Where to Go, How to Book, and Why You’ll Never Camp the Same After Camp Rentique
Spring is here, and with it comes Ontario’s most sacred tradition: the rush to book a campsite before they’re all gone by lunch. If you're new to camping, don't worry — we’ve created this ultimate guide to help you confidently navigate the booking madness, choose the right spot, and avoid rookie mistakes (like showing up with 6 bags of chips and zero tent poles).
Step 1: Where Can You Camp in Ontario?
Ontario is packed with camping options — from rugged wilderness to private lakeside hideaways. Here's where to start:
1. Ontario Parks (Provincial Parks) reservations.ontarioparks.com
- Open for reservations 5 months in advance at 7:00 AM sharp. Yes, sharp.
- Popular parks: Algonquin, Killarney, Arrowhead, Pinery, Killbear, and Bon Echo.
- Season: Most open May to October (some like Mew Lake are year-round).
- Tip: Be online by 6:59 AM with coffee and your campsite wish list ready. This is not a drill.
2. Parks Canada (National Parks) reservation.pc.gc.ca
- Bookings usually open in January-March, depending on the park.
- Popular national parks in Ontario: Bruce Peninsula, Georgian Bay Islands, Point Pelee.
- Season: Mid-May to mid-October.
- Tip: These parks book fast. Treat this like concert tickets.
3. Camping in Ontario (Private Campgrounds) campinginontario.ca
- A mix of everything: RV sites, glamping cabins, and basic tent spots.
- More availability than public parks, and often closer to amenities.
- Season: Varies, but most open May 1 to Thanksgiving.
- Tip: If the big parks are full, this is your best backup plan.
4. Hipcamp hipcamp.com
- Think Airbnb but for camping — private landowners rent out campsites.
- Great for unique stays (waterfalls, farms, forests).
- Tip: Perfect for last-minute bookings and hidden gems.
5. Crown Land Camping
- Free for Canadian residents, but not beginner-friendly.
- No facilities, no reservations, no refunds if a bear eats your hot dogs.
- If you're new, we suggest trying this after you’ve mastered zipping a tent door.
When Do Parks Open?
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Ontario Parks: Most open by May long weekend (Victoria Day), with some starting earlier in late April.
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National Parks: Varies by location — check the Parks Canada site for exact dates.
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Private Campsites: Often start booking in early spring, with many opening in May.
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Winter Camping? Yes, it’s a thing. Check our Winter & Spring Camping Guide.
What Should I Bring?
You could spend hours buying expensive gear you’ll only use once a year. Or...
We Bring the Gear. You Bring the Snacks.
Let us take the stress out of camping. At Camp Rentique, we specialize in fully equipped camping and backpacking gear rentals for beginners and pros alike. You tell us where you’re going, and we deliver clean, high-quality gear to your door — then pick it up after your trip. No cleaning, no packing, no post-trip garage chaos.
Our Spring Camping Package for 3 includes:
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Spacious 3-season tent
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Cozy sleeping bags
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Sleeping cots, tarp, chairs, kitchen gear — the full setup.
We also offer:
All you need to bring is food, drinks, and a sense of adventure. (We suggest marshmallows too. Never forget marshmallows.)
So What’s Next?
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Choose your destination.
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Book your campsite.
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Reserve your gear at CampRentique.ca.
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Show up and camp like a pro (without owning a single piece of gear).
Camping season in Ontario is short — and glorious. Don’t miss it.
Need ideas for where to go first?
Check out our: