Does Sparrow Lake Camp have toilets?

Yes — toilets are available at every site at Sparrow Lake Camp.

Is drinking water available at Sparrow Lake Camp?

Yes — potable water is available at every site at Sparrow Lake Camp. Tap is in main camp area - you must fill up BEFORE you canoe out to the site.

Does Sparrow Lake Camp have showers?

Yes — showers are available at every site at Sparrow Lake Camp. Showers are available in the main camp area - where you park your car. You would have to paddle to and from the showers.

Does Sparrow Lake Camp have trash disposal?

Trash disposal is available at 2 of 3 sites at Sparrow Lake Camp.

How do you get to the sites at Sparrow Lake Camp?

2WD accessible. Boat in at some sites; moderate walk at the rest.

Are pets allowed at Sparrow Lake Camp?

Yes — Sparrow Lake Camp is pet-friendly. On leash at some sites.

Are campfires allowed at Sparrow Lake Camp?

Yes — campfires are allowed at Sparrow Lake Camp. Always review local fire regulations before enjoying a campfire.

What is the check-in process at Sparrow Lake Camp?

Meet and greet with your host Brendan at some sites.

What is the cancellation policy at Sparrow Lake Camp?

Moderate at some sites; Super Flexible at the others. Full refund 3 days before check in time starts.

What time is check-in and check-out at Sparrow Lake Camp?

Check-in at 1pm. Check-out at 11am.

How far in advance can you book at Sparrow Lake Camp?

Book up to 12 months ahead. Same-day bookings at some sites; the others need 1 day's notice.

Does Sparrow Lake Camp have picnic tables?

No — no picnic tables at Sparrow Lake Camp.

Does Sparrow Lake Camp have cooking equipment?

No — no cooking equipment at Sparrow Lake Camp.

Does Sparrow Lake Camp have laundry?

No — no laundry at Sparrow Lake Camp.

Does Sparrow Lake Camp have wifi?

No — no wifi at Sparrow Lake Camp.

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Canada
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Ontario
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Severn Bridge

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Sparrow Lake Camp

Hosted by Brendan · Severn Bridge, Ontario

3 sites · Tent · 126 acres

99%

82 reviews

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Best tent-sites: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

Best in Ontario: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

Private sites

95% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.

Sparrow Lake Camp is situated on the southernmost tip of the majestic Canadian Shield. The site is known to have been a campground for bands of the Huron people prior to the European intrusion. It is considered probable that Samuel de Champlain, the first European to explore Huronia, spent a night on this site in the 17th Century. In 1892, what would become the west side of the current property was sold by pioneer Captain Thomas Stanton to Toronto's renowned Massey family to act as their summer resort. The resort sported the main lodge, dining room, and cottages and was only accessible by train and steamer. From the onset, the Masseys used the site as a summer retreat for the Young Men's Bible League of the Central Methodist Church. Today, the property is a thriving summer camp that also offers overnight tent stays with stunning lake views.

Select a site

Tent sites

3 sites

"Cranberry" Lakeside Tent Site

98%

(61)

Tent site · Sleeps 6

Situated on a peninsula about 5-10 minutes hike from our main camp property. This site comes with a tent platform, fire pit, and box privy, as well as a complimentary canoe rental! The hike in is about 200 meters with some short but steep hills, and uneven terrain. We advise you bring gear in with backpacks, or use a canoe to ferry items over by water. You cannot access the site by car or other land vehicle. Please do not bring glass bottles. All garbage must be cleaned and removed to our dumpster. IMPORTANT CAUTION: site has no vehicle access. Please do not plan to arrive after dark as it is not a simple hike, and we do not have staff to guide you. We care about your safety and this site is not suitable for those who are not experienced with camping in a semi-remote environment. If you do not have your gear in a backpack or ready for a canoe - this site is most likely not suitable for your needs.

Moderate walk to site

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

Duck Bay Paddle-in Site

99%

(42)

Tent site · Sleeps 6

Pitch your tent right on the waters of Sparrow Lake. We have a complimentary canoe for campers to use to paddle over to the tent-only site on Duck Bay. There’s one tent platform and plenty of space for more tents. Up to 6 guests are allowed, and pets are welcome. Campfires are allowed and firewood is provided. There is an open-air box toilet. The hosts operate a summer camp on the property, but this site is removed from the main camp and has plenty of privacy. The property is about 30 minutes north of Orillia, where you can find restaurants, shops, and groceries. If you want to explore other lakes in the area, Lake Simcoe is about 30 km south and the Georgian Bay arm of Lake Huron is about an hour away. Please do not bring glass bottles. All garbage must be cleaned and removed to our dumpster. IMPORTANT CAUTION: NO ROAD ACCESS. You must park your car in our lot and CANOE to the site. There is a 1km walking trail as well, but it is not suitable for transporting gear or kids as it can be very muddy when wet. Please do not rent this site unless you are comfortable canoeing with all your gear, and you have done so in the past. Do not arrive after 1 hour before sunset, or we will have to turn you away at your own expense. Canoeing after dark is extremely dangerous and not legal on our lake. Your safety is extremely important to us.

Boat access only

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

'Final Campfire' Camp Site

99%

(36)

Tent site · Sleeps 6

A short hike or quick paddle leads to this beautiful spot on the shores of Sparrow Lake. The site has room for 3-4 tents and is situated on a private peninsula. Each rental comes with a complimentary canoe rental, firewood, and drinking water access. The area is excellent for fishing, exploring by boat, and enjoying some time outside the city! Please do not bring glass bottles. All garbage must be cleaned and removed to our dumpster.

Moderate walk to site

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

Reviews

99%· 139 reviews

Themes

Review summary
Generated from real Hipcamper reviews
Sparrow Lake campsite is a beloved destination for many who appreciate its natural beauty, privacy, and the canoe-in experience. The site offers convenient amenities like kayak rentals and firewood, making it an attractive option for those coming from Toronto. While the location provides a peaceful retreat with plenty of wildlife, some visitors noted challenges with swimming due to the weedy lake and occasional noise from passing trains. Despite these minor drawbacks, the friendly hosts and picturesque surroundings make it a popular choice for repeat campers.
Andrew J.
Tent camped at Duck Bay Paddle-in Site with friends, Oct 2026.
Recommends
One trip i always look forward too. Year 4 and looking forward to year 5. I feel like that says all it needs to! Intil next year lads!
Stephanie H.
Tent camped at Duck Bay Paddle-in Site with pets, Sept 2026.
Recommends
This is my 2nd time at Sparrow Lake but with my sister this time. We had a blast and enjoyed the camping spot and the views on the water. Canooing in is so fun! This time they were filming a movie at the summer camp so that was interesting to see when we were launching. Brendan is always a great host and always promptly replies to any questions or concerns. Can't wait to come back next summer!
William E.
Tent camped at Duck Bay Paddle-in Site with friends, Aug 2026.
Recommends
Nice place good people will stay again. The camp site is awesome we had 6 tents set up on different flat spots. There are no decent spots for swimming if that’s what you’re looking for. Probably not the best place for you.

Amenities

Firewood provided
Pit toilets
Potable waterTap
ShowersHot water
Trash disposalAt some sites · Recycling bin, Trash bin
No picnic tables
No wifi
No laundry
No cooking equipment
No hot tub
No playground

Things to know

Boat-in at some sites2WD accessible. Boat in at some sites; moderate walk at the rest.
Pet-friendlyOn leash at some sites.
Campfires allowedAlways review local fire regulations before enjoying a campfire.
Check-in processMeet and greet with your host Brendan at some sites.
Cancellation policyModerate at some sites; Super Flexible at the others. Full refund 3 days before check in time starts.
Check-in and check-outCheck-in at 1pm. Check-out at 11am.
Booking windowBook up to 12 months ahead. Same-day bookings at some sites; the others need 1 day's notice.