The best camping near Wheatley Provincial Park

Encompassing a coastal estuary, Wheatley is dominated by wetlands and small waterways, including Boosey Creek and Sugar Creek. Both are perfect for paddlers, who can navigate two separate 3.2-kilometre loops by canoe, paddleboard, or kayak (and the fishing is good, too). Hundreds of species of migratory birds make the park a way station, and nearby, a rugged beach traces the shores of Lake Erie, perfect for a swim or an evening walk. And, covered in Carolinian forest, you can take a hike among black gum, sassafras, hickory, and oak trees. Plus, there’s plenty of camping, including cool, creekside sites among the park’s four separate campgrounds.

• Best for nature lovers: Boosey Creek Campground is heavily treed and radio-free with all non-electrical campsites.
• Best for canoeists and kayakers: Two Creeks Campground is almost completely surrounded by water with many creekside sites.
• Best for families: Highlands Campground is close to a playground, laundry facilities, and a comfort station with flush toilets.

1. Just one hour from three fairly large cities—Detroit, Windsor, and London—this park can be very popular. You’re best to reserve via Ontario Parks as soon as possible, especially for stays in July and the first two weeks of August.
2. First-come, first-served sites are a possibility when there aren’t advance bookings, but no sites are kept aside for same-day arrivals. Midweek is best, and you should avoid Canadian holidays (including Canada Day and Victoria Day) if you don’t want to see the park at its busiest. Creekside sites in Two Creeks Campground (and the few in Middle Creek Campground) tend to be the first to book up.

The park and campgrounds open in April and close in October. Summer is the prime time to come, especially if you plan on paddling or swimming. While creek ice only melts in March, meaning it will still be frigid in April, the waterways warm through spring and are reasonably comfortable through July and August. Nights in April, May, September, and October can be chilly, although the changing colours of the deciduous, Carolinian forest are beautiful in fall, which is also (mostly) bug-free. 

• If you’re a first-time fisher and don’t have gear, the park office has a number of rods and reels to lend. Keep in mind that you’ll need a license, although kids under 18 (and seniors over 65) don’t need one.
• Spring and fall are key seasons for birdwatchers, with migrations of thrushes, hawks, warblers, and flycatchers taking place.
• Catch the 90-minute ferry nearby to Pelee Island, a fun day trip. There, explore vineyards and enjoy the warm beaches.