The best camping near Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site adventure.

Explore the historic Trent-Severn Waterway and its scenic lockstations.  

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Community favorites near Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site

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Cottingham property

2 sites · RVs, Tents43 acres · Kawartha Lakes, ON
43 acres of fields and forest. Beautiful star gazing opportunities and seclusion. Close to Doubes Tressle Bridge. Open area in a forest away from people and everything. No electricity or utilities available. We do live on the property and can assist with anything as necessary. Come enjoy the peace!
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CA$25
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Harmony Resorts - Stoney Lake

9 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Peterborough, ON
You will find our campground amongst the rugged precambrian rocks and windswept pines on the shores of Stoney Lake, the crown jewel of the Kawarthas. Immerse yourself in the wilderness of our pinery sites, or experience the tranquility of our lakeside sites. Enjoy the pristine water as you relax on our private sandy beach or launch a boat to explore the lake’s hundreds of beautiful islands. Stoney Lake is known for its excellent fishing and is home to large populations of bass, walleye, and muskie. Petroglyph Provincial Park, located right across the street is a sacred Indigenous site with the largest known concentration of aboriginal rock carvings in Canada. Explore the excellent hiking trails the park has to offer or visit McGinnis Lake, one of few meromictic lakes in North America. At the end of each day the lullaby of the northern loon will call through the cool night air as you drift off to sleep. We can’t wait to share our place with you!
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CA$66
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Wildwood Cottages

2 sites · Lodging6 acres · Peterborough, ON
Wildwood Cottage sits on 6.5 acres overlooking Otonabee River. In the spring summer and fall we have 6 cottages and 2 bunkies. November to April we keep 3 cottages open with hot tubs and wood burning fireplaces. You can watch the birds off your porch, go for a swim at the beach, use a complementary canoe or even rent a boat or seadoo to explore farther! In the summer months we offer a swimming area equipped with kayaks and water inflatables. In the winter, there is a skating rink when the weather permits! Generally Jan & Feb. Dec and Mar the weather sometimes is not cold enough. One of the best things to do any season - sit at your own fire pit and enjoy the clear sky full of stars while listening to the sounds of natures. We are also pet friendly!
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CA$139
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Country Retreat

2 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Clarington, ON
Enjoy 50 acres with walking/mountain bike trail, featuring pond with large waterfall, fire pit with wood supplied, several different sitting areas, totally surrounded by bush and farmland. 15 minutes away from historical Port Perry and Bowmanville, Enniskillen, etc. Enjoy the peace full serenity of the country.
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CA$60
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Foresthill Retreat

2 sites · Lodging49 acres · Harcourt, ON
This property used to be a farm until 1912, the glamping site is located far from the house in what used to be a vegetable garden! The glamping tent is well equipped and has everything you need for a cozy comfortable stay including electricity! The outdoor kitchen on site has everything you need to cook a delicious meal. There are also hammocks, an outdoor shower, tables and chairs, and an extremely well-stocked site super clean outhouse. Lots of lakes in the area. General stores and gas within 5 minutes and the Grocery stores are within 15 minutes for all your camping needs. Provincial Parks Nearby: Wolf Island Provincial Park - 10 minutes, Kawartha Highlands Signature Park - 15 minutes, Quackenbush Provincial Park - 25 minutes, Petroglyphs Provincial Park - 30 minutes At night you will hear nothing but frogs, very private and very romantic. We can't wait to host you at Foresthill Retreat!
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CA$100
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Villa Vida Loca

2 sites · Lodging10 acres · Brock, ON
Welcome to our cabins in the woods at Villa Vida Loca, in beautiful Sunderland, Ontario! Our tiny cabins are tucked away in the woods on our gorgeous, private 10-acre property in the heart of North Durham. We offer a unique glamping experience with all the benefits of camping, but with a roof over your head, floor under your feet and super cool amenities. Please read our full listings before requesting a booking. If you’re unsure about something, just ask. We’re very laid back, approachable and inclusive people, and can’t wait to welcome you. Nearby We’re surrounded by Beaverton on Lake Simcoe, Port Perry on Lake Scugog and Uxbridge (the Trail Capital of Canada), which are a close driving distance away. Around the corner from us, the Beaver River Wetland Trail (part of the Trans Canada Trail) is the perfect place for a hike or bike ride. There’s lots of other exciting things to do and see in the surrounding areas – fabulous restaurants, breweries and wineries, top golf courses, beaches, fishing, watersports, agri-tourism experiences, events and more. Upon your arrival, we’ll provide you with an up-to-date list of recommendations based on the season.
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CA$150
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Glamping by Sandy Lake

1 site · Lodging32 acres · Lakehurst, ON
This unique space is steps up from camping. It is located on 32 acres of land with so much to explore and see. What used to be a sheep farm about a century ago is now a hobby farm with plenty of forested area and hiking trails to explore. The large glamping tent has a double futon bed and bunk bed. An indoor fire place, as well as a basic kitchenette with mini fridge, microwave, kettle and toaster. There is a porch and outside area with your own fire pit to enjoy and relax (fire wood included). - Like all camping, everything that is brought in must leave with the guest (there is no garbage disposal and for extensive stays we can provide a pass to the local dump) - There is no cleaning provided between guests (no cleaning charge applied), for this reason we ask that you leave the tent in great shape for the next guests arriving. Failure to do so will result in additional fees. - Dogs are welcomed and we can even provide a dog bed on request, but we ask that you pick up after your dog and keep the dog off the beds. If there are other guests in the main cottage exploring the grounds; we just ask that you have a dog leash handy. - You must bring all the essentials, including your cookware and cooking utensils (given the lack of running water) - Guest must bring their own linens/sleeping bags. Pillows and extra blankets are provided. - Guests are encouraged to bring plenty of drinking water, wipes, paper towels, toilet paper and etc. - Buckhorn which is about a 5 min drive away has all the essentials, including a Foodland supermarket, convenience store, LCBO, a few restaurants including take out pizza. - The odd time, the guests may encounter the host and family on the grounds doing maintenance.
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CA$60
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Island Spirits

1 site · Tent25 acres · Peterborough, ON
Are you looking to get out of the concrete jungle and away from the noise of the city? Once you board our special all included ferry to the island your adventure starts! Oh, look a loon with her baby on top of her, oh, the call of the loon ! Do you want to daze at the most beautiful, starry nights, cohabitate with many different species of 80 + farm animals on the island? From elusive alpacas to piglets, peacocks, baby goats, mini horse and donkeys and experience picking your own fresh farm organic eggs for your breakfast! Brushing the animals and taking them for a walk! We have 8 solar eco cabins and 25 tenting sites privately situated around the entire island. Have all night campfires and zen while watching the sunrise or the sunset as it dances and shimmers off the lake. Or how about experience using our double sided wood fired famous stone pizza oven it’ll be the best pizza you’ve ever made yourself. We have sand volleyball and badminton courts
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CA$135
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The Kountry Korner

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres · Trenton, ON
The Kountry Korner is a cozy part of our families working farm . Goats and chickens roam the property living their best life. The property consists of wooded areas, fields and a 12 acre private lake. 1 Glamping suite available Firewood available $15.00 bundle 5 Primitive tent sites available with level gravel bases. These are located in the woods. $25.00 per tent per night. Parking at site. Potable water and showers available at office. 3 Primitive RV sites available. These are not pull through sites. Reversing is necessary. Don't let that stop you though, assistance is available. Level grassed area, picnic table and firepit. No hook ups at sites. Water available at office. Outdoor shower at office. Outdoor sink. Please note.... Chickens and goats roam free about the property. Not responsible for the little Black and White Roosters attitude
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CA$25
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Southern Heights Acres

20 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Peterborough, ON
Our land is very private and beautifully sheltered by trees all around the campsite. There is an open field as well that also has trees on the outskirts. A video is available upon request! Fenella is a small village about 7 min away that has a large convenience/ grocery/Beer store as well as gas stations and Canabis beyond belief ! Go carts, food trucks and the best Butter Tart Factory as well! Warkworth is a town east of us about 20 min and Cobourg is 20 min South of us. Many shopping experiences available. Primrose Donkey Sanctuary is down the road a few minutes which we highly suggest visiting. Look their hours up before planning a visit! We have easy access up our road about 1 km to the Northumberland Trails where you can ride your horses, cycle, ride your ATVs,walk or jog. We have goats and can provide goat walks on our own trails when requested. We raise Organically Fed Pastured Chickens available for purchase as well as Free Range eggs! Dogs are welcome as long as they are constantly on a leash, as we have chickens that free range! We ask that you bring your own water and hydro please. We hosted 35-40 endurance horses and their riders in August of 2022! We welcome tents and all trailers!
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CA$30
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Rice Lake Farm

1 site · Lodging150 acres · Keene, ON
This is scenic 150 acre farm is surrounded by forest overlooking Rice Lake. It's a lovely private place with lots of nearby opportunities for watersports and exploration. Warsaw caves are a short drive away. The Indian and Otonabee rivers are great for paddling, swimming and fishing, as is Rice Lake! There are some great spots to eat and shop just a few minutes away. Come and discover this lovely area!
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CA$140
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Three Pines Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent4 acres · Buckhorn, ON
Welcome to Three Pines Retreat! We are so happy to be hosting you. Your campsite is high and dry, easy to access by car and has ample parking. The terrain is pink granite with soft spots for a tent or solid ground to park your trailer (sorry no hook ups or liquid waste removal). There's a picnic table, firewood and private toilet included. Whether you prefer to be in sun or shade, both are available at this site. As much as we are sheltered from the County road, traffic can be heard at times. There is so much to enjoy at our location... Jump on your favourite floatie and float your troubles away down the lazy river located just a short walk across the road at Kawartha Highlands Signature Park. If kayaking and canoeing are more your thing, you will be in awe of the beautiful scenery as you paddle along. This breathtaking park also offers self-guided tours of its history and landscape. Three Pines Retreat is surrounded by lakes and trails and is only 3 km from the picturesque town of Buckhorn. Forget something or feel like dining out? Buckhorn hosts an LCBO, grocery stores and restaurants overlooking the locks. Pizza Alloro will lure you in for a delectable slice and Main St. Bar and Grill offers delicious fare and live entertainment. If you know anything about Kawartha Dairy ice cream you will be sure to stop at Buckhorn Ice Cream Parlour for a tasty treat. Three Pines is just a 2 minute drive to Kawartha Winery and Belly's restaurant. The winery offers free tastings of its wonderful fruit wines and ciders and at certain times of the year they offer delicious wood-fired pizza. Belly's is known for it's creative casual dining and live entertainment and is located in the heart of Catalina Bay. Thank you for checking out Three Pines Retreat - your home away from home where you can forget all your troubles, rest and relax. We look forward to meeting you.
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CA$85
 / night

The best camping near Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site guide

Overview

About

Salute human ingenuity navigating the heritage canals and locks along the 386 km Trent-Severn Waterway, connecting the playgrounds of Lake Ontario and Lake Huron. Cruise Canada’s renowned inland passageway through historic lockstations. Travel into cottage country by water or by car and watch the Big Chute Marine Railway in action. Stare up at the towering Peterborough Lift Lock and learn about its history at the Visitor Centre. Explore lumber towns, farm villages and the spectacular pre-Cambrian landscape of the Canadian Shield.

Notable campgrounds

  • oTENTik: Experience a blend of tent and cabin with the oTENTik accommodations, perfect for families and friends.
  • Ôasis: Discover a unique stay in the Ôasis units, offering a cozy, spherical abode for your adventure.
  • Rustic cabin: Enjoy a more traditional camping experience in a rustic cabin, nestled in the scenic surroundings.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early to secure your spot, as the oTENTik and other accommodations can fill up quickly during peak seasons.
  • Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons for better availability and a quieter experience.
  • Keep an eye on cancellations, as last-minute openings can provide an opportunity for a spontaneous getaway.
  • Explore nearby camping options to increase your chances of finding the perfect site amid the natural beauty of the area.

When to go

The best time to visit the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site is during the navigation season from mid-May to mid-October. Enjoy the full splendour of the waterway when the lockstations are operational. Outside of these months, the waterway offers a serene, frosty landscape, though some services may be limited.

Know before you go

  • Always check the latest water levels and navigation updates before planning your boating or paddling trip.
  • Be aware of the hours of operation, which run from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving, to ensure access to lockstations and services.
  • Review safety guidelines and visitor responsibilities to help maintain the pristine condition of this historic site.
  • Accessibility varies across the waterway, so inquire ahead if you require specific accommodations or facilities.
  • Stay informed about any infrastructure improvements or critical projects that may affect your visit by checking the Parks Canada website.

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