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Barrachois Provincial Park

The best camping in Barrachois Provincial Park, NS

Discover Barrachois Park's serene views and lake fishing.

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Stories from the community

Camille

November 2025

Tent

3 nights at Great Bras D'Or Waterside Camp

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.

Myles

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Black Rock Stables

Nicest view with a lot of protection from the wind and rain.

Marnie

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

1 night at Fainne Crann Camping

Beautiful private spot with lovely host. Nice hot shower and my teenagers loved the game room!

Location of the 5 woodland camp sites. Campsite 1 is the nearest campsite in this photo.

Marnie

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Big Belle Farm

Clear directions and beautiful views, perfect spot to pitch a tent for the night

Nick

October 2025

30 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Wreck Cove, Cabot Trail Oceanfront

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 .

Ireland

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Fainne Crann Camping

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!

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Fainne Crann Camping

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.

Landing is 25 feet deep to bank, 30 feet wide.

John

September 2025

20 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Smokey View

This was a truly exceptional spot with a beautiful view out over the water. On one side was a grassy area and steps leading down to the water's edge; on the other a hidden away picnic table and a firepit with bench and firewood supplied. Blair was welcoming and helpful with suggestions for things to do in the area. Highly, highly recommended.

Stephanie

September 2025

14 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Smokey View

The host was accommodating and friendly. The site was fantastic and the photos don't do it justice. We're already hoping to stay here again the next time we come up the CBI.

This booking is for a campsite ONLY. The tent is not provided.

Jake

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Live Life In Tents Campground

Great campsites with bathrooms and a shower. The apples were in season so we ate a few! This campsite is where we begin our bike tour of the Cabot Trail. I would stay here again in a heartbeat.

Theodore

September 2025

23 ft campervan

2 nights at Live Life In Tents Campground

Beautiful and convenient location, close to beaches, sites, gas and groceries, and a reasonable drive to Baddeck. Lee was a friendly, informative host. The site is called”unserviced” but the washrooms and showers were terrific, exceeding or on par with any other campground we visited.

This booking is for a campsite ONLY. A tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad are not included.

Theodore

September 2025

23 ft campervan

With pets

2 nights at Live Life In Tents Campground

Loved staying here, good clean facilities, laidback vibe, sweet sites to visit nearby and central to both coast and Bras Dor.

Tom

September 2025

26 ft campervan

1 night at Live Life In Tents Campground

Nice open area with view of surrounding hills. Lee was very friendly and provided a lot of helpful information about hikes in the area.

Jacob

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Black Rock Stables

Excellent spot! The views were incredible! (Needs 50 spaces so fjalfjsnflsmxbxkebrjficntjenfj)

Kim

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Black Rock Stables

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.

Garrett

August 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Live Life In Tents Campground

Great views in a wide open field with tons of space. The food truck was closed for an event, but the menu looked bomb. Lee was friendly and helpful with tons of tips for the area.

Garrett

August 2025

20 ft campervan

With pets

3 nights at Wreck Cove, Cabot Trail Oceanfront

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.

Lauren

August 2025

16 ft Class B

3 nights at Smokey View

Blair’s spot is AMAZING!! This was our last camping spot while traveling around and camping on Cape Breton along the Cabot Trail and it was our favorite, hands down!! Blair was so helpful sharing some tips with us on some local spots or easy ways to access things, and the site itself was incredible! A great location for getting to the nearby beaches and beautiful natural views, but it was also so quiet and sp private. We loved the sunny grassy area for relaxing in the afternoon and we also loved watching all of the sea birds and fishing boats through the day. The picnic table was in a cozy spot tucked under beautiful trees with a view of the water and cape across the bay. The way the sunlight hits the cliffs in the late afternoon late across the water was absolutely breathtaking. We even saw a bald eagle! The star gazing was fantastic at night. We could go on and on. We will be back to Cape Breton again hopefully very soon and would definitely love to stay here again!

Elke

August 2025

16 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Live Life In Tents Campground

We enjoyed our stay at Life in tents. It was a lovely spot. We had our teardrop trailer there for a couple of nights. The showers and toilet were perfect. Thanks Lee and Kanary!

Mark

August 2025

22 ft Class B

1 night at Smokey View

What a fantastic overnight spot! Lovely view out to the bay from a secluded spot just off a quiet road. Blair has family history in the area and recommended some great local walks. Highly recommended.

Top-rated campgrounds

Sally's Brook Wilderness Cabins

92%

(13)

18km from Barrachois Provincial Park · 8 sites · Lodging · Baddeck, NS

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

Black Rock Stables

97%

(89)

19km from Barrachois Provincial Park · 2 sites · Tents · Black Rock, NS

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.

Live Life In Tents Campground

99%

(61)

55km from Barrachois Provincial Park · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Baddeck, NS

This was one of the original homesteads in the Margarees. There was an old sawmill on site which was used to build the house and barn. It was sold to a man who started renovations for a summer house but ended up listing it for sale. I purchased it and completely renovated the 100-year-old house. Shortly after, my brother and I started an outfitting company with no plan of building a campground, but in 2017 we saw a great opportunity for building something unique. We wanted to keep a backwoods camping feel, but yet create it around a hostel-inspired environment. We launched June 1, 2018 and are in full swing now. We look forward to meeting you and will help you out in any way to make your trip here something to remember. Adventure awaits at this eco-camping hostel offering a natural setting, overlooking a picturesque valley. This location offers close to off-grid camping with a twist of comfort; furnished Glamping tents, sleeping up to 4 people per tent on a queen bed with twin camping beds for extra guests. Cooking gear, bedding, and towels are provided. Each tent, located at this eco-hostel, has its own campfire pit, with a solar outdoor shower on site and beautiful views of the river valley.

Smokey View

100%

(44)

55km from Barrachois Provincial Park · 1 site · RV · Sydney, NS

At the other side of the harbour is Ingonish Ferry. At one time the road around the harbour did not exist. People, horses and goods came across the bar by means of a ferry. There were many wharves with wooden ships tied up. The long white building on the corner used to be on the bar. A walk along the bar will award you with a view of the Keltic Lodge. Continue straight at the corner and you will find a trail that will take you to Ingonish beach.

Big Belle Farm

97%

(230)

74km from Barrachois Provincial Park · 595 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.

Island Point Resort

7.5km from Barrachois Provincial Park · 3 sites · RVs · Southside Boularderie, NS

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.

Great Bras D'Or Waterside Camp

100%

(1)

11km from Barrachois Provincial Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Ross Ferry, NS

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.

Cabot Cottage and Seaside Cabins

14km from Barrachois Provincial Park · 3 sites · Lodging · Englishtown, NS

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. ------- 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. ------- 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. --------------------------------- Registration Number: STR2526T9953

The Barachois Beach

22km from Barrachois Provincial Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · Englishtown, NS

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!

Dragonfly Cottage

100%

(3)

25km from Barrachois Provincial Park · 3 sites · Lodging · Rock Elm, NS

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

Fainne Crann Camping

88%

(4)

35km from Barrachois Provincial Park · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging · Baddeck, NS

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

Back Forty

100%

(2)

38km from Barrachois Provincial Park · 28 sites · Tents · Baddeck, NS

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.

The best camping in Barrachois Provincial Park, NS guide

Overview

About

Embark on an adventure at Barrachois Provincial Park, where the tranquility of nature meets the thrill of the outdoors. Nestled on a gentle knoll, the park invites you to immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of Bras d'Or Lake. Cast a line into the glistening waters, or simply bask in the peaceful ambiance under a canopy of lush trees. Just a short drive from the bustle of the city, this former farm offers a picturesque escape into Nova Scotia's natural splendor.

When to go

For the ideal visit to Barrachois Provincial Park, the summer months offer warm weather perfect for lakeside activities. However, the park's beauty can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering its unique charm. Avoid the park during extreme weather conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast before your visit to plan your activities accordingly.
Wear appropriate footwear for exploring the natural terrain.
Remember to bring your fishing gear to take advantage of the lake's offerings.
Be mindful of the park's wildlife and maintain a safe distance.
Review the park's guidelines on the official website for any seasonal closures or updates.

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