Notable Campgrounds
- Best for classic beach views: Cavendish Campground is fully serviced and right on the water.
- Best for peace and quiet: Stanhope Campground is well-sized with creature comforts such as a gift shop, bathrooms, and forested kid-friendly spots.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- The two Prince Edward Island campgrounds—Stanhope and Cavendish—are set on the north shore and open June through early or late September, respectively. Reservations for the summer camping season can be made in January.
- If you’re looking for a hassle-free option, check out the oTENTiks shelters offered at both locations. Popular with families and groups, these A-frame cabins include beds and furniture for up to six people (though you’ll want to reserve as far in advance as possible).
- Last-minute campers should head to Stanhope, which includes seven walk-up sites.
When to Go
Summer is the most popular time to visit PEI National Park. Not only are campgrounds open, but warm weather and ocean temperatures also allow you to take full advantage of the park’s seven supervised beaches, including Cavendish Beach and Brackley Beach. Spring and fall visits include opportunities for hiking and kayaking in solitude, but they’ll require you to find overnight accommodations elsewhere. Trails are maintained in winter, so cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also viable options.
Know Before You Go
- There are a handful of campsite types at both campgrounds, including drive-through options for RVs and car camping, as well as basic tent camping. All sites include firepits.
- Both Cavendish and Stanhope campgrounds offer potable water, washrooms with showers and flush toilets, kitchen shelters, and laundromats.
- Wifi is available at each campground’s kiosk during hours of operation.
- Both campgrounds offer two oTENTik shelters with accessible features for wheelchairs.
Prince Edward Island National Park
Prepare for red-sand beaches, painted lighthouses, and a dose of history.
Coastline is king in Prince Edward Island National Park—and with seven beaches and some 50 kilometres of trails, there’s plenty to explore. Hike or cycle through thick pine forest; swim, kayak, or fish in the ocean; and keep an eye out for native birds such as blue herons and kingfishers. For a bit of culture, explore colonial-era forts and settlements in the park’s historic sites, or dive into Canadian literature at Green Gables Heritage Site—home of the red-haired heroine of Anne of Green Gables, a classic children’s novel set here. The park is just a 25-minute drive from PEI’s capital of Charlottetown.
Coastline is king in Prince Edward Island National Park—and with seven beaches and some 50 kilometres of trails, there’s plenty to explore. Hike or cycle through thick pine forest; swim, kayak, or fish in the ocean; and keep an eye out for native birds such as blue herons and kingfishers. For a bit of culture, explore colonial-era forts and settlements in the park’s historic sites, or dive into Canadian literature at Green Gables Heritage Site—home of the red-haired heroine of Anne of Green Gables, a classic children’s novel set here. The park is just a 25-minute drive from PEI’s capital of Charlottetown.
Notable Campgrounds
- Best for classic beach views: Cavendish Campground is fully serviced and right on the water.
- Best for peace and quiet: Stanhope Campground is well-sized with creature comforts such as a gift shop, bathrooms, and forested kid-friendly spots.
Read more...Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
Summer is the most popular time to visit PEI National Park. Not only are campgrounds open, but warm weather and ocean temperatures also allow you to take full advantage of the park’s seven supervised beaches, including Cavendish Beach and Brackley Beach. Spring and fall visits include opportunities for hiking and kayaking in solitude, but they’ll require you to find overnight accommodations elsewhere. Trails are maintained in winter, so cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also viable options.
Know Before You Go