The best camping in Long Point Provincial Park, ON

The fourth-oldest park in Ontario, Long Point Provincial Park is set in a World Biosphere Reserve with a unique habitat that makes the 370-acre park one of the finest bird-watching destinations in North America. Fishers come for the bass, while those looking for rest and relaxation will appreciate the more than two kilometres of soft-sand beaches and warm waters, both part of a 40-kilometre-long sandspit that provides natural shelter.

• Best for peace and quiet: The radio-free Cottonwood Campground is a quiet choice.
• Best for socializing: Firefly Campground has lots of open space. 
• Best for beach lovers: Turtle Dunes Campground has multiple sites with private paths leading directly to the beach. 
• Best for novice campers: Monarch’s Rest Campground offers private, shady camping spots.

1. All Ontario Provincial Parks accept reservations up to five months in advance of arrival. 
2. If you want a specific campground, book early to avoid disappointment. 
3. Reservations cannot be changed or canceled more than four months in advance. As such, if you miss out on a reservation when they open, wait patiently for the four-month mark to see if some cancellations roll in.
4. Campers can shorten their stay and receive a full refund provided they amend the reservation before noon on their day of departure. If you’re searching for a last-minute booking, check around noon to see if you can grab one of these freshly canceled spots.

This seasonal park is open from mid-May until mid-October. Like most Ontario provincial parks, Long Point has a complete liquor ban on Victoria Day (the second to last Monday of May) and for the 10 days preceding it. Long Point Provincial Park operates a Discovery Drop-in program for kids in July and August.

• Long Point Provincial Park’s day-use area can be extremely busy on summer weekends. If you’re hoping to drop in to use the beach, arrive early.
• Long Point offers excellent fishing, especially for bass. A license is required for recreational fishing in Ontario and can be purchased through a number of local businesses. Fishing rods are available for loan at Long Point Provincial Park through the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Tackleshare program.
• More than 300 species of songbirds and waterfowl migrate through Long Point every spring and fall. Birdwatchers should visit the Long Point Bird Observatory just outside the park. They can advise on when and where you’re likely to see specific species.