Best Free Camping in Ontario

Free Camping in Ontario

By Nathan Swartz

With over 400,000 square miles of land, much of its wilderness that's easily accessible from more major, urban areas, Ontario is not only one of Canada's largest provinces, but it's one of the most desirable areas to explore all summer long. Free camping can be found in various forms, from small city parks to crown land alike.

See a map of free camping in Ontario.

Free Camping on Crown Land in Ontario

If you're unfamiliar with the term, "crown land" in Canada is similar to the Bureau of Land Management or National Forest acreage in the US. For campers, this primarily equates to free camping.

While you shouldn't expect laundry facilities or hookups, or even a designated site, places like Wanapitei River offer free, dispersed camping in a natural setting, perfect for car camping and RVers alike. Closer to Ottawa, Brougham Lake is a small bend in the road suitable for a camper van or those seeking a tent camping spot.

Free Camping in City Parks around Ontario

Along the shores of Lake Superior, towns like Marathon offer city parks with camping spots. While that spot offers simple camping options and beautiful photo ops as you're positioned right up against Lake Superior, for an even more majestic experience, head to Scenic High Falls City Park in Wawa, Ontario. An impressive waterfall never hurts on any camping trip, and that's precisely what you'll find here. These free campsites also include picnic tables, grassy areas for tents, additional parking for large RVs, and even a boat launch.

More Free Camping in Ontario

The Harbour Centre in Gore Bay is a great way to explore the town and offers free overnight parking within walking distance to all of the eateries, a brewery, and other amenities this small town has to offer.

These are just some of the places you'll find free RV parking, and no doubt only jumping-off points for a plethora of memory-making experiences on your trip through the Canadian province of Ontario. While they may at times take more searching and even a little more effort, there's something about free camping areas like these that make every sunrise just a little bit better.

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Recent Ontario Free Campsite Reviews

Beaucage, ON, Canada

Nipissing Lookout Site Rest Area

Mar 20, 2024

"Lookout only"

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This is a car only rest stop. Overnight parking is not advisable.

Steven-Paula
13 reviews
Feb 25, 2024

"No longer allowed to overnight"

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I have stayed here a few time going north to fish, 2020, 2021 but when I stopped June of 2023 it was posted "No Overnight parking" . I then went into Wawa and checked the welcome center and found it posted the same. I ended up parking at the truck stop south of town.

Scoooter
21 reviews
Hamilton, ON, Canada

Guelph Line Carpool Rest Area

Jan 23, 2024

"Parking only, but vehicles over 2.1m are not allowed"

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There is a sign at the entrance indicating that oversized vehicles will be towed

camper-898583
1 review
Windsor, ON, Canada

Flying J Travel Center

Sep 27, 2023

"Near the border "

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Close to the border. Lot's of space, safe but many big trucks. Convenience store and gas. Good for a overnight.

camper-867037
5 reviews
Griffith, ON, Canada

Brougham Lake Dispersed Camping

Sep 17, 2023

"Nice Quiet Spot"

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Stayed at this spot for one night. Cell reception is nonexistent. There is no outhouse on-site. Very secluded and quiet. Very nice place to go to get away.

camper-873304
1 review