Camping in late fall when the temperature dips below double digits might not be for everyone, but it's an adventure that outdoor enthusiasts should all try and experience and least once in their lifetimes.
And, luckily, for Ontarians, several provincial parks have an extended camping season, giving you more time to enjoy the beauty of fall. According to Ontario Parks, these destinations are offering extended campsite bookings, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in nature as the leaves change.
Read on to learn about seven campgrounds with an extended camping season, and while we’ve vetted open dates at the time of publishing this guide, it's best to always double-check before you pack up all your gear and flannels, as dates are subject to change.
1. Arrowhead Provincial Park, Huntsville
Regardless of the season, Arrowhead offers campers a serene camping escape. Nestled in Muskoka, Arrowhead Provincial Park offers spacious, secluded campsites amidst tall trees where campers can cozy up by their campfires. In the colder months, visitors can venture into the wilderness with 14 kilometres of hiking trails waiting to be explored and enjoy activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating along the natural loop with rental equipment available.
Closing: Open all year
2. MacGregor Point Provincial Park, Port Elgin
Located along the shores of Lake Huron, just south of Port Elgin, MacGregor Point Provincial Park is one of the most ecologically diverse natural places along the this shoreline. The year-round camping gem offers visitors a unique late fall and winter camping experience. Hike through hardwood forests, spot wintering birds, and perhaps even a fox. Cozy yurts await visitors for a warm and inviting stay, while snowshoeing and cross-country skiing allow you to explore the park's natural beauty. If conditions permit, a 400-meter skating oval provides a delightful spot for ice skating, adding an extra layer of winter enchantment to your outdoor adventure.
Closing: Open all year
3. Pinery Provincial Park, Grand Bend
Experience the magic of Pinery as epic sunsets paint the horizon over Lake Huron. This natural wonderland is home to rare Oak Savanna trees, wildlife like owls and deer, walking trails, a 14 km bike trail, a peaceful beachfront -- the perfect spot to enjoy the epic sunsets. Campers can enjoy tent camping and pull-through RV sites throughout the year, where they can gather around a crackling campfire. For those seeking a cozier retreat, the park offers six yurts and eight camp cabins.
Closing: Open all year
4. Killarney Provincial Park, Killarney
November in Killarney? You bet! Hike the stunning La Cloche Mountains, and warm up afterwards around a flickering campfire by your lakeside campsite. This expansive 645-kilometre wilderness showcases the rugged beauty of the Georgian Bay Coast with its pink granite and the pristine white quartzite ridges of the surrounding mountains. In the colder months, enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, while George Lake campground provides access to beaches, trails, and canoeing. Just 10 km from the park, you'll find the historic Killarney Village, founded in 1820, where you can grab a seat the Sportsman’s Inn for a cozy meal.
Closing: Open all year
5. Frontenac Provincial Park, Sydenham
With year-round access, Frontenac Provincial Park is a hiker's paradise. Pristine lakes, hiking trails, and wildlife of all sorts, including cottontail rabbits, Canadian geese, beavers, and otters await your visit. Nestled on the southern fringes of the Canadian Shield, Frontenac Provincial Park spans 5,355 hectares and is home to 48 interior campsites open year-round, 22 pristine lakes, and over 100 kilometres of looped backpacking and hiking trails, ensuring your adventure never ceases. Whether you enjoy wildlife watching, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or exploring, late fall and winter camping at Frontenac Provincial Park has it all.
Closing: Open all year
6. Rondeau Provincial Park, Morpeth
Rondeau is a birder's dream. Hike through Carolinian forests, spot migrating birds, and enjoy campfires by Lake Erie. If birding isn’t your thing, hike one of six trails at the park, including the barrier-free Tulip Trail. While the campsites close on November 12th, during the colder months, visitors can enjoy ice-fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Closing: Closes November 10th
7. Kawartha Highlands, Bancroft
Located just north of Peterborough, Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park offers the perfect escape during the cooler months. Embrace a late-season backcountry camping adventure along the edge of the Canadian Shield, where you can savour the final burst of brilliant autumn colours. Alternatively, relish a serene day paddle in the crisp, cool air. An added bonus of visiting in late fall? Bid farewell to mosquitoes as you immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Kawartha Highlands.
Closing: Open all year
What to Pack for Your Chilly Camping Adventure
Before you head out on a chilly camping adventure, consult our handy checklist for the seven most important items to pack on a cold-weather camping trip:
- Cold-weather sleeping bag: Choose a high-quality, cold-weather sleeping bag with a temperature rating appropriate for the expected conditions.
- Insulated sleeping pad: An insulated sleeping pad provides essential insulation from the cold ground and prevents heat loss.
- Winter clothing system: Layering is key. Include thermal base layers, insulating mid-layers, waterproof and windproof outer layers, insulated boots, and warm, moisture-wicking socks. Don't forget a warm hat, gloves, and a scarf or neck gaiter.
- Four-season tent: A four-season or winter-specific tent is designed to withstand strong winds and frigid temperatures. It provides better insulation and protection from the elements.
- Winter camping stove: Invest in a reliable, cold-weather camping stove that can efficiently operate in low temperatures—and pack extra fuel!
- Navigation tools: Carry a map and compass or GPS device to navigate in snowy and potentially challenging terrain. It's important to know where you are at all times.
- Emergency essentials: Assemble a well-stocked first aid kit with cold-weather-specific items, an emergency whistle, a headlamp with spare batteries, a multi-tool or knife and fire-starting materials.
