The best camping near Mont-Mégantic National Park

The natural beauty of Mont-Mégantic National Park in the Eastern Townships of Quebec can’t be denied, but what sets it apart from the other picturesque parks in the region is its renowned ASTROLab observatory. Astronomy events and activities are held all year, with daily open hours in summer. The park has a Dark Sky Preserve designation that mandates how and when artificial lighting is allowed, making it the perfect place for stargazing campers and northern lights hunters.

• Best for winter camping: Pitch your tent on one of the winter-ready platforms in the Observatory sector.
• Best for RVs: The Franceville campground has serviced sites, plus a playground, store, and access to hiking and biking trails. 
• Best for rustic camping: Hike the 2.2-kilometre trail to the secluded Grande-Ourse campground.

1. Reserve your campsite online from the Sépaq website. Reservations open in mid-November for summer of the following year.
2. Create your online account in advance to make bookings as quickly as possible.
3. A 2-night minimum applies for advance reservations. One-night stays can be booked up to 72 hours before arrival. 
4. Winter camping reservations are only available by phone.

Mont-Mégantic camping is available all year with a variety of accommodations including rustic shelters, cabins, chalets, or tent sites. Winter in Quebec can get very cold, so make sure you are equipped for extreme weather and lots of snow. Summer is the most popular time to visit, when the weather is warmest. To capitalize on the activities at the park’s ASTROLab, time your visit to coincide with its Astronomy Festival in early July or during the annual Perseids meteor shower.

• It’s called a national park, but Mont-Mégantic is administered by Sépaq, a Quebec provincial body. As such, Parks Canada passes won’t work here. Park entry fees apply, and daily admission can only be purchased up to 30 days in advance. 
• If you’re camping and cycling, both the Observatory and Franceville sectors have dedicated first-come, first-served campsites. Just register when you arrive.
• The visitors’ centre and observatory have accessible features, while the Franceville campground also offers accessible toilets and showers in the washrooms.