The best camping near Ferris Provincial Park

Ferris Provincial Park is sometimes described as “camping the way you remember it,” and it’s too true. This small park is the perfect place to try camping for the first time—or perhaps rediscover it, as the case may be. Within the park’s two campgrounds, its 163 campsites are shady and private with nearby gorgeous views over Ranney Falls. And, best of all, three interconnected area hiking trails are perfect for beginners. The trails pass by mature forests, small wetlands, restored stone fences, land that once served as homesteads for early settlers, and even a pedestrian suspension bridge.

• Best for photographers: Valleyview Loop is positioned on a forested drumlin (an elongated hill) and several campsites offer a view across the Trent River Valley. 
• Best for families: The Bedrock Loop is closest to the water, the boat launch, and the playground. 

1. You can make reservations for Ferris Provincial Park up to five months before your arrival. As it has just a small campground, you’ll want to book early to grab a spot during summer weekends. 
2. Reservations cannot be cancelled or changed more than four months in advance. If you miss out on your preferred site at the five-month mark, you might get lucky with a cancellation at the four-month mark.
3. If you’re hoping for a very last-minute spot, try calling the campground just after 12pm on the day of arrival. Campers have until noon to cancel their reservation should they want to leave early. With a little luck, you can grab the spot of someone who needs to leave early.

Ferris Provincial Park is open from mid-May to mid-October. Like many provincial parks, Ferris implements a liquor ban on Victoria Day (the second Monday in May) and for the 10 days preceding it. In spring, the wildflowers are beautiful along Drumlin Trail (though you may want to bring waterproof shoes just in case the soil is soggy). Come July and August, the park staff operate a Discovery Drop-in activity program for kids.  

• There is no public swimming at Ferris Provincial Park, as a dam upstream causes strong currents and unsafe conditions. However, there is a small boat launch available within the park.
• The shower blocks at Ferris are small compared to those at many other campgrounds. Keep in mind that you might experience lineups during a busy weekend.
• Make time during your visit to check out the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge. When you cross over and enter the town of Campbellford, it’s just a short walk to the community’s popular chocolate factory.