Discover the best campgrounds near Baddeck, Nova Scotia with wildlife watching

Canada
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Nova Scotia
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Baddeck

88% (107 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Baddeck

Dog-friendly getaways

11 top campgrounds near Baddeck with wildlife watching

75%

(14)

Accolade Retreat

10 sites · RVs, Tents24 acres · Chéticamp, NS

Discover a 24-acre haven for off-grid camping in Cheticamp, Nova Scotia, nestled at the foothills of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and conveniently situated across from the Gypsum Mine. This scenic property features an artisan well providing potable water, strategically located in the expansive 24-acre cleared field at the rear. During the summer months, we operate a hostel on-site, offering access to washroom and shower facilities as needed. This space is ideally suited for off-grid camping enthusiasts who share a like-minded appreciation for nature. Please note that visitors are responsible for their own waste disposal arrangements. If you find this area intriguing, feel free to reach out to Kevin at 902-292-1530 via call or text for more information.

Sally's Brook Wilderness Cabins

8 sites · Lodging55 acres · Baddeck, NS

Sally’s Brook is located in Unama’ki, within the unceded ancestral territory of the Mikmaq people. Sally’s Brook is an Eco-friendly property in the heart of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. We have three wilderness cabins and a yurt available for rent year-round, and three Lotus Belle glamping tents in the warmer weather. We have a wood-fired sauna and communal CookHouse kitchen-dining building for guests. We also have the Hive Dome! This 26 foot year-round space is the perfect place to host your own event with us, gather for our movie nights, board games, playing music, and retreat from bad weather with so much space to move around. Guest Use of the Hive: While you are staying on the property, we welcome guests to reserve time in the Hive for their own private use. Our staff will prepare this space for you by lighting the wood stove, stocking wood and heating it up for your arrival. Stretch, practice yoga, play games or music, or celebrate with your group! $30 + HST for a 3.5 hour reservation to current guests Morning, afternoon or evening (until 10:00pm) reservations are available

Unique Cabot Trail Campground

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Baddeck, NS

This was one of the original homesteads in the Margarees. There was an old sawmill on site which was used to build the house and barn. It was sold to a man who started renovations for a summer house but ended up listing it for sale. I purchased it and completely renovated the 100-year-old house. Shortly after, my brother and I started an outfitting company with no plan of building a campground, but in 2017 we saw a great opportunity for building something unique. We wanted to keep a backwoods camping feel, but yet create it around a hostel-inspired environment. We launched June 1, 2018 and are in full swing now. We look forward to meeting you and will help you out in any way to make your trip here something to remember. Adventure awaits at this eco-camping hostel offering a natural setting, overlooking a picturesque valley. This location offers close to off-grid camping with a twist of comfort; furnished Glamping tents, sleeping up to 4 people per tent on a queen bed with twin camping beds for extra guests. Cooking gear, bedding, and towels are provided. Each tent, located at this eco-hostel, has its own campfire pit, with a solar outdoor shower on site and beautiful views of the river valley.

Black Rock Stables

2 sites · Tents10 acres · Black Rock, NS

If you enjoy beautiful views of lakes/ocean and mountains, gorgeous sunsets, stargazing, the sound of the waves and bell buoys then Black Rock Stables campsite is the place for you to pitch your tent. Located at the end of the farm on a cliff (6’ wire fence) overlooking the beautiful Brasd’Or lakes.

Sam's Spot

1 site · RV1 acre · Mulgrave, NS

Great Spot with a gorgeous view of the straight of Canso, Cape Breton, this spot gorgeous in the Fall and some of the prettiest sunrises you'll ever see! Enjoy having a cafe steps away that is fully licensed and serves a full menu. Tim Hortons, Gas Station, Big Stop restaurant, Celtic Sisters Gift Shop, Subway, Liquor Store etc. all within minutes. Canso Causeway to Cape Breton is a 5 km drive. Very convenient spot for any vehicle, tent, trailer, commercial vehicle, RV large sizes easy pull in/out has a large gravel driveway with large grassy area. The waters are warm for swimming, great for kids with a park and playground right beside the spot. In July there is a free festival in the park with music and activities called "Market by the Sea" which you'll have a frot row to.

100%

(5)

Silver Birch Camp

1 site · RV2 acres · Havre Boucher, NS

A beautiful little gem on the shores of Archie Pond (a small inlet off The Strait of Canso) and minutes from Cape Breton Island. Tucked into nature right off the Trans Canada Hwy and close to amenities. Tim Hortons, Irving, Subway and more just down the road and grocery stores plus more restaurants and pubs in town 10 minutes away. Tons of trails and waterfalls are just minutes away. On our property you can enjoy our 2 bonfire pits, bbq & picnic area, 4 adult kayaks and 3 kids kayaks (lifejackets provided), large open area for games, walk through the forested area, sit by the waterfront, gaze at the stars, watch the spectacular sunrise over the water and walk across the road to the rocky shore of The Strait of Canso.

Booked 3 times

Fred's Place

4 sites · Tents2 acres · Baddeck, NS

2.3 acres of woodlot at the end of the road. Very rustic. Ideal for campers and bicycle campers. Very few facilities but you can put up a tent and have a fire. It's super quiet and the only sound is the wind and the very occasional car (like one a day). Five minute walk to the ocean. 15 kms to the nearest store. I will be at my cabin but the property is large enuf for you to have total privacy if you want it. I can be reached by email at frederick.gardiner123abc@gmail.com. I'm located at the end of Richard's Pond Lane. To get here, go to South Side Road, South Side River Bourgeois. Turn right on Richard's Pond Lane and follow it to the end. Turn right, go to the first sign that says 7/8 and follow the path up to my cabin. There is red tuck tape to show the way. On the map, I am not The Cuffs, but the location is the same.

Saved 1 time

The Blue Bayou

3 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Baddeck, NS

Come enjoy nature, star gaze, bird watch, ocean view at back of property. There is a fire pit for outdoor cooking. Bubbling brook, walking trails, hardwood forest and meadows, we have it all. Five minutes to famous Chimney Corner beach or Margaree Harbour and 20 minutes from Inverness. Located on a paved road and easy to access.

Booked 1 time

Dome Yurt By The Ocean

2 sites · Lodging5 acres · Baddeck, NS

Glamping at its best: Tthe magical cozy River Inhabitants Basin and the breathtaking panoramic view from this elevated dome yurt facing the deep blue glittering ocean is the #1 getaway for affordable, relaxing, peaceful holidays, kayaking, hiking, biking, swimming, reading, writing, loving Rent our dome yurt in high season 2023 for 99 CAD per night with 2 (max 4 if you bring your own sleeping gear), plus final cleaning $80.00 plus 15% tax. As the river mouth and basin with lots of uninhabited islands offers a lot of things to do we suggest you to combine water sports adventure with your stay. An ocean kayak will be provided if you stay for a week or longer. We offer sailing tours, kayaking and fishing. Although we understand the desire to see as many places as possible when on vacation, we highly recommend people to stay with us for several days. Let your mind come to rest and get a good sleep on real good spring mattresses. ! We would love to be the place where you come to rest. Deep dive into nature and forget the day to day hustle for a while! Writers, painters, artists (like your host) find the inspiration and recharging for new productivity. Internal curtains at the huge windows enhance the impression that this has traditional-style solid HydroTex walls yet can be rolled up for views out and to the Milky Way. The front door has a mesh panel behind and low vents aid air flow.

Alpine Ridge Off-Grid Getaway

1 site · Tent25 acres · NS

Connecting with nature, watching for wildlife, hunting, and many other activities await at this 25 acre property. The land is perfect for recreational use and off-grid use, including tent and RV camping. Note the entrance grass may be grown in so please prepare to walk to the site through the trees. Topographically, the terrain is more or less level throughout, the site is forested throughout in maturing spruce, tamarack, pine, maple birch and poplar trees. A small brook runs along the westerly boundary and continues East and North to the Mull River and Mabou River. There is also a large portion of Crown land bordering the southern end of this parcel. This quiet region has remained pretty well unchanged over the years. Highway 19 and the Atlantic Ocean are only minutes West via Alpine Ridge Road. The area is surrounded by forest covered hills, rolling farm land and valleys dissected by dozens of streams. Enjoy the quiet country setting of this property, while still living within minutes of nearby towns and all necessary amenities. Rectangular in shape, this lot offers ample road frontage... 572.4 feet or 174.5 meters, along the gravel surfaced Alpine Ridge Road, providing excellent year round access. Here you have plenty of privacy is offered by the spruce, tamarack, fir, pine, and poplar trees on the land. This lovely treed lot is a great spot for an off-grid retreat with tent or rv camping. Fishing in the area is very good. The nearby Mabou River and Southwest Mabou River and many other surrounding brooks and streams will provide endless fishing enjoyment. Within an hours drive of your land is the Margaree River - one of the most beautiful rivers in North America. Since the last century fly fishermen have come from all over the world to this area to catch their salmon. The North East Margaree has more than 60 pools and a length of approx. 40 km from the mouth to the sanctuary. The beautiful Lake Ainslie and breathtaking Bras d'Or Lakes are also within convenient reach of your land for those who enjoy world class boating and sailing. Fishing in the Bras d'Or Lake is also very good. In winter, enjoy snowmobiling on maintained trails that link the trail communities across the Highlands. Cross country ski and snowshoe on countless trails around your property. Or enjoy ice fishing on a frozen bay or nearby lake. There are endless opportunities for outdoor activities all year on and around. Two newly developed world class golf courses, Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs, in the seaside town of Inverness are also within easy reach. These challenging courses are attracting visitors from around the world and offer magnificent views of the breathtaking Cape Breton landscape, with postcard worthy panoramas vying for your attention. The charming communities of Mabou and Port Hood are only a 10 minute drive from the site. Mabou is known for it’s friendly people and hospitality - welcoming locals will be sure to make you feel right at home. Shopping, a post office, accommodations, and a variety of local dining options are available in Mabou. Mabou Harbour is absolutely stunning and offers excellent boating and fishing with easy corridor to ocean waters. You can also stock up on all necessary supplies in Port Hood - whether you’re looking for groceries or camping supplies... not to mention wonderful sand beaches! Alpine Ridge Property Features - 572.40 feet (174.5 meters) of roadfront along Alpine Ridge Road. - Easterly boundary measures 1881.19 feet (573.39 meters). - Southerly boundary measures 503.22 feet (153.38 meters). - Westerly boundary measures 1989.96 feet (606.54 meters). - Borders Crown Land on southerly end. - Excellent level terrain suitable for many uses. - No drive through sites, please park at entrance and camp on site - The property lines are clearly marked. Amenities - 6 miles (10 kilometers) from the coastal village of Mabou. - 7 miles (11.5 kilometers) from the seaside community of Port Hood. - 8 miles (13.5 kilometers) to popular West Mabou Beach, and close to many more beaches in the area. - 20 miles (32 kilometers) to the scenic community of Inverness, Nova Scotia & world class golf courses, Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs. - 40 miles (60 kilometers) to the town of Port Hawkesbury. - 3 hours to Halifax International Airport. Community & Surrounding Area - The charming communities of Baddeck, Cheticamp, and Judique are just a short drive away - enjoy family outings while taking in maritime history and culture. - Breathtaking attractions like the Cabot Trail and Cape Breton Highlands Park, Bras d'Or Lake, and beautiful sandy beaches along the coast with some of the warmest water in Nova Scotia. - Enjoy numerous water activities like boating, sailing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and plenty of other outdoor adventures. - Excellent hunting in the area.

KATIE'S CLOSE

2 sites · RVs3 acres · Baddeck, NS

Very private spot 10 minutes from Mabou, Cape Breton, just minutes from Cabot trail with access to over 200 miles of scenic trails. Full service, water, sewer and electric. Minutes from Glenora distillery, Cabot Links golf course, sandy beaches, known for Authentic Celtic Music and dance. Welcome to your home away from home!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Baddeck with wildlife watching guide

Overview

In the heart of Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island is the quaint village of Baddeck. It marks both the beginning and end of the scenic Cabot Trail. The natural scenery is a quintessential representation of Atlantic Canada, with Acadian forest, rugged highlands, and the brackish waters of Bras d’Or Lake serving as a home for mollusks, ospreys, moose, and lynx. Camping at Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers a great opportunity to drive the iconic 298-kilometre Cabot Trail, soaking in coastal views and highland scenery. Or, enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and fishing on Bras d’Or Lake from Battery Provincial Park. Then visit Nova Scotia’s only totem pole at Whycocomagh Provincial Park. With a range of backcountry campsites and well-equipped campgrounds in the region, camping near Baddeck has something for everyone.

Where to go

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Covering nearly 1,000 square kilometres, Cape Breton Highlands National Park protects about 20 percent of northern Cape Breton. One of 26 trails in the park, the 8.2-kilometre Skyline Trail loop leads to an eagle’s eye view of the Cabot Trail. Look for birds, moose, and bears along the way. The park boasts multiple campgrounds, from Broad Cove with over 200 campsites and hot showers to the backcountry campsites at Fishing Cove, once the site of a Scottish fishing community.

Battery Provincial Park

On the other side of Bras d’Or Lake, Battery Provincial Park is a terrific destination for campers who love water-based activities. Take in sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean from the hilltop campground, which features wooded and open campsites with a universal family restroom. Some campsites are equipped with hookups for drinking water and 30-amp electricity. Unsupervised swimming is available on St. Peter’s Bay, or go angling for Atlantic salmon, gaspereau, brook trout with a valid sportfishing license.

Whycocomagh Provincial Park

Up on a hillside overlooking the western shore of Bras d’Or Lake is Whycocomagh Provincial Park. It’s home to Nova Scotia’s only totem pole. Gifted in 1971 by British Columbia, the totem pole was carved by Patterson McKay, a member of the Greenville Band—part of Tsimshian First Nation. Today, the totem pole lays on its side to “return to the earth” on the McQueen Trail. The on-site campground loop offers showers, fire rings, and electrical and water hookups for RVers, but be mindful of the rough roads leading in and around the park. Yurts with bunk beds are also available for a comfortable stay.

When to go

The most pleasant time of year to go camping in and around Baddeck is from late spring to early fall. Some public campgrounds are only open from May to October to coincide with warmer weather. Prepare for precipitation year-round on Cape Breton Island. Daytime temperatures approach 15–20℃ by May, heating up to the mid-20s during sunnier summer months. Enjoy stunning colourful foliage and peak apple picking in early fall.