The best camping in Nova Scotia

·

Almost entirely surrounded by water, Nova Scotia is central to Canada’s maritime region. Ocean inlets sneak tendrils into the province’s forested interior, while seafront restaurants dole out fresh fish, lighthouses beckon ships to shore, and beach bonfires dot the coast. The region shines in summer, when most Nova Scotia campgrounds open and gulf currents warm the Atlantic for swimming and boating. Autumn’s crisp temperatures and colorful foliage are perfect for hikes through the Cape Breton highlands or a drive on the Cabot Trail, and winter snow lays a smooth foundation for cross-country skiing.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park is ideal for camping in summer and hiking year-round, with old-growth boreal forests, river canyons, and plenty of sandy beaches. Campers can also consider taking a road trip along the coast and across the highlands on the scenic Cabot Trail highway. Further south, the saltwater Bras d’Or Lake is a sailing and swimming hotspot.

Here, you can experience the world’s most dramatic ocean tides in Fundy National Park, comb the beaches of Five Islands Provincial Park, or canoe through Kejimkujik National Park. Catch a glimpse of humpback and right whales during their summer migration—then, venture inland for fresh local produce and wine tastings at Annapolis Valley vineyards.

Head to Larencetown and Martinque beaches outside Halifax for some of the best cold-water surfing on Canada’s east coast. Visit the region’s authentic fishing communities on the way, then take a boat out to the 100 Wild Islands archipelago, where you can hike and camp in secluded coves and boreal rainforests.

Plenty of warm-water beaches lie along the sheltered Northumberland Strait, as does a thriving local wine scene and Gaelic culture in Pictou, known as “the Birthplace of New Scotland." The region’s fishing industry also brings fresh lobster to area restaurants.

The South Shore of Nova Scotia offers opportunities to dive into maritime history at colorful Old Town Lunenburg (home of the Bluenose II schooner), snap a picture of the Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, or get off the grid for a camping trip in one of the region’s wilderness areas—many of which feature thick canopied forests and white-sand beaches.

91% (1.2K) 940 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Nova Scotia

Fraserville Off-Grid Camping

1. Fraserville Off-Grid Camping

100%
(180)
Advocate Harbour, NS · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Black Rock Stables

2. Black Rock Stables

97%
(90)
Black Rock, NS · 2 sites
If you enjoy beautiful views of lakes/ocean and mountains, gorgeous sunsets, stargazing, the sound of the waves and bell buoys then Black Rock Stables campsite is the place for you to pitch your tent. Located at the end of the farm on a cliff (6’ wire fence) overlooking the beautiful Brasd’Or lakes. You are welcome to have a campfire (wood available for $5.00), but check the Nova Scotia Government site to make certain campfires are permitted. Please feel free to visit the animals on the farm (horses, goats, rabbits and chickens); however, children must be accompanied by an adult. Also, please do not bring dogs near the farm animals.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Live Life In Tents Campground

3. Live Life In Tents Campground

99%
(61)
Baddeck, NS · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This was one of the original homesteads in the Margarees. There was an old sawmill on site which was used to build the house and barn. It was sold to a man who started renovations for a summer house but ended up listing it for sale. I purchased it and completely renovated the 100-year-old house. Shortly after, my brother and I started an outfitting company with no plan of building a campground, but in 2017 we saw a great opportunity for building something unique. We wanted to keep a backwoods camping feel, but yet create it around a hostel-inspired environment. We launched June 1, 2018 and are in full swing now. We look forward to meeting you and will help you out in any way to make your trip here something to remember. Adventure awaits at this eco-camping hostel offering a natural setting, overlooking a picturesque valley. This location offers close to off-grid camping with a twist of comfort; furnished Glamping tents, sleeping up to 4 people per tent on a queen bed with twin camping beds for extra guests. Cooking gear, bedding, and towels are provided. Each tent, located at this eco-hostel, has its own campfire pit, with a solar outdoor shower on site and beautiful views of the river valley.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Stave Lake Self-Service Campground

4. Stave Lake Self-Service Campground

Digby, NS · 5 sites
Book your stay at one of 5 beautiful hike in camp sites in the Medway Community Forest Lisence Area! This is a Backcountry Self Service Campground. Gear must be hiked in. Food must be properly stored (in vehicle or in one of our pre-installed bear hangs). Garbage must be packed out. There is no potable water onsite – please supply your own drinking and cooking water. At Stave Lake Campground, you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful nature of interior southwest Nova Scotia. With only 5 sites, the campground offers a peaceful, back-country style camping experience dispersed amongst old growth hemlock, spruce, and maple with access to associated hiking trails around Stave Lake. With a canoe or kayak, the campground provides a great starting place for exploring the adjacent Tobeatic and Medway Lakes Wilderness Areas. The campground is also a 10-minute drive from Kejimkujik National Park with dozens of maintained hiking trails, old-growth forest, and canoe and kayak rentals, and only 5 minutes from the 4-mile stillwater trail, a beautiful waterfront trail managed by the MFCF. The Stave Lake Campground is operated by the Medway Community Forest Cooperative. Our mission is to support local communities through sustainable and ecologically based forest management. One way we strive to meet our mission is to manage the forest to maximize multiple economic, social, and environmental values - The Stave Lake Campground allows us to diversify revenue sources while protecting provincially recognized old-growth forest that surrounds a portion of Stave Lake! The campground is a backcountry style camping experience with front country access. The farthest sites are about 500 meters from the parking lot. Gear must be carried in! The campground has outhouses, firewood available for pre-purchase, and bear hangs for storing food. Each campsite has a firepit, picnic table, and tent pad. There is a lovely trail system associated with the campground. We recommend waterproof hiking boots as water pools in some spots! Only firewood purchased at the campground is allowed in accordance with the Provincial “Don’t Move Firewood” campaign. Campfires are not permitted unless stated.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Wild Islands Camping by the Sea

5. Wild Islands Camping by the Sea

100%
(24)
Moser River, NS · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Choose between several dispersed camp sites on our beautiful wooded coastal property on eastern shore Nova Scotia to pitch your tent or park your camper at the campsite of your choice, all located across the Highway from the main house. Hiking, fishing, biking, kayaking/canoeing/boating, swimming are just a few of the things to enjoy.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Owl's Hollow Eco-Therapy Glamping

6. Owl's Hollow Eco-Therapy Glamping

100%
(55)
Caledonia, NS · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
Get back to nature at our lakefront eco-therapy camping and glamping properties where you will experience serene lake life and forest bathing at its best! Owl's Hollow offers you private camping and glamping on Tupper Lake at one of two unique sites: The Hut and The Perch. Each site is tucked away at the end of its own walk-in trail where you find yourself at the water's edge yet surrounded by majestic white pines. This is a quiet part of the lake with very few residents and motorized boats. Book The Hut or The Perch site at Owl's Hollow for your next camping adventure and be as lazy or active as your body needs to rejuvenate. Guaranteed the experience will bring you back to the calmness you may have been missing! By booking Owl's Hollow lodging/camping, you agree to save and hold harmless Karen and Ben Perry from any liability arising out of your stay. You acknowledge that there are hazards such as uneven surfaces, heights, bodies of water, wildfire, wildlife and noxious plants that are beyond the control of the owner and you assume all responsibility for your own safety. Nova Scotia Registration Number: RYA-2023-24-04051421027007770-28
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Blueberry Run Trail RV Site

7. Blueberry Run Trail RV Site

99%
(72)
Grand Desert, NS · 2 sites
Escape to a quiet, private RV site on our 11-acre property, located at the end of a peaceful dead‑end road in a small residential community. Enjoy direct access to a newly groomed multi‑use trail just 20 feet from your site—perfect for walking, running, biking, ATVing, or simply exploring the outdoors. Important Note Only one RV is permitted on the site. No additional RVs, trailers, or tents allowed. Site Features RV Pad & Utilities - Large RV pad: 65 ft long × 20 ft wide — easily accommodates slides. - 20 AMP electrical: Suitable for smaller RVs. Larger RVs needing 50 AMP may require generator support. - Fast on‑site WiFi for remote work, streaming, or staying connected. - Gray water hookup so you can enjoy worry‑free drainage during your stay. - Portable black water tank rental available (add during booking for a small fee). Outdoor Comfort - Private wood deck with covered gazebo, privacy walls, and bug netting — a perfect spot to relax day or night. - Fire pit provided (firewood available on-site for cash/e-transfer). Please check burn restrictions updated daily at 2pm: https://novascotia.ca/burnsafe/ - Propane fire pit + propane tank rental available, and allowed during fire bans. Location Highlights - 20–40 minutes to Dartmouth or Halifax via Hwy 107 or 207 — easy access to city amenities while enjoying a peaceful retreat. - 5–15 minutes to many beautiful ocean beaches, including popular surfing spots. -10 minutes to Porters Lake shopping district with: Fuel • Grocery • Liquor store • Pharmacy • Vet clinic • Restaurants • Hardware • Bank • Pizza • Cheesecake shop & more. - 7 km (4.6 miles) of freshly groomed multi‑use trail right at your doorstep for walking, running, biking, and ATVs. Check-In & Guest Info - Self check‑in: 2:00 PM - Check‑out: 11:00 AM If the site becomes available earlier, we will notify you. We’re committed to making your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. If you need anything during your visit, just reach out!
Pets
Full hookups
Urban Forest Getaway

8. Urban Forest Getaway

100%
(13)
Halifax, NS · 1 site
Only twenty minutes from Halifax and half way to Peggy’s Cove, this campground is the perfect spot. Park on the road and then it’s only a few minutes to the forest clearing. Plenty of room to pitch up to three large or small tents, plus a covered picnic table. Also features a composting outhouse! Available camp fire and wood when fires are permitted. A gas BBQ is available for a small extra fee of $6.00 Please message or text for the key lock box 902 719 7575
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Tent/Camper Camping by the Ocean!

9. Tent/Camper Camping by the Ocean!

99%
(60)
Head Of Jeddore, NS · 1 site · Tent, RV
**The road to my property is open, Google is wrong** Nestled in a quaint old Fishing Town is a 4-Acre Forest property that hasn’t been touched since 1885! This land overlooks the North Atlantic Ocean, with a 25ft bank at the edge of the property, and almost 200ft of stone beach! No potable water on this property (well water is available by hose for cooking/cleaning/showering), but 10 minutes by car, you’ll find a Sobeys, a liquor store, a laundromat/cafe, a pub, a Home Hardware, and small local shops that carry camping supplies and so much more! There should be a grey plastic rounded table available (just pop in the 4 peg legs), and 2 matching grey small coffee side tables you can use positioned under the Tiny Home. Please return them somewhere underneath the Tiny Home when you are done using them so that other campers may use them :) 30 min drive away is the infamous Martinique Beach, a very popular surfing spot! Lots of hiking and site seeing available nearby as well. A long driveway is the entry point to the camping site. All I ask is that each camper leave the property better than they found it. As you depart, another camper is most likely arriving, so please keep that in mind. Enjoy the peace under the stars, and fall asleep to the sounds of the waves breaking against the shore, and the leaves rustling in the breeze! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- There is currently a Tiny Home on the property being built, and it is currently occupied by the property owner full-time. Garbage pick-up in this area only allows one black plastic bag to be removed every 2 weeks. If your garbage is in a clear bag the city will take it and you can put your sealed garbage in a clear bag in the wood box at the end of the driveway. The city ONLY takes clear bags. Recycling is allowed in blue bags. Due to this restriction, I am not able to handle all the campers garbage -- please take any that you create with you if you do not have clear bags. If any camper is found to have stayed past the checkout time, they will be charged for another night's stay. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you and I hope you enjoy your stay!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Sleep By The Sea

10. Sleep By The Sea

100%
(8)
Tangier, NS · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
This unique oceanfront property on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia has been actively being farmed for the last 175 years and also was once home to a lobster canning factory. This property is suitable for tents or small Rv's up to approximately 20 feet. Included is a deck to haul camper up beside as well as a BBQ, campfire pit, toilet and an outdoor kitchen and now we have added an outdoor shower. While here feel free to take a stroll on this 12 acre property to visit the cows or just to take in the most spectacular views of the 100 wild Islands. Also a launch area is available on the property for kayaks and paddle boards so visitors can explore the several Islands and beaches that the area has to offer. Sheet Harbour is approximately a 25 minute drive away and there you will find gas, groceries etc...
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
The Cove at Hirtle Lake

11. The Cove at Hirtle Lake

100%
(2)
Liverpool, NS · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Private, secluded campsites surrounded by towering pines, kilometers of trails, and a stunning lake. On the property, you’ll find a cozy off-grid cabin that sleeps five, multiple campsites for tents or RVs, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, a swimming dock, firepits, picnic tables, and even a wood-burning sauna!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Aspy Acres

12. Aspy Acres

98%
(21)
Baddeck, NS · 1 site
Discover serenity at Aspy Acres, a tranquil campsite near Aspy Bay. Unwind by the creek, explore nearby White Point beach, and relish the privacy of secluded sites amidst lush trees and the sound of the babbling Smelt Brook. Ideal basecamp for Northern Cape Breton adventures. Book now for an unforgettable, rejuvenating camping experience.
Pets
Toilets
Lunenburg's Little Lake Campground

13. Lunenburg's Little Lake Campground

Centre, NS · 46 sites · Tents, RVs
We are a small, family-owned business located just 5 minutes from the Town of Lunenburg. Our campground offers everything from full-service campsites to luxurious glamping domes, with all the essential facilities and amenities on-site. Gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and entertainment are just a few minutes away by car
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Big Blue On The Bay

14. Big Blue On The Bay

87%
(15)
Maitland, NS · 1 site · Tent, RV
"Big Blue" sits atop a lawn covered hill on the shore of the Cobequid Bay. A grove of fir and pine trees offer a sense of woodland solitude and fairies. The energy is magical. You can enjoy a front row seat or amble down over the lawn to sit on the end of the public wharf to watch the tidal bore squeeze into the mouth of the Shubenacadie River. It won't be long and you can marvel at the force of the water as it turns and begins to pour back toward the Bay of Fundy. Walk across the dyke to reach the oldest continually operating general store in North America - Frieze and Roy. Beyond the Wharf, a locally stocked craft shop borders us on the easterly side of the lawn. Next to it you will find Dawson Dowel Picnic Park, a playground and basketball court. On the westerly side of the driveway you there is a marsh area. The remnants of the shipyard where the WD Lawrence was built in the 1800's can be seen poking through the sand on the beach directly in front of the marsh. At low tide you can walk for miles in a westerly direction. Always be Tide Aware! Across the road from the marsh is the residence of WD Lawrence himself. It is a provincial museum. Directly across from Big Blue is a Ducks Unlimited pond. The sound of the geese and ducks can be heard 24 hours a day! There is a path that circumvents most of the pond. Adjacent to the Lawrence House parking lot there is an observatory where you can linger and watch the shenanigans of the occasional muskrat or possibly a beaver. The washrooms are accessed through a side door on the verandah of the main house. There are three showers and three toilets. If happen to be missing your "workout" there is a treadmill and exercise bike available to use. Outdoor fire regulations are strictly adhered to. There is a BBQ available for a small fee. Other perks (subject to scheduling) available at an additional cost might include: In-house Concerts; Reiki Sessions; Workshops and Ceremonies
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Surfer's Shade

15. Surfer's Shade

100%
(19)
Westphal, NS · 1 site
Welcome to Surfer's Shade! Enjoy your private RV oasis! Located in Westphal, Nova Scotia just 25 minutes from Halifax International Airport, 30 minutes from downtown Halifax, 20 minutes from downtown Dartmouth, and less than 10 minutes from the most beautiful surfing beaches the area has to offer! Enjoy a private driveway, 50 amp and 30 amp connections, a fire pit by a brook in a forested area with string lights, hammocks, a picnic table, and a barbecue. Located in a quiet residential area on the outskirt of Halifax's urban core, this serene oasis offers the perfect blend of convenience and tranquility.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
Big Belle Farm

16. Big Belle Farm

97%
(230)
Mabou, NS · 372 sites · Tents, RVs
INSTRUCTIONS When you reserve your tent/rv make sure to select the day you want to check in until the day you are leaving. For example, to stay all weekend, select Friday to Sunday. To stay only Friday night, select Friday to Saturday. Selecting only one date will not reserve the date you want as it expects a start and end date to select any given date or date range. ABOUT Big Belle Farm is surrounded by large hayfields on the front of our property and at the back behind where the concert will take place. Tenters will be camping in the front fields and RVs will behind the concert field. When you come onsite there will be someone to meet you who will point out the locations were you can setup your tent or RV. There will be event Portable Toilets on site and access to water near the concert grounds.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Breezy Petals Camping Resort

17. Breezy Petals Camping Resort

94%
(48)
Rines Creek, NS · 6 sites · Tents, Lodging
Breezy Petals Camping Resort is a family oriented campground offering tenting, RVing, glamping as well as fun outdoor activities and music events.Our mission is to build a camping wonderland, where families and friends can discover true happiness, health and  green lifestyle. Here you can forget all of your stress, just enjoy the great nature by listening birds singing, watching beaver swimming, discovering the secret from deep woods, observing starlight with telescope at night, relaxing your body with yoga by the dome..... So much more you could do.Come and join us, let's have some fun together!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Glory Ridge Campground

18. Glory Ridge Campground

96%
(24)
Arisaig, NS · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
A small boutique campground with a small cluster of 3 way RV sites cleverly situated on the top of a ridge that overlooks the Northumberland Strait. Glorious sunsets are an almost guaranteed nightly attraction. The quiet serenity of Glory Ridge is a remarkable delight. Amenities include a bespoken glamorous glamping tent cabin, a curious cob pizza oven, an amazing outside shower made out of recycled political signs and a tenting campground cluster nestled among the trees in the hollow of an old orchard. Glory Ridge Campground is uniquely situated to create a unique friendly and warm experience.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Smokey View

19. Smokey View

100%
(44)
Sydney, NS · 1 site
At the other side of the harbour is Ingonish Ferry. At one time the road around the harbour did not exist. People, horses and goods came across the bar by means of a ferry. There were many wharves with wooden ships tied up. The long white building on the corner used to be on the bar. A walk along the bar will award you with a view of the Keltic Lodge. Continue straight at the corner and you will find a trail that will take you to Ingonish beach.
Pets
Boondockers Lunenburg

20. Boondockers Lunenburg

83%
(3)
Centre, NS · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
If you want a safe place to park for the night, without many amenities, we are your spot! Our property is located in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, and is at the cross roads between Mahone Bay Riverport and the many beaches of the south shore and Bridgewater, a hub in Nova Scotia. Pitch your tent or camper beside a heart-shaped pond! Listen to the peepers at night and enjoy the privacy of a rural area with the convenience of a town.. Spend an hour strolling or birdwatching in the enchanting wooded area. Have a campfire or take a stroll on the Lunenburg Waterfront. Many local offerings for food and events to take in while you are here. Don’t forget to sign up for our nightly Haunted walking tour of the Town of Lunenburg, a UNESCO world heritage site. Our chicken coop is home to a variety of chickens depending on the season who roam the yard in the afternoon. Our dog Shorty will welcome you but is on leash while outside. (Pets are welcome but must remain on leash 100% of the time they are on property. Our chickens are counting on it!)
Pets

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Frequently Asked Questions

Camping costs in Nova Scotia can vary depending on the type of campsite and amenities offered. On average, you can expect to pay between CAD $20 to $45 per night for a basic tent or RV site in a provincial park. Prices may be higher for private campgrounds with additional amenities such as showers, electricity, and Wi-Fi. Keep in mind that prices can also fluctuate based on the season and availability. For more information on camping options in Nova Scotia, visit Nova Scotia's official tourism website.

Yes, there is free camping in Nova Scotia. You can find free, dispersed camping in Crown lands, which are public lands managed by the provincial government. These sites are typically primitive, without facilities or amenities, and campers must follow Leave No Trace principles. Note that some Crown land areas may have restrictions or require permits, so it's essential to check with the Nova Scotia Department of Lands and Forestry for the most up-to-date information on specific locations.

In Nova Scotia, camping rules and regulations may vary depending on whether you are camping in a provincial park, national park, or on private land. Here are some general guidelines to follow when camping in Nova Scotia:

  1. Reservations: Reserve your campsite in advance, especially during peak season. Most provincial and national parks have online reservation systems.
  2. Check-in and check-out: Typically, check-in time is after 1 pm, and check-out time is before 11am. Confirm these times with the campground you are staying at.
  3. Quiet hours: Respect quiet hours, usually between 10 pm and 7 am, to ensure a peaceful experience for all campers.
  4. Fire regulations: Follow fire regulations and restrictions, which may change depending on the time of year and weather conditions. Use designated fire pits or fire pans, and never leave a fire unattended.
  5. Wildlife safety: Store food and scented items properly to avoid attracting wildlife. Do not feed or approach wildlife.
  6. Leave No Trace: Practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash, minimizing campsite impact, and respecting the natural environment.
  7. Pets: If you are camping with pets, keep them on a leash and clean up after them. Some campgrounds may have specific pet-friendly areas or restrictions.
  8. Alcohol: Alcohol consumption is typically restricted to your campsite. Drinking in public areas or causing disturbances may result in fines or eviction from the campground.

Always check the specific rules and regulations of the campground or park you are visiting, as additional rules may apply depending on the location.

Yes, wild camping (also known as dispersed or backcountry camping) is allowed in certain areas of Nova Scotia. The province is home to numerous provincial parks, wilderness areas, and Crown lands where you can camp for free or with a permit, depending on the location. However, it is essential to follow Leave No Trace principles and camp in designated areas or away from developed sites, trails, and water sources.

Some popular wild camping locations in Nova Scotia include Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and various provincial parks and wilderness areas. Always check with the park or land management agency for specific regulations and guidelines before setting up camp.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Top regions in and near Nova Scotia