Notable Campgrounds
- Best for light sleepers: Ridge View Campground is the furthest from busy Highway 7 and the other campgrounds.
- Best for swimming: The aptly named Beach Front Campground offers the easiest beach access.
- Best for RVs: Maple Grove can accommodate large trailers and is closest to the dumping station.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- You can make reservations as early as five months in advance, which is a smart idea for weekend visits and premium spots. Should you miss out on your preferred dates or sites, don’t despair—campsite reservations can be changed at the four-month mark. If you’re patient, some early bookers modify their reservation and you can grab your perfect spot.
- If you don’t mind a bit of noise, you’ll have a lot of options among the camping sites closest to Highway 7. These spots tend to book up last.
- If you’re heading out for a last-minute visit, check with the campground just after noon on the day you hope to arrive. Any departing campers who choose to shorten their stay get a full refund if they cancel before noon, meaning a few spots can open up for last-minute guests.
When to Go
Sharbot Lake Provincial Park is open from mid-May until mid-October. Like many provincial parks, Sharbot Lake bans alcohol on Victoria Day and for the 10 days preceding it. July and August are popular times to visit, when park staff operate a discovery drop-in program for children. Both Canada Day weekend (July 1) and the August Civic Holiday weekend (the first Monday of the month) are very busy.
Know Before You Go
- A couple of campsites don’t offer on-site parking. Here, campers must park a short distance away and carry their gear in.
- Normally, you need a license to fish at Sharbot Lake Provincial Park (and anywhere else in Ontario) but each year, the Ontario Family Fishing Program offers two license-free weekends.
- Sharbot Lake is part of the Tackleshare Program, which loans out fishing gear at no cost.
Sharbot Lake Provincial Park
This spot is all about fun and fishing.
An hour north of Kingston and 90 minutes southwest of Ottawa by road, Sharbot Lake Provincial Park is actually a two-lake destination. Its namesake, Sharbot Lake, is filled with trout, walleye, bass, perch, pike, and sunfish, making it a good destination for experienced canoers looking to catch their own dinner. Meanwhile, Black Lake is much smaller, more sheltered, and perfect for those new to paddling. While you won’t find trout, it has all the other species found in Sharbot Lake. Those who prefer to explore inland will find two short, moderate trails with nice views. Sharbot Lake has four campgrounds and close to 200 camping sites, including some which are rated “premium” for their water views.
An hour north of Kingston and 90 minutes southwest of Ottawa by road, Sharbot Lake Provincial Park is actually a two-lake destination. Its namesake, Sharbot Lake, is filled with trout, walleye, bass, perch, pike, and sunfish, making it a good destination for experienced canoers looking to catch their own dinner. Meanwhile, Black Lake is much smaller, more sheltered, and perfect for those new to paddling. While you won’t find trout, it has all the other species found in Sharbot Lake. Those who prefer to explore inland will find two short, moderate trails with nice views. Sharbot Lake has four campgrounds and close to 200 camping sites, including some which are rated “premium” for their water views.
Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
Sharbot Lake Provincial Park is open from mid-May until mid-October. Like many provincial parks, Sharbot Lake bans alcohol on Victoria Day and for the 10 days preceding it. July and August are popular times to visit, when park staff operate a discovery drop-in program for children. Both Canada Day weekend (July 1) and the August Civic Holiday weekend (the first Monday of the month) are very busy.
Know Before You Go