Camping in Ontario with wildlife watching

To spend time by the lake, in the deep woods, or on one of thousands of islands, head for Ontario.

96% (6732 reviews)
96% (6732 reviews)

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12 top campgrounds in Ontario with wildlife watching

99%
(119)

The Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Brant, ON
It was 1984 when John found his ‘diamond in the rough’, 20 acres with an orchard on the outskirts of Brantford. O.K., so the house was nothing to write home about but perfect for building a construction yard…no neighbors except for the family across the road that used their property to build log homes. By 1987 the old house was gone, a new one was being built and a shop for working on heavy equipment had been located about 200 ft. from Dr. the back door. It wasn’t until 1996 that things changed very much. Yes, the property around the house had benefitted from a wide array of trees and shrubs that John saved from the construction/demolition jobs he had done and that still thrive today but no big projects (except for equipment purchases) were ongoing. A chance meeting with the neighbor across the road one day resulted in the following dinner conversation, ‘How was your day’ I chirped. ‘Not bad, so-and-so didn’t come in; the truck broke down and I took it for repair; I bought the property across the road, and oh, yeah I’ll need a ride after dinner to pick up the truck’ was John’s casual reply. ‘What was that’? I pressed. ‘Yes, I need a ride after dinner to pick up the truck’ he repeated with a bit more volume. Of course like anyone, I had questions, ‘Do you want peas or corn with dinner’? ‘What time do you want to go to get the truck’? ‘The property across the road’, 10 acres, still has the 4 storey barn with its twin tiled silos which was built in 1914 and the big white house with wrap around porch that once was home to a Doctor and his family. Built so the Doctor could see his patients in the front with the family living in the back was very common in the day. Things remained relatively peaceful until 2000 when after studying alpacas for more than 6 years I bought our first three. Back in 2000 alpacas and llamas were not frequently seen on farms and because they could been seen from the road they received A LOT of attention. People driving by would stop and ask about them, ask if they could take a picture or two and that was when I would hear over and over again ‘You have a beautiful place here, I wish I/we could stay’. Well, if you want to visit and stay in the city it’s doable, we call it a hotel. But visiting a farm and staying well, that isn’t so easy. Each year we would see more and more families coming to ‘The Farm’ as they would call it. Some came to see the alpacas and horses, some came for a stroll and to check out the horse drawn milk and bread delivery wagons, some to have family birthday parties, others to have engagement/wedding/Christmas card pictures…and so many asked if there was any way they could spend a day or two. In 2021 during a conversation with a friend I mentioned we were in the process of gutting the 1100 sq. ft. space downstairs and turning it into an Airbnb! Right away she said, ‘I don’t know why you don’t have a Hipcamp? You’ve got that great area by the new barn that Hipcampers would love’! After a little investigation I found out what a Hipcamp was…and as they say, the rest is future.
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CA$36
 / night
97%
(258)

Spring Arbour Magic Forest &Trails!

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents49 acres · Walsingham, ON
Pitch your tent in our picturesque Carolinian forest in the heart of Norfolk county! Choose from 9 tent sites and 2 lodging sites spread across 10 acres of wooded area on our 49 Acre farm. Well-kept trails to explore throughout. We are proud to have made the runner-up list for best Hipcamp in Ontario 2023 The terrain is mostly flat but interesting. Campsites are private with good separation from each other. Sites contain a picnic table and fire pit. Campfires are permitted according to our approved burn plan before midnight. 5G/LTE cellphone service is good for Bell, Rogers and Telus networks. FREE Firewood can be gathered on the forest floor or pay for on-site pre-cut wood. Outhouses are close to campsites....but not too close 💩 Port Rowan is only 12 minutes away by car, most amenities can be purchased only 1 minute away at the local Busy Bee gas station. We are situated in the middle of a Recreation Hotspot! Our site is within 3 minutes of paddling the Big Creek, 3 to 10 minutes to several A+ hiking trails, 15 minutes to amazing freshwater beaches of Long Point and Turkey Point, and the area is abound with cycling trails, motorcycle routes, geocaching, boat launches (we have room here for your boat!), cider/wine tours, and more! We are the perfect basecamp for everything the Long Point Bay area has to offer We have some great watering holes nearby like burning kiln winery, hounds of Erie and Charlotteville brewing company. Birders Paradise! The ‘Long Point Birding Area’ in Norfolk County is one of Canada’s premier birding locales. With over 400 species of birds observed, Long Point looms large as one of the most exciting places on the continent to observe our rich birdlife. For all tourism options check out https://www.norfolkcounty.ca/visiting/ We look forward to hosting you!
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CA$31.50
 / night
99%
(274)

Everhill Farm

7 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · Kitchener, ON
Everhill Farm is a century-old farm owned by the fifth generation of Harrison’s. This picturesque river property only a mile from Harriston is fantastic for the naturalist who loves the outdoors and hiking! Lovely maintained walking and biking trails on our property that we share with the local communities Greenway Trail system. Very close to many local businesses with the highlight of walking for ice cream or burgers'n fries at the Red Caboose! After one stay you will be planning on another to experience all the unique camping sites! :) Campers can choose from six sites directly on the river, there are currently two rustic-looking outhouses on-site with another planned. Campfires are permitted within local regulations and pets are welcome! Please be respectful of the property and other campers, alcohol is permitted, although glass bottles are discouraged Music is appreciated! Please packout all garbage and leave the campsite the same or better as found. We look forward to hosting you!
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CA$55
 / night
99%
(87)

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
99%
(78)

Camp, Ottawa river, Grenville C-O-G

11 sites · RVs, Tents59 acres · Brownsburg Chatham, QC
Come and enjoy a traditional, rustic camping experience on the mighty Ottawa River! Bring your water shoes and a canoe or kayak, or you may rent one of ours for an unforgettable adventure. C-O-G is located on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River, east of the bridge that passes over from Hawkesbury, Ontario. This beautiful (mostly) deciduous forest is situated on both sides of the 344/Rte Des Outaouais. The 59 acre property (50 acres on land, ~9 acres of river/water) features scenic views, privacy and is host to many outdoor activities such as swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and more. "Lock Lane Point" ...the shared area Also referred to as "the Point", this is the peninsula that the main roadway ends at (where the BBQ, kayaks and canoes are), this is a shared area for us and our guests to enjoy. It's encouraged that guests feel welcome to come and go freely, promoting a sense of community while respecting shared use. The Point offers a large picnic table, a shared propane BBQ, comfortable seating, a large rock perfect for sunbathing, and a river view. It's an ideal spot for swimming and launching canoe, kayak, or paddle-board river excursions, thanks to its shallow entry and rocky bottom. Adventurous visitors might choose to paddle upriver, around an island, and return through the remaining historic canal. For a more strenuous workout, consider paddling up the canal to the Grenville lighthouse and then drifting all the way back to camp with the river's current. Enjoy this historic, lazy river experience! Amenities... Numerous amenities are located within a distance of 1-3 kms, including a gas station with electric vehicle charging facilities, an IGA grocery store, and various restaurants such as McDonald's and Tim Horton's. For a classic poutine experience, Jos Patate is a great choice, having been around for many decades. If you're looking for a wide range of poutine options, La Fromagerie is the place to go. For ice cream lovers, La Crémière, located in the same building, is a must-visit. Tourism... Numerous tourist attractions are conveniently located in the vicinity, such as the exhilarating white water rafting experience on the Rouge River and the wildlife-filled Parc Omega zoo, both within a short 10-25 km distance. For a wider range of activities, day trips to Ottawa, Montreal, the Calypso water park, or Mont Tremblant are all approximately an hour's drive away. A little History... Our property has played host to a portion of the rich history of this area which included three railway tracks, a canal and a lock. The railway beds remain and the lock has simply been flooded over. Following the war of 1812, three Ottawa river canal systems were constructed between 1819 and 1833 to bypass the Long Sault Rapids on the Ottawa river. These canals were in use until 1961 when a large portion of the canal system was submerged due to the construction of a hydro-electric dam (~22kms downriver) at Carillion. As a result, the river level at our property rose high enough to submerge the top of the lock walls by ~3.5 feet. This submerged lock is located a few hundred feet offshore and can be seen using Google Earth as it measures 50' x 300' in size. Once you have a good idea where it is, throw on your water shoes and a life jacket and enjoy an interesting experience of walking on the walls of a submerged lock.
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CA$42.50
 / night
100%
(29)

Affordable Camping on Hobby Farm

8 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Uxbridge, ON
We would love to share with you a touch of country living where you can immerse yourself in the daily rhythms of farm life. While our farm can be busy with traffic, farm equipment and the sounds of animals, it offers a genuine taste of country living. Enjoy lush landscapes, open fields, and fresh air. Wake up to the sound of birds and the sight of grazing animals. Stay warm and cozy by the fire pit while taking in the spectacular view of the stars. We experience some beautiful sunsets and sunrises too so don’t forget your camera! Since our farm is a small intimate affair, with just a few sites available to rent, booking ahead is advised!
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CA$25
 / night
97%
(51)

Ziggy's Land

48 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Lakeshore, ON
Historic land that is now used to host movies on the big screen. Located between two great lakes with a beautiful view and atmosphere. Come enjoy the big screen while you camp! Spend the day at the lakes and rest your feet at night over a blazing fire. When new releases are playing there will be an extra charge of $25 per car if you wish to view. For new release movies and event details check our Website thebooniesdrivein.com Firewood is available for extra charge. Fires are not allowed on the main viewing area parking lot
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CA$25
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95%
(102)

Foresthill Retreat

2 sites · Lodging49 acres · Harcourt, ON
This property used to be a farm until 1912, the glamping site is located far from the house in what used to be a vegetable garden! The glamping tent is well equipped and has everything you need for a cozy comfortable stay including electricity! The outdoor kitchen on site has everything you need to cook a delicious meal. There are also hammocks, an outdoor shower, tables and chairs, and an extremely well-stocked site super clean outhouse. Lots of lakes in the area. General stores and gas within 5 minutes and the Grocery stores are within 15 minutes for all your camping needs. Provincial Parks Nearby: Wolf Island Provincial Park - 10 minutes, Kawartha Highlands Signature Park - 15 minutes, Quackenbush Provincial Park - 25 minutes, Petroglyphs Provincial Park - 30 minutes At night you will hear nothing but frogs, very private and very romantic. We can't wait to host you at Foresthill Retreat!
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CA$52.50
 / night
100%
(119)

Cabin close to Lake Erie and trails

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Port Colborne, ON
Come stay next to the beach! This beautiful rustic cabin sits on a treed lot with privacy. The cabin includes a double Murphy bed. A Cot is available for a third person. The cabin is air-conditioned, has a small sitting area, fridge, Keurig coffee machine, and heater for the cooler nights in the fall. Fire wood is available for $ 5.00 a bundle. The washroom facilities include a hot shower and composting toilet within steps of the cabin. There is a propane BBQ to cook on. There is a beach and a public park a couple minute walk from the cabin. There is a 100 km bike trail within a 5-minute bike ride from the cabin. We offer the use of bikes, and kayaks when available and weather permitted. Grocery stores, restaurants, and small shops, are all centrally located within ten minutes from cabin. While you are in town you can watch Lakers and Ocean Boats go through the canal. Within 15 minute is Ridgeway and Crystal Beach which offers concerts, beaches and activities. We are centrally located, approximately 25 minutes from Niagara Falls attractions like casino, museums, zip lining, jet boat tours, hiking in the gorge and other major attractions.
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CA$90
 / night
100%
(257)

Edges Sideroad Springs

6 sites · Lodging, Tents65 acres · West Grey, ON
We have owned the property for 19 years. The camping area was once a gravel pit which was rehabilitated in 2020. There is agricultural land that is farmed in the summer as well we host bees at that back of the property . A unique feature on the property is a natural spring that bubbles up and feeds the two streams on the property.
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CA$36
 / night
99%
(257)

Pine the Sky

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Southgate, ON
This beautiful spot was re-forested with pine a number of years ago, and was sectioned off from the surrounding farmland, which is now maintained by the mennonite community. It is 8 1/2 acres of wetland and forest, with a mown perimeter, and cool places to tuck into the forest for the night. The current owner was a special educator, and now is slowly turning the land into her homestead. There is a beautiful, spa quality outdoor shower next to a tidy and 'fancier than most' outhouse, a strawberry patch as well as wild alpine strawberries all over the property, a big dog and a small indoor cat keep her company. Here is what the land offers: -Bunkie in the Forest: A sweet 8x8 ft. space with new bunk and mattresses as of April 2023 -Strawberry Fields bunkie: an 10x12 space with a loft with a queen memory foam mattress and a main floor with a full futon and a small table -Campsites: Meadow, Forest and River spots. Close to each other, but you'd never know it! All three are chill and serene places. The property backs onto a ten-foot swimming hole in an otherwise shallow part of the Saugeen River. -RV Spot: With electric hook up ideal for RVs 30 feet and under -a connection to the organization, 'Black Folks Camp Too'! Welcoming to all!!!!! So much to see and do in the area!
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CA$45
 / night
98%
(91)

Greener Pastures Eco Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Woodstock, ON
Our farming adventure began in the Spring of 2015 on a 15 acre farm. In 2020 we moved to a 75-acre farm just outside of Woodstock, Ontario. Carl's childhood passion of animal husbandry was given a new purpose when our family made a conscious decision to change the way we related to our food. We began a family quest to eat locally and sustainably. As our little farm grew we developed relationships with our greater community and Greener Pastures was born! As our farming adventure continues, we are loving that each day brings new opportunities for learning. We invite you to join us as we continue to seek greener pastures! While here, be sure to visit the On-Farm Shoppe for fresh eggs, meats, and other great local products.
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CA$40
 / night

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Camping in Ontario with wildlife watching guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in Canada! If you're into wildlife watching and looking to explore the great outdoors in Ontario, you're in luck. With over 2300 options specifically tailored to your activity/terrain preference, you'll have plenty of campsites to choose from. Whether you're on a budget or looking for a more luxurious experience, we've got you covered. Prices start as low as $5 per night, with an average price of $50 per night. Our top campsites, Cedar Creek Forest Camping, Tryfan Forest, and Pine the Sky, have received rave reviews from campers like you (with 126, 104, and 101 reviews respectively). With popular amenities like potable water, pets allowed, and campfires, and popular activities such as snow sports, climbing, and paddling, you're sure to find the perfect camping spot for your wildlife watching adventure.

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