The best camping near Rondeau Provincial Park

Never far from water, Rondeau Provincial Park’s small campground of 258 sites is sandwiched between Lake Erie and Rondeau Bay. The campsites are also surrounded by nearly 40 kilometres of hiking trails through Carolinian forest trees, some as old as 200 years. A wide boardwalk straddles a lush marsh teeming with wildlife, and canoeing around the peninsula is a great day adventure, especially for birders. Be on the lookout for the endangered prothonotary warbler or teams of warblers, thrushes, flycatchers, and song birds. 

• Best for privacy: On the Rondeau Bay side of the campground, sites 1-15 and 246-257 are less busy.
• Best for beach access: On the east side of the park on Lake Erie, sites 154-165, 170-182, and 300-306 are a short walk from the beach and picnic tables.
• Best for family reunions: Site 401 is basic but forested and roomy enough for small trailers and up to 50 people.

Open for camping between April and October, the park is open for day-use ice fishing and cross-country skiing in winter. Spring is the best time for birdwatching, and bird feeders are placed throughout the park so you can wake up to singing. During this time, the meadows are also bursting with wildflowers such as wood lily, wild columbine, and woodland sunflowers—take advantage of guided hikes with park naturalists but know that the May long weekend gets incredibly crowded.

• If using the day-use group sites, get water at the filling station or from a tap at the campground. The five day-use shelters do not have water stations or electrical outlets.
• Grassy areas and a giant marshland mean mosquitos are a sure thing (especially on the marshy Southpoint Trail). And check for ticks after a hike!
• The shallow beach is great for toddlers, with a section open to dogs.
• The park store offers souvenirs, snacks, and some basics (including fishing poles), but for bigger grocery runs, head into nearby Blenheim, 30 minutes away.
• Rondeau Bay has a boat launch near the main office, but be mindful of your boat size. Water levels fluctuate so boats under 19 feet are the best option.