National Park
The best RV sites in Canso Islands National Historic Site, NS
Discover the rugged beauty of Canso Islands National Historic Site.
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Canso Islands National Historic Site adventure.
Top-rated campsites near Canso Islands National Historic Site
Silver Birch Camp
1. Silver Birch Camp
91%
(11)
50km from Canso Islands National Historic Site ¡ 1 site
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
Life on the Lake RV Retreat
2. Life on the Lake RV Retreat
100%
(10)
75km from Canso Islands National Historic Site ¡ 2 sites ¡ Tents, RVs
Escape to the peaceful shores of Indian Harbour Lake and enjoy a relaxing stay at Life on the Lake RV Camp. Our spacious waterfront RV site offers beautiful lake views, direct water access, and everything you need for a comfortable getaway.
Your site includes:
Full water hookup
50-amp electrical service
Free access to our septic dump station
Optional pump-out service (additional fee)
Picnic table
Fire pit
Shared access to over 200 feet of waterfront
Boat slip available for launching or docking your boat
Electrical Service: This site is equipped with 50-amp service only. RVs with 30-amp service will require a 50-to-30 amp dogbone adapter, and RVs with 15/20-amp service will require the appropriate 50-amp adapter.
Whether you're looking to fish, kayak, paddleboard, or simply relax by the water, our quiet campground provides the perfect place to unwind.
Firewood is available on-site for $8 per bundle or 3 bundles for $20.
Just a 2-minute drive away, you'll find a beautiful sandy public beach and a scenic brook flowing into the lakeâone of the area's hidden gems.
We look forward to welcoming you to Life on the Lake RV Camp!
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
Listen to the Loons
3. Listen to the Loons
100%
(1)
36km from Canso Islands National Historic Site ¡ 2 sites
We are located 25 minutes from the causeway connecting mainland Nova Scotia to our beautiful Cape Breton Island property.
Gravel parking for RV's, if u have a very large trailer/RV please note that it may be difficult to turn around at the parking area, it is recommended to walk up the driveway 1st to see for yourself.
We have a peaceful location with easy access to our beautiful little lake.
Electricity is accessible to your parking spot.
We also are artists and have a studio on site and offer our unique creations for sale.
The amazing Cabot Trail is a day trip from our location.
*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.
A free dump and water fill site is located 15 min. away in the town of Louisdale.
Electrical hookup
Pets
Basin Brook Camp
4. Basin Brook Camp
36km from Canso Islands National Historic Site ¡ 1 site ¡ Tent, RV
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.
Please note that this is a drive on and off site so a trailer would need to be backed in. There is no room to turn around.
Pets
Where River Eagles Soar
5. Where River Eagles Soar
100%
(2)
39km from Canso Islands National Historic Site ¡ 1 site
This camper/tent property site is located on River Inhabitants which is a tidal river going in and out from the North Atlantic 2x a day.
Located near the village of Cleveland and off Evanston Road. (Not sure why HC states it is near Antigonish?)
Great fishing and kayaking but be mindful of the tides.
Cell phone reception is sketchy.
No wifi available.
Located nearby is a ranger tower to view the area and the stars above.
Best to get all your supplies in Port Hawkesbury if u are just arriving on Cape Breton.
Strait Richmond Hospital. is 10 min. away if needed.
Please be mindful of our garden and young fruit trees.
Please pack out all of you garbage as we do not have local garbage pickup... garbage can be disposed of in local towns.
The town of Louisdale offers free potable water and dump station (located next to Babins Yamaha).
The site is located near Cleveland NS. But unfortunately a snow plow knocked down the street sign a few years ago an despite complaints to Richmond County no sign has been replaced :( We will send you a directional map after booking.
You will turn off Hwy 4 at east at Evanston Rd. then turn south at Johnathan R Bouman Rd. which will be approx 2-3 kms down Evanston Rd. which is the 1st road you will come to. The site is the last driveway on the right. A rope is strung across the driveway, please unhook and rehook when you depart.... Enjoy your stay :)
Electrical hookup
Pets
Sunrise Cove
6. Sunrise Cove
44km from Canso Islands National Historic Site ¡ 1 site
This spot is in a very convenient location and easy to pull in/out if you are travelling in a large camper to/from Cape Breton. No Hookups/No Water. It's basically a large gravelled lot with a large grass area with access to the water on the Northumberland Strait. Magical Sunrises and peaceful mornings. Cute cafe across the street. The Bigstop, Tim Hortons, Gas Stations, Subway, Liquor Store, Shopping all close by within a few km's
Pets
Riverside Retreat
7. Riverside Retreat
50km from Canso Islands National Historic Site ¡ 1 site ¡ Tent, RV
This is a beautiful slice of land along the Milford Haven River on the waterside 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 saltwater swim! Yes, there is a gravel slipway 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 nearby.
We are 15 minutes from the town of Guysborough and 20 minutes from Monastery and the Trans Canada.
Explore the scenic Guysborough Waterfront Trail with gentle water views, hike forested loops and harbour overlooks at Boylston Provincial Park, relax on the sandy shores and shoreline walk at Black Duck Cove Provincial Park, or spend a sunny afternoon at Clam Harbour Beach Provincial Park with beach walks and picnics.
Pets
Kaia's lake home
8. Kaia's lake home
57km from Canso Islands National Historic Site ¡ 3 sites ¡ Tents, RVs
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
Empty Pocket Acres Wilderness Camp
9. Empty Pocket Acres Wilderness Camp
63km from Canso Islands National Historic Site ¡ 1 site ¡ Tent, RV
Empty Pocket Acres Wilderness Camping
Experience the quiet beauty of Cape Breton at Empty Pocket Acres, a peaceful wilderness retreat near Orangedale, Nova Scotia. Whether you're traveling by RV, campervan, trailer, or tent, this private campsite offers plenty of space to relax, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the slower pace of country life.
Set up on a grassy field surrounded by natural beauty, you'll have the Hipcamp all to yourself, making it the perfect getaway for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts. Wake up to fresh country air, spend the day exploring the surrounding area, and unwind around the campfire under a sky full of stars. Firewood is provided to help make your evenings even more enjoyable.
The site accommodates a variety of rigs up to 15 metres in length, including travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, campervans, truck campers, rooftop tents, and pop-up campers. The level grassy surface may require minor leveling for some setups, and the back-in site offers easy access for parking.
Pets are welcome and can join the adventure while kept on a leash. Potable water is available from a spigot, but guests should bring their own camping toilet, as there are no restroom facilities on-site.
Conveniently located in the heart of Cape Breton, Empty Pocket Acres makes a great basecamp for exploring the region's scenic drives, hiking trails, beaches, lakes, and charming local communities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful overnight stop or a relaxing wilderness escape, you'll find plenty of room to unplug and enjoy the natural beauty of Nova Scotia.
Come settle in, build a campfire, and experience the simple pleasures of wilderness camping at Empty Pocket Acres.
Pets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
E
Emma
2 weeks ago
16 ft car
Serene and quiet site right on the river! We loved our stay and wish it was longer than one night.
See moreJ
Joan
3 weeks ago
13 ft travel trailer
This was our favorite hipcamp experience ever! Private, beautiful, cape Breton wilderness but on the water - not the Atlantic but tidal waters. Good luck Brian with your ventures - a great start.
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M
Misha
May 2026
22 ft Class B
A perfect overnight stop. Nice level gravel pad was perfect for our Rv with water views. Firepit was made up but couldnât be used because of rain.
A great stopover heading to the Cabot trail
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E
Eric
August 2025
19 ft Class B
Very easy to book. The site was nice and level, tucked away on their side yard. Adjacent to a pond. We were only there for a brief time but it was the perfect location on our travels going west. I would avoid the restaurant down the street. Nice folks but vibe, food and drinks left a lot to be desired. Also, bring bug spray in the summer.
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Sarah
July 2025
23 ft campervan
With kids
Nice flat parking area. Pretty view. The bonus was the easy walk to a great restaurant and playground!
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Y
Yurii
May 2025
12 ft campervan
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 â 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 â that meant a lot. The surrounding nature is breathtaking: there's a lake right nearby with an island. We didnât explore it this time, but weâre 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 â you wonât regret visiting! It was an unforgettable and amazing experience. Huge thanks to the host for his care, kindness, and hospitality!
See moreW
Winden
September 2024
20 ft pop-up camper
We didnât have the same responsiveness at this site as others - aside from that it was a great quick and easy stop, and well sited with regard to the base of Cape Breton. Weâd return!
See moreK
Krysti
August 2024
11 ft travel trailer
Incredible campsite - exactly as described! Very spacious, beautiful, right on the water, level spot â and tons to do! While we didnât use them, the kayaks looked like they would be fun. My husband enjoyed crabbing while I enjoyed reading by the water.
We camped here for a couple of days while biking on the Celtic Trail and exploring the area.
The hosts were very accommodating and kind! We ate dinner at The Cove Restaurant one night and LOVED the live music there!
Definitely go!
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S
Sherry
August 2024
22 ft campervan
With pets
Convenient location. Private campsite on a lovely well-kept waterfront property. Helpful, friendly host.
See moreS
Sabrina
July 2024
25 ft campervan
We stayed for a night with our RV and enjoyed it a lot. Hosts are super nice and offered wood, hammock and fresh water. We went on a kayak tour around the âlakeâ and enjoyed the view on geese and squirrels. The close train track didnât bother us. We definitely recommend it to other campers!
See moreA
Andrea
July 2023
20 ft travel trailer
This is a great spot to park for the night, a good gravel pad right next to the water. Quiet with a nice view. Pam and her family were very welcoming and offered use of kayaks and outdoor chairs and a firepit. Very close to the Canso Causeway en route to Cape Breton!
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