Cave camping near Bancroft
Forests, lakes, and cliffs—endless attractions abound while camping near Bancroft.
Popular camping styles for Bancroft
Cave camping near Bancroft guide
Overview
The pristine forests and lakes of Ontario create outdoor enchantment for Bancroft campers. The city is an ideal base for hiking and camping excursions into the area’s celebrated natural attractions like Algonquin Provincial Park and Egan Chutes Provincial Park. After a day exploring, campers can find off-grid and primitive campsites or lakefront cabins located near well-loved attractions like Petroglyphs Provincial Park and the York River.
Where to go
Algonquin Provincial Park
Enjoy the nearly untouched woodlands of Algonquin Provincial Park, just 50 minutes away from Bancroft. As Canada’s first provincial park, it’s home to giant moose, racing rivers, quiet ponds, and scenic hiking trails that traverse its 7,600 square kilometres. Explore interpretive walking trails and canoe or kayak river rapids. In the winter, try dog sledding or summer camp in the wild backcountry. Nearby campgrounds and RV parks are available year-round as well.
Egan Chutes Provincial Park
Waterfalls and old forests fill Egan Chutes Provincial Park. Drive 15 miles from town to enjoy popular park activities like hiking, canoeing on the York River, and birding. Hikers can also find both easy and moderately challenging hikes. Then, try nearby cabin rentals, RV parks, and campgrounds offering convenient amenities like restrooms, firepits, and picnic areas.
Petroglyphs Provincial Park
Home to the largest concentration of the country’s indigenous rock carvings, Petroglyphs Provincial Park also offers pristine forests and famed blue-green waters at McGinnis Lake. Campers can peruse the carvings of humans and animals at The Teaching Rocks while hiking the surrounding landscape. Although the park does not offer camping or cabin rentals, these accommodations can be found nearby or back in Bancroft.
When to go
Campers enjoy visiting Bancroft year-round. Although summertime is popular, each season offers outdoor fun. June through August is peak camping season, which is complemented by activities like swimming, boating, and hiking. While winter and spring attract fewer campers, there are still plenty of activities and campsites in operation; though it’s important to monitor the weather and possible road closures due to snow. After summer, autumn is Bancroft’s most popular season with its colourful foliage, fall festivals, and farmer’s markets.
