array of icicles, get a workout on snowshoe and cross-country trails, and cozy up at a tent campsite with a firepit or a cabin with a wood-burning stove to dry off snow-soaked clothing. RV campgrounds with full-service amenities like dump stations, water hookups, and wifi access are also available.
When to go
June, July, and August are universally-loved for Southampton visits when the weather is warm with very little rain. Expect bigger crowds in summer, so traveling in May or September when the weather’s still pleasant and the tourist attractions are less busy offers a quieter experience. Freezing temperatures and snow start in December and last until February—prime conditions for cross-country skiing and photographing frozen waterfalls.
