Camping in Manitoulin Island

Navigate the nature of northern Ontario on a camping trip to Manitoulin Island.

94% (83 reviews)
94% (83 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Manitoulin Island

Available this weekend

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top campgrounds in Manitoulin Island

96%
(47)

Backwater Paradise

12 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Blind River, ON
Welcome to Backwater Paradise in Northern Ontario. We are 15 minutes north off Trans Canada Highway, Blind River. 5-6 hours northwest of Toronto and 9 hours east of Thunder Bay, between Sault Saint Marie and Sudbury. Looking for a wilderness get away or just driving through? We can accommodate. Backwater Paradise has possibilities for several camping styles. whether you bring your own RV, easy tenting or choose to go deep and experience raw wilderness/survival in our Left Field. There is a water tower providing utility water for washing or extinguishing camp fires. We have a quiet atmosphere for new and savvy nature lovers. s. There are no lights on this lake which makes it perfect for star gazing. The main entrance is very well marked and leads to the lake. This is where we host RV sites and tent sites. All nature watchers and sky gazers will enjoy the spaces we have here. Moose, bald eagles. wolves, otters, beavers, bears, owls and several migratory birds are common visitors. You will get to hear whippoorwills, several species of frogs, crickets, and sometimes wolves/coyotes at night. It is very important that pets be kept on a leash. In the lake there is plenty of bass and pike to keep a fisher and kid fishers busy. Common gear will work here and strongly recommend using wire swivel leaders. We promote 'lake 2 plate' principles and if you need anything let us know!! All campers have use of the water front no matter where your site is. On the shore of the lake front is a very large common area and firepit and picnic tables for everyone to access and enjoy the water and the shoreline. We host fires Friday and Saturday nights weather permitting at this location. There are several firepit rings to allow campers to have their own camp fire and we sell hardwood. We also have a paddle boat rental. There is 30 acres of mixed forest, lake and marsh, and now we are able to be open year round. You will notice that some of the photos have brown for grass. Those are earlier pictures of when we first opened. All of our expanded areas are like that at first, and things have changed a lot over the last 4 years and, will continue to have "unkempt" areas as we continue to expand. Our newest listings this year are called Almost Paradise (shower unit) and more recently Rootbound Ranch (camping for those travelling with livestock or horses.) This also available for those that like to stay at a farm. If Backwater Paradise is full, you can enjoy the same attributes just across the road at Almost Paradise. Another site we have is Left Field. Its raw bush and field space in the center. This is where the marsh is. We are also working on a new trail between Backwater Paradise and Left Field and encourage our campers to enjoy the views of both of these spaces. Backwater Paradise can be discovered at 220 Lake Hope Road, Blind River, Ontario
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CA$25
 / night
92%
(13)

100 Acres Wood

6 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Elliot Lake, ON
We moved here 5 yrs ago and love it! Been working on upgrading and fixing just about everything. We live off-grid, but have solar power and a generator. We have a big garden and orchard. 2 of our tent sites are close to the house and outhouse, 150ft or so. I process firewood and do handyman work, while the mrs. works from home on the computer, so there is always someone here if we're needed. If need be you can charge you cell phones from our house. We will try to accomodate guests needs whatever they may be. Learn more about this land: Welcome to Red Pine Forest, located on Manitoulin Island! We have 4 campsites available for tents or 2 for RVs. We have 100 acres of mixed conifers, including red and white pine. The property boasts a vast variety of flora and fauna, including deer, grouse, porcupine, reptiles like salamanders, hummingbirds and songbirds along with the usual woodland critters, so bring your camera! It is also possible to spot black bears, coyotes, lynx and bobcats.  There is a large common fire pit on the property. There is a newer cedar outhouse located near 2 of the tenting sites. You are welcome to walk our trails which can be quite rugged at times, with many alvars and unique flora. There are many beautiful lakes nearby to explore, kayak and fish. You can pitch a hammock under massive pines if you like. Misery Bay Provincial Park is 10 minutes away. There are 2 native reserves nearby that offer the world's largest drum and dream catcher.  Locals are friendly and our resident woodworker has some beautiful carvings to see. It is fairly quiet and peaceful, as we are not on the highway. If you time it right you may find mushrooms, or wild strawberries and raspberries. There is a local diner 5 mins away. There is a local market on Saturdays to explore. We are 420 friendly. Please have a look at our extras below! If interested, add them on to your reservation at the time of booking. We look forward to hosting you!
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CA$40
 / night
100%
(13)

The Kicking Mule Guest Ranch

1 site · Lodging27 acres · Tehkummah, ON
Upon a hill within Manitoulin Island along Highway #6 sits over 25 acres that houses an old time ranch and western feel. A Horse Riding Stable steps away next door. You can find yourself mingling with farm animals such as chickens, babydoll sheep, rabbits and more. Outdoor covered community kitchen is available.
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CA$56.78
 / night
Booked 3 times

Bambrough's Camp

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Thessalon, ON
Welcome to 2 acres of forest on Manitoulin Island, the world's largest freshwater island! Nestled amidst trees, our camp offers a clearing where you can set up tents or park a camper. Amenities include an outhouse, fire pit, and an outdoor kitchen featuring a dry sink, drink cooler, a small BBQ and camp stove. Just 1 minute away from the beach, marina with showers, laundry facilities, and a corner store, but our campsite offers unparalleled privacy and tranquility. Experience breathtaking sunsets and a sky filled with countless stars. Enjoy your stay!
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CA$40
 / night

Rosie’s Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Manitowaning, ON
Escape to Your Private Waterfront Paradise! Discover the ultimate getaway on your own private point with a protected sandy bay. Whether you’re a tent camper, trailer traveler, or motorhome enthusiast, this secluded haven is your perfect retreat. Imagine escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life to arrive a a one-of-a-kind campsite that is all your own. No distractions, just peace and quiet to connect with your loved ones. Enjoy all that Manitoulin Island has to offer (waterfalls, biking, swimming, hiking, music, etc.) then arrive back to your secluded campsite where you can unwind and relax in your private oasis. Highlights: • Spacious Campsite: Plenty of room for your tents, trailer, or motorhome with stunning waterfront views. • Private Access: Enjoy your own slice of nature with unmatched privacy and tranquility. • Natural Beauty: Immerse yourself in lush forests, serene water, and abundant wildlife. • Recreational Activities: Ideal for fishing, kayaking, hiking, and more. • Rustic Amenities: Includes a fire pit and picnic table. • Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome and may roam off-leash as long as supervised and picked up after. Note: This is an off-grid site with no electricity or running water. Embrace the adventure and simplicity of nature. Guests must take with them what they bring, including garbage. Book Your Stay Today! Rejuvenate in nature’s embrace. Reserve your spot at our private waterfront paradise now and create unforgettable memories. Experience nature like never before. Escape, relax, and recharge at our 100-acre waterfront property!
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CA$100
 / night
100%
(2)

Almost Paradise

3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Blind River, ON
Welcome to Almost Paradise in Northern Ontario. We are 15 minutes off the Trans Canada highway, north of Blind River. 5-6 hours northwest of Toronto and 9 hours east of Thunder Bay, between Sault Saint Marie and Sudbury. Looking for a wilderness get away or just driving through? We can accommodate. Need internet? We have Starlink!. We also have star gazing and sunsets! As a new camp spot, upgrades at Almost Paradise are ongoing, including renovations to make a house into a cottage. Our 4 season camper, equipped with a woodstove is also now back at Almost Paradise and will be available again soon for those that need accommodations and want a rustic and cozy option. Backwater Paradise was flooded out from a very wet spring and Almost Paradise was created as a backup. We have a new seasonal shower unit. Check out our extras!! For now we have 1 tent and 1 RV site at this location. This past winter was very forgiving and gave us the opportunity to make a new bush trail at Backwater Paradise, for visiting nature lovers and plan on keeping it useable in winter. The trail is available to all our campers. One end is Backwater Paradise and the other is Left Field. Some is lakefront and some is marsh. There is seasonal berries everywhere in between. Please bring binoculars!! he wildlife here will get your pet into trouble (bears, wolves, coyotes. porcupines, raccoons, minks, fishers, skunks) 😱 Almost Paradise has all of the same benefits as Backwater Paradise campers and just across the road. Including use of the lake, and the nature trail to Left Field and all of the extras. (eggs, firewood sales, shower and paddle boat) In Lake Hope there is plenty of bass and pike to keep a fisher and kid fishers busy. Common gear will work here and strongly recommend using wire swivel leaders. We promote 'lake 2 plate' principles and if you need anything let us know!! All campers have use of the water front no matter where your site is. On the shore of the lake front is a very large common area with firepit and a picnic table to enjoy the water and the shoreline. Lately a family of geese have been frequent visitors over there. We host fires Friday and Saturday nights weather permitting at this location. Almost Paradise has a gravel driveway and slopes towards the lake so you still get a good view of the lake. The driveway is the best spot for an RV. Our Muscovy ducks are at Almost Paradise, beside the camping. They are quiet but funny looking 😊 The next property over is our farm, where we free range our chickens and ducks with 2 livestock guardian dogs. Fresh eggs are available. It is necessary to have a strict leash policy when it to pets. Wildlife here will get your pet into trouble (bears, wolves, coyotes. porcupines, raccoons, minks, fishers, skunks) 😱
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CA$40
 / night
Booked 1 time

Rootbound Ranch Camp n Horse

3 sites · RVs, Tents135 acres · Blind River, ON
Welcome to Rootbound Ranch in Northern Ontario. We are 15 minutes north of 17 highway, Blind River. 5-6 hours northwest of Toronto, 9 hours east of Thunder Bay, between Sault Saint Marie and Sudbury. We have 2 large pasture spaces. 1 has been cut and 2 has not. The pastures are not fenced. However there are portable livestock panels available, as an extra. We have clean well water and the capacity to get water to troughs. You will need to bring your own supply of feed and hay. You can choose to camp out with your horse or livestock. Camping is also available at Backwater Paradise and Left Field on Lake Hope. We do have a shower and toilet facilities on the property of Almost Paradise. It is walking distance or a short drive. Google maps is not dependable out here. We do ask for an arrival time, if possible so we can meet at the road/entrance to avoid confusion. Rootbound Ranch, formally known as Lake Hope Farm, was a cattle farm and recovery center with a team of work horses that was closed down in 1980. The old barn has since collapsed, the farm had become overgrown. I grew up here and moved to the city for a few years but my love for this land never left. I had a camp here for several years before moving back. We have been here 5 years, breathing life back into the properties, pushing back the bush, mowing fields and brush/brambles back to grass and this year, prepared to share this space. We are happy to be able to do this, be it a learning curve. We went for low prices to figure it all out and hopefully, get feedback for any improvements we can make here. Got goats? We could use some goats!!
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CA$40
 / night
81%
(8)

Tent Camping by the Lake.

1 site · Tent300 acres · Little Current, ON
Learn more about this land:Come camp on the rocky shores of Long Lake.It is a private location surrounded by the natural beauty of Northern Ontario. You will be surrounded by the water and forest. It is a perfect spot to pitch a tent and get back to nature! You can pitch your tent very close to the water or choose to camp in the beautiful open field! Please be advised that the road in requires your vehicle to have some room for clearance. You will be immersed in nature but still less than 10 minutes from a small town with amenities such as a gas station, grocery store, and restaurants. The area is known for its hunting and fishing, agriculture, and friendly residents. Looking forward to hosting you!
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CA$30
 / night
100%
(9)

Fieldview

1 site · Tent1 acre · Little Current, ON
Fieldview is a really special place that we want to share with all of you- - we have organic kitchen gardens, fruit trees, unique buildings (a small cabin with a traditional Russian trimwork, aka "gingerbread house on steroids", a unique cordwood outhouse), an apiary and a friendly habitat for all living beings. We love nature and live a simple, minimalist lifestyle, growing our own food, caring for our Mother Earth and creating beautiful things that last. Located on a quarter acre of land, tucked into a corner of a hay field, surrounded by fields, forests, and hedgerows, there is a house, cabin, woodworking shop, and a few outbuildings. We have plenty of lawn space if you want to play ball or just lay on the grass! We have a fire-pit, a spot to spread a blanket under a big White Pine or relax in a hammock in the shade of the two Balsam firs. The campsite has an electrical cord available for you phone/computer charging needs. There is a kitchen table and a few chairs for you and your family to enjoy outdoor meals and drinks. We have just built a brand new composting toilet equipped with a little sink (we provide hand towels, toilet paper and soap) and outdoor shower with COLD running water. We are working on having hot water available - please be patient with us! We ask not to smoke on the property (no tobacco, cigarettes, marijuana or vaping), please go for a walk on the road if you need to have a smoke. Clean up and pack all your garbage. We have a very social outdoor cat that would likely spend days with you. He is very, very interested in food and can not control himself, just be aware that he might steal and chew through bags. We specifically provided a plastic bin for you to cat-proof all your food. PLEASE NOTE: There is an ongoing fire ban on Manitoulin Island - no open fires or fireworks. Camp stoves are allowed.
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CA$45
 / night
100%
(1)

Anokawen on the Alvar

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Gordon/Barrie Island, ON
Anokawen on the Alvar is a beautiful, secluded and private property located about 10 minutes south of Gore Bay. A woodland alvar set amongst the trees in a mixed forest of evergreens Cedar, Pine, Fir and Spruce interspersed with Maple, Oak and Birch. The Black Birch Yurt is an inviting space to unwind, unplug and wake up to the sounds of the birds after enjoying the stars on a clear night.
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CA$115
 / night
100%
(1)

Sweet Oasis

1 site · RV2 acres · Little Current, ON
Sweet Oasis is a private camping getaway. Tranquil & serene campsite provides you with a beautiful waterfront view. RV-only campsite (dry camping). Forest, mature trees, birds & wildlife. Enjoy swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, biking, campfires & little adventures. Sweet memories await you.🙂
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CA$85
 / night
Booked 4 times

cabin dot calm

3 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Billings, ON
Learn more about this land: Enjoy the outdoors on our 10 acres of heaven! If you're looking for somewhere to unplug you've come to the right place. Our cabin is off grid and dry. We have solar to light up your nights and a large screened in porch to sit in, chill and listen to Mother Nature's orchestra each night before going off to bed. Next to the cabin is a bunkie that sleeps three. This too has solar lighting and a mini generator. Have you ever showered in the forest? Now's your chance. Heat up the water bladder and enjoy your hot shower in the woods. ***COMING SOON***Our second spot is so secluded it has it's own path. Follow the winding road down to our newest addition, "the Ulley". This bunkie has double doors on the front with a funky eclectic vibe that will bring some back to their childhoods :) Here too you can shower in the forest and be one with Mother Nature. We have a plethera of beautiful beaches for the sun worshippers and incredible hiking trails for those who love to be on the move. There is truly something for everyone on the island!
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CA$50
 / night

Star Hosts in Manitoulin Island

Under $50

Value Prop
Value Prop

Camping in Manitoulin Island guide

Overview

In the waters of Lake Huron, Manitoulin Island is the world’s largest freshwater island. Pending the season, campers can hike scenic summer trails around the island’s 100 lakes, snowmobile on winter snow, or fawn over fall foliage and native springtime wildflowers. Visit Misery Bay Provincial Park for birdwatching on a boardwalk, or Meldrum Bay to launch a boat by the historic lighthouse. Then, stop by Manitoulin Eco Park for a spectacle of stars and astronomic beauty. Or travel to Cup and Saucer Nature Reserve, which features 400-million-year-old Silurian deposits and epic cliffs. Campgrounds, cabin rentals, RV parks, and backcountry camping are spread throughout the island, offering amenities like picnic tables, free wifi, dumping stations, fire pits, and 30-amp hookups. With respect to the First Nation lands of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory in Canada, Manitoulin Island welcomes campers to its sacred beauty, eco-exploration, and nonstop adventure.

Where to go

Misery Bay Provincial Park

Misery Bay is the only active provincial park on Manitoulin Island. Take a day trip to this day-use park to explore its 1.5-km hiking trails, watch native birds, take a stroll on the boardwalk, or eat lunch at picnic tables throughout the area. Or walk the longer 8-km Coastal Alvar Trail Loop, which runs along the shoreline of old glacial beaches. Previously a flat rock sea bottom, Misery Bay now has a unique alvar shoreline with limestone jagged rocks.

Meldrum Bay

On the island’s west end, Meldrum Bay highlights the history of logging and milling on the island. A small local campground with full hookups and a boat launch brings campers to the bay, popular for paddling and sailing along its shores. Meldrum Bay campers can explore the iconic 130-year-old Mississagi Lighthouse, which guards the Mississagi Strait. However, the lighthouse is only accessible in the summer from Victoria Day weekend through the third Saturday of September.

Manitoulin Eco Park

Settle in for stargazing at Manitoulin Eco Park (previously Gordon’s Park), a dark sky preserve on the east end of the island. The forested eco-park provides tent campsites, RV hookups, tipis, bunkies, and “dark sky” camping options with access to eco-friendly showers and washrooms, flush toilets, and a playground. After setting up at a dark sky campsite, lie under the night sky and enjoy the strict no-lights rule, which provides stellar views of the Milky Way or aurora borealis.

Cup and Saucer Nature Reserve

Camp in an Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy site while visiting Cup and Saucer Nature Reserve. Noted as the organization's first reserve, Cup and Saucer spans 354 acres and features cliffs, plateaus, and plenty of plant life along every trail. The Cup and Saucer Trail, located west of Little Current, highlights the area's natural beauty—and the EBC offers a certificate of completion to all who complete it.

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