The best camping near Inverhuron Provincial Park

Set on some very scenic curves along Lake Huron’s shoreline, the clear, blue waters at Inverhuron Provincial Park can feel a bit like those in the Caribbean. The dunes and long, crescent-shaped beach bring families together with its shallow bottom and gentle drop-off. Hike and bike along Holmes Bay Trail, which traces the edges of the peninsula where all three campgrounds are located, and if you get too hot, you can swim right off the rocks anywhere along the trail. Fish from the shore for salmon, pickerel, and northern pike, or launch a boat and drop a line for rainbow and brown trout. Play some beach volleyball, but make sure to get to the northwest side of the peninsula when evening comes—the sight of the sun making its daily descent into the lake is unforgettable.

• Best for photographers: Lime Kiln Campground is located closest to the best vantage point for sunset.
• Best for sun-worshippers and swimmers: Gunn Point Campground is within easy walking distance of the beach.
• Best for nature-lovers: The sites on the outer loops of Holmes Bay Campground are very private and forested. 

1. This is a very popular park in the heart of the summer, as campers flock here from big population centres just to the south, including the greater Toronto area and London, Ontario. Because of this, you’re best to book early—months in advance, if you’re coming on a weekend, during a holiday, or during July and the first two weeks of August. Sites within walking distance to the beach are most popular—and book up first.
2. First-come, first-served sites are a possibility, but no sites are set aside for same-day arrivals.

The park and campgrounds open in the middle of May and close after Canadian Thanksgiving in October. Summer is very busy, with campsites sometimes booking up entirely. The narrow beach can get packed, and space is at a premium during peak times. Evenings early and late in the season can be chilly, so if you’re camping in May, September, or October, be sure to pack a warm sleeping bag and a good coat. Fall colours are beautiful, and autumn tends to be uncrowded and far less buggy.

• Beware of poison ivy, which grows throughout the park and especially near the volleyball court (be careful when fetching errant balls).
• A cool bike park can be found within riding distance, with fun jumps and big mounds.
• The comfort stations in each of the three campgrounds have laundry facilities.