If you're just starting to look for a campsite in Ontario for this summer, we’ll be honest with you: the most popular spots are probably already gone.
Provincial and national parks near Toronto? Booked. Weekends in July and August? Booked. This happens every year — campsites get scooped up within hours of opening, and those who wait often find themselves out of luck.
But don’t cancel your summer plans just yet.
There are still ways to find a great campsite — if you’re flexible, creative, and know where to look. Whether you’re planning your first trip or you’ve camped before but didn’t realize how fast everything fills up, this guide will help you navigate what’s left and prepare better for next year.
1. Try Weekdays Instead of Weekends
Let’s start with the easiest tip: go midweek. Most people are fighting for Friday and Saturday nights — but campsites from Monday to Thursday often stay wide open, even in the more popular parks.
You’ll find more availability, fewer crowds, and a much quieter experience overall. It’s the single best way to improve your chances of booking a great site.
2. Look Beyond the “Big Name” Parks
Everyone’s heard of Algonquin, Bon Echo, and Killbear — which is exactly why they’re impossible to book. But Ontario has dozens of underrated parks that are just as scenic.
Explore parks like Silent Lake, Grundy Lake, Earl Rowe, or Six Mile Lake. Use the Ontario Parks reservation system in map view to check multiple regions and flexible dates.
Don’t focus on finding the “perfect” park — focus on finding a realistic one that still gives you a great outdoor experience.
3. Check Private Campgrounds on Camping in Ontario
When public parks are full, turn to the private side. Camping in Ontario is a directory of private campgrounds across the province — and it’s one of the best-kept secrets in summer camping.
You can filter by region, campsite style, or amenities (from rustic tent sites to family-friendly parks with playgrounds and showers). Many private campgrounds are easier to book and often closer to towns and small lakes.
4. Try Hipcamp for Unique Private Land
For something off the beaten path, try Hipcamp — a platform where landowners rent out their private campsites, cabins, or glamping setups. It’s like Airbnb, but for tents and bonfires.
You’ll find remote sites, farm stays, yurts, forest clearings, and waterfront lots — many with availability even when parks are full.
Perfect for anyone looking for something different (and often quieter) than a public campground.
5. Crown Land Camping (Advanced Only)
If you know what you're doing and want to go fully off-grid, Crown Land is your last resort — and for some, the ultimate adventure.
You can camp for free on designated Crown Land across Ontario, but there are no facilities, no maps, and no help if things go wrong. You’ll need to be fully self-sufficient.
Use the Crown Land Use Policy Atlas to find areas near you. This option is best for experienced campers who are comfortable navigating and camping in the backcountry.
What We Do at Camp Rentique
If you manage to book a site — or even if you’re still figuring out where to go — Camp Rentique is here to help with everything else.
We started this business because we believe camping shouldn’t be complicated. You shouldn’t need a storage locker full of gear or hours of research to spend a night under the stars.
We provide:
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Camping packages with everything you need: tent, sleeping bags, mats, stove, cookware, and more
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Backpacking and portaging gear for adventurous trips and backcountry escapes
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Glamping options for weddings, celebrations, and cozy getaways on private land
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Delivery and pickup across Toronto and the GTA, so you can focus on the trip — not the logistics
Whether you’re camping for the first time or heading out for your tenth backcountry portage, we’ve designed our services to make it easier, more accessible, and stress-free.
Why We Exist
We believe:
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Nature should be accessible for beginners, families, and anyone curious about the outdoors.
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Renting gear is smarter. It reduces waste, saves money, and makes camping doable for more people.
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Ontario is meant to be explored and we want to help people fall in love with it, one trip at a time.
We’re not just here to rent tents. We’re here to support a lifestyle, one that’s slower, simpler, and connected to the world just outside the city.
Camp Rentique
Camping. Portaging. Glamping. Delivered.
Helping you explore Ontario