Ottawa City, Canada’s capital, is surrounded by epic landscapes that offer the most serene camping spots to escape the hustle-bustle of the city. The Fall offers the most conducive weather for camping, especially the cool days and the natural sights.
The choice of campground depends on the length of your getaway and the distance you’re willing to drive. However, the camping facilities are also a factor to consider. They should, at the very least, match your expectations. The most common camping activities near Ottawa are hiking, fishing, swimming, paddling, and cycling.
Below are five scenic campgrounds around Ottawa. Although there are several excellent sites to pick from, we will dwell on the ones within a 2 h drive from Ottawa.
Fitzroy Provincial Park
Stretching along the scenic Ottawa River – the Fitzroy Park is an excellent pick for family retreats. It’s 64 km from Ottawa (less than an hour’s drive) and thus fits the bill for short weekend outings.
One of the fascinating things about the park is the availability of diverse waterfront activities like kayaking and canoeing. Moreover, the Ottawa River is largely navigable and offers lovely stretches for swimming.
Nearly 200 campsites are available in the park. The majority of them provide much-needed privacy as well as electrical services.
If you love hiking, then Fitzroy is for you! The area has several walking trails that creep alongside the banks of the river beaches. Additionally, but more appealing to hikers is the park’s proximity to tourist destinations like the Cold War Museum.
Murphys Point Provincial Park
Besides being a UNESCO Heritage site, Murphys Point campground is renowned for its impressive animal habitats. Additionally, it offers spectacular sights for rare flora since it’s tucked deep into the forest.
The park lies adjacent to the Big Rideau Lake. It’s 106 km from Ottawa and is thus a 1 h 15 min drive from the city.
Although its beaches are pretty small, its camping sites are relatively large. Their size is ideal for groups of about 20-50 campers. Families could also enjoy the ample space with canoes and kayaks for hire.
Murphys Point is such a treat for hikers. Nature trails, some as long as 20 km, wind through the woods before emerging on the lake’s beaches.
Charleston Lake Provincial Park
Charleston is one of the choicest family camping sites. It offers leisure activities like swimming, canoeing, boating, hunting, fishing, car camping, backcountry camping, and wildlife viewing.
Adjacent to Charleston Lake, the Charleston Park is 1 h and 35 min drive (161 km) from Ottawa. With over 200 campsites, the park has car and backcountry camping provisions.
Luckily for pet lovers, the Charleston Lake Provincial Park allows dogs on its beaches. Besides, the broad landscape offers ideal playgrounds and picnic sites.
Since it forms part of the Canadian Shield, it has lovely forest terrain with nice hiking trails. Moreover, some hikes have guides who are part of the Natural Heritage Education Program for the region. The location has an assortment of hike routes. One leads to the highest peak in the area. The Blue Mountain Trail, for example, is a 5 km trail that goes alongside the lake.
Bon Echo Provincial Park
It takes slightly less than 2 h (198 km) to drive from Ottawa to Bon Echo Park. The Mazinaw Rock, stretching more than 1 km along the Mazinaw Lake, provides an amazing sight for campers and hikers. Going up the rock’s cliff is an activity any hiker should love.
Further, the park’s landscape is home to scenic white cedar trees roamed by the North American Moose.
The boat cruises across the beautiful lake are popular with visitors. Campers who enjoy paddling for fun or exercise, on the other hand, can rent one of the many boats available on the lake.
Bon Echo Park is known for its wide range of camping options. Car camping, RV camping, portable yurt camping, and even canoe-in camping are all available options.
Rideau River Provincial Park
If you’re looking for the park closest to downtown Ottawa, it’s Rideau River Park. It’s 55 km away, and 40 min of driving are enough to get you there.
The park – a UNESCO Heritage Site – is located along the Rideau River. It has all the facilities that make it fit for a family retreat. The river is navigable and is safe for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and boating. Further, the huge park has picnic areas and well-spaced playing fields.
Rideau River Park is a haven for hikers. Climbing over the big sandy mounds and touring the beach environs is a thing of beauty. Moreover, there’s a well-tended picnic area with washrooms in close vicinity.
There’s a wide range of camping options. The park is home to 186 camps. Some support car camping, RVs, and electrical facilities. Each can house about five people.
Samuel Kioko 
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