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McNabs and Lawlor Islands Provincial Park

The best camping in McNabs and Lawlor Islands Provincial Park, NS

Discover the historic allure of McNabs and Lawlor Islands.

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Stories from the community

SHANNON

3 weeks ago

33 ft Class A

With pets

Weekend Trip to Surfer's Shade

Great spot and responsive, friendly host. Liked it so much, I booked a second night.

Simon

October 2025

21 ft Class A

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Surfer's Shade

Super spot ! 10 min to Lawrencetown beach, and 8 minutes to many stores, groceries and restaurants. It’s a single place, so you are the only one at the spot. Owner is really kind and friendly. I will go again for sure !

Wendy

October 2025

18 ft campervan

1 night at Big Blue On The Bay

Gloria was a friendly host and the big grassy yard that she offered was a good place to camp near the Bay of Fundy where you could watch the tides come and go.. There’s a nice walking trail from her place to the village of Maitland where we got a very decent dinner at a good price. The bathroom facilities were substandard, not clean, but made available whenever we needed it. Overall, it was a decent experience, although perhaps a bit overpriced.

The beautiful bay side view from the property

Patricia

October 2025

21 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Green Oaks Camping

Loved the location am me view. Wonderful for dogs

Bill

October 2025

22 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Green Oaks Camping

Great spot with a great view of the effects of the Fundy Bay tidal shift on rivers. The host met us and escorted us to the spot. We parked in a grassy field with beautiful views. We were joined by friends in their own van and it made for a lovely evening.

Stephen

October 2025

27 ft Class C

1 night at Surfer's Shade

Sam was super accommodating and a really friendly host. The site was level, terrific picnic table area and great hookups for the RV. It was quiet and secure. Highly recommended!

Mason

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Big Blue On The Bay

Amazing spot right on the water. Host was friendly and a storyteller. Bathrooms were clean and accessible. Nice place.

Donald

October 2025

22 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Murphy's Camping on the Ocean

Beautiful waterfront views from almost every site. We visited in early October so the campground wasn’t very crowded. Electric, water, fire ring and nice picnic table at our site. Older bathhouse with shower that was well maintained and clean. Would recommend staying here.

John

October 2025

20 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Surfer's Shade

Sam welcomed me and described the site's amenities - water, electricity, trash and recycling, grill, firepit and firewood. Nice level place to set up adjacent to woodland at the end of the street. I'd stay again when in the Halifax area.

Nick

October 2025

30 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Petpeswick Hills

Dan was the man !! Super polite, loved staying at his property would highly recommend.

Dave

September 2025

29 ft travel trailer

With pets

5 nights at Blueberry Run Trail RV Site

Loved the privacy, close to the trail, a private Gazebo and even some gardens to look at. Ryan was very helpful and responsive, great place to stay. See you next year!

Fred

September 2025

25 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Green Oaks Camping

We called ahead and Quinton met us as we drove in and showed us to the site. We had our choice of spots because we were the only ones there. We watched the tidal bore come up the river and a mild sunset in the orchard. Early in the morning, we heard some ruffled grouse calling. A very peaceful stay.

Nick

September 2025

30 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Surfer's Shade

We have a 30ft trailer that we were able to park comfortably! Sam has a beautiful set up with hanging lights, a camp fire, BBQ, etc. The place was definitely a vibe and everyone was so friendly! Very convenient spot and close to everything. Would highly recommend :)!.

Michael

September 2025

25 ft campervan

1 night at Petpeswick Hills

Two small gravel sites up a small driveway. Could have used some weeding and tending - a bit after peak season. Nicely appointed with some solar lights, chairs, and steel wheel fire pits. No sea view but GREAT star views, and a couple miles from a quiet and fantastic public park sand beach.

Raggy

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sleep By The Sea

Jeff's place had all the amenities we needed and more. Very well thought out spot with an amazing view. Jeff and family were very kind and helpful!

Douglas

September 2025

25 ft Class C

With pets

3 nights at Murphy's Camping on the Ocean

nice people - great views. bathrooms need updating desperately.

Mike

September 2025

20 ft campervan

3 nights at Petpeswick Hills

Dans hipcamp was a perfect spot to roll into after a long drive from VT. We stayed 3 nights n could easily have stayed longer but for the urge to explore other parts of the coast. It’s near the beach and services in Petpeswick and has trails to explore also. Dan is the best ever communicator I’ve experienced with any Hipcamp or AirBnB reservation! Would definitely stay again.

Veronika

September 2025

1 night at Porters Peak

My husband and I had a fantastic time at the chalet. Our first night in NV at Porter's land was a thrilling adventure in nature, with the delightful chorus of birds. I even had a refreshing dip in the lake, and we were up before sunrise to witness the stunning sight of the sun rising over the misty lake. It was an exhilarating experience in Porter's land, and we're already counting down the days until our next visit!

Hattie

September 2025

22 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Murphy's Camping on the Ocean

We absolutely loved MURPHYs campground! Ryan and gang were so friendly and helpful and the scenery and atmosphere were amazing. Such a relaxing wonderful taste of Nova Scotia As a former owner of a family business the character of the Murphy family shows in the care they show in all aspects of the property.

Max

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sleep By The Sea

An absolutely beautiful spot! We loved the privacy of the site, ocean view, and everything is well set up for a relaxing stay. Jeffery did a great job creating this site.

Top-rated campgrounds

Green Oaks Camping

95%

(32)

70km from McNabs and Lawlor Islands Provincial Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Windsor, NS

-Scenic view of the Shubenacadie Canal -Back Country Camping Sites in Field -15 minutes from Highway 102 -20 minutes from Truro -30 minutes away from Burntcoat Head Park -Access to beautiful marshland wildlife -Tons of nearby rafting adventures -Many nearby provincial parks - Private location for tent and RV camping, pet friendly, car and trailer accessible

Private Home Near Beach

100%

(1)

4.6km from McNabs and Lawlor Islands Provincial Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · Eastern Passage, NS

I have a nice grassy and gravel space on the side of my home for an RV or a tent with easy access to a hose and electricity and extra parking. Nova Scotia is experiencing very dry weather with little rain in sight. I'm on well water and the water levels are low. I can offer bottled water for necessities but water usage from my home is limited. My backyard also has an above ground pool (currently being repaired) and firepit (when fires are allowed) for extra convenience. My yard is surrounded by trees and we often have wildlife visit us. It is very quiet and serene. It's a family oriented neighborhood so you will see and hear kids. Everyone helps each other out. We are also located 6km to Rainbow Haven Beach, 3km to the Cow Bay Moose and 3km to the local grocery store. Also 9.7km from the Woodside Ferry Terminal and 800m from the closest city bus stop.

Porters Peak

91%

(23)

23km from McNabs and Lawlor Islands Provincial Park · 13 sites · Lodging · Halifax, NS

Breathe in the fresh air, unwind, reconnect, and recharge as you escape in the great outdoors. Porters Peak is an adventure getaway located in Porters Lake, only 40 minutes from Halifax. We offer over 250 acres of rolling hills, adventure activities and 2 unique types of accommodations; Safari Tents and Cozy Cabins. Built by Canadian adventurers, for adventurers of all types. Enjoy Luxurious Glamping Tents for Your Next Adventure. Relax in style with our luxurious glamping tents featuring plush bedding for a comfortable night's sleep. Enjoy cooking in our fully equipped outdoor kitchen and seating area, surrounded by beautifully landscaped surroundings. As the sun sets, cozy up around your personal fire pit and soak up the ambiance with solar lights illuminating your tent, or grill up some delicious food on your personal BBQ. Our glamping tents offer the perfect blend of comfort and nature for an unforgettable outdoor experience. Experience the magic of the great outdoors!

The Three Bees Tiny Farm

57km from McNabs and Lawlor Islands Provincial Park · 1 site · Tent · Windsor, NS

Welcome to The Three bees Tiny Farm in Gore. We are a small homestead located on 2.6 acres in the beautiful community of West Gore, Nova Scotia. The camping site is located a short walk through our blackberry patch back into the woods. From your campsite there is a small stream down the hill. We have chickens, turkeys, Guinea fowl, ducks, goats and pigs you’re more than welcome to come up and say hello to. The pigs are happy to greet anyone especially if you bring a snack. The goats are friendly and always happy to see people who will give them attention. It is a 10 minute drive to Kennetcook where you can get ice cream at Summertime Treats. They also have all the basics including a pharmacy, gas station, hardware store, grocery store, Robins Donuts and Snappers pub and grill. The Kennetcook River is also a great place to fish. Our area boasts many atv trails as well as a mountain biking park just up the road in Gore. There is also a gas station/convenience store/nslc a 4 minute drive the other direction in Rawdon Gold Mines. 30 minute drive to Windsor and about 25 minutes to Elmsdale.

Surfer's Shade

100%

(19)

9.3km from McNabs and Lawlor Islands Provincial Park · 1 site · RV · Westphal, NS

Welcome to Surfer's Shade! Enjoy your private RV oasis! Located in Westphal, Nova Scotia just 25 minutes from Halifax International Airport, 30 minutes from downtown Halifax, 20 minutes from downtown Dartmouth, and less than 10 minutes from the most beautiful surfing beaches the area has to offer! Enjoy a private driveway, 50 amp and 30 amp connections, a fire pit by a brook in a forested area with string lights, hammocks, a picnic table, and a barbecue. Located in a quiet residential area on the outskirt of Halifax's urban core, this serene oasis offers the perfect blend of convenience and tranquility.

Sunset Stays

100%

(3)

59km from McNabs and Lawlor Islands Provincial Park · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Halifax, NS

My grandfather grew up on the farm next door which is still family-owned. In 1947 he married my grandmother and bought the adjacent Higgins property. As the 3rd generation of my family to be lucky enough to enjoy this private oasis, I am happy to be able to share the breathtaking sunsets that I enjoy every day. Bordering one of the largest dairy farms in Nova Scotia, rural sights and sounds give you a real downhome feel. Bring your metal detector and search for long-lost relics of the horse farm once owned by Clarence and Annie Higgins. Interact with nature with a scavenger hunt. Canoe, kayak, tube or fish on the beautiful Musquodoboit River. Visit the provincial picnic park for river access.

Blueberry Run Trail RV Site

99%

(72)

21km from McNabs and Lawlor Islands Provincial Park · 1 site · RV · Grand Desert, NS

***CLOSED FOR THE SEASON. See you in May 2026.*** Only 1 RV site on our 11 acre property located on a dead-end road within a small residential community. Newly groomed trail is located 20 feet East of the site so you can walk, run, bike, ATV or hike the trail. NOTE: Only 1 single RV permitted on site. No additional units, tents or trailers permitted. Reservation will be cancelled if not adhered to. Site Features: RV Pad is 65' long by 20' wide with room for slides - 20 AMP electrical (not recommended for RVs that require 50 AMPs unless you have generator power to supplement demand.) - Fast WiFi included on-site. - Gray water hookup on-site so you don't need to worry about filling your tank. - Portable black water tank rental available (Must be added to booking for additional fee). - Wood deck with covered gazebo, privacy walls and bug netting for extra comfort. - Fire pit provided (additional fee for firewood). Check Burn ban updated 2pm daily at https://novascotia.ca/burnsafe/ - Propane fire pit and propane tank available to rent. (OK to use during fire bans) - 20 to 40 minutes to Dartmouth and Halifax City via Hwy #107 or #207. - 5 to 15 minutes to many popular ocean beaches and surfing. - Full shopping centre within 10 minutes in Porters Lake. (Fuel, grocery, liquor, pharmacy, vet, restaurants, hardware store, bank, pizza shops, cheesecake and more) - 7 km long newly groomed trail for biking, running, walking and ATVs. (4.6 miles) Self-check-in time is 2pm and checkout is no later than 11am. If the site is ready earlier, we will send a message to you. We hope you enjoy your stay and if you need anything, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Murphy's Camping on the Ocean

99%

(84)

63km from McNabs and Lawlor Islands Provincial Park · 40 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Tangier, NS

The Wild Islands, 100 Wild Islands, Wild Islands Coast. Regardless of the name, we couldn’t be more lucky to have this pristine wilderness at our fingertips. Considered to be “The most valuable islands you’ve never heard of”, the archipelago is one of the last remaining intact and ecologically rich island groups of its size in North America. We want to share it with you… responsibly. As members of 1% for the Planet and Leave No Trace Canada, we’re committed to conserving the islands and helping others to do the same. We believe that people can only fully appreciate the islands’ unmatched beauty and conservation value by experiencing them firsthand. Murphy’s Camping on the Ocean has been operating on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore for over 60 years! This makes Murphy’s Camping one of the longest-running tourism operations in Nova Scotia. Our campground lands began as a coastal fishing settlement where you’ll still find a fisherman’s wharf and the old salt fish tanks from years past when schooners would load this cargo bound for the New England market. Over the years the Murphys have provided services such as schooner supply runs, rum running, moon shining, boat building, blacksmith services, farm produce, and sport fishing. With the introduction of our brand new geo-domes and cottage, our establishment now offers 10 months of Wild Islands fun! A 1.5 km hiking trail is planned for September 2025, which will make it even easier to enjoy the Wild Islands Coast.

Open Sky

100%

(17)

50km from McNabs and Lawlor Islands Provincial Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · Halifax, NS

The property is located up a hill away from other homes and the highway, 4mins away from Clam Harbour beach . The main house is 80 meters away from the RV and tenting spot for privacy. There is 8 acres total. 3 acres are open field for Frisbee, baseball, any other sport (basketball hoop) or letting the dog run around. We are pet friendly. There are paths through the woods for walking the dog. In a pen near the main house is Tess the potbelly pig. She is super friendly and loves people, kids, and other animals. The area is suitable for a self -contained RV or tenting. There is a outdoor toilet and shower. There is 110 power at the spot via 2 extension cords. There is a shed available for storage, Wi-Fi, dishwashing station, BBQ, cooking station.

Breezy Petals Camping Resort

94%

(48)

50km from McNabs and Lawlor Islands Provincial Park · 6 sites · Tents, Lodging · Rines Creek, NS

Breezy Petals Camping Resort is a family oriented campground offering tenting, RVing, glamping as well as fun outdoor activities and music events.Our mission is to build a camping wonderland, where families and friends can discover true happiness, health and green lifestyle. Here you can forget all of your stress, just enjoy the great nature by listening birds singing, watching beaver swimming, discovering the secret from deep woods, observing starlight with telescope at night, relaxing your body with yoga by the dome..... So much more you could do.Come and join us, let's have some fun together!

Urban Forest Getaway

100%

(13)

24km from McNabs and Lawlor Islands Provincial Park · 2 sites · Tents · Halifax, NS

Only twenty minutes from Halifax and half way to Peggy’s Cove, this campground is the perfect spot. Park on the road and then it’s only a few minutes to the forest clearing. Plenty of room to pitch up to three large or small tents, plus a covered picnic table. Also features a composting outhouse! Available camp fire and wood when fires are permitted. A gas BBQ is available for a small extra fee of $6.00 Please message or text for the key lock box 902 719 7575

Lusty Lagoon

86%

(7)

75km from McNabs and Lawlor Islands Provincial Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · Blockhouse, NS

Location, Location, Location! Looking for a convenient place to pitch a tent while enjoying the sites and sounds of Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, Bridgewater or the Bern art maze? Just want quick access onto Rails to Trails? Not to mention a minute away from an incredible coffee shop, Chicory Blue, amazing French bakery, Boulangerie, one of a kind vintage stop, the four points vintage market, and be sure to stop into The Barn for Sunday Bun day, definitely the best cinnamon bun you’ll ever have. This old park turned huge single private campsite is nestled smack dab in the middle of all these popular destinations, and has direct access to endless kilometres of trail. Bring the dogs for walks through quiet trails, while picking fresh blackberries. Enjoy a complimentary tent and fire wood! Conveniently located right off the old highway, this site gives you quick access to some of the best of what Nova Scotia has to offer! It’s well protected by trees, it’s private, dry, could fit multiple vehicles if need be! So stop in, pitch a tent, have a fire (restrictions permitting), watch the stars and enjoy Lusty Lagoon as a wonderful memory as you travel across this beautiful province.

The best camping in McNabs and Lawlor Islands Provincial Park, NS guide

Overview

About

Embark on an adventure to McNabs and Lawlor Islands Provincial Park, where history and nature blend seamlessly. Venture across 22 km of scenic trails, delve into the past with military fortifications, and observe a plethora of bird species. While camping is not available, the park offers a day's escape where you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature, just a short boat ride from Halifax's vibrant downtown.

When to go

The best times to visit McNabs and Lawlor Islands Provincial Park are during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers longer days for exploration, but prepare for busier trails. Winter visits can be challenging due to harsh conditions and limited access.

Know before you go

Ensure you have arranged boat transportation as the park is only accessible by water.
Bring your own drinking water and food as there are no facilities on the islands.
Wear sturdy footwear for hiking and exploring the historical sites.
Check the weather forecast and prepare accordingly, as conditions can change rapidly.
Respect the natural habitat by following Leave No Trace principles during your visit.

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