Best camping in Grassy Island Fort National Historic Site, NS 2025

Discover the echoes of history at Grassy Island Fort National Historic Site.

The best camping near Grassy Island Fort National Historic Site, NS

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

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Grassy Island Fort National Historic Site adventure.

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Camper favorites near Grassy Island Fort National Historic Site

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Basin Brook Camp

36km from Grassy Island Fort National Historic Site · 1 site · Tent, RV · 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. 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.

Riverside Retreat

50km from Grassy Island Fort National Historic Site · 1 site · Tent, RV · 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.

Eastman Cottage

75km from Grassy Island Fort National Historic Site · 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

Bunkies on Bras d'Or

58km from Grassy Island Fort National Historic Site · 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

Kaia's lake home

58km from Grassy Island Fort National Historic Site · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.

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Stories from the community

E

Eric

August 2025

19 ft Class B

1 night at Silver Birch Camp

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.

S

Sarah

July 2025

23 ft campervan

With kids

Weekend Trip to Silver Birch Camp

Nice flat parking area. Pretty view. The bonus was the easy walk to a great restaurant and playground!

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!

The best camping in Grassy Island Fort National Historic Site, NS guide

Overview

About

Grassy Island Fort National Historic Site is the remnant of 18th-century British fortifications situated on Grassy Island, one of a group of islands off the eastern tip of mainland Nova Scotia known together as the Canso Islands National Historic Site. The designation consists of the area within the footprint of the fort as outlined by the ramparts.

When to go

The best time to visit Grassy Island Fort National Historic Site is during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. Winter visits can be challenging due to harsh weather conditions and limited access. Plan your trip between May and September for an ideal experience.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast before your visit, as conditions can change rapidly on the Atlantic coast.
Wear sturdy footwear and dress in layers to adapt to the variable climate of Nova Scotia.
Access to Grassy Island is by boat; ensure you are aware of the schedules and safety requirements.
While there are no camping facilities, nearby towns offer accommodation options.
Respect the historic site by not disturbing the structures or removing artifacts.

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