11 best Canadian campgrounds with beaches

1. Kouchibouguac National Park, New Brunswick

Splash factor: This park is known for its warm saltwater beaches, which are within walking distance of the campsites. Locals recommend Kelly’s Beach, which offers 6 km of golden sand dunes, about 2 km from the main campground at South Kouchibouguac. Bonus: Parks Canada hosts an interpretive program called Lagoon Life in a sheltered saltwater lagoon where kids can catch crab and moon snails.

2. Forillon National Park, Quebec

Splash factor: Forillon National Park, on the eastern tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, is a beautiful mountainous region on the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Bay of Gaspé. Wonderful pebble beaches are found at Cap-Bon-Ami, Petit-Gaspé and at the Des-Rosiers campgrounds. If you’re looking for a nice sandy beach, then head to Penouille Beach. Bonus: Word has it that the sea kayaking is tops.

3. Parlee Beach Provincial Park, New Brunswick

Splash factor: Parlee Beach Provincial Park in Pointe-du-Chêne, New Brunswick, is frequently tagged as "New Brunswick's Favourite Swimming Beach.” Campers only have a 10-minute walk to warm, saltwater beaches. Bonus: Leave time in your camping holiday to enjoy a lobster cruise in nearby Shediac.

4. Grand Beach Provincial Park, Manitoba

Splash factor: Grand Beach is located on Lake Winnipeg, which ranks as the sixth-largest lake in Canada. The beach is known for its 12-metre high dunes and kilometres of sandy shore. There are more than 350 campsites at the Grand Beach Campground. Bonus: Consider planning your visit for the second week of August, for Manitoba’s largest sand castle competition.

5. Pinery Provincial Park, Grand Bend, Ontario

Splash factor: Pinery Provincial Park offers ten kilometres of sandy beach on the shores of Lake Huron, and there are plenty of sand dunes. Car camping is available at various campgrounds in the park, including Riverside, Burley and Dunes. There are 12 yurts available to rent in Riverside Campground. Bonus: National Geographic magazine ranks the sunsets at Pinery Provincial Park as one of the “Top 10 Best in the World.”

6. Bruce Peninsula National Park, Ontario

Splash factor: The “Bruce” is bordered by Georgian Bay (which can sometimes get chilly) and Lake Huron (which tends to be warmer). Campers can, of course, swim in in Cyprus Lake in the park, but many will make time for a jaunt in the car for a short drive to the shallow (and warm) Singing Sands beach at Dorcas Bay on Lake Huron, just minutes away. Bonus: For an interesting day excursion during your camping holiday, consider a tour boat out of nearby Tobermory for a visit to Flower Pot Island in Fathom Five National Marine Park.

7. Prince Edward Island National Park

Splash factor: Prince Edward Island National Park has seven supervised beaches. Cavendish Campground is the biggest, with more than 200 sites, and has a gorgeous white sand beach that is exclusively for registered campers. Bonus: The Great Island Sandcastle Competition is on Canada's Parks Day every year.

8. Sandbanks Provincial Park, Ontario

Splash factor: Sandbanks Provincial Park in Picton is a long stretch of beach along the shores of Lake Ontario. There are 500 car campsites in five campgrounds within the park. This is definitely a family-friendly park. Sandbanks Provincial Park has the world’s largest baymouth barrier dune formations, so expect plenty of Instagramming moments! Bonus: Reserving your campsite online is easy at Ontario Parks.

9. Georgian Bay Islands National Park, Ontario

Bonus: Geocaching, the outdoor treasure hunting game, is popular in Georgian Bay Islands National Park. Visit www.geochacing.com for specific details.

10. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia

Splash factor: Long Beach lives up to its name – it’s the longest beach on Vancouver Island and is directly accessible from Green Point Campground, one of the few campgrounds in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. There’s also hiking, picnicking, and surfing. When asked about the park, regulars reply with two words: tranquility and nature. Bonus: During summer months there are nightly theatre presentations at Green Point Campground.

11. Craigleith Provincial Park, Blue Mountains, Ontario

Splash factor: Camping at Craigleith means you’re just a short drive from Wasaga Beach, which is the world’s longest fresh water beach. (Wasaga Beach Provincial Park is a day-use park, no overnight camping is allowed.) Bonus: Craigleith Provincial Park is located on flat rock which is ideal for launching a sailboat, kayak/canoe, or paddleboard.