Camping in Nova Scotia: Coastal Getaways and Scenic Campgrounds

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Nova Scotia, Canada, is the east coast province along the Atlantic Ocean with rugged coastlines, picturesque fishing villages, and some of the most breathtaking scenery in Canada. While its chilly temperatures may hold it back from earning a spot on your top camping trips, you may want to reconsider that after learning all about its pristine sandy beaches, lush Acadian forests, towering sea cliffs, and more.

Backcountry campers, family groups, and solo campers alike will find something appealing in this serene escape. Here’s what you need to know about camping in Nova Scotia, including the best campgrounds to stay at, your essential packing list, and pro tips to make your experience a smooth one.

Can I Camp Anywhere in Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia offers designated campgrounds and backcountry camping opportunities, but you must follow the rules. You can set up camp for free on crown land in some areas as long as you adhere to provincial regulations. Check out Cape Breton Highlands National Park and Kejimkujik National Park to explore their backcountry camping options for minimal crowds and breathtaking scenery.

As for private and protected lands, you’ll need permission or a permit first.

If dispersed backcountry camping isn’t your thing, you’ll find a more structured experience at Nova Scotia’s national and provincial parks, with well-maintained campgrounds and facilities like bathrooms, picnic areas, and fire pits.

There’s much to explore in the natural surroundings, whether you camp at a designated campground or find your own way through dispersed camping land. You can trek along hiking trails, catch stunning views from the many lookouts along the way, and even find a comfortable spot at night for stargazing away from the light pollution of the cities and towns.

Which Campground Is Best in Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia is home to many of Canada’s most scenic camping spots. Have your pick amongst oceanfront views, mountain landscapes, or lakeside serenity—there’s a campground to suit every style.

Here are five of the best camping destinations in Nova Scotia, each offering something unique.

Broad Cove Campground (Cape Breton Highlands National Park)

Along Cape Breton’s rugged coastline is Broad Cove Campground, complete with stunning ocean views and easily accessible hiking trails—even close proximity to the famous Cabot Trail. Since you’re on the East Coast, take advantage of the most incredible sunrises over the Atlantic. You may even catch a few whales or seabirds from the shore.

The campground is nestled in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, renowned for its dramatic headlands, towering cliffs, and gorgeous boreal forests. While you call it home for a short camping trip, you’ll be amongst the rich wildlife, like bald eagles, black bears, and moose. Wildlife and coastal lovers, this is a spot for you.

Features: Located along the scenic Cabot Trail, with access to other hiking trails like the Skyline Trail. Whale-watching opportunities from the shoreline. Nearby, you’ll find interpretive programs to learn more about the park’s history.
Facilities: There are electrical and unserviced tent, RV, or van camping campsites. Modern bathrooms, showers, and firepits are available.
Things to Know: Make your summer camping reservation early, as sites book quickly. Temperatures drop drastically at night, so pack warm layers even in the summer.

Jeremy’s Bay Campground (Kejimkujik National Park)

A forested escape, Jeremy’s Bay Campground in Kejimkujik National Park is perfect for campers who enjoy a tranquil escape filled with canoeing, stargazing, and a bit of history.

This is Nova Scotia’s only dark sky preserve, making it one of Canada’s best spots to glimpse the Milky Way. It’s also rich in Mi’kmaq culture; find ancient petroglyphs along rock surfaces throughout the park, telling the stories of the tribe’s past.

Features: Incredible stargazing, canoeing, and kayaking. Scenic waterways, a quiet atmosphere, and a rich Indigenous history.
Facilities: The campground offers a variety of campsite options, including group sites and walk-in sites. It also has well-maintained bathrooms, showers, and dishwashing stations.
Things to Know: Motorized boats are not allowed on the lakes to maintain a peaceful vibe. The weather can be unpredictable, so pack sun protection and rain gear.

Rissers Beach Provincial Park

Camping by the ocean, anyone? If the beach calls you, pack up the car and head out to Rissers Beach, a dream destination for those who feel most at peace by the waves on the sand.

Located along the area’s South Shore, you’ll enjoy direct access to a soft and gorgeous sandy beach, where you can swim, take a sunset walk, or beach comb to discover interesting items like shells, driftwood, rocks, or sea glass. But there’s more than just the beach, too.

Take the Boardwalk Trail and meander through salt marshes, where you’ll likely see several bird species hunting for food. It’s no surprise that Rissers Beach is known as one of the best places in Nova Scotia for a classic beach camping experience.

Features: Soft sand beaches with warm, shallow waters. Trails through salt marshes. Great for families, with calm waters for swimming.
Facilities: Some campsites have electrical hookups. Bathrooms, showers, and dishwashing stations are available.
Things to Know: Some campsites have limited tree cover, so bring shade canopies or tarps for sunny days. Strong coastal winds make nights chilly, so pack warm layers and a thick sleeping bag.

Meat Cove Campground

While the name of this campground might not be the most inviting, you’ll change your mind about it as soon as you catch its tall sea cliffs overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It’s a remote paradise for true adventurers, solitude-seeking solo campers, or nature photographers.

The dramatic landscape is unique to Canada, making it one you won’t want to miss. Along with the beauty of the ocean, it also offers opportunities for whale watching and incredible sunrises. Perhaps you’ll even catch it from up on the cliffs during a sunrise hike.

It’s one of the most rugged and remote camping experiences; however, chalets and cabins are also available if you prefer a little extra comfort.

Features: Clifftop campsites with panoramic ocean views. This remote and peaceful destination is perfect for anyone who wants to go off the grid. It’s a prime spot for seabird and whale watching.
Facilities: Cabins and a camping chalet are available, as well as 30 unserviced campsites. A shower house with hot running water, flush toilets, firewood, kayak rentals, and a food truck is also available.
Things to Know: Meat Cove is only accessible via a winding dirt road, which can be rough, so drive cautiously. The ocean winds require sturdy tent stakes. There is little to no cell service, but free WiFi is available.

Blomidon Provincial Park

Epic ocean adventures await at Blomidon Provincial Park, where your campsite is perched on the cliffs overlooking the Minas Basin of the Bay of Fundy. Take in the red sand beaches and the world’s highest tides, with a difference of 50+ feet between high and low tides.

Take a walk along the shore when the tide goes out, and you just might discover treasures like fossils, sea caves, and tidal pools filled with marine life. Moving inward from the shore, you’ll see dramatic sea cliffs and lush Acadian forests.

Explore more by taking the park’s hiking trails, leading you to incredible lookouts, including the Blomidon Lookoff, with panoramic views of the Basin.

Features: Views of the Bay of Fundy’s world’s highest tides. Scenic hiking trails and lookouts. Opportunities for fossil hunting and tidal flat exploration.
Facilities: Wooded and open ocean-view campsites. Fire pits are available, with firewood on site for purchase. Well-maintained showers, bathrooms, and picnic shelter.
Things to Know: The tides move quickly, so check tide schedules before venturing off among the shoreline. Some trails have steep sections, so bring sturdy hiking boots.

What Should I Pack for a Nova Scotia Camping Trip?

Tent, ground cover, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and pillow
Camp stove, stove fuel, cooking and eating utensils
Fresh, pre-prepared foods and non-perishable snacks
Food storage (bear-proof)
Headlamps, flashlights, lanterns, and extra batteries
Water (or water filtration system) and water bottle
Biodegradable soap for dishes
Coffee maker or instant coffee (learn how to make the best camping coffee)
Power solution – Pack the EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank for quick and convenient charging for your smartphone. For camping appliances, bring a portable power station like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus or a solar generator like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator (PV45W).
Toiletries
Layered clothing, including a waterproof outer layer
Hiking boots
Extra socks and underwear
Sunscreen and bug spray
First aid kit
Map and compass
Fire starting supplies
Trash bags
Cooling/fans – a portable AC unit that doubles as a heater, like the EcoFlow WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner, helps regulate your temperature in all seasons

3 Nova Scotia Camping Tips

Be Prepared for Fog and Coastal Winds – Nova Scotia’s coastline has ever-changing weather, and as the warm and cool air mixes over the Atlantic, you may experience a thick fog. Coastal winds can also be strong, so secure your tent tightly to prevent it from shifting or collapsing while you sleep.
Campsites Booked Up? Enjoy Nova Scotia Camping from the Comfort of Your Backyard! - While it might not be your first choice, Nova Scotia residents can still create their own camping experience in your backyard. Create your campsite as usual, or elevate it into backyard glamping with a yurt or outdoor movie setup.
Take Advantage of Local Seafood – Make your camp cooking experience better by shopping for local, fresh seafood like lobster, scallops, and mussels, which you can pick up from fisherman’s markets or roadside food stands.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does It Cost to Camp in Nova Scotia?

Camping costs in Nova Scotia range from $15 to $45 per night. Prices will vary depending on the location, type of campsite, time of year, and campground amenities. You should expect to pay more for premium or electric hook-up campsites than primitive tent camping.

What Is the Best Month To Visit Nova Scotia?

September is generally considered the best month to visit Nova Scotia due to its pleasant weather and smaller crowds than the peak summer months. At this time, stunning fall leaves change colours. Planning your visit between May and October is ideal.

How Many Nights Do You Need in Nova Scotia?

You should spend at least 5-7 nights in Nova Scotie to experience all it has to offer across more than just one location. A 2-3 night stay in Halifax is a good way to begin the trip, followed by 1-2 nights camping in a few different spots.

Final Thoughts

Camping in Nova Scotia allows you to experience incredible coastlines, lush forests, and starry nights. You might even be able to take a few souvenirs from the sea home with you (especially if you stay at Blomidonm, where dramatic tides leave treasures behind).

The province provides stunning natural beauty and an incredible environment, but it’s what you pack that makes your trip comfortable! Remember to bring a power solution from the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series to keep your essential devices and camp appliances running during your stay.