Camping in Ontario
Ontario Parks
With more than 272 unspoiled natural provincial parks dotting the province, Ontario is indeed a camping paradise. You can relax with family and friends in your camper, hooked up in a fully serviced campground, or you can have a backcountry experience in the serenity of the wilderness with nothing but the great outdoors. In Ontario enjoy an abundance of year-round activities, ranging from picnicking, nature study, winter camping, hiking, cycling, fishing, swimming, canoeing, bird-watching, rock climbing, waterskiing, boating, cross-country skiing, wildlife viewing and other activities that are unique to individual parks.
In Southern Ontario, most parks are in full operation from mid-May until the first weekend of September, and in Northern Ontario from early June to the first weekend of September, sometimes earlier. A few parks stay open after Labour Day.
In Southern Ontario, most parks are in full operation from mid-May until the first weekend of September, and in Northern Ontario from early June to the first weekend of September, sometimes earlier. A few parks stay open after Labour Day.
Private Campgrounds
The Ontario Private Campground Association's more than 400 privately-owned campgrounds, representing 70,000 campsites, can accommodate any camping experience, whether it's remote tent camping or full-size recreational vehicle camping.
Camping Rules
Here are a few things to keep in mind when camping in Ontario:
Crown Land Camping
Non-residents of Canada, 18 years and older must have a permit to camp on Crown lands in Northern Ontario (the area north of the French and Mattawa rivers, from the northwestern to the northeastern borders of the province). You can get a permit from most angling licence issuers and from Ministry of Natural Resources district offices.
Every Camper Must Prevent Fires
You must set your campfire on bare rock or mineral soil. You must also be sure that 1 m (3 ft.) of bare rock or mineral soil surrounds the outside of the fire. Fires must be kept under control, looked after by a responsible person and be completely extinguished before you leave the site.
Restricted Fire Zones
These are in effect in areas at times or areas of serious fire danger. You may not start a fire outdoors to cook or get warm; you must use a portable stove or charcoal installation.
Restricted Travel Zones
Some zones of Ontario may be restricted in times of serious fire danger. Unless you have a Forest Travel Permit, you cannot enter these zones. Check with the local Ministry of Natural Resources office for any restrictions in the area you wish to visit.
Smoking
During the fire season, no one is allowed to smoke while walking or working in forest woodland. It's an offence to drop or throw smoking material that is not extinguished in or within 300 m (1,000 ft.) of a forest or woodland. Please remember - responsible smokers sit down to smoke.
Trailer Size Limits for Ontario Highways
- Maximum length 14.65 m (48 ft.)
- Maximum height 4.15 m (13.6 ft.)
- Maximum width 2.6 m (102 in.)
- Car and trailer 23 m (75.5 ft.)
- Semi-trailer 14.65 m (48 ft.)
- Trailer 12.5 m (39 ft.)
- If a vehicle is non-commercial such as a motor home, its width (including side mirrors) must be less than 2.6 m (102 in.).
- It's against the law to transport anyone in a house or boat trailer when it is in motion.
