The best camping near Six Mile Lake Provincial Park

Six Mile Lake may look familiar to campers, as this provincial park (less than two hours north of Toronto by road), had its landscapes immortalized by esteemed Canadian artist David Milne. Visitors can experience the landscapes that inspired him firsthand on the half-kilometre David Milne Trail. Those who crave a more “lively” experience might want to check out the one-kilometre Living Edge Trail (where beavers build their lodges) or the Marsh Trail, where moose are frequently spotted—just keep your distance and admire them from afar. If you’re craving relaxation, Six Mile Lake is home to three beaches, including a designated pet beach. Campers have seven campgrounds to choose from at Six Mile Lake Provincial Park.

• Best for new campers: Birch Campground is centrally located and close to the beach, playground, volleyball court, comfort station, and park store.
• Best for pet owners: Cedar Campground is tiny, but its walk-in sites have the advantage of being close to the pet beach.
• Best for hikers: Poplar Campground is adjacent to all three Six Mile Lake Provincial Park hiking routes.

1. The Ontario provincial parks system allows reservations up to five months in advance. If you have a particular site in mind or you hope to travel on a busy weekend, it’s smart to book a spot well in advance.
2. Reservations can be modified at the four-month mark, so if you missed out on the chance to book, you could grab one once some cancellations come in.
3. Last-minute spots also sometimes become available around noon each day. Campers already on site who leave early receive a full refund if they cancel by noon, meaning folks on standby can nab these newly vacated spots.

Six Mile Lake Provincial Park is open from mid-May until mid-October. Like many provincial parks, Six Mile Lake bans alcohol on Victoria Day and for the 10 days preceding it. July and August are popular times, when park staff operate a discovery drop-in program for kids. Both Canada Day weekend (July 1) and the August Civic Holiday weekend (the first Monday of the month) are busy. 

• Six Mile Lake offers a free “learn to fish” program to introduce new anglers to the sport.
• While you’re unlikely to see them, bears roam the region. Keep a clean campsite and lock up your food at night.
• Canoes, kayaks, standup paddle boards, and pedal boats are available for rent at the park store in spring and fall, as well as at the rental building at Canoe Beach in summer.