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The best camping near Balsam Lake Provincial Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Balsam Lake Provincial Park adventure.

Go fish! Balsam Lake is an angler’s paradise in the Trent-Severn Waterway.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Balsam Lake Provincial Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Balsam Lake Provincial Park

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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
 / night
Saved 1 time

Harvey Farm

100 sites ¡ RVs, Tents100 acres ¡ Fenelon Falls, ON
Harvey Farm is located near Fenelon Falls and Bobcaygeon, it’s is built off the road making it a peaceful little slice of paradise away from the hussle and bussel of todays busy world. This is a 100 acre farm will rolling hills and fields, in the back is a beautiful pond where you can swim and set up camp to catch a break and have some fun!
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CA$50
 / night
86%
(7)

The Eh Frame

1 site ¡ Lodging5 acres ¡ Kawartha Lakes, ON
Take a trip to our beautiful off-grid cabin nestled in the woods sitting on 25 acres with beautiful trails throughout the property. Get ready to cozy up for a warm campfire and enjoy the starry night sky before bed.About the A-Frame:The A-Frame Cabin sleeps 4 guests comfortably with 2 guests on the futon and another 2 guests enjoying the bed in the loft. The cabin is fully insulated and heated with a wood stove. We have a composting toilet located in the outhouse just steps away from the cabin.Things to do:- Our property includes access to tons of trails to explore, with more off the property nearby. - The cabin is less than 5 minutes from the Head lake public beach and boat launch. - You are only 10 minutes from town.- We're located 20 minutes to Balsam Lake Provincial Park.
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CA$189
 / night
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Beneath the Stars - Haliburton County Escape

3 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre ¡ Minden, ON
We have a beautiful, densely treed, and well-groomed 1-acre piece of property in desirable cottage country that's craving company! The mature trees, rolling terrain, and private road offer lots of privacy and a peaceful atmosphere.  It is within walking distance to the world-famous, Panam Summer Games host " The Minden White Water Preserve/Rapids", which is used for kayaking and hiking. Walking distance to a public beach on the desirable Horseshoe Lake, part of a 3 chain lake, where you can fish, swim and relax in clean, sparkling waters. Choose from two options. Beneath The Stars Tenting Escape - tent or RV(up to 25 feet) site with an outhouse Rustic Cozy Cabin - ideal for a family or group. Currently can sleep 6. We are in a very desirable location; only 10 minute drive to the village of Minden, and surrounded by natural beauty and activities for nature lovers!
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CA$60
 / night

BexleyRentals

1 site ¡ RV, Tent637 acres ¡ Kawartha Lakes, ON
Incredible Large Tract Of Land, 637 Acres With Approximately 3600 Feet Of Shoreline On Talbot Lake. But No Road Going To Water At This Point. Would make an incredible hunt camp for all species, Moose, Deer, Elk, Bear, and Waterfowl etc. This property can be used for long term rental or short term
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CA$60
 / night
98%
(40)

Dragonfly Ridge Rescue Farm

4 sites ¡ Lodging98 acres ¡ ON
Dragonfly Ridge is a 98 acre farm. Our pretty cabins are perfect for folks to enjoy some glamping in the country, on the farm surrounded by friendly animals.  You can arrange to have a tour of the farm and hang out with donkeys, mini horses, llamas, alpacas, pigs, bunnies, sheep, goats, peacocks, ducks and chickens.  We have a lovely pond, and acres of forest you can explore.  Our farm is on a quiet country road where you can take a walk and enjoy the peace and quiet and connect with nature and one another without the distractions of wifi, street noises or city lights. We are within minutes of the Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park with all there is to see and do there, such as hiking, paddling, exploring, swimming.  We have a fire pit where you can enjoy a spectacular night sky unimpeded by any other lights. The cabin has electricity, lights, electric fireplace for heat. In the cabin we have a double bed, a table and 2 chairs, a two-burner stove with oven, a washing up station. Fall asleep listening to owls call and wolves howling in the distance.  Wake to the sounds of the animals on the farm, you may even be able to arrange to gather your own eggs for breakfast! We are confident you won't want to leave the farm, but in case you choose to explore beyond our 98 acres there is lots to still see and do within only a short drive. We are located close to Buckhorn, where you can explore more lakes, pick your own berries or visit pumpkin patches, pick up groceries or enjoy the restaurants in Buckhorn.  Also, in nearby Bobcaygeon you can find world-class shopping and dining, parks, beaches, festivals, a heritage village, and even more lakes. One hour north of us is Haliburton, with the Haliburton Forest and Wolf visitation Centre, Sir Sam's ski resort, shops and restaurants, and Sir Sandford Fleming's college of Fine Arts. Lakefield is only 35 minutes away offering shopping, a world famous literary festival, fine dining, and antique shows most weekends. Trent University is only 40 minutes south, in Peterborough where you can watch Peterborough Petes play hockey, attend free music festivals in the summer months, experience the best restaurants around, shop, see a movie, watch the boats in the Lift Locks, a World Heritage, visit the canoe museum, skate on the canal, and much more.
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CA$65
 / night
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(46)

Simple Cabin in town

1 site ¡ Lodging1 acre ¡ Haliburton Village, ON
Open space, including kitchen, comfy bed, couch and wood stove. There is an outhouse and water is provided for drinking, wash up and rinsing (no running water) Basic cooking utensils, small fridge, hot plate, coffee press and kettle. The cabin is in town, there are neighbors and general sounds of town. - 2 min drive to Main street-shops, cafes, pub, lake access, ice skating - 5 min drive to cross country ski trails, snowshoe trails and a sculpture forest - 15 min drive to ski hill and water spa There is a cedar sauna on the property you are welcome to use during your stay. Along with a simple outdoor / off grid shower for rinsing. Parking is on the street in front of the cabin. Please keep tight to the right for the snowplow and neighbors to get by.
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CA$133
 / night
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(29)

Three Ponds Homestead

5 sites ¡ Lodging, Tents25 acres ¡ Severn, ON
Nestled on the outskirts of Orillia, our serene 25-acre property and horse farm is minutes from Bass Lake and 15 minutes from local marinas. Our hidden gem homestead is the perfect place to disconnect. Trails to walk/hike, fields and forests to play in and the option for overnight pasture or stall horse board for our equine friends. You'll love the tranquility here. Follow us on IG at "Three.Ponds" for more pics, videos and info, including our Three Ponds Retreat dates!
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CA$50
 / night
Saved 1 time

Anskrom Experience

6 sites ¡ RVs, Tents50 acres ¡ Kawartha Lakes, ON
50 acres of Hilly land with tall trees. Access by private driveway No water or toilet facilities. Town of Norland 5 minutes away with 2 general stores and a gas station Total privacy with Head Lake 7 minutes away and Gull River 7 minutes in the other direction, both have public launching access and parking with toilets.
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CA$45
 / night
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(60)

Sparrow Lake Camp

4 sites ¡ Tents126 acres ¡ Severn Bridge, ON
Sparrow Lake Camp is situated on the southernmost tip of the majestic Canadian Shield.  The site is known to have been a campground for bands of the Huron people prior to the European intrusion.  It is considered probable that Samuel de Champlain, the first European to explore Huronia, spent a night on this site in the 17th Century.In 1892, what would become the west side of the current property was sold by pioneer Captain Thomas Stanton to Toronto's renowned Massey family to act as their summer resort.  The resort sported the main lodge, dining room, and cottages and was only accessible by train and steamer. From the onset, the Masseys used the site as a summer retreat for the Young Men's Bible League of the Central Methodist Church. Today, the property is a thriving summer camp that also offers overnight tent stays with stunning lake views. 
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CA$50
 / night
85%
(30)

River Gettaway

5 sites ¡ RVs, Tents10 acres ¡ Minden Hills, ON
10 acres, land, partly cleared with grassy spots to camp. River frontage, access to river. Ample opportunity for canoeing down river and fishing It is right beside small falls, people enjoy swimming there Near Kinmount, Gooderham, 15 mins to Haliburton where you will find all of your camping needs. There are lots of lakes around the area, and opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and ATVing. It is primitive camping, so please bring whatever you need. There is one outhouse on site.
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CA$75
 / night
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(1)

TheBack40

50 sites ¡ RVs, Tents100 acres ¡ Kawartha Lakes, ON
Learn more about this land:Our 100-acre farmland property offers beautiful sunsets, lots of trails, and a creek running through it. We have 50 campsites for up to four guests each, and we’re located just 3 km north of Sturgeon Lake, providing a great base for exploring the Kawartha Lakes area and attractions such as Emily Provincial Park. Pets are not allowed – there are animals on the property.  The property does not have potable water. Campfires are allowed. RVs up to 45 feet in length can be accommodated on a pull-through site. The grassy surface will require levelling. There are no hookups, and generators are not allowed.  The town of Bobcaygeon is less than 10 minutes away, located where the river connects Sturgeon Lake to Pigeon Lake, the next lake over to the east. You can find restaurants, shops, and services here. Nearby attractions include Emily Provincial Park at the bottom of Pigeon Lake, and Balsam Lake Provincial Park and Indian Point Provincial Park, which both sit on Balsam Lake about 30 km to the northwest. 
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CA$45
 / night

The best camping near Balsam Lake Provincial Park guide

Overview

About

Campers and day-use anglers flock to Balsam Lake to catch large-mouth and small-mouth bass as well as walleye and muskellunge. The campgrounds offer a wide range of options from RV sites to radio-free campgrounds and even a few walk-in “eco-sites” for campers who prefer peace and quiet. Non-fishers can enjoy swimming at the sandy beach and exploring a network of hiking trails. It’s only a 10-minute drive from Indian Point Provincial Park, so you can pop over for a day walk.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for families: Cedar Campground’s sites all have electrical hookups for RVs and they are well-spaced to give your family room to spread out (and make parking your RV easier).
  • Best for early risers: Oak Campground has a few campsites right on the lake for amazing sunrise views.
  • Best for anglers: Elm Campground is closest to the boat launch, giving you a chance to be first on the lake.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. There are only six walk-in eco-sites. You’ll need to book early if you’re hoping to stay at one of these. They are radio-free and dog-free.
  2. When you’re choosing a campsite, remember that the park sits on the western shore of Balsam Lake. To get sunrise views, choose a site facing the lake. For sunsets, choose one that faces away.
  3. If you’re not planning on fishing, you’ll find it easier to book a campsite in May, after the park opens but before the season for bass and walleye opens. 
  4. Bookings can be made online or by phone through Ontario Parks.

When to go

Since most people staying at Balsam Lake are there to fish, things get busy when fishing season opens in June (check provincial guidelines for dates for each species). The park is open from mid-May to the end of October.  Waiting until after summer will help you beat the crowds, especially on weekdays. But be aware that Thanksgiving weekend in October is a popular time to visit, both because of the holiday Monday and because the fall colours are vibrant at that time.

Know before you go

  • In July and August, the park rents canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and paddleboats. Life jackets are provided.
  • You’ll need a fishing license if you want to fish in Ontario. Getting caught without one can lead to fines and having your catch taken away.
  • There isn’t just one fishing season—it varies by region and species of fish. Be sure to find out what you’re allowed to catch by asking park staff when you arrive.
  • Balsam Lake has a large, sandy beach that is perfect for swimming. There’s also a small beach where dogs are allowed.
  • Indian Point Provincial Park is very close, but it has no amenities or camping and you must park at the trailhead. Further down, the road is private.

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