Camping Near Shawinigan, QC, CA: 12 Best Campgrounds 2025

Q: What outdoor activities are available in Shawinigan, QC?

Shawinigan , QC (known as Shawi by locals) is just south of Quebec City and offers a unique blend of outdoor experiences with proximity to urban life and convenience. The town is a perfect base camp for exploring the wilds of Quebec , with hikes to trek, trails to ski, and waterways to cruise. Plus, ample camping options are available in the area, including remote countryside campsites, glamping spots overlooking the water, and calm, cozy cabins in the woods.

Canada
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Quebec
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Shawinigan

99% (149 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Shawinigan

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(106)

Dobedo Camps

12 sites · Lodging, Tents100 acres · Joliette, QC

C.I.T.Q # 276511 (English to Follow) Dobedo Camps est situé sur 100 acres de terrain privé et est entouré d'une réserve naturelle (Zec Lavigne). Il y a trois lacs à explorer ainsi que de nombreux kilomètres de sentiers de randonnée et de falaises d'escalade. La nature abonde et à seulement 90 minutes de Montréal. Révélez la vraie nature dans ce paradis quatre saisons! Dobedo Camps is located on 100 acres of Private land and is surrounded by a Nature Reserve (Zec Lavigne). There are three lakes to explore as well as many kms of Hiking Trails and Rock Climbing Cliffs. Nature abounds and only 90 minutes from Montreal. Reveal true nature in this four season paradise!

94%

(33)

CirqueEnBois InWoodCircus cat camp

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Saint Damien, QC

SAN MAR HIGHTECH COMPOST TOILET-No flush!!! Lake beach moutains forest nature trees flowers cats many cats garden rocks grass sand blue sky no bad smell big skies full of stars and not that much musquitos And circus lessons available on demand Français ci-dessous Lake beach moutains forest nature trees flowers cats many cats garden rocks grass sand blue sky no bad smell big skies full of stars and not that much musquitos 10 minute walk to the lake and beach. At night, you may enjoy a starlit sky around a campfire. **Circus lessons available on demand *** This is a place for open minded, original, nothing like traditional campground! Make sure to read everything and watch all pics, ask any questions before booking. Thanks. Lac sauvage, plage, montagne , foret, arbres, nature, fleurs, chats pleins de chats! Grand ciel, pas de mauvaise odeur et pas tant de bibittes! 10 minutes à pied du lac et de la plage. ! SAN MAR HIGHTECH COMPOST TOILET-No flush!!! Ciel étoilé, feu de camp. **Cours de cirque disponibles sur demande

100%

(4)

Cute Cabins - Ready to camp

5 sites · Lodging70 acres · Joliette, QC

*** These are cabins without electricity or running water. You must bring your own bedding, food/water and lighting ***. Please make sure to locate the address on the road, you will see a sign of a man meditating : (corner Grenache street and chemin du Galet )2935 Chem. du Galet, Saint-Damien, QC J0K 2E0 LA TERRE DU RETOUR EN SOI in ST-Damien Lanaudière You want to experience nature, to get back to your roots on an enchanting site? La terre du retour en soi offers you two rental shelters and 3 km of hiking trails, a magnificent view of the mountain and snowshoeing possibilities. - 20 min from the 7 Falls Park - 15 min from St-Jean-de-Matha's snow tubing and golf - Monte à Peine Falls hike (St-Jean-Matha) - Val Notre-Dame Abbey (hiking and cross-country skiing) These are ready to camp for 2 adults (queen size bed) / No smoking, no animals for an optimal resourcing. Parking available on site (the shelters are a few steps from the parking lot but it is possible for an additional fee to have 4 wheel transportation). The material provided is : - Basic dishes, stove and pot - Two round propane burner with canister - Outside dry toilet/ No running water so a 18 liters of water provided - Wood provided for the stove - You must bring your own bedding and lighting - Grocery store at 3 km

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Camping near Shawinigan guide

Overview

Shawinigan, QC (known as Shawi by locals) is just south of Quebec City. Set along the Saint-Maurice River and offering a unique blend of outdoor experiences with proximity to urban life and convenience, the town is a perfect base camp for exploring the wilds of Quebec. Experience Shawi’s natural side with hikes to trek, trails to ski, and waterways to cruise. Plus, ample camping options are available in the area, including remote countryside campsites, glamping spots overlooking the water, and calm, cozy cabins in the woods.

Where to go

La Mauricie National Park

La Mauricie is an expansive park with outdoor activities offered year-round—try swimming, fishing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more. The park offers a canoe camping circuit for campers willing to pack up and portage between lakes, with over 200 campsites accessible only by boat. There are also RV campsites, cabin rentals, and glamping spots in the area.

Parc Récréoforestier Saint-Mathieu

To Shawi’s west is a sprawling recreation site with dense boreal forests that stretch more than 120 square kilometres. The trails are an especially popular attraction, with both linear and circular trails affording views of yellow maples, lakes, and Quebec’s impressive mountain ranges. Saint-Mathieu is very close to Shawinigan, meaning it’s a quick day trip from beach campsites or A-frame accommodations.

Parc de l'Île-Melville

On a small island along the Saint-Maurice River, this park is a major Shawinigan attraction. Parc de l'Île-Melville is well worth the trip thanks to easy walking trails through the woods; canoe rentals on the river and inlet; biking paths; winter snowshoeing and cross-country skiing; and even an aerial zipline course. Because the park is just outside the city, it’s a short jaunt back to creekside campsites or a romantic treehouse rental.

When to go

Shawinigan (and all of Quebec) never truly has an off-season. The boreal forests are lush, vibrant, and alive in summer, while each lake and waterway is teeming with adventure for hikers and paddlers. Winter offers its own impressive display of outdoor fun—just be prepared for chilly temps (an average high of -5°C in January). We recommend exploring the larger parks to enjoy the peaceful side of Shawi’s nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What outdoor activities are available in Shawinigan, QC?

Shawinigan, QC (known as Shawi by locals) is just south of Quebec City and offers a unique blend of outdoor experiences with proximity to urban life and convenience. The town is a perfect base camp for exploring the wilds of Quebec, with hikes to trek, trails to ski, and waterways to cruise. Plus, ample camping options are available in the area, including remote countryside campsites, glamping spots overlooking the water, and calm, cozy cabins in the woods.

What are the attractions at Parc de l'Île-Melville in Shawinigan?

Parc de l'Île-Melville is a major Shawinigan attraction, located on a small island along the Saint-Maurice River. The park offers easy walking trails through the woods, canoe rentals on the river and inlet, biking paths, winter snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and even an aerial zipline course. It's just outside the city, making it a short jaunt back to creekside campsites or a romantic treehouse rental. You can also explore different options for camping near Shawinigan on Hipcamp.