Camping in Terra Nova National Park

Terra Nova National Park serves up everything you’d ever hope to experience in eastern Newfoundland, and then some. In addition to the area’s humpbacks, puffins, and icebergs, the park features pristine forest filled with hiking trails, the mirror-like Sandy Pond, and a kid-friendly aquarium at the visitor centre. Water activities include sea kayaking, swimming, whale watching, and canoeing, while tiny fishing villages and heritage sites surround the park grounds.

• Best for classic park views: Southwest Arm Campground looks out over Malady Head.
• Best for RVs: Newman Sound Campground has hookups and RV facilities.
• Best for a chill setting: Malady Head Campground is set in the boreal forest.

1. Terra Nova National Park campsites are available for bookings online via Parks Canada—the system opens every year in mid-January. Savvy campers are ready and waiting to snag their spots early, so you’ll also want to book in advance.
2. In addition to tent campsites, the park features 20 oTENTiks (hard-sided, equipped tents), two oasis units (teardrop-shaped, equipped tents), and one yome (a cross between a yurt and dome). All of these unique offerings book up fast.
3. It may be possible to score a day-of backcountry tent site, but booking online in advance is your best bet.

Newfoundland can be chilly until July before staying warm through late September. May and June are the best months to spot icebergs, though they’re often still there later in summer, and peak puffin and whale viewing happens from June to August. In fall, the park sees fewer visitors but lots of warm fall colors. Always pack a few sweaters and waterproofs, as weather can be unpredictable even in summer.

• Facilities and amenities are limited in the area, so you’ll want to bring everything you need with you to the park. It’s best not to rely on even visitor centre wifi here.
• The park features several stroller- and wheelchair-accessible trails.
• Terra Nova National Park sees super dark skies, and stargazing kits can be rented at Malady Head and Newman Sound kiosks.