The best campgrounds near Southampton, Ontario with horseback riding

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.

99% (255)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

99% (255)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Natures Acres

99%

(241)

72km from Southampton · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Mount Forest, ON

A perfect place to escape and rejuvenate the soul! Our beautiful 39-acre property consists of hard and softwood forests, open meadows for activities, and flat and grassy fields. Whether you're camping with your family or with a group of friends, this remote and private property is the perfect destination for a vacation retreat. There are plenty of trails surrounding the property where one can enjoy connecting with the sights and sounds of nature. Plenty of different bird species, rabbits, deer and wild turkeys abound and often on summer nights around the campfire you can hear the howl of the coyotes. This is a beautiful, tranquil piece of paradise, very private and fantastic for stargazing. We also have a couple goats, pot bellied pigs and chickens on the property. Guests can help themselves to the farm fresh eggs when on site camping. Whether you’re bringing an RV or a tent, we have the perfect campsite for you! We look forward to hosting you and welcoming you to our little piece of paradise.

2. New Earth Estate

55km from Southampton · 13 sites · Lodging · Markdale, ON

Need to take a break from your day to day routine? Need to unwind and shed your stress? Let's get you back on the right track! Life is a three dimensional canvas. Let us help you experiment with Eco-friendly living adventure and getting back to the natural form of life. Depending on the event you are participating in this Eco-Retreat, find your inner peace by experiencing meditation with yogic transmission, indigenous ceremonies conducted by our Native Canadian sisters and brothers, listen to soulful music, receive alternative medicine instructions & holistic health care, learn and participate in art projects. New Earth Estate is a year-round retreat and event centre in the heart of Grey County just outside of the village of Markdale, founded in 2016, which conducts soulful programs and events throughout the year. Also as an event venue, on a 50 acre piece of nature, with pond, river, forest and hills, New Earth Estate welcomes, entrepreneurs, institutes, or individuals to have their programs, occasion, or special events held at its beautiful outdoor and indoor spaces.

3. Rowley's Saugeen River Adv. Acres

98%

(42)

28km from Southampton · 14 sites · Tents · Brockton, ON

When you are travelling to our little piece of natural paradise, you will see rolling hills of farmland, small creeks and river bridges to cross over and plenty of wildlife. Upon arriving we will gladly receive you as our guests and get you to your little piece of paradise. Serine, Private and Secluded. 20 Acres Off-grid. We offer you a taste of something different with wild turkey and deer using the camping area as one of their main trails. Fire wood provided. Access to 1000 acres of unspoiled land, forest and trails. WIth 20 acres we are sure you have your own ideas as to what you would like to do, during your visit. We would also like to point out some interesting and available activities that our guests find useful: Relax Swim Fishing Walking Hiking Mountain Biking Paddling Sitting on the Rivers edge Bird Watching Photography

4. Peanut Pond Stargazing

90%

(34)

63km from Southampton · 1 site · Tent, RV · Markdale, ON

Learn more about this land:Enjoy a peaceful place to rest and stargaze on an open sky night!You will have plenty of privacy and space to enjoy as there is only one site located on the property. Please be sure to bring your own supplies! The site is ideal for tenting and can accommodate trailers up to 20 feet. For those bringing a trailer the site is a pull-in site on loose gravel. Campfires are permitted within local regulations and there is an outhouse on site. Pets are welcome! In the day you can head over to Irish lake to enjoy a dip in the water or bring out your non-gas-powered watercraft. You can check out the Kickin' Back Alpaca ranch on 734762 W Back Line, Markdale. There are many provincial parks and beaches all within 45 minutes of the property. Gas and Groceries can be found only 10 minutes from the site.Looking forward to hosting you!

5. Saugeen Shores Nature Retreat

100%

(14)

15km from Southampton · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Dobbinton, ON

Once upon a time this property consisted of an 18 acre apple orchard and a 10 acre Maple Sugar bush with evidence of it scattered about the property. I have owned the property for over 16 years now, and moved here from Toronto about 4 years ago, living in nature has become my life. The property is full of Wild life and history. The 18 acre orchard was turned into a white pine forest about 40 years ago and has recently been thinned out to promote healthy growth. Bee hives have recently become part of the life that exists here. The area is surrounded by a Mennonite community and the Amish are also within a 15 minute drive from here. On the map you will see that this property is a part of the original Queen's bush. The highest point in the township with amazing views all around. Here to enjoy and experience for all.Learn more about this land:64 acres of forests, a pond and an open field filled with wildflowers, butterflies and a vast variety of Birds. This place has 6 distinct forests to explore and forage. The campsite consists of an acre of groomed grass snuggled up against a vast forest and a frog pond with lots of activities to enjoy.The campsite is only 15 minutes from Port Elgin and Southampton. Beautiful sunsets from our open Meadow by a spring-fed pond. Lots of wildlife, butterflies and wildflowers!We have one site available for tent and RV campers. We provide a toilet, potable water and a picnic table. Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban, pets are welcome.The forests are full of foraging options that might be of interest to some campers. Very close to rivers for those who love canoeing. 15 minutes from amazing beaches on Lake Huron in both Port Elgin and Southampton. Sauble Beach is less than 30 minutes away. Come enjoy this amazing part of Southern Ontario.

6. Rutledge Acres

100%

(3)

19km from Southampton · 12 sites · RVs · Paisley, ON

From MAY 1 - OCTOBER 31st, there is a 2 night minimum. Charge for each trailer...each site can hold numerous trailers...each trailer will be charged. Please contact me to discuss length of time and cost. Our 360 acres is located in Paisley Ontario in the Township of Bruce. We have 5 multi-acre sites for Boondock camping that offer beautiful breezes off of Lake Huron and quiet private pastoral settings. Each site is groomed and offers a fire pit. You can bring up to 7 trailers into each site for a multi-trailer experience. We have approx 15 km of groomed trails to hike, trail run, walk all through Bruce County. We are close to numerous quaint Ontario towns and villages offering shops, bakeries, restaurants and more. The Saugeen River is located very close to the properties and you can rent kayaks in Paisley and go down the river towards Lake Huron. Lake Huron is a pristine great lake and we offer great beaches within 20 minute drive... Our settings are perfect for small or large gatherings and are private and secluded. Unfortunately we do not offer water, septic or hydro so your trailer needs to be self sustaining. TRAILERS and MOTORHOMES are the preferred method of camping. It is being used for Boondocking, weddings, mediation and yoga retreats and we look forward to hosting you also soon. We are pet friendly...so bring your four legged family members too!

7. Secluded Bungalow on River & Trails

100%

(1)

29km from Southampton · 1 site · Lodging · Paisley, ON

Winter has added costs due to snow plow. Snow plow cost varies from $50 - $250 depending on how much snow there is. The laneway is 1000 meters long. 1 kilometre. If the snow plow can't get in, you will be required to hike in through the snow. Potentially, a neighbour can be hired with his snowmobile. No guarantees. All wheel drive and winter tires is strongly advised. Unique and secluded, this cabin is a true gem in the heart of nature. It features 3 bedrooms, a dining area, kitchen, bathroom, and woodstove. We also have high-speed wifi on site! The cabin is perfect for a family looking to get away from it all. You will be able to enjoy all that nature has to offer from the cabin's central location. Hiking trails, beaches, wildlife, and snowshoeing are just a few of the activities located nearby. NOT SUITED FOR LARGE GROUPS. In the winter, you will be able to go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing and enjoy a cozy evening reading by the woodstove. You will also be able to enjoy all the beauty of nature during the summer months with hiking trails, beaches, kayaking, and more! The cabin is located along the Saugeen River, just north of 700 acres of managed trails in Bruce County, Ontario. Our property is 85-acres (40 acres is farmed). We are only 20-minutes from beaches and world-class sunsets in Port Elgin, Saugeen Shores, and Southampton. WINTER: Ski-In-Ski-Out. Road access is limited for extreme seclusion! The cabin is 1km off the main road. Plowing, if needed, will be at your own expense! HUNTERS WELCOME! 85-acres of Sugarbush. Next to 700 acres of public trails called Brant Tract. Please note, the people limit for the listing is 6 people. ***PACK IN, PACK OUT. Guests must take all garbage with them when they leave. Any trash left will result in a $50 charge per bag. Seriously. I had to sort through people's trash/recycling in the past. Not doing that again!!!

Camper favorites near Southampton

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Peanut Pond Stargazing

90%

(34)

63km from Southampton · 1 site · Tent, RV · Markdale, ON

Learn more about this land:Enjoy a peaceful place to rest and stargaze on an open sky night!You will have plenty of privacy and space to enjoy as there is only one site located on the property. Please be sure to bring your own supplies! The site is ideal for tenting and can accommodate trailers up to 20 feet. For those bringing a trailer the site is a pull-in site on loose gravel. Campfires are permitted within local regulations and there is an outhouse on site. Pets are welcome! In the day you can head over to Irish lake to enjoy a dip in the water or bring out your non-gas-powered watercraft. You can check out the Kickin' Back Alpaca ranch on 734762 W Back Line, Markdale. There are many provincial parks and beaches all within 45 minutes of the property. Gas and Groceries can be found only 10 minutes from the site.Looking forward to hosting you!

Saugeen Shores Nature Retreat

100%

(14)

15km from Southampton · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Dobbinton, ON

Once upon a time this property consisted of an 18 acre apple orchard and a 10 acre Maple Sugar bush with evidence of it scattered about the property. I have owned the property for over 16 years now, and moved here from Toronto about 4 years ago, living in nature has become my life. The property is full of Wild life and history. The 18 acre orchard was turned into a white pine forest about 40 years ago and has recently been thinned out to promote healthy growth. Bee hives have recently become part of the life that exists here. The area is surrounded by a Mennonite community and the Amish are also within a 15 minute drive from here. On the map you will see that this property is a part of the original Queen's bush. The highest point in the township with amazing views all around. Here to enjoy and experience for all.Learn more about this land:64 acres of forests, a pond and an open field filled with wildflowers, butterflies and a vast variety of Birds. This place has 6 distinct forests to explore and forage. The campsite consists of an acre of groomed grass snuggled up against a vast forest and a frog pond with lots of activities to enjoy.The campsite is only 15 minutes from Port Elgin and Southampton. Beautiful sunsets from our open Meadow by a spring-fed pond. Lots of wildlife, butterflies and wildflowers!We have one site available for tent and RV campers. We provide a toilet, potable water and a picnic table. Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban, pets are welcome.The forests are full of foraging options that might be of interest to some campers. Very close to rivers for those who love canoeing. 15 minutes from amazing beaches on Lake Huron in both Port Elgin and Southampton. Sauble Beach is less than 30 minutes away. Come enjoy this amazing part of Southern Ontario.

Rutledge Acres

100%

(3)

19km from Southampton · 12 sites · RVs · Paisley, ON

From MAY 1 - OCTOBER 31st, there is a 2 night minimum. Charge for each trailer...each site can hold numerous trailers...each trailer will be charged. Please contact me to discuss length of time and cost. Our 360 acres is located in Paisley Ontario in the Township of Bruce. We have 5 multi-acre sites for Boondock camping that offer beautiful breezes off of Lake Huron and quiet private pastoral settings. Each site is groomed and offers a fire pit. You can bring up to 7 trailers into each site for a multi-trailer experience. We have approx 15 km of groomed trails to hike, trail run, walk all through Bruce County. We are close to numerous quaint Ontario towns and villages offering shops, bakeries, restaurants and more. The Saugeen River is located very close to the properties and you can rent kayaks in Paisley and go down the river towards Lake Huron. Lake Huron is a pristine great lake and we offer great beaches within 20 minute drive... Our settings are perfect for small or large gatherings and are private and secluded. Unfortunately we do not offer water, septic or hydro so your trailer needs to be self sustaining. TRAILERS and MOTORHOMES are the preferred method of camping. It is being used for Boondocking, weddings, mediation and yoga retreats and we look forward to hosting you also soon. We are pet friendly...so bring your four legged family members too!

Secluded Bungalow on River & Trails

100%

(1)

29km from Southampton · 1 site · Lodging · Paisley, ON

Winter has added costs due to snow plow. Snow plow cost varies from $50 - $250 depending on how much snow there is. The laneway is 1000 meters long. 1 kilometre. If the snow plow can't get in, you will be required to hike in through the snow. Potentially, a neighbour can be hired with his snowmobile. No guarantees. All wheel drive and winter tires is strongly advised. Unique and secluded, this cabin is a true gem in the heart of nature. It features 3 bedrooms, a dining area, kitchen, bathroom, and woodstove. We also have high-speed wifi on site! The cabin is perfect for a family looking to get away from it all. You will be able to enjoy all that nature has to offer from the cabin's central location. Hiking trails, beaches, wildlife, and snowshoeing are just a few of the activities located nearby. NOT SUITED FOR LARGE GROUPS. In the winter, you will be able to go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing and enjoy a cozy evening reading by the woodstove. You will also be able to enjoy all the beauty of nature during the summer months with hiking trails, beaches, kayaking, and more! The cabin is located along the Saugeen River, just north of 700 acres of managed trails in Bruce County, Ontario. Our property is 85-acres (40 acres is farmed). We are only 20-minutes from beaches and world-class sunsets in Port Elgin, Saugeen Shores, and Southampton. WINTER: Ski-In-Ski-Out. Road access is limited for extreme seclusion! The cabin is 1km off the main road. Plowing, if needed, will be at your own expense! HUNTERS WELCOME! 85-acres of Sugarbush. Next to 700 acres of public trails called Brant Tract. Please note, the people limit for the listing is 6 people. ***PACK IN, PACK OUT. Guests must take all garbage with them when they leave. Any trash left will result in a $50 charge per bag. Seriously. I had to sort through people's trash/recycling in the past. Not doing that again!!!

Stories from the community

J

Joshua

3 weeks ago

Tent

6 nights at Rowley's Saugeen River Adv. Acres

We had a great week camping in the fall. Colours are beautiful and the river access was fantastic.

E

Eun

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Rowley's Saugeen River Adv. Acres

This was a magical and tranquil camping escape. The waterfront spot was perfectly quiet and peaceful. The clear skies and zero light pollution provided phenomenal stargazing nightly. Chris was very generous host. He provided us an abundant and complimentary supply of firewood. It made our evenings effortless and cozy. We will definitely return!

I

Ivan

October 2025

21 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Natures Acres

We had an amazing stay at Carl’s place! The location is peaceful and beautifully maintained – it felt like having the whole forest to ourselves. The fall colors around the pond were absolutely stunning, and paddling there was pure calm. Everything was spotless, the hookups (including water) worked perfectly, and there was plenty of firewood ready for us. It’s a wonderful place to unwind and enjoy nature – we’d be happy to come back again!

H

Holly

October 2025

24 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Natures Acres

Carl is the most welcoming and friendly host we have ever met! We absolutely love staying at Natures Acres for the host experience, beautiful environment and amenities. We will definitely be back again for a visit :)

H

Hannah

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Natures Acres

Wadda lovely little gem! Well maintained tree lined field with wee swim able pond right there close. Campsites are visible to each other but far enough away so you can't hear the others. One outside that was a bit of a walk but clean. Will go back here

A

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Natures Acres

Spacious camp ground with clear view of the sky. Perfect for groups and stargazing.

C

Cam

September 2025

36 ft Class A

Group trip

3 nights at Natures Acres

Unfortunately, my motorhome broke down and couldn’t make this trip but Carl was empathetic and understanding.

G

Glenn

September 2025

16 ft toy hauler

With pets

Weekend Trip to Saugeen Shores Nature Retreat

This is a very quiet and private spot. Very nice place to watch the sun set. The sky’s are dark at night for star gazing. Best Hip Camp so far!

Katy~Steve

September 2025

24 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Natures Acres

What a way to end the camping season! We were fortunate enough to experience Spring, Summer and Fall on Carl & Marsha's gorgeous property! We also got to share it with our eldest son and grandkids and just finished another weekend with our youngest! Getting to watch the little animal family grow was an extra treat too! Baby sheep from last year are no longer babies, the babies from the spring have grown so much. Every trip was an amazing, much needed escape from "real life" and every season brought different views. SO many memories were made on this property this year and we are beyond grateful. Carl & Marsha are truly two of the kindest, most genuine, helpful people and we are so happy that we have managed to meet them and spend so much time on their property!! Countdown to next year is already on. Steve,Katy, Tinkerbell(& Michael)

Katy~Steve

September 2025

23 ft Class C

Group trip

4 nights at Natures Acres

Once again, we were fortunate enough to briefly escape "real life" and take some time to breathe at our home away from home. The weather was PERFECT. We have been able to watch the little animal family grow up this year. As usual, Carl & Marsha went above and beyond. From their welcoming smiles to always offering to help whenever we needed. We feel so blessed to have found this little slice of heaven and look forward to being able to come back!! Steve,Katy(& Tink)

K

Karena

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

4 nights at Rowley's Saugeen River Adv. Acres

Great place! My little dog loved being off leash and my friends and I had a lot of room to set up our camp site.

L

Launi

September 2025

32 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Natures Acres

This place is our new favourite place. We had the pond site - 4 adults and a child plus our dog and we have decided this will be an annual family event. The site was stunning ! We kayaked and use the paddle board and swam everyday ! My grandson loved the animals and knew them by name after feeding them our daily scraps. Such a pleasure to deal with fantastic hosts !

K

Karena

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Rowley's Saugeen River Adv. Acres

We loved it!!! It was very quiet. It was exactly what we were looking for.

D

Darren

August 2025

30 ft Class A

Weekend Trip to Natures Acres

We stayed 3 nights at the pond view site. The camp was exactly what we were looking for, quiet, peaceful and private. The RV sites are spread out far enough that you can't see the other camps. The property was clean and tidy and our site had full hook ups for our RV. Carl was easy to communicate with and responded promptly to messages. We had a mechanical issue and had to bump our reservation back and day. Carl accommodated our request without any penalties. We would stay at Carl's property again!

D

Dre

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Rowley's Saugeen River Adv. Acres

Excellent campsite, the river access is a great spot with stairs going down. Do wear good water shoes for the large rocks. We made a raft of four donuts and floated down the river to the conservation site. Very fun, the trek up river was a task as the river seems slow when going down. Have fun! Next to the field we saw lots of butterflies and stars!

M

Monique

August 2025

20 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Natures Acres

This peaceful property is beautifully maintained, and the pond is absolutely breathtaking — the perfect spot for a relaxing camp weekend. We loved swimming, kayaking, and taking out the pedal boat. A highlight of our stay was spotting a bald eagle, which made the trip even more special. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a quiet alternative to the busy, overcrowded parks!

Britt

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Peanut Pond Stargazing

Beautiful little spot. Our pups loved the pond and stalking the frogs (they were too afraid to get close haha). There is a little clutter at the entry as mentioned in other reviews, but the space down by the pond was clean and offered plenty of space around to enjoy. The ground is a little unlevel, so better suited for a smaller tent then trying to find a space for something larger.

L

Liora

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rowley's Saugeen River Adv. Acres

Magical, beautiful, serene. We will be back 🙏🏼. Thank you Chris.

B

Brittany

August 2025

Tent

4 nights at Rowley's Saugeen River Adv. Acres

We were lucky to have the space to ourselves while we were there, Chris is very nice and accommodating. There is one small site that is secluded and close to the water with shade all day, but the rest are more open with no division between campers. The river was awesome and so nice to have to so close to our site, we went many times in the day. We brought our dog who LOVES to swim and he had a blast swimming against the current. The current is strong, so fun to walk up and float back, it’s rocky so bring water shoes, lots of crayfish to watch. There is even a small space by the river to bring chairs. All in all we had a great time!

n

niah

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Rowley's Saugeen River Adv. Acres

Tent camping on Chris’ land was amazing! Even though it rained, we were never worried as we knew we had a helping hand if we needed it. Would definitely recommend!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping near Southampton with horseback riding guide

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.