Glamping in Ontario: Luxe Outdoor Stays in the Land of Lakes

Ontario, the land of lakes and forests, offers unparalleled camping and glamping opportunities for every kind of outdoor adventurer. Whether exploring pristine provincial parks, cozying up in a yurt, or basking under the stars in a geodesic dome with a private hot tub, this guide highlights the best outdoor escapes in the province for those looking for a peaceful retreat or chasing adventure without sacrificing modern comforts. Let’s take a look:

Can I Camp Anywhere in Ontario?

You can camp in any designated campground and camp for free on most Crown land for up to 21 days as long as you follow the rules. You can’t camp on private land without permission. 

Which Campground Is Best in Ontario?

1. Mew Lake Campground

This campground is in the beautiful Algonquin Provincial Park, home to forests, rivers, lakes, moose, bears, loons, and countless hiking trails, including the popular Whiskey Rapids Trail and Barron Canyon Trail. Whether with the family or solo camping, this campground combines adventure and convenience with 131 tents and RV sites offering flush toilets, showers, laundry facilities, and a camp store. 

For the glampers out there, they also offer yurts on wooden decks that accommodate 6 with heating, bunk beds with a single and double mattress, electricity, lighting, table, chairs, propane BBQ, fire pit, and picnic table, and access to shared bathrooms, showers, and drinking water.  

The EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank is perfect for bringing on hiking trips in the park to keep your phone charged for trail maps and plenty of amazing photos.

• Yurts are available all year round. 
• Wheelchair-accessible sites are available. 
• Powerboats are not permitted in Mew Lake. 
• Select areas are dog- and radio-free zones to preserve the tranquillity of the surroundings.

2. Back Forty Glamping

Back Forty Glamping offers secluded geodesic domes on 26 acres in Ontario’s South Georgian Bay. All domes provide comfortable beds, cozy linens, private hot tubs, a fireplace with kindling and firewood, climate control with heating and cooling, Wi-Fi, running water, electricity, BBQ with propane, fire pit, kitchenettes with mini fridge, cooking utensils, electric hot plate, toaster oven, kettle, coffee grinder and coffee press, and full ensuite bathrooms. 

With all the amenities, it’s almost like backyard glamping, except you’re immersed in nature. Enjoy a panoramic view from the communal sauna, and the forest domes offer a transparent roof to gaze at the stars. Nearby activities include boating, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, scenic caves, and shopping and dining in Meaford. 

• One dome is wheelchair accessible. 
• Adults age 18 and over only. 
• No pets allowed. 
• Food add-ons are available for an extra fee.

3. Riverside Oasis Farm

At Riverside Oasis Farm, you can enjoy an all-season retreat where you can reconnect with nature in a private yurt on the banks of the Welland River just an hour outside of Toronto. Their yurts sleep 2-4 people and offer a central roof opening for ventilation and star-gazing, queen-sized beds with linens, a wood-burning stove, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and a campfire. 

Kitchen amenities include drinking water, cutlery, plates, glasses, a camping stove and propane, a BBQ, pans, a sink, a French press for making coffee, hand soap, and solar-powered indoor lights. Guests can enjoy nature walks, swimming or boating in the river, and learning about life on the farm, where they can pet the friendly alpacas, goats, chickens, and sheep. 

There are no power outlets, but portable power stations like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series are the perfect solution for recharging devices. Alternatively, the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator (PV45W) comes with a super-efficient portable solar panel for multi-day trips, so you won’t ever run out of power.

• Kayaks and canoes are available for use at no extra charge during your stay.
• Complementary farm-fresh eggs are included.
• They also offer group events.

4. Four Corners of Algonquin

This unique Glamping experience in Whitney, the gateway to the gorgeous Algonquin Provincial Park, offers easy access to fishing, hiking, swimming, or boating, including options for adaptive sport rentals for disabled adventure-seekers. Then, head back to these cozy, off-grid safari tents featuring king-sized beds and twin beds for up to 6 campers. 

Each tent has solar-powered lighting and charging stations for your phone, a deck with Muskoka chairs, a BBQ with propane, a picnic table, and a fire pit with free firewood. Bring your own sleeping bags, linens, and cookware for those on a budget. Or, for your convenience, you can rent sleeping bags, pillows, towels, pots, pans, and other items at a reasonable fee. They also offer shared bathrooms that are fully accessible with individual, private, flush toilets, hot showers, and complimentary toiletries. 

Since power is limited, bring the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus with 600W of output and 1200W of X-Boost, so you can keep all your devices charged up and even run small appliances.

For hot summers or to stay warm on chilly nights in the off-season, the EcoFlow WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner doubles as a heater and lasts up to 8 hours wirelessly. 

• This off-grid location relies on solar power. 
• Some sites are wheelchair accessible. 
• Some sites are pet-friendly. 
• Open seasonally from June to October. 

5. Wild Exodus

For those who want to get further away and explore the vast boreal forest, Wild Exodus is on Kenogamissi Lake, about 8 hours north of Toronto. They offer numerous guided tours, such as paddling or fishing in the Mattagami Watershed, hiking through the boreal forest, or going to High Falls. You can also explore these areas on your own. Glamping accommodations include cabins, yurts, and spacious prospector tents with custom-built log furniture. 

Yurts and tents have electricity and access to a shared bathroom, and yurts offer mini-fridges and coffee makers. Their cabins have air conditioning and a private bathroom.  They also offer live entertainment and on-site breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. 

• Seasonal winter closures occur. 
• All sites have free access to their boat launch.
• Pets are welcome but may not be allowed in all accommodations. 

What Should I Pack for an Ontario Camping Trip?

Whether camping, glamping, or backyard camping, having the essentials is key. You will need some or all of the following items depending on your destination.

• Comfortable shoes, including hiking shoes, sandals, and boots. 
• Socks, including extras, in case they get wet.
• Comfortable layered clothing.
• A sweatshirt, raincoat, vest, and warm jacket.   
• Sunhats and sunglasses.
• Swimwear.
• Shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush, and toothpaste.
• Sunscreen and lip balm.
• Bug repellant.
• Smartphone.
• Laptop.
• Games and speakers.
• The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus portable power station keeps your devices charged.
• Books or magazines.
• Portable projector and movies.
• Camera.

• A large, sturdy tent with a good rain fly.
• Cozy sleeping bag and sized pillow.
• A camping pad, foam mattress, or cot.
• Folding tables and comfortable chairs.
• Rechargeable LED lanterns and camp lights.
• Lighters and firewood.
• First aid kit.
• Camp stove with propane.
• Water jug and bottles.
• Cooking and eating utensils.
• Food and drinks.

6 Ontario Camping Tips

1. Plan for rain any time of year. 
2. Bring good quality hiking shoes with ankle support for the rugged wilderness.  
3. The ideal time for camping is May through October, with July and August being the most popular. 
4. Book your reservations early to ensure you get your desired spot. 
5. Store food in a sealed container to avoid unpleasant wildlife encounters. 
6. Practice Leave-No-Trace rules to protect the beauty of the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Ontario offers endless opportunities for camping and glamping, from Algonquin’s serene yurts to riverside farm stays and off-grid luxury tents. Whether you seek a rustic adventure or a glamorous retreat, there’s a perfect spot for everyone. Don’t forget to pack essentials like layered clothing, sturdy shoes, and a portable power station like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series to stay powered on your journey. Now, go out and explore Ontario’s great outdoors and make lasting memories.