Camping in Canso Islands National Historic Site

Discover the rugged beauty of Canso Islands National Historic Site.  

Top camping near Canso Islands National Historic Site

No matching sites in the park — explore these options nearby.
Big Belle Farm

1. Big Belle Farm

97%
(158)
541 sites · RVs, Tents · Mabou, NS
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
CA$20
 / night
Where Eagles Soar

2. Where Eagles Soar

100%
(1)
3 sites · RVs · Kempt Road, NS
We are located 25 minutes from the causeway connecting mainland Nova Scotia to our beautiful Cape Breton Island home. We have 2 properties, at our home site we are on hill overlooking Upper MacMillin Lake in the village of Kemp Road. Our 2nd property which is still being developed but available is a lot located on River Inhabitants near Cleveland. If you kayak/canoe this river will take you out to the ocean to explore the islands. we recently installed electricity and an outhouse and will have running water coming in July 2025. The amazing Cabot Trail is a day trip from our locations. If like lobster... you've come to the right place! Enjoy great kayaking/canoeing from our locations! **Nova Scotia does have a website to view for indication of fires to be allowed for the present day. Please check every day as fines are up to $25000.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
CA$30
 / night
The Hanna's Life on the Lake Escape

3. The Hanna's Life on the Lake Escape

100%
(4)
2 sites · RVs, Tents · St. Mary's, NS
Not a commercial campground (Uncrowded and private) Beautiful waterfront camping getaway! Quiet and Cozy camping site on Indian Harbour Lake. **50/30 Amp Service Connection** **Well Water Connection** **Septic Dump Station on Site** **Septic Pump Service Available** +Tent friendly +RV/Camper friendly +Pet friendly +Family/Groups Welcome 200 feet of water front space all for you to enjoy and there is a boat slip too for direct water access. +Picnic Table +Chairs +Fire Pit Firewood on site for sale. There is also a sandy beach just 2 minutes away (The lake has a brook that flows into it - you got to see it, very pretty!) Seasonal Offered/Preferred
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
CA$50
 / night
Fluster Cluck Farms

4. Fluster Cluck Farms

100%
(1)
1 site · Tent · Baddeck, NS
**OUR CAMPSITES ARE CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE DUE TO AN UNEXPECTED EMERGENCY** We welcome you to enjoy the beauty of our property. Enjoy the night under the stars. Fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the river flowing along side the campground. Located in Glendale, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. A storied land with more tales to be written. Rich in natural beauty. Cape Breton Island is known for its warmth and our generous need to share it with the world...now it’s your turn to see for yourself.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$30
 / night
Silver Birch Camp

5. Silver Birch Camp

100%
(5)
1 site · RV · Havre Boucher, NS
A beautiful little gem on the shores of Archie Pond (a small inlet off The Strait of Canso) and minutes from Cape Breton Island. Tucked into nature right off the Trans Canada Hwy and close to amenities. Tim Hortons, Irving, Subway and more just down the road and grocery stores plus more restaurants and pubs in town 10 minutes away. Tons of trails and waterfalls are just minutes away. On our property you can enjoy our 2 bonfire pits, bbq & picnic area, 4 adult kayaks and 3 kids kayaks (lifejackets provided), large open area for games, walk through the forested area, sit by the waterfront, gaze at the stars, watch the spectacular sunrise over the water and walk across the road to the rocky shore of The Strait of Canso.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
CA$65
 / night
Bunkies on Bras d'Or

6. Bunkies on Bras d'Or

1 site · Lodging · River Denys, NS
Rustic Glamping Retreat – Private Beach, Forest Escape & Sauna Access Experience effortless glamping in nature’s embrace. Nestled in a serene forest setting, this cozy retreat features two charming loft bunkies—each with a queen-size mattress in the upper loft—plus a small leather futon on the main level. A modular fold-out dining table and chairs offer flexible indoor dining or workspace options. Bunkie lofts are high up with access by sturdy wooden ladder (if you have mobility issues, it is not suitable). There are small leather futons and extra bedding on the main floor of the bunkie as a sleeping option. NOTE - VERY IMPORTANT Bunkies are located on top a hill at an elevation. PARKING is located on the beach front landing below down a gravel road with max parking for 2 cars. Off-grid comfort with eco-conscious touches: • Refresh in the outdoor shower (with hot and cold water) • Use the eco-friendly incinerating toilet and composting toilet and handwashing stations • Stay cozy with clean linens, blankets, and towels provided (including dog towels upon request) • Light your space with LED lanterns and flashlights, and recharge with a solar panel + 12V power pack • Rain barrel with water for washing dishes Camp cooking made easy: Cabana with prep area and storage! Enjoy access to a BBQ grill, Propane stoves, cooking utensils, dishes, coolers, and complimentary coffee, tea, cooking oils, basic spices. Adventure-ready amenities: You’ll have full access to the private property and secluded beach, on beautiful Bras d’Dor saltwater lake, complete with: • Kayaks • Paddle boat • 4 adult life jackets Water shoes are recommended for your shoreline adventures. Unplug and unwind: While there is no Wi-Fi at the bunkies, you’ll have solid mobile data coverage—and Wi-Fi access is available just 600 feet away at the owner’s main property. Data is available but can be spotty. Additional features: • Wood-fired sauna access (located at the owner’s property) • Seasonal firepit (please respect provincial fire bans—penalties apply) • Pet-friendly—your furry companions are welcome! • Parking at beachfront down the hill from the bunkies—luggage assistance available via RTV Let nature’s soundtrack soothe you—from the gentle flow of a nearby waterfall to the call
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
CA$143.10
 / night
The ocean waterfront

7. Basin Brook Camp

Booked 3 times
1 site · RV, Tent · Antigonish, NS
This 5 acre private campsite is located right off highway 316 very close to Tor Bay Provincial Park, which offers a lovely beach and trails. Basin Brook Camp features a driveway quickly leading to a flat area suitable for a trailer or tents. The property overlooks a wilderness area with stunning sunsets and quiet moonlit nights. It has a cleared area in which blackberries, raspberries and blueberries grow. At the back of this cleared area is a marked trail leading to the shoreline on Gammons Basin. Along one side of the campsite land is Basin Brook, which is a tidal stream that can be accessed easily by the road. Deer have been seen on the property, and moose, otters and seabirds nearby. Basin Brook Camp is quiet and secluded with no neighbours in sight.
Pets
Campfires
from 
CA$32
 / night
Kaia's lake home

8. Kaia's lake home

3 sites · RVs, Tents · Framboise Intervale, NS
160 acres of forest and hiking. 3000ft of virgin lake on the south east coast of beautiful cape Breton. Upper Joseph marie lake. The lake Is about a mile from the road. Set up your camp or tent by mobile home and explore the land. You can canoe or fish on lake 2hich navigates to lower Marie Joseph lake and to ocean.
Pets
Campfires
from 
CA$33
 / night
Fred's Place

9. Fred's Place

Booked 3 times
4 sites · Tents · Baddeck, NS
2.3 acres of woodlot at the end of the road. Very rustic. Ideal for campers and bicycle campers. Very few facilities but you can put up a tent and have a fire. It's super quiet and the only sound is the wind and the very occasional car (like one a day). Five minute walk to the ocean. 15 kms to the nearest store. I will be at my cabin but the property is large enuf for you to have total privacy if you want it. I can be reached by email at frederick.gardiner123abc@gmail.com. I'm located at the end of Richard's Pond Lane. To get here, go to South Side Road, South Side River Bourgeois. Turn right on Richard's Pond Lane and follow it to the end. Turn right, go to the first sign that says 7/8 and follow the path up to my cabin. There is red tuck tape to show the way. On the map, I am not The Cuffs, but the location is the same.
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$25
 / night
Riverside Retreat

10. Riverside Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent · North Riverside, NS
This is a beautiful slice of land along the Milford Haven River on the water side of the North Riverside Road; the entire piece is yours for the duration of your stay. Hear loons, bald eagles, kingfishers and shorebirds as you enjoy a salt water swim! Yes there is a gravel slip way for small boats and easier access to the water (water shoes recommended!). Enjoy a walk to the falls on the upper property or check out a few near by. We are 15 minutes from the town of Guysborough and 20 minutes from Monastery and the Trans Canada.
Pets
Campfires
from 
CA$65
 / night
Dome Yurt By The Ocean

11. Dome Yurt By The Ocean

Booked 1 time
2 sites · Lodging · Baddeck, NS
Glamping at its best: Tthe magical cozy River Inhabitants Basin and the breathtaking panoramic view from this elevated dome yurt facing the deep blue glittering ocean is the #1 getaway for affordable, relaxing, peaceful holidays, kayaking, hiking, biking, swimming, reading, writing, loving Rent our dome yurt in high season 2023 for 99 CAD per night with 2 (max 4 if you bring your own sleeping gear), plus final cleaning $80.00 plus 15% tax. As the river mouth and basin with lots of uninhabited islands offers a lot of things to do we suggest you to combine water sports adventure with your stay. An ocean kayak will be provided if you stay for a week or longer. We offer sailing tours, kayaking and fishing. Although we understand the desire to see as many places as possible when on vacation, we highly recommend people to stay with us for several days. Let your mind come to rest and get a good sleep on real good spring mattresses. ! We would love to be the place where you come to rest. Deep dive into nature and forget the day to day hustle for a while! Writers, painters, artists (like your host) find the inspiration and recharging for new productivity. Internal curtains at the huge windows enhance the impression that this has traditional-style solid HydroTex walls yet can be rolled up for views out and to the Milky Way. The front door has a mesh panel behind and low vents aid air flow.
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
from 
CA$79.20
 / night
Eastman Cottage

12. Eastman Cottage

Booked 1 time
1 site · Lodging · Sherbrooke, NS
Discover peace and privacy in the wilderness of the Eastern Shore, just a quick 12-minute drive from the historic Sherbrooke Village. Indulge in trout fishing as you cast a line into the picturesque flowing brook directly in front of the cottage. For golf enthusiasts, the 9-hole Red Hill Golf Course is conveniently located just one minute away! If ATV adventures are your passion, you're in luck! Our location is accessible via trail systems from Antigonish, Guysborough, and Pictou counties. Why not choose us as your home base to explore this side of the province? Only a 10-minute drive away, you'll find yourself at the stunning Port Hilford Beach, and just 5 minutes to Indian Harbour Lake. We offer one double bed in one room and single bunk beds in another. One single cot available on site and a double memory foam mattress for the pull out couch as well. The cabin is cozy and offers all the essentials for your visit 😊. Please send a message if you have any questions! STR2425B4753
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
CA$149
 / night

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Canso Islands National Historic Site adventure.

Popular ways to camp

Camper favorites near Canso Islands National Historic Site

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

  • Tide out
  • Driveway off 316 to RV camping spot
  • Tide out
Booked 3 times

Basin Brook Camp

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Antigonish, NS
This 5 acre private campsite is located right off highway 316 very close to Tor Bay Provincial Park, which offers a lovely beach and trails. Basin Brook Camp features a driveway quickly leading to a flat area suitable for a trailer or tents. The property overlooks a wilderness area with stunning sunsets and quiet moonlit nights. It has a cleared area in which blackberries, raspberries and blueberries grow. At the back of this cleared area is a marked trail leading to the shoreline on Gammons Basin. Along one side of the campsite land is Basin Brook, which is a tidal stream that can be accessed easily by the road. Deer have been seen on the property, and moose, otters and seabirds nearby. Basin Brook Camp is quiet and secluded with no neighbours in sight.
Pets
Campfires
from 
CA$32
 / night
  • Kaia's lake home
  • Kaia's lake home
  • Kaia's lake home

Kaia's lake home

3 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Framboise Intervale, NS
160 acres of forest and hiking. 3000ft of virgin lake on the south east coast of beautiful cape Breton. Upper Joseph marie lake. The lake Is about a mile from the road. Set up your camp or tent by mobile home and explore the land. You can canoe or fish on lake 2hich navigates to lower Marie Joseph lake and to ocean.
Pets
Campfires
from 
CA$33
 / night
  • Fred's Place
  • Fred's Place
  • Fred's Place
Booked 3 times

Fred's Place

4 sites · Tents2 acres · Baddeck, NS
2.3 acres of woodlot at the end of the road. Very rustic. Ideal for campers and bicycle campers. Very few facilities but you can put up a tent and have a fire. It's super quiet and the only sound is the wind and the very occasional car (like one a day). Five minute walk to the ocean. 15 kms to the nearest store. I will be at my cabin but the property is large enuf for you to have total privacy if you want it. I can be reached by email at frederick.gardiner123abc@gmail.com. I'm located at the end of Richard's Pond Lane. To get here, go to South Side Road, South Side River Bourgeois. Turn right on Richard's Pond Lane and follow it to the end. Turn right, go to the first sign that says 7/8 and follow the path up to my cabin. There is red tuck tape to show the way. On the map, I am not The Cuffs, but the location is the same.
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$25
 / night
  • Riverside Retreat
  • Riverside Retreat
  • Riverside Retreat

Riverside Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent50 acres · North Riverside, NS
This is a beautiful slice of land along the Milford Haven River on the water side of the North Riverside Road; the entire piece is yours for the duration of your stay. Hear loons, bald eagles, kingfishers and shorebirds as you enjoy a salt water swim! Yes there is a gravel slip way for small boats and easier access to the water (water shoes recommended!). Enjoy a walk to the falls on the upper property or check out a few near by. We are 15 minutes from the town of Guysborough and 20 minutes from Monastery and the Trans Canada.
Pets
Campfires
from 
CA$65
 / night
  • Dome Yurt By The Ocean
  • Dome Yurt By The Ocean
  • Dome Yurt By The Ocean
Booked 1 time

Dome Yurt By The Ocean

2 sites · Lodging5 acres · Baddeck, NS
Glamping at its best: Tthe magical cozy River Inhabitants Basin and the breathtaking panoramic view from this elevated dome yurt facing the deep blue glittering ocean is the #1 getaway for affordable, relaxing, peaceful holidays, kayaking, hiking, biking, swimming, reading, writing, loving Rent our dome yurt in high season 2023 for 99 CAD per night with 2 (max 4 if you bring your own sleeping gear), plus final cleaning $80.00 plus 15% tax. As the river mouth and basin with lots of uninhabited islands offers a lot of things to do we suggest you to combine water sports adventure with your stay. An ocean kayak will be provided if you stay for a week or longer. We offer sailing tours, kayaking and fishing. Although we understand the desire to see as many places as possible when on vacation, we highly recommend people to stay with us for several days. Let your mind come to rest and get a good sleep on real good spring mattresses. ! We would love to be the place where you come to rest. Deep dive into nature and forget the day to day hustle for a while! Writers, painters, artists (like your host) find the inspiration and recharging for new productivity. Internal curtains at the huge windows enhance the impression that this has traditional-style solid HydroTex walls yet can be rolled up for views out and to the Milky Way. The front door has a mesh panel behind and low vents aid air flow.
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
from 
CA$79.20
 / night
  • Eastman Cottage
  • Eastman Cottage
  • Eastman Cottage
Booked 1 time

Eastman Cottage

1 site · Lodging6 acres · Sherbrooke, NS
Discover peace and privacy in the wilderness of the Eastern Shore, just a quick 12-minute drive from the historic Sherbrooke Village. Indulge in trout fishing as you cast a line into the picturesque flowing brook directly in front of the cottage. For golf enthusiasts, the 9-hole Red Hill Golf Course is conveniently located just one minute away! If ATV adventures are your passion, you're in luck! Our location is accessible via trail systems from Antigonish, Guysborough, and Pictou counties. Why not choose us as your home base to explore this side of the province? Only a 10-minute drive away, you'll find yourself at the stunning Port Hilford Beach, and just 5 minutes to Indian Harbour Lake. We offer one double bed in one room and single bunk beds in another. One single cot available on site and a double memory foam mattress for the pull out couch as well. The cabin is cozy and offers all the essentials for your visit 😊. Please send a message if you have any questions! STR2425B4753
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
CA$149
 / night
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Stories from the community

The Hanna's Life on the Lake Escape
S
Steven
2 weeks ago
19 ft travel trailer
With pets
Weekend Trip to The Hanna's Life on the Lake Escape
Beautiful place great place to stay awesome lake views the only thing I would change is access to getting in it needs to be a wider driveway with better signage telling you there it is
See more
The Hanna's Life on the Lake Escape
E
Elena
June 2025
32 ft travel trailer
With pets
Weekend Trip to The Hanna's Life on the Lake Escape
This was one of our favorite spots we've camped, it was extremely peaceful, you have a lot of privacy, the site is right on the lake and you can here the loons at night. Our dog loved roaming around here and there is a lot of good fishing in the area. There's a nice beach right up the road and the town has a grocery store with everything you need. Jason messaged extremely detailed instructions, which are very helpful in entering the correct path-make sure to read these over. Jason was very kind and helpful and responsive throughout our stay. If you have the chance I definitely recommend coming here, we loved it and if we didn't have a ferry to catch we would have loved to stay longer, it's a little piece of paradise.
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Where Eagles Soar
Y
Yurii
May 2025
12 ft campervan
Weekend Trip to Where Eagles Soar
My girlfriend and I had a wonderful time at this campsite! The access to the location is very convenient, and the area is absolutely beautiful — a true gem for nature lovers. The host is incredibly kind, welcoming, and attentive to every detail. He explained where the best fishing spots are, helped us launch the kayak, and even suggested the best place to set up our tarp. Even though the weather was damp and rainy, we still wanted to light a campfire, and the host kindly helped us with firewood — that meant a lot. The surrounding nature is breathtaking: there's a lake right nearby with an island. We didn’t explore it this time, but we’re definitely planning to do so next time! There are a few great spots on the property for parking a camping trailer or pitching a tent. The host truly cares about his guests, and it shows in everything he does. We highly recommend this place — you won’t regret visiting! It was an unforgettable and amazing experience. Huge thanks to the host for his care, kindness, and hospitality!
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The Hanna's Life on the Lake Escape
Avatar
Debbie
May 2025
20 ft pop-up camper
Weekend Trip to The Hanna's Life on the Lake Escape
We loved camping here ! It was peaceful, quiet and so serene by the lake. Our dog loved swimming here - we would have gone in too if warmer temp . Very clean lot, all went smoothly and directions were clear. When we reached out to Jason to inquire on dumping spot location, he was very quick to kindly respond. Would recommend this camping spot to anyone looking to relax in an open lovely quiet lot.
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Camping in Canso Islands National Historic Site guide

Overview

About

Travel to a time when remote fishing ports dotted the Atlantic coast and England and France vied for control of North America. Home to the remains of an 18th century fishing settlement and the ruins of a battle-ravaged earthen fort, Canso Islands National Historic Site welcomes curious explorers upon its windswept shores to journey through the history that forged a nation.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Canso Islands National Historic Site is during the summer months, from July 1 to September 4, when the site is open daily from 10am to 1pm & 2pm to 6pm. Outside these times, the harsh Atlantic weather can make the experience less enjoyable.

Know before you go

  • Check the weather forecast before your visit, as conditions can be unpredictable amid the Atlantic setting.
  • Accessibility may vary across the site, so inquire ahead if you have specific needs.
  • Remember to bring water and snacks, as local services are limited.
  • Wear sturdy footwear for exploring the rugged terrain and archaeological sites.
  • Respect the site's historical significance and follow all guidelines to preserve its integrity.
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