Camping near Shawinigan

Head to Shawi for your next outdoor escape—canoeing, skiing, or lakeside camping.

99% (167 reviews)

Canada
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Quebec
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Shawinigan

99% (167 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Shawinigan

Camper favorites near Shawinigan

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Stories from the community

Karine

1 week ago

Weekend Trip to Dobedo Camps

Superbe endroit très relaxant ! À refaire ! L’accueil était bien et l’emplacement est magnifique

Weekend Trip to Dobedo Camps

Matthew is an amazing host: very friendly and very helpful and the land is absolutely beautiful. Our campsite was right by the river and was equipped with a wooden platform, which was a lifesaver with the rainy weather we got. sites are also equipped with a bathroom. we weren’t able to enjoy the lake that much because of the weather but again, it looked really beautiful. we will definitely be coming back and recommending to friends!!! 🤗🤗🤗

2 nights at Dobedo Camps

This was my first time visit at Mathew’s property. It was an amazing experience. I can’t express in words but definitely if you are reading reviews so must visit without any doubt. Mathew’s is co operative, nice human. We enjoyed swimming and kayak too. Overall it was wonderful trip.

Marie-Claude

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Dobedo Camps

Very nice place to have a little getaway! The nature is beautiful and well preserved. Lakes are very clean and refreshing. The little cabins are cute and the way they are built over the cliff is very special! Matthew was very easy and helpful! I highly recommend this spot!

Weekend Trip to Dobedo Camps

Beautiful place!! Great for adult relaxation!! Nice accommodation and views!

Sabrina

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Dobedo Camps

Nous avons beaucoup aimé l’endroit, 100% dans le bois, très tranquille. Il n’y a pas beaucoup d’espace privé autour des habitations, mais les aires communes sont très bien et que dire de la forêt qui nous entour. Je recommande les petites cabanes!! Nous y retournerons.

Weekend Trip to Dobedo Camps

Really lovely experience staying here. Matthew was super kind, accommodating, communicative and available. Our campsite was pristine upon arrival and we were so pleased to find out that we had our own access to the lake and to a lovely stream.

Weekend Trip to Dobedo Camps

Great spot, great welcome, very comfortable. Highly recommend.

Marco

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Dobedo Camps

Had a great stay! Beautiful spot and very peaceful. As for the fishing on the camp’s lake — not amazing just yet, but give it 5 years and it’ll be incredible. They started stocking the lake last year, so you can already see some fish activity a lot but to small. The potential is definitely there!

Lucas

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Dobedo Camps

We were in the hawk cabin, really great outdoor kitchen for those who don’t have a camping stove. Very private, would highly recommend!

2 nights at Inukshuk zen garden campsite

Paul's zen garden is a beautiful oasis of calm. There are beautiful areas for relaxation and planting and colour is stunning. Paul is a superb host and goes out of his way to be helpful, informative and thoughtful. It was a wonderful experience to stay in his garden.

Weekend Trip to Dobedo Camps

My partner and I were lucky enough to get the grounds to ourselves and it was incredible. Waking up to the view from our room was such a treat. We really enjoyed swimming in the lake. Highly recommend.

Justine

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Dobedo Camps

We really enjoyed our stay at Eagle Camp. The cabin was clean, cozy, and had a beautiful view from the small cliff overlooking the lake. The cooking area was a big plus: it had running water, was well equipped, and protected us from the wind and rain, so we were able to cook comfortably. The forest around the site was peaceful and beautiful, making the whole experience even better. Matthew was very welcoming, gave us a tour when we arrived, and was happy to answer any questions we had. We definitely recommend.

Weekend Trip to Inukshuk zen garden campsite

Paul’s spot was a little slice of heaven, with a nice place to park your rig right next to his beautiful gardens. He also has a number of places to hang and relax near the garden and the pond. A large trail network is available right out the door. When we left, Paul shared some cuttings of his plants with us. Couldn’t ask for a better spot or host.

Weekend Trip to Inukshuk zen garden campsite

Lovely place, very quiet. We were charmed. Many choices for outdoor seating to enjoy the views. Paul was very friendly and accommodating.

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3 top campgrounds near Shawinigan

99%

(119)

Dobedo Camps

12 sites · Lodging, Tents100 acres · Joliette, QC

C.I.T.Q # 276511 (English to Follow) Dobedo Camps est situé sur 100 acres de terrain privé et est entouré d'une réserve naturelle (Zec Lavigne). Il y a trois lacs à explorer ainsi que de nombreux kilomètres de sentiers de randonnée et de falaises d'escalade. La nature abonde et à seulement 90 minutes de Montréal. Révélez la vraie nature dans ce paradis quatre saisons! Dobedo Camps is located on 100 acres of Private land and is surrounded by a Nature Reserve (Zec Lavigne). There are three lakes to explore as well as many kms of Hiking Trails and Rock Climbing Cliffs. Nature abounds and only 90 minutes from Montreal. Reveal true nature in this four season paradise!

100%

(32)

Inukshuk zen garden campsite

1 site · RV1 acre · Saint Maurice, QC

Venez camper sur cette belle propriété au bord du lac avec un site privé .La tranquillité vous attend et le charme d’un jardin inoubliable. Foyer au gaz Marchez ou faites du vélo vers de nombreux sentiers à proximité… ou prenez une courte distance en voiture de 15 minutes du chemin du Roy du Saint-Laurent, des plages et des activités… ou l'emblématique parc national de la Mauricie avec ses nombreuses activités n'est qu'à 45 minutes en voiture. Il Cet endroit est parfait pour les voyageurs en solo ou en couple. Je suis un voyageur du monde complètement bilingue et j'ai hâte de vous accueillir bientôt. Come camp on this beautiful lakeside property with a private, level site beside a beautiful garden. Gaz fireplace available $$$ Walk or bike to many trails nearby… or take a short 15 minute drive to the St. Lawrence Chemin du Roy, beaches, and activities…or the iconic Mauricie National Park with its many activities is only a 45 minute drive. Il This spot is perfect for solo or couple travellers. I am a completely bilingual world-traveller and I look forward to hosting you soon.

94%

(33)

CirqueEnBois InWoodCircus cat camp

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Saint Damien, QC

SAN MAR HIGHTECH COMPOST TOILET-No flush!!! Lake beach moutains forest nature trees flowers cats many cats garden rocks grass sand blue sky no bad smell big skies full of stars and not that much musquitos And circus lessons available on demand Français ci-dessous Lake beach moutains forest nature trees flowers cats many cats garden rocks grass sand blue sky no bad smell big skies full of stars and not that much musquitos 10 minute walk to the lake and beach. At night, you may enjoy a starlit sky around a campfire. **Circus lessons available on demand *** This is a place for open minded, original, nothing like traditional campground! Make sure to read everything and watch all pics, ask any questions before booking. Thanks. Lac sauvage, plage, montagne , foret, arbres, nature, fleurs, chats pleins de chats! Grand ciel, pas de mauvaise odeur et pas tant de bibittes! 10 minutes à pied du lac et de la plage. ! SAN MAR HIGHTECH COMPOST TOILET-No flush!!! Ciel étoilé, feu de camp. **Cours de cirque disponibles sur demande

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Shawinigan guide

Overview

Shawinigan, QC (known as Shawi by locals) is just south of Quebec City. Set along the Saint-Maurice River and offering a unique blend of outdoor experiences with proximity to urban life and convenience, the town is a perfect base camp for exploring the wilds of Quebec. Experience Shawi’s natural side with hikes to trek, trails to ski, and waterways to cruise. Plus, ample camping options are available in the area, including remote countryside campsites, glamping spots overlooking the water, and calm, cozy cabins in the woods.

Where to go

La Mauricie National Park

La Mauricie is an expansive park with outdoor activities offered year-round—try swimming, fishing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more. The park offers a canoe camping circuit for campers willing to pack up and portage between lakes, with over 200 campsites accessible only by boat. There are also RV campsites, cabin rentals, and glamping spots in the area.

Parc Récréoforestier Saint-Mathieu

To Shawi’s west is a sprawling recreation site with dense boreal forests that stretch more than 120 square kilometres. The trails are an especially popular attraction, with both linear and circular trails affording views of yellow maples, lakes, and Quebec’s impressive mountain ranges. Saint-Mathieu is very close to Shawinigan, meaning it’s a quick day trip from beach campsites or A-frame accommodations.

Parc de l'Île-Melville

On a small island along the Saint-Maurice River, this park is a major Shawinigan attraction. Parc de l'Île-Melville is well worth the trip thanks to easy walking trails through the woods; canoe rentals on the river and inlet; biking paths; winter snowshoeing and cross-country skiing; and even an aerial zipline course. Because the park is just outside the city, it’s a short jaunt back to creekside campsites or a romantic treehouse rental.

When to go

Shawinigan (and all of Quebec) never truly has an off-season. The boreal forests are lush, vibrant, and alive in summer, while each lake and waterway is teeming with adventure for hikers and paddlers. Winter offers its own impressive display of outdoor fun—just be prepared for chilly temps (an average high of -5°C in January). We recommend exploring the larger parks to enjoy the peaceful side of Shawi’s nature.