Camping in London, ON, CA: 12 Best Campgrounds 2024

With over 200 parks, London, Ontario has a natural charm alongside all the urban amenities of a bustling metropolitan center. The city is in the southern part of the province, close to Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. With plenty of freshwater access, starry skies in Point Pelee National Park, and winter adventures on Mount Boler, London delivers activities year-round. Visit in July to experience SunFest—a world-renowned festival where performers from around the globe share their talents, from dancing and singing to visual arts. Or stop by in August to get a taste of The London Ribfest, the second-biggest barbecue festival in North America. Look for RV parks and tent campsites nearby to get easy access to all the entertaining experiences London provides.

Where to go

Niagara Falls

Over 12,000 years old and 54 metres high, Niagara Falls is a force to be reckoned with just about 2 hours from London. Experience views of the Niagara Gorge and world-famous whirlpool while suspended 67-metres in the air on a zipline speeding up to 70 km/hour. Or view the iconic waterfall on a 20-minute boat tour that pulls you right into the misty base of the falls. The surrounding city delivers an abundance of activities, like helicopter rides, a butterfly conservatory, and sprawling wineries. Campers have a range of accommodations to choose from, including pull-through RV campsites, large-capacity cabins, and tent campsites equipped with firepits and picnic tables.

Main Beach in Port Stanley

Stretch out on 500 metres of sandy shoreline at Main Beach in Port Stanley—a 45-minute drive from London. It holds a coveted Blue Flag status for providing high-quality water and top-notch environmental standards that keep the lake clean and swimming-friendly. The slightly smaller and less populated Little Beach is a four-minute drive from Main Beach and offers an additional 185 metres of sandy shores. While both beaches are open year-round, lifeguards are only on duty from June until September.

Point Pelee National Park

Roughly a 2-hour drive from London, Point Pelee National Park is a peninsula at the southernmost point of Canada. With 20 kilometres of soft sand beach and several large ponds, the park is a sensational spot for canoeing and kayaking. Book a guided canoe tour or private rentals to explore with unbound freedom. The park is classified as a Dark Sky Preserve, and on certain nights, campers are welcomed to stay after regular hours to take in the twinkling night sky. Check out cabin rentals with natural gas barbecues and parking for one vehicle in the nearby lot. While there is an admission fee to enter Point Pelee National Park, it's waived for kids age 17 and younger.

Boler Mountain

Enjoy all-season fun on Boler Mountain. Ski runs and tobogganing routes twist through the 120 acres of land in the winter, while hiking and downhill mountain biking trails cover the mountain in summer. Discover the Treetop Adventure Park (open from May until October), where campers can challenge themselves on a rope course and an exhilarating 335-metre long zip line. Wind down at the end of the day with an outdoor yoga session before heading back to an RV park with on-site laundry, full hookups, and fire rings.

When to go

London has four distinct seasons, so the best time to visit depends on which activities are on the agenda. Summer runs from June to September, bringing an average high of 26°C—a prime temperature for canoeing in Point Pelee National Park or touring Niagara Falls by boat. The deciduous trees burst into a mosaic of color when Fall arrives in October. January and February are the months to pick for skiing, as snowfall will be in full swing on Mount Boler. Make sure to book far in advance for dates that overlap with festivals, since campsites get booked quickly.