Ontario is packed with legendary camping destinations, but sometimes the best adventures happen far away from the crowded campgrounds and fully booked parks.
If you’re an RVer who’s already checked off the popular provincial parks, it might be time to point your rig somewhere new. From rugged wilderness escapes to quiet lakeside campsites, Ontario has plenty of underrated camping spots that deliver everything outdoor enthusiasts love — fresh air, scenic trails, campfire nights, and room to breathe.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer road trip this camping season, these hidden gems deserve a spot on your travel list.
Driftwood Provincial Park
Tucked between the Upper Ottawa Valley and the Laurentian Hills, Driftwood Provincial Park is one of those places that feels peaceful the moment you pull in. About 2.5 hours from Ottawa, this smaller provincial park offers sandy beaches, calm water views, and quiet campsites surrounded by nature.
With just over 80 campsites spread throughout the park, Driftwood is perfect for RVers looking to slow things down for a few days. Spend your mornings by the water, your afternoons exploring easy hiking trails, and your evenings around the campfire under the stars.
Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park
Located along the historic Mattawa River, Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park blends outdoor adventure with family-friendly camping. Roughly three hours from Ottawa, this park is known for its warm beaches, accessible trails, and excellent RV facilities.
The river itself once served as a major fur trade route, giving the park a strong connection to Ontario’s history. Today, it’s a great destination for kayaking, biking, swimming, or simply relaxing at camp. Families will also appreciate the Canadian Ecology Centre and its interactive Natural Heritage programs for all ages.
Murphys Point Provincial Park
If your perfect camping trip includes a mix of nature and history, Murphys Point Provincial Park delivers both. Located near Perth along Big Rideau Lake, this park offers scenic trails, forested campsites, and unique historical attractions.
One of the park’s standout features is the old Silver Queen Mine, where visitors can hike in and explore the remains of Ontario’s early mining days. After a day on the trails, Hogs Bay Beach is the perfect place to unwind with a lakeside picnic or a quiet sunset view.
Awenda Provincial Park
For campers who love life on the water, Awenda Provincial Park is hard to beat. Known for its crystal-clear shoreline, peaceful paddling routes, and scenic forest trails, this park is ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.
The relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to disconnect from the noise and settle into the rhythm of the outdoors. Keep an eye out along the shoreline and driftwood — turtles and local wildlife are common sightings here. And yes, the chipmunks are just as curious as everyone says they are.
Petroglyphs Provincial Park
Camping isn’t always about going farther. Sometimes it’s about slowing down and reconnecting with the places that carry history and meaning.
Located near Peterborough, Petroglyphs Provincial Park is home to one of the most culturally significant Indigenous sites in Canada. The Teaching Rocks feature the country’s highest concentration of Indigenous rock carvings, preserving generations of spiritual and cultural knowledge from First Nations communities in Ontario.
The park is also home to McGinnis Lake, one of Canada’s rare meromictic lakes, known for its striking blue water and unique ecological conditions. It’s the kind of destination that leaves a lasting impression long after the trip is over.
Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park
If your idea of camping involves rugged trails, remote lakes, waterfalls, and true backcountry adventure, Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park belongs on your bucket list.
This wilderness-class park offers one of the most untouched camping experiences in Ontario. Visitors willing to make the trip are rewarded with dramatic ridges, endless canoe routes, and breathtaking waterfalls, including Helen Falls — one of the highest points in Ontario.
Because the park is protected wilderness, campers are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack responsibly. It’s raw, remote, and exactly the kind of place that reminds you why RV and camping adventures are worth chasing in the first place.
Adventure Starts Before You Arrive
The best camping trips begin long before you reach the campsite. Having the right RV, proper maintenance, and gear you can rely on makes every road trip smoother, safer, and a whole lot more enjoyable.
At Primo RV, we’re here to help you get road-trip ready for wherever the season takes you — from quiet lakeside campgrounds to rugged off-grid adventures across Ontario.
Whether you’re a first-time camper or a seasoned RVer, our team is ready to help you find the RV, service, and accessories you need to make the most of every mile.
Ready for your next adventure? Contact Primo RV today.
