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The Top 10 Camping Spots in and near Kingston for a Fun Outdoor Escape!
I was one of those people who didn’t see the appeal of camping. I didn’t understand why I should leave the comfort of my own home… until I went on an adventure with a friend.
Camping is fun and full of adventures, even if you’re staying in one spot. It’s a way to disconnect from technology, learn new things, and escape all the noise of urban life.
If you want to try it for the first time, or if you’re a pro camper, why not check out our favourite camping spots in and near Kingston, Ontario? Time to take a break and soak in the beauty of nature, whether you want luxury or rustic camping!
1000 Islands Campground/Kingston KOA Holiday
Media credit: 1000islandskingstonkoa
Address: 2039 Cordukes Rd
Contact: 1-800-562-9178, 1-613-546-6140
Operating Season: May – October
Amenities: 100 max amp, mini golf, heated pool, pavilion, bike rental, firewood, 24-hour laundry, fully stocked store, dog park, WiFi, sports, and more
When the whole family needs to unplug but still receive all the amenities, we recommend visiting 1000 Islands Campground, which is part of Kampgrounds of America. It’s only 15 minutes away from downtown.
Why is this one of our recs? It’s family-friendly for RVs and tents, and comes equipped with everything you need. They have a fully stocked store for essentials, a heated pool, an off-leash dog park, a massage centre, and 24/7 laundry!
There are plenty of activities for the whole family. You can play basketball, volleyball, and soccer with the kids, or have a go at mini golf, although this one isn’t free. Some amenities require payment, but it’s fine since most are free to use.
Pro Tip:
Check the special deals before booking to save a couple of loonies.
Rideau Acres Campground
Media credit: rideauacrescampground
Address: 1014 Cunningham Rd
Contact: 613-546-2711, [email protected]
Operating Season: May – October
Amenities: Pool, trails, mini golf, frisbee, basketball, paddleboard and kayak rentals, playground, fishing, and more
Located on Cunningham Road, Rideau Acres Campground is THE place for fun activities. Families with toddlers and youngsters will have a grand time due to the many adventures they can have.
There’s a small beach and a supervised pool, which is very useful for cooling off in the summer. You can also go kayaking or enjoy a round of mini golf. Then, meet the ducks and geese at the pond (and maybe feed these adorable creatures).
Parents will also enjoy this Kingston campground because the trailers are fully equipped and come with waterfront views. They all have kitchens (fully-equipped, again), bathrooms, and charcoal BBQ.
Pro Tip:
Summer is peak season. If you want to secure your preferred dates, you can book a year in advance.
Thousand Islands National Park
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Address: 1121 Thousand Islands Pkwy, Mallorytown Landing
Contact: 1-877-737-3783,
Operating Season: May – October
Amenities: Fire pit, picnic tables, Muskoka chairs, food preparation station, and select features depending on the reservation
Sometimes, camping requires a short drive to reach the most scenic destination. One of our top destinations near Kingston is Thousand Islands National Park, which is picturesque, brings you closer to nature, and offers a more tranquil environment.
Since it’s in the forest, you can enjoy a tranquil camping experience with birds singing and trees swaying. If you have a boat and a permit, you can even see the beautiful castles and mansions in the islands.
This campground is ideal for first-time campers since you can stay in an oTENTik cabin, which features a sleeping area and solar-powered lighting. Every site also has a picnic table, fire pit, Muskoka chairs, and a food prep station.
Pro Tips:
We suggest camping in the Mainland for a riverside experience.
Remember that reservations are required, so book as soon as you’re able to before all spots are taken.
Frontenac Provincial Park
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Address: 6700 Salmon Lake Rd, Sydenham
Contact: 613-376-3489
Operating Season: Year-round
Amenities: Tent pad, picnic table, fire pit, and food locker
Website
Tucked on the southern edge of the Canadian Shield, Frontenac Provincial Park is THE camping site for nature lovers. The drive will take a little under an hour from Kingston, which isn’t bad when you consider the destination.
Backcountry camping is available all year, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful and remote spot. And since you’re in a provincial park, you can see various wildlife for a more authentic camping experience!
There are a couple of amenities at each campsite, such as a fire pit, tent pad, food locker, and privy. Since the sites are grouped, you’ll see your neighbours.
But there aren’t many amenities since this is backcountry camping. We don’t recommend this for first-time campers because you need to be physically and mentally prepared with self-sufficient skills—basically, it’s not for fussy campers.
Pro Tip:
Before heading out, triple-check your bag to make sure you have all the essentials. Don’t overpack, though, since you’ll be hiking to reach the campsite.
Burnt Hills Lakeside Resort
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Address: 1109 Burnt Hills Rd, South Frontenac
Contact: 905-259-3022
Operating Season: May – October
Amenities: Playground, gravel boat launch, washrooms, beach access, and more
Website
The proximity of Burnt Hills Lakeside Resort to Kingston makes it an attractive camping spot. Just take a short 20-minute drive and you’ll get to enjoy lakeside camping!
There are plenty of campsites here that can accommodate large RVs. These have hydro-metered spaces and pump out services to make the whole process a breeze.
One of the best things about this place? The waterfront location. You can bring your boat and have a peaceful time at the lake or go fishing with fellow campers.
It’s very accessible as well. You can bring your tent or RV, or stay for a bit through seasonal or transient camping. It’s safe, too, despite its location near the road, due to the added card access to the gate.
Pro Tip:
If you’re renting a trailer, book one on the website to give the staff time to deliver and prepare the unit.
Desert Lake Family Resort
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Address: 2466 Desert Lake Rd, Hartington
Contact: 613-374-2196, [email protected]
Operating Season: May – October
Amenities: Picnic tables, fire pits, play areas, games, recreational activities, boat launch, washrooms, free lake map, free dump station, and more
Desert Lake Family Resort is just a half an hour from Kingston, making it a camping spot the whole family will enjoy. It’s a more modern facility than other sites in the area, making it ideal for kids and first-time campers.
This campsite features water, hydro, and sewer hookups, although availability varies. When it comes to amenities, there are a lot, such as fire pits, picnic tables, washrooms, play areas, and games.
If you’re coming with your grandparents, who might need to stay somewhere more comfortable, you can rent a cabin by the lake. This camping destination is for adults and kids, and that includes your furry companions!
Pro Tip:
Bring your dog’s leash, which they need to wear at all times at the campground.
Knapp’s Brass Point Campground
Media credit: Knapp’s Brass Point Camping
Address: 569 Burnt Hills Rd, Seeley’s Bay
Contact: 613-387-3912, [email protected]
Operating Season: May – October
Amenities: Boat launch, boat and motor rental, fire pit, playground, chip truck, and more
Website
Knapp’s Brass Point Campground never disappoints when it’s about lakeside camping. That’s one of the reasons it’s our go-to, especially when you add in the fact that the place is so warm and inviting—possibly due to the friendly and helpful staff.
The simple campsite, located 20 minutes from downtown Kingston, adds a peaceful atmosphere, but there’s still plenty to do. You can take your boat (there’s a boat launch and a dock) or rent one at the facility if you don’t have one.
Once you’re on the boat, you can go fishing and reel in a couple of fish. There’s a small playground for the kids, too, if they want to stay on land.
Pro Tip:
Check their Facebook for updates on opening and closing dates, which change depending on the campground and road conditions in the area.
Summerland Rideau Campground
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Address: 5118 Leo Lake Rd
Contact: 613-387-3275, [email protected]
Operating Season: May – October
Amenities: Lakeside access, activities, fishing, kayaking, and more
Summerland Rideau is a gem in Kingston, where families can spend their summers by the lake. It’s THE place for kids, because once camping season starts, a range of activities and experiences open up!
It’s a beautiful spot along Cranberry Lake, perfect for family photos and bonding. There’s a peaceful ambience here—possibly because of the lakeside setting—even when the kids and parents let loose on Family Fun Day.
This is where you should go if you love creating summer memories. The community at this camping site is incredible, as they’re tight-knit but welcome new visitors.
Pro Tip:
Join the Summerland Rideau Facebook Group to meet frequent campers and learn about the activities.
Pinecrest Resort
Media credit: Pinecrest Resort cottages and camping
Address: 4055 Second St, Gananoque
Contact: 613-382-2836
Operating Season: May – October
Amenities: Washrooms, showers, dump station, fire pits, picnic tables, boat launch, docks, fishing boat rental, and more
On the banks of the St. Lawrence River lies Pinecrest Resort, a little-known camping spot near Kingston. It doesn’t get the traction it deserves, honestly, but that’s not a problem if you prefer a quieter environment.
Don’t get us wrong, it can be a little loud during peak season when the kids are here. But its location, nestled in the forest, makes it an attractive destination for those who prefer the balance of a vibrant yet tranquil space.
The RV and tent camping site? Quieter than usual (when you compare it to family-friendly RV parks in Kingston). You’ll be surrounded by nature, but won’t have to be completely disconnected.
Plus, you can fish in the lake or swim on the beach. But why not do both?
Pro Tip:
If you plan on booking a campsite for the following year, you can do so right now (only during their operating season). Frequent campers book as early as the year before, so grab your spot before they run out!
Sand Lake Campground & Cottages
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Address: 5 Powell Bay Rd, Elgin
Contact: 647-294-7188, [email protected]
Operating Season: May – October
Amenities: Picnic tables, fire pit, seasonal camper boat dock, playground, washrooms, and more
Website
If you’re searching for a camping spot that’s just under an hour away from Kingston, you should drive to Sand Lake Campground & Cottages. This is the ultimate getaway for the kiddos because it’s secure and lively.
Its lakeside location makes it ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing, while providing beautiful sunsets. Your four-legged friends are welcome as well, because this place is spacious and has a dog park.
Just note that this site primarily caters to RV camping with a 30-amp system, available in both regular and lakeview areas. It’s fine even if you don’t get one near the lake, since the views are still stunning to wake up to.
Pro Tip:
Book a site as early as possible, as they tend to get fully booked quickly.
