- Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
National Park
The best camping in Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, NS
Step back in time at Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site.
The best camping in Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, NS
Black Rock Stables
1. Black Rock Stables
97%
(89)
55km from Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site · 2 sites · Tents
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
Toilets
Showers
from
CA$30
/ night
Sally's Brook Wilderness Cabins
2. Sally's Brook Wilderness Cabins
92%
(13)
61km from Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site · 8 sites · Lodging
Sally’s Brook is located in Unama’ki, within the unceded ancestral territory of the Mikmaq people.
Sally’s Brook is an Eco-friendly property in the heart of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. We have three wilderness cabins and a yurt available for rent year-round, and three Lotus Belle glamping tents in the warmer weather. We have a wood-fired sauna and communal CookHouse kitchen-dining building for guests. We also have the Hive Dome! This 26 foot year-round space is the perfect place to host your own event with us, gather for our movie nights, board games, playing music, and retreat from bad weather with so much space to move around.
Guest Use of the Hive: While you are staying on the property, we welcome guests to reserve time in the Hive for their own private use. Our staff will prepare this space for you by lighting the wood stove, stocking wood and heating it up for your arrival. Stretch, practice yoga, play games or music, or celebrate with your group!
$30 + HST for a 3.5 hour reservation to current guests
Morning, afternoon or evening (until 10:00pm) reservations are available
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
CA$139
/ night
Dragonfly Cottage
3. Dragonfly Cottage
100%
(3)
28km from Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site · 3 sites · Lodging
Get away from it all, a very quiet cabin in the woods. A great place to decompress and enjoy some time away. The property is left natural and has an apple tree and berries can be found around the area. Excellent high speed internet now available.
There is an area to hook up a camper that provides water, power and sewer.
Registration # STR2526B0709
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
CA$220
/ night
Oceanview RV Stop
4. Oceanview RV Stop
34km from Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site · 1 site · RV
The Cape Breton Miners Museum is home to the profound stories of miners and their families—the communities born and raised by the flame of the coal fire, and the resource that helped build a nation.
We are also the proud home of the Men of the Deeps.
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Pets
from
CA$35
/ night
Kaia's lake home
5. Kaia's lake home
41km from Fortress of Louisbourg 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
Campfires
from
CA$33
/ night
Island Point Resort
6. Island Point Resort
51km from Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site · 3 sites · RVs
Island Point Resort is perfectly suited for: Family Vacations, Fishing or Boating. Getaways Retreats Quiet vacation spot to unwind. This peaceful resort tucked in on the shore of the Little Bras d’Or at Island Point Harbor. We are located 25min from Newfoundland ferry terminal. We are mainly a seasonal RV resort with some rental cabins. We have plenty of parking, boat ramp and small dock. Swimming raft and moorings for boats. Feel free to reach out to Jon at 902-322-1824 via call or text for more information.
Pets
Full hookups
from
CA$50
/ night
Great Bras D'Or Waterside Camp
7. Great Bras D'Or Waterside Camp
100%
(1)
54km from Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Nicely treed with grassy clearings, this waterfront property has a pebble beach, with stunning views down the Great Bras D'Or Channel.
At the beach, there’s swimming and fishing, shell searching, rock-skipping. Walk 100m down the beach to the Ross Ferry Marine Park where you’ll find shaded walking-trails, an outdoor fitness gym, and a jungle-gym with a slide for kids. Anyone who feels bold enough can jump off the wharf!
There is also a boat launch that can be used (for a small donation to the Ross Ferry Marine Park.
Guests of all campsites will have communal access to a small cabin close to the road in SUMMER TIMES ONLY. The interior of the cabin and the water are shut down in September.
The cabin has power and water (AC cord can be run from the exterior outlet, and a hose can be attached to the exterior tap). Guests are free to use the small basic kitchen, bathroom, large deck and small living room, but the cabin is not for sleeping.
There is no regular cleaning service, so guests are responsible for keeping the communal spaces clean.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
CA$35
/ night
Cabot Cottage and Seaside Cabins
8. Cabot Cottage and Seaside Cabins
59km from Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site · 3 sites · Lodging
Enjoy the beauty of both the forest and the ocean on this 4 acre property off the Cabot Trail, where 3 wilderness cabins and a large 2-level home are nestled among the forest which leads down to the waterfront.
The space is perfect for those who love nature and rustic vibes. All of the cabins sleep two people, with a personal fire pit, bbq, kitchenette, drinking water (although no running water), and all the amenities needed to spend a few nights in nature. The shared outdoor bathroom has been hand crafted with lots of natural light, a composting toilet (i.e. non-flushing), hot water shower and two sinks.
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Shared spaces include the trails, washroom, deck overlooking the bay, adirondack chairs at the lookoff, kayaks, hammocks, wood shed, and checkerboard table.
There will be up to 12 people on the property - 6 in the cabins, 4 in the main level of the home, and our on-site property managers stay in the walkout basement of the home.
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The whole property is essentially on a hill. Parking is near the top, followed by the cabins, the shared bathrooms, the 2-story home, and then the waterfront is a few minutes further down. The paths are not suitable for people with mobility issues and potentially seniors.
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Registration Number: STR2526T9953
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
CA$103
/ night
The Barachois Beach
9. The Barachois Beach
65km from Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site · 1 site · Tent, RV
Located in River Bennett / Jersey Cove on the north side of the Englishtown Ferry. Available for single or multi night, weekly or monthly stays. This waterfront property has a beautiful view of Kellys mountain, the ocean with easy access to the Waterfront for swimming or fishing. Close by are other beach access locations and; the Cabot Trail. You are between Ingonish and Baddeck for access to the Highlands or nearby amenities. Eat at the Clucking Hen Café or the Other Cupboard Emporium for shopping needs in the area.
Lot is unserviced with no power, water or sewer. Private location. Welcome to book for individual nights or the entire summer!
Pets
Campfires
from
CA$25
/ night
The Dancing Moose Vacation rentals
10. The Dancing Moose Vacation rentals
100%
(3)
76km from Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site · 4 sites · Lodging
The Dancing Moose Vacation rentals, (formally the Dancing Moose Cafe) is a beautiful 3.5 acre ocean front, (rock) beach accessible property, located right on the Cabot Trail, one of the most scenic routes in the world!
We are located on the east side (sunrise) on the Cabot Trail, about 15 minutes from Ski Cape Smokey, 25 minutes from the entrance of the Cape Breton Highland National Park with over 35 well maintained hikes.
The on site restaurant, The Dancing Moose Cafe, is changing its activity starting this year (2025) and will only be open, serving breakfast for guests that stay on the property. Full a la carte breakfast is available, including our "famoose" Dutch Pannekoek. Breakfast is optional and not included in the rental fee.
There are 4 different kind of vacation rentals on the property,
The Sleeping Moose Cottage (1x), The Zzzz Moose Camping Cabins (3x) The ZzzzMoose 2.0 Camping Cabin (1x) and the Birch Plain Tower 1x).
The Sleeping Moose has a minimum of 2 nights. All other rentals can be booked for 1 night, or more of course.
Except for the Birch Plain Tower al our vacation rentals are pet friendly.
(as long as you see this message it means we are working on setting up the rental units)
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
CA$91
/ night
Fainne Crann Camping
11. Fainne Crann Camping
88%
(4)
77km from Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging
Step off the beaten path!
Fainne Crann (Celtic Ring of Trees) is a gorgeous, remote 58-acre off-grid destination featuring 25 acres of conserved field and wetland, an apple orchard, and stunning western views—all tucked into the Middle River Wilderness Highlands.
Come make this very private and serene property your base camp, surrounded by wild and cultivated beauty. We’re just a 4 km drive up a dirt road from the Cabot Trail, with no nearby neighbors, yet centrally located to explore all the beauty and adventure Cape Breton has to offer—20 minutes from Baddeck and 50 minutes from Inverness. Some locals affectionately call our historic farm “beyond the beyond.”
Enjoy a complementary glass of our own farm-pressed apple cider upon arrival!
Tent campers can choose their site in mowed areas of the field or apple orchard. Sites are car-accessible. We can currently host up to four groups of campers, with a maximum of 12 campers total at any time.
(Coming soon! A glamping option with a 5 m bell tent, queen airbed, and linens.)
We provide a hot shower, potable water, outdoor picnic or spindle tables, and an outhouse.
Special Feature: Guests also have access to a generous indoor space in the refurbished barn—perfect for inclement weather, shade on a hot day, or evening games. The barn is accessible through the greenhouse and is set up with dining and seating areas plus a selection of games and puzzles.
Enjoy a peaceful interlude in the farm’s own Fainne Crann, a Celtic tree circle of massive old maples tied to Cape Breton’s Gaelic history. Or start your morning with a walk along adjacent trails and quiet lanes before heading out to explore the island. If you’re curious about off-grid living, conservation, or agroecology, there’s much to discover here.
Nearby (10–15 minutes): Big Spruce Brewery, Dancing Goat Café, Herring Choker Café, Lake O’Law, Margaree River, and access to the Highlands interior and Cape Clear via Hunter Mountain’s Crowdis Mountain Road.
Pets are welcome on leash.
Follow us on instagram https://www.instagram.com/fainne_crann?igsh=czg1NDB4NjVjZmxm
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
CA$40
/ night
Back Forty
12. Back Forty
100%
(2)
79km from Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site · 28 sites · Tents
Located 15 minutes to Baddeck and 20 minutes from Margaree this Forty acre property has lots to offer. There are several fields and lots of forest to enjoy with several Kilometers of trails to explore. Most sites are walk-in sites with a parking area provided in the first field. The back boarder of property is the Beautiful Middle River with an awesome swimming hole and a path to get ya there. At this time there is no shower or washroom facilities but there is a compostable outhouse and solar showers can be used. Middle River is one of the premier fishing rivers on Cape Breton.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from
CA$30
/ night
Wreck Cove, Cabot Trail Oceanfront
13. Wreck Cove, Cabot Trail Oceanfront
100%
(2)
80km from Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site · 1 site · Tent, RV
Welcome to your slice of paradise along the majestic Cabot Trail! This property offers 6.94 acres of beautiful level land with 394 feet of breathtaking ocean frontage. Nestled on the renowned Cabot Trail near the base of Smokey, this property boasts level terrain, accessible via an established driveway and some clearing started for R or tent along the driveway/ocean of tucked in to the trees. Take in the inspiring views of Cape Smokey and listen to the waves crashing in! For added convenience, the amenities of Ingonish are a short 10-minute drive, providing easy access to dining, shopping, and other essentials.
Pets
from
CA$40
/ night
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Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
C
Camille
November 2025
Tent
I booked, confirmed by email, three nights here as their ad offered full services, drove quite a ways to get there and was exhausted the first night when I arrived so went directly to the site and slept. Come morning, I went down to the house that the ad says has the kitchen, shower, toilet, water, electricity. All doors were locked. Took two hours for the owner to respond to my email and he responded that they were closed for the season and would offer a full refund. I requested a full refund then had to follow up to obtain it. Then I checked my records and see that I did not get the full refund. I had to email again and was advised by owner that I had to contact hip camp for the remainder. Waste of time I replied, for all of this. He then challenged me that I had somewhere to lay my head for the night for $10 and asked me if I liked the view. I only wasted $50 to get there, sleep, NOT shower and have amenities then had to find somewhere else and drive there. Terrible service.
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M
Myles
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Nicest view with a lot of protection from the wind and rain.
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Marnie
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
Beautiful private spot with lovely host. Nice hot shower and my teenagers loved the game room!
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N
Nick
October 2025
30 ft travel trailer
We loved camping on Jenessa’s land. Highly recommended. Loved hearing the sounds of the ocean and seeing plenty of seals ! Stay here, you won’t regret it .
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I
Ireland
October 2025
Tent
We had such a nice stay at Janis’s! It was cozy, comfortable and private. There is a great indoor area where we played games and there was a whole field of tenting spots to choose from.
We recommend staying here!
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H
October 2025
Tent
Great spot. Off the main road by 4 short kms. Tucked away at the foot of the mtns…..I had the place all to myself. Parked my van so I could see the moon dance across the sky. Very quiet and had a great sleep. Total props.
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J
Jacob
September 2025
Tent
Excellent spot! The views were incredible!
(Needs 50 spaces so fjalfjsnflsmxbxkebrjficntjenfj)
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Kim
September 2025
Tent
Kim is a friendly host, and her property is just beautiful, with horses, dogs, chickens, goats and rabbits! The campsite is positioned beyond the homestead, through a gate and has a beautiful view of the ocean. The campsite is laid out very well and has a clean, well kept outhouse. It feels private and peaceful to camp on this farm. There is no traffic noise whatsoever, just the sounds of the country, farm animals and the ocean. Would stay again! A very short drive to N Sydney which was an added bonus.
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Garrett
August 2025
20 ft campervan
With pets
Incredible spot to post up for a few days right on the ocean. Little space aside from the road itself, but no prob if you’ve got a van to just open up. The waves have a really unique sound with how the rocks crackle when they recede.
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E
Extoljc
August 2025
Tent
With pets
We enjoyed our stay on Kim’s property. Very peaceful and private location with amazing star gazing without the light pollution from the city. Awesome views of the ocean and the goats were cool too! She was very swift to answer any questions we had and gave great advice. Would recommend this place.
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A
Amélie
August 2025
Tent
With kids
This place was the perfect spot for my kids and me to begin our journey in Nova Scotia! It offered everything we needed to rest, relax, and truly connect with nature — all while enjoying the company of the animals. If they could have, I’m sure my kids would have begged me to stay more than just one night!
Thank you for giving us the chance to share a wonderful dinner together while admiring the most breathtaking sunset view. It was an unforgettable moment we will cherish.
See moreP
Peter
August 2025
Tent
What an amazing place to camp - up on the cliffs looking over the ocean at the opposite bay, view of the active lighthouse off to the left, sound of buoy bells if the waves are up, stars in the sky. There are 3 sites well spread out, all w/ ocean sitting areas and firepits (wood provided) - unfortunately there was a fire ban when we were there so no fire, but we were alone for the night we stayed and all was great. The pit toilet is clean and fine, and there is even a solar shower to use. Kim met us as we arrived - horses wandering around and dogs barking (but nicely) and directed us. No hassle at all, and excellent location on the island. We would highly recommend!!
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T
Tom
August 2025
With kids
Everything was great here. Comfortable cabin in a very beautiful location. Ton was helpful and friendly. A great base from which to explore the Cabot Trail. Tasty breakfast too!
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B
Belspethen
August 2025
Tent
With pets
We really enjoyed our time at Black Rock Stables. Kim has done a wonderful job creating a relaxing and thoughtfully appointed campsite, and was a gracious host. The highlights for us were: the location, the menagerie of friendly animals, and the hammock area with sea views. Thanks for a great stay!
See moreB
Bertille
August 2025
Tent
We loved camping on the farm ! We had an unexpected visit from one of the horses and it was such a nice experience. Kim was very reactive and we could go to her for any issue. Would go back again !
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S
Susan
August 2025
Tent
With pets
We enjoyed our time camping on Kim’s land. Easy directions to find her farm, we arrived at night (very dark) and she was very nice about ensuring we found our site. It was very quiet, and we could see the stars. We had bfast on the picnic tables overlooking the ocean. What could be more perfect?!!
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V
Vanessa
August 2025
Tent
A fantastic view, and very private. Would definitely camp there again.
See mores
scott
July 2025
Tent
Awesome 🤩 Wonderful place, great views! Could not ask for better!
See moreN
Nikole
July 2025
Tent
We loved staying at Kim’s! The ocean views seen from property were beautiful and a few steps away from your tent’s door. The seating areas are comfortable and well placed. All amenities were refreshed (water, outhouse, garbage, etc) from previous camping guests. This site is secluded and perfect for those that would like to be off the beaten path but enjoy the small comforts. Kim was very responsive to messages and a great host. If we are ever back in that area, would definitely stay again!
See moreR
Rosalie
July 2025
Tent
The place was great, beautiful farm and cute animals, the host was letting us pet the baby rabbits and the dog:)) Private place, really calm and welcoming! Would definitely recommend
See moreThe best camping in Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, NS guide
Overview
About
French soldiers march down the streets of the town as ladies dance in formal parlours. Cannon fire shakes the ground as harpsichord tunes mingle with baking bread aromas drifting from the stone bakery. Step through Louisbourg’s fortress walls and time-warp back to the 1700s. Chat with fishermen, sailors and servants. Sip rum and watch lace-making as children play 300-year-old games and stew simmers on an open-hearth fire. It’s so real, it seems surreal.
When to go
The best time to visit the Fortress of Louisbourg is during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn, when the full range of activities and experiences are available. Winter visits offer a quieter experience but with limited access and services.
Know before you go
- Check for any closures or safety advisories before your visit, especially following adverse weather events.
- Accessibility is a priority, with facilities designed to accommodate all visitors.
- Local amenities in Louisbourg can enhance your visit, so plan ahead.
- Admission is free for youth, making it a family-friendly destination.
- Visitor safety is paramount; follow all guidelines during your exploration.
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