The best campgrounds near Thunder Bay, Ontario with campfires

With the nearest city of Kenora sitting some 500 kilometers away, Thunder Bay is a natural stopping place for anyone driving across Ontario on a camping road trip. Northern Ontario is vast, and the area around Thunder Bay offers amazing wildlife viewing opportunities and unspoiled parks to explore. The city itself features a growing restaurant scene, the Blue Point Amethyst Mine, Fort Williams Historical Park, and all the amenities you could need for your trip.

94% (133)

Top-rated campgrounds

With the nearest city of Kenora sitting some 500 kilometers away, Thunder Bay is a natural stopping place for anyone driving across Ontario on a camping road trip. Northern Ontario is vast, and the area around Thunder Bay offers amazing wildlife viewing opportunities and unspoiled parks to explore. The city itself features a growing restaurant scene, the Blue Point Amethyst Mine, Fort Williams Historical Park, and all the amenities you could need for your trip.

94% (133)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Slate River Dairy

95%

(37)

26km from Thunder Bay · 1 site · Tent, RV · Thunder Bay, ON

We are an on-farm processing dairy where we take the milk from our own farm and bottle this in glass returnable bottles. We also sell other local products. We let campers stay in our parking lot where they can enjoy a beautiful sunset and many hiking trail just minutes away from us. Please note that when you book our place we may not see your booking right away or any messages from you to us, since the Hipcamp app is not working properly at the moment. If we haven't responded in a timely manner please email us from our website. slateriverdairy@tbaytel.net Campers can walk down to the river and maybe see a beaver hard at work. Campers will not be allowed to walk to the farm as insurance won't allow us to host campers when we do. Please do not drive around the building or pitch a tent on our septic field. There is a black mailbox by the front doors where we will put a welcome package for you. This has a map and websites of in the area hikes and other businesses. There is a lake about 12 min drive from us with a nice beach. We will provide a pick nick table, unless other campers are using it. A short walk from us is a small Catholic country church, and you can walk to the Slate River Bridge on Hwy 608 and on Hwy 61.

2. Latibule Resort and Campground

98%

(108)

58km from Thunder Bay · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Dorion, ON

We purchased this property with a vision and have been working to develop it into a beautiful place to escape and relax ever since. The property is situated on Crow lake in the middle of Canyon Country surrounded by amazing landscapes and opportunities to see and explore them, a few include waterfalls, rock climbing, conservation areas, lake superior, amethyst mines, suspension bridges and more. Look for Latibule Resort on Instagram and Facebook

3. Silver Mountain Lux and Cozy Cabin

86%

(7)

51km from Thunder Bay · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Thunder Bay, ON

Welcome to our charming Lux and Cozy Cabin in nature! Silver Mountain is a small village in the heart of the most Beautiful Scenery with a large nature area, Mountains, and plenty of nature to explore, including natural falls, lakes, Atv trails, beach for sports, and relaxing. Suitable for couples, single travelling adventurer, business traveller, and families (with children). Free WiFi available. Surrounded by nature but close to the city of Thunder Bay, which has plenty of adventure for those who enjoy history, and outdoor sporting. A charming cabin surrounded by nature but a short drive to the city. Traditional method of construction with all modern basics you need. BBQ, Hot Tub, beautiful firepit, which includes chairs, and wood for burning. Outdoor games available, and lots of room to bring your own. Plenty of room to ride bikes, park all your toys, boats etc. Enjoy your stay, Welcome to our Lux, and Cozy Cabin. The space offers 2 Bedrooms, 1 full washroom, making it perfect for 2 couples, or a family of 4. When you tire of exploring the trail, site seeing swimming and sea-doing etc. Cozy up around the firepit, or in the hot tub, under the stary sky, and take in the beautiful scenery of Silver Mountain.

4. Peaceful Poolside Bliss!

100%

(24)

47km from Thunder Bay · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Thunder Bay, ON

Learn more about this land: Entirely surrounded by nature, beautiful and peaceful. A place to let go and just be. The camp sites are located with 160 acres in the middle of the forest. There is no traffic, no motor boats, no sea-doo's, no lawn mowers, just nature. The sound of the birds and the sound of silence is all you can hear. The campsites are spacious and tucked within the trees. Not entirely private, but private enough. There are more than 2 campsites available. All are by the swimming pool, sauna and summer kitchen area. The pool area consists of a wood burning sauna for enjoyment and washing up, a fire pit for socializing and cooking, propane or charcoal BBQ's and a summer kitchen with a propane stove and cold running water. The pool area is the common area. Most of the time it is vacant but there may be other friendly, welcoming guests or myself enjoying that space. You may get the entire area to yourself. You never know. There is an artesian well beside the creek behind the summer kitchen. It is pure spring drinking water. Seeing the property is totally off grid there is no hydro or city water. So no plumbed in toilets. There is an outhouse for human waste. There are solar lights around the pool and sauna and a place to charge and use cell phones if need be. There may be other options available for your stay. A 21ft RV trailer with all the amenities of home for $100 per night. You can view the trailer on the air bnb site called "Pool side bliss glamper RV trailer". Glamper meaning you have to bring your own blankets, sheets or sleeping bag and pillow.

5. Boreal Bliss Camping

100%

(4)

33km from Thunder Bay · 2 sites · Tents · Thunder Bay, ON

We have a beautiful and quiet piece of land. It is 45 minutes from Thunder Bay and 30 minutes from Kakabeka. It has hills and valleys with some stunning views. There are hiking trails throughout the property. There is a fire pit and sauna to use. We live off grid so feel free to come out and unplug.

6. My Happy Place

93%

(7)

61km from Thunder Bay · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Dorion, ON

Learn more about this land:This is a perfect spot to get away from it all and reconnect with nature. Whether you want to explore the Ouimet Canyon, hike the trails, or admire a waterfall, this is a nature lover’s paradise. The trails are well maintained and there are plenty of places to explore. The best part is that you can bring your best friend along with you! This property is pet-friendly.At Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park (15-minute drive), you can enjoy panoramic views of a 150-metre wide gorge and sheer cliffs that drop 100 metres straight down to the canyon floor. A trail and boardwalk connect two lookout platforms with spectacular views of the canyon. Arctic plants usually found 1,000 kilometres north, survive in the unique environment at the bottom of the canyon.We have over 130 acres and two campsites available so you are guaranteed privacy and seclusion during your stay!

7. Niibing Tribal Tours

100%

(2)

42km from Thunder Bay · 13 sites · Lodging · Neebing, ON

Bring your family or organization to stay on my pristine land situated on 135 acres located 45kms south from Thunder Bay airport and 10 minutes north of the Minnesota border. I welcome you to rent one of my thirteen rustic cabins or pitch your tent in a private area to reconnect with nature and rediscover yourself. You can also purchase add-on experiences to learn more about Anishinaaabe practices and the rich culture of the region. For nature lovers and boating enthusiasts, the Little Trout Bay Conservation Area and Lake Superior boat launch are all less than 2 kms away. Enjoy the James Duncan Nature Trail located in the same area, perfect for a day hike. A firepit with firewood for purchase is also available for your family to enjoy. I look forward to meeting you soon. Niibing means 'it is summer' in Anishinaabe. My paternal ancestry is Anishinaabe from north of Lake Superior and Cree/French from northern Manitoba and my maternal ancestry is from England through my great-grandmother. I purchased this land in 2017 to fulfil a lifelong dream to live in the bush next to water and to offer tribal tourism opportunities to global visitors. My ancestors have been greeting visitors on Gichigami (Lake Superior) for thousands of years. I feel that when I am greeting visitors. It is important to me and to my role of Lodgekeeper to be welcoming and accommodating. As a Lodgekeeper, I was presented with the Spiritual guidance to conduct this work for all people, Indigenous and non-Indigenous. I am very passionate about this work and share the concepts of 'All My Relations' and our interconnectedness with the animals, trees, plants, mountains, water and all the other beings of Mother Earth. It is my life’s work. “I offer these teachings and experiences from my role as Lodgekeeper, gifted to me through ceremony. I do this work from the heart, with the understanding that healing is sacred — and sustainability is sacred. Every contribution supports the land, the Spirits, and the continuation of these opportunities for future generations.” Standing Strong of the Anishinaabe People

Camper favorites near Thunder Bay

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Peaceful Poolside Bliss!

100%

(24)

47km from Thunder Bay · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Thunder Bay, ON

Learn more about this land: Entirely surrounded by nature, beautiful and peaceful. A place to let go and just be. The camp sites are located with 160 acres in the middle of the forest. There is no traffic, no motor boats, no sea-doo's, no lawn mowers, just nature. The sound of the birds and the sound of silence is all you can hear. The campsites are spacious and tucked within the trees. Not entirely private, but private enough. There are more than 2 campsites available. All are by the swimming pool, sauna and summer kitchen area. The pool area consists of a wood burning sauna for enjoyment and washing up, a fire pit for socializing and cooking, propane or charcoal BBQ's and a summer kitchen with a propane stove and cold running water. The pool area is the common area. Most of the time it is vacant but there may be other friendly, welcoming guests or myself enjoying that space. You may get the entire area to yourself. You never know. There is an artesian well beside the creek behind the summer kitchen. It is pure spring drinking water. Seeing the property is totally off grid there is no hydro or city water. So no plumbed in toilets. There is an outhouse for human waste. There are solar lights around the pool and sauna and a place to charge and use cell phones if need be. There may be other options available for your stay. A 21ft RV trailer with all the amenities of home for $100 per night. You can view the trailer on the air bnb site called "Pool side bliss glamper RV trailer". Glamper meaning you have to bring your own blankets, sheets or sleeping bag and pillow.

Boreal Bliss Camping

100%

(4)

33km from Thunder Bay · 2 sites · Tents · Thunder Bay, ON

We have a beautiful and quiet piece of land. It is 45 minutes from Thunder Bay and 30 minutes from Kakabeka. It has hills and valleys with some stunning views. There are hiking trails throughout the property. There is a fire pit and sauna to use. We live off grid so feel free to come out and unplug.

My Happy Place

93%

(7)

61km from Thunder Bay · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Dorion, ON

Learn more about this land:This is a perfect spot to get away from it all and reconnect with nature. Whether you want to explore the Ouimet Canyon, hike the trails, or admire a waterfall, this is a nature lover’s paradise. The trails are well maintained and there are plenty of places to explore. The best part is that you can bring your best friend along with you! This property is pet-friendly.At Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park (15-minute drive), you can enjoy panoramic views of a 150-metre wide gorge and sheer cliffs that drop 100 metres straight down to the canyon floor. A trail and boardwalk connect two lookout platforms with spectacular views of the canyon. Arctic plants usually found 1,000 kilometres north, survive in the unique environment at the bottom of the canyon.We have over 130 acres and two campsites available so you are guaranteed privacy and seclusion during your stay!

Niibing Tribal Tours

100%

(2)

42km from Thunder Bay · 13 sites · Lodging · Neebing, ON

Bring your family or organization to stay on my pristine land situated on 135 acres located 45kms south from Thunder Bay airport and 10 minutes north of the Minnesota border. I welcome you to rent one of my thirteen rustic cabins or pitch your tent in a private area to reconnect with nature and rediscover yourself. You can also purchase add-on experiences to learn more about Anishinaaabe practices and the rich culture of the region. For nature lovers and boating enthusiasts, the Little Trout Bay Conservation Area and Lake Superior boat launch are all less than 2 kms away. Enjoy the James Duncan Nature Trail located in the same area, perfect for a day hike. A firepit with firewood for purchase is also available for your family to enjoy. I look forward to meeting you soon. Niibing means 'it is summer' in Anishinaabe. My paternal ancestry is Anishinaabe from north of Lake Superior and Cree/French from northern Manitoba and my maternal ancestry is from England through my great-grandmother. I purchased this land in 2017 to fulfil a lifelong dream to live in the bush next to water and to offer tribal tourism opportunities to global visitors. My ancestors have been greeting visitors on Gichigami (Lake Superior) for thousands of years. I feel that when I am greeting visitors. It is important to me and to my role of Lodgekeeper to be welcoming and accommodating. As a Lodgekeeper, I was presented with the Spiritual guidance to conduct this work for all people, Indigenous and non-Indigenous. I am very passionate about this work and share the concepts of 'All My Relations' and our interconnectedness with the animals, trees, plants, mountains, water and all the other beings of Mother Earth. It is my life’s work. “I offer these teachings and experiences from my role as Lodgekeeper, gifted to me through ceremony. I do this work from the heart, with the understanding that healing is sacred — and sustainability is sacred. Every contribution supports the land, the Spirits, and the continuation of these opportunities for future generations.” Standing Strong of the Anishinaabe People

Stories from the community

S

Sabrina

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Slate River Dairy

My friend and I went up for a short trip and found Wilma's farm here. It was a great experience! The lady who checked us in was not Wilma but she knew what she was doing! She was very kind to us and was very clear about the rules. She even gave us a list of things to do around the area. We checked in during the day but came back to camp at night. We felt very safe there and because it was cold we camped in my car. I would recommend this place! The workers are very sweet and we felt comfortable being there as two women in an unfamiliar place.

K

Kylie

October 2025

29 ft Class A

2 nights at Slate River Dairy

We had great time camping at Wilmas dairy. Wilma was very friendly and welcoming. We were also very happy to find some delicous products in her dairy shop!

R

Roderick

October 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Slate River Dairy

Close to Thunder Bay but feels remote. Have a good night sleep and easy to get on and off.

M

Mikayla

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Peaceful Poolside Bliss!

Honestly, Paul’s place is a little peice of paradise! It was exactly what me and my partner were looking for as a little weekend getaway close to home. Even though we accidentally booked outside the standard season (sorry!) Paul was still super accommodating. The property itself was beautiful, and the pool and Sauna was a plus! He let us use all the extra accomadations such as the summer kitchen and wifi boaster that he definitely did not need to do! The only teeny tiny reccomendation I would make is to maybe removing the glass cup with the symbol that could be hurtful to some guests. Otherwise, I have nothing to say. Paul is a great guy, and I would love to book with him again! Thanks for a great weekend!!!!!

R

Roderick

October 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Latibule Resort and Campground

Nice place by the lake. With water and outhouse. Would love to stay longer next time.

A

Ayse

October 2025

16 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Latibule Resort and Campground

I loved the hospitality and they were supremely accommodating. As hosts they were available for questions. The land is a postcard, lovely and serene. I would definitely come back and recommend to others who will be in the area.

D

Douglas

September 2025

13 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Latibule Resort and Campground

We enjoyed our time there and even commented we would definitely revisit this place. Great location sites were clean and marked. Hi marks to them. Cheers.

Lulu

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Boreal Bliss Camping

What a glorious place to stay!! While we were there they let us use their firewood and there were northern lights!!

T

Troy

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Slate River Dairy

Super kind hosts! Lovely view in the morning. Quiet and safe!

G

Gali

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Niibing Tribal Tours

We soaked in the peace and beauty of the meadows and woods. We are grateful to Cindy for sharing her land and herself with her animals heartily. May much healing take place surrounding the Standing Strong woman and the Anishinaabe keepers of the land. Chi miigwech gigawaabamin miinawaa. G.W. P.S. You will enjoy the simplicity and yet everything you might need is there. The cabins still smell of newness and the beds and mattresses are very comfortable.

S

Scott

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Slate River Dairy

Great place to stop for the night, Wilma was super nice and pleasant. There was plenty of room and I pitched a tent on the north side. Got a visit from one of the dogs and he was chill. Cows were out in the pasture in the morning. Great place to spend a night while traveling through the area.

J

Jacqui

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Slate River Dairy

I loved camping at Slate River Dairy Farm! Wilma was very kind and welcoming. She made my first time using hipcamp so enjoyable, I booked a stay at another hipcamp later on in my trip. She has so much local knowledge to share, which she provides in the welcome package. Stopping in at their store the next morning was a highlight, the butter and milk are delicious!

D

David

August 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Peaceful Poolside Bliss!

Beautiful Spot, very quiet and peaceful. Paul is a great guy and a good host, very accommodating. Thanks!

L

Lucas

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Peaceful Poolside Bliss!

Paul was an exceptional host. He truly cares about his guests. The pool and Sauna were great. I also liked the community aspect of the property. Thank you for the great stay Paul.

C

Cameron

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Latibule Resort and Campground

This was a nice site to tent at. Our site was secluded, the facilities were good, and the proximity to the Ouimet Canyon is unbeatable.

Richard

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Latibule Resort and Campground

Great location close to the canyon. Perfect area to explore out of.

Kim

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Latibule Resort and Campground

This is a really great lakeside property with a dock and seating at several viewpoints along the lakefront. The facilities were immaculately clean and well maintained. Each campsite was spacious and private. I highly recommend this HipCamp!

Summer

August 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Latibule Resort and Campground

Great spot, friendly staff :) i would definitely stay here again!

S

Shawn

August 2025

13 ft campervan

1 night at Slate River Dairy

Great spot to camp my partner and I showed up very late to check in as our trip ran late but they were very accommodating and allowed us to stay the night. Thank you very much! Wonderful stay would definitely Park here again. Shawn and Jen

B

Brodie

August 2025

Tent

4 nights at Peaceful Poolside Bliss!

Tent camping on Paul's property was an awesome experience! Had a super fun 4 days there, the pool and sauna was amazing, nothing but good vibes. Would definitely recommend to anybody who wants to experience nature with the luxury of an inground pool

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping near Thunder Bay with campfires guide

Where to go

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

At Sleeping Giant, more than 100km of hiking trails lead campers through unique geographical features and boreal forest with unparalleled views out over Lake Superior. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including lynx, timber wolves, white-tailed deer, the endangered grey fox, and more than 200 bird species. Mountain biking is popular in summer, while skiing reigns supreme in winter.

Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area

The protected waters of the truly immense Lake Superior and the lands around it form this park that is a haven for wildlife. Hike the many trails, get out on that water on your kayak or swim from the beaches, cast a line, or if you’re a diver explore more than 50 sunken vessels on the lake bed.

Silver Falls Provincial Park

Known for having one of Northern Ontario's best hiking trails (which leads to Silver Falls), this park offers sandy swimming beaches, pristine waterways for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, and seasonal rustic camping.

La Verendrye Provincial Park

This waterway park on the Minnesota border was once part of the historic fur-trading route from Lake Superior to Winnipeg. The park is unstaffed with no entry fees and limited facilities, but backcountry and car camping are allowed.

When to go

With a population of more than 110,000, Thunder Bay is a year-round city despite extremely cold winters. Restaurants and most attractions stay open through winter, but spots like Fort Williams Historical Park are seasonal. Winters in Northern Ontario are brutal with temperatures dipping below -40°C and rough road conditions, so you'll need to be well prepared to plan a winter camping trip to Thunder Bay.

Know before you go

Getting to any parks around Thunder Bay without a vehicle is near impossible. If you rent a car in winter, late fall, or early spring, consider getting one with snow tires.
Plenty of stores in Thunder Bay sell camping gear and trip provisions.
Cell reception can be patchy outside of the city.
The Pigeon River border crossing is only 50km from Thunder Bay, but you’ll need to make sure you have a passport and valid travel documents to cross into the US (and to get back into Canada).