The best camping near Mount Carleton Provincial Park

Adventure abounds in this 17,000-hectare park filled with trails. Climb Mount Carleton—the highest peak in Maritime Canada at 2,690 feet—for the most incredible views out over the vast unspoilt wilderness, try the challenges of the 2,549-foot Mount Sagamook (2,549), or hit one of many other trails.  Mount Carleton Provincial Park features pristine waterways for kayaking and swimming, plus abundant fishing. The park is also home to more animal species than anywhere else in New Brunswick—you may see cougars, moose, or black bears, and could hear the howl of coyotes. As a designated Dark Sky Preserve, you’ll sleep under a blanket of stars camping at this park.

• Best for no-frills campers: Try barebones but beautiful Headwaters Campground. 
• Best for privacy seekers: Williams and Franklin campgrounds have large secluded sites.
• Best for classic park views: Look over lakes and mountains at Armstrong Campground.

1. This huge park is very popular, so advance reservations are highly recommended.
2. Like most parks, summer weekends book out first, but in Mount Carleton Provincial Park, the busy time spills long into fall due to perfect hiking conditions.
3. Book campsites online at Parks New Brunswick or call the park directly—we advise doing so well in advance of your trip.
4. You may be lucky in securing a first-come, first-served campsite, especially midweek, but to do so, turn up right at 2pm when park bookings open up for the day.

You can pitch a tent year-round and four seasons have plenty to offer visitors. The best summer weather is from mid-June through to early September, but spring and fall can be incredibly pretty (you can see 10 million trees from the top of Mount Carleton, and in fall they are a sea of reds and golds). Winter in the park offers amazing ski and snowshoe trails, and potentially the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

• Winter ski and snowshoe rentals are free in the park. Ice fishing for perch, trout, and salmon is another popular activity, but you’ll need your own equipment (and a fishing license, which can be purchased online).
• There is pretty much zero cell reception in the park, so plan ahead.
• Expect to hear both English and French spoken by park staff, as New Brunswick is a bilingual province. They will be happy to switch to whatever you speak best!
• The Williams Falls trail is wheelchair accessible, as are various park facilities.