Camping by th river at Marten River Provincial Park

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Marten River Provincial Park—RV camping, sandy beaches, hiking trails, and logging history make this Ontario park a must-visit.

It's been around twenty years since we last visited Marten River Provincial Park. Despite the one-time visit, the park still holds one of the most memorable moments of our lives. This is the place where our then four-or-so-year-old reeled in his first sizable fish. A photo of the moment still hangs on the grandparents’ fridge nearly two decades later. Now we return as RVing empty nesters.

Nestled along the Marten River, approximately 56 km north of North Bay, this park serves as a quiet southern gateway to the Temagami region. It’s packed with mature pine forests, riverside beaches, and a nostalgic replica logging camp.

Park Overview

Location: 2860 Highway 11 North, Marten River, Nipissing District, ON
Park Classification: Recreational Class (~400 ha)
Established: 1960
Official Website: Ontario Parks – Marten River Provincial Park
Reservations: Available via the Ontario Parks portal

Camping & Facilities

Campground Sections:

Chicot Section (Sites 1–114)
Assinika Section (Sites 115–216)

Number of Sites: ~193–216, with 105 electrical sites
Comfort Stations: Three comfort buildings across the park, with showers, laundry (at main), and flush toilets. Additional vault toilets are scattered throughout.
Water & Dump Stations: Potable water taps throughout; central trailer dump and fill station near campground entry.
Park Store: Located at the office/store offering firewood, ice, souvenirs, maps, and tackle lending via the TackleShare program
Day-Use Area: Large beach, picnic shelters, boat launch, horseshoes, volleyball net (equipment can be borrowed from the office), and the Winter Camp Logging Museum with theatre and guided tours during the summer.

RV Camping at Marten River Provincial Park

RVers will find this park well-equipped for comfortable stays, though some quirks exist to note:

Electrical Sites: 105 sites spread across both sections, suitable for rigs up to ~30 ft depending on terrain and layout.
Site Layout: Most sites are gravel or packed earth, well-spaced among trees for privacy. Some river-access sites offer scenic frontage and open layouts for larger rigs.
Terrain Considerations: Campground roads are narrow and hilly, with tight turns, which is particularly important for larger RVs or trailers. Many sites are uneven or sloped, so checking maps beforehand is advised.
Comfort Station Access: Some smaller comfort buildings are located inconveniently, especially in Chicot, requiring detours or walking through other campsites. Plan your route or opt for sites near the main station.
Stay Limits: During peak season (July 1 to Labour Day weekend), maximum stay is limited to 14 nights per park rules.
Cell Reception: Excellent coverage is reported throughout the campground, even at riverfront sites, making it easier for those who rely on connectivity.
Dump Station - The park features one dump station, situated at the top of a hill. Take your time as you leave, as the slop can provide clearance issues for some larger rigs.

Trails & Outdoor Activities

Transition Trail (4–5 km loop): Moderate hike through mature pine stands and a black spruce bog. Interpretive signs highlight a 350-year-old White Pine, with shorter loops such as the 3.5 km Old Growth Trail and the 0.8 km Pine Marten Trail. Take a nice walk in the woods; the longest loop takes you to a lookout and a rocky outcrop, perfect for a rest.
Biking: Allowed on park roads and along a ~2 km trail ending at a picnic/river spot. As a cyclist, I found the 2 km trail relatively easy. There are a couple of hills and a lovely water's edge lookout at the end of the trail. Around the park, the narrow, twisty, and hilly roads are a fun ride.
Swimming: Three natural sandy beaches with buoys and gradual drop-offs. Water can be cool, especially in the early season, but it is swimmable by mid-summer. We visited in late July, and the swimming was fabulous.
Boating & Canoeing: Paddling along Marten River allows exploration of bays, shorelines, and access to more expansive Temagami waterways. Rentals are available nearby from the park or the local lodge. This park is fantastic for boating and canoeing, or in our case, paddling our Crescent Kayaks CK2 double kayak, which is definitely a highlight of the park.
Fishing: Species include northern pike, walleye, smallmouth bass, rock bass, whitefish, and brook trout. Fishing often from river rocks or boats. Try as I might, I could not repeat our fishing success from our first visit.
Nature Programs & Logging Museum: Visit the replica logging camp, “Winter Camp,” featuring historic demonstrations; Discovery Programs are available in the summer. Annual Lumberjack Days in July features active shows and contests. We really enjoyed the Logging Museum tour and wish we had been here for the Lumberjack Days activities.

Day Use & Amenities

Picnic & Play: Main Beach features picnic tables, swings, and a basic playground; Assinika Beach also includes swings.
Visitor Centre & Museum: Features interpretive displays, guided tours of the logging replica camp, and an indoor theatre.
Park Store: Located at the entrance, offering essentials such as firewood, ice, maps, souvenirs, and tackle lending. They even provide your four-legged friend with dog treats!

Nearby Attractions

Temagami Region: Hiking at Caribou Mountain Fire Tower and White Bear Forest nearby (approx. 40 km north)
Local Towns & Services: Grocery, LCBO, hardware and dining options found in nearby Marten River hamlet or North Bay (~30–60 min drive).
Outdoor Excursions: Explore nearby French River and Temagami canoe routes, whitewater paddling, or scenic drives through Almaguin Highlands.

Marten River Provincial Park is an ideal blend of rustic wilderness and accessible comfort - especially welcoming to campers seeking a north‑woods getaway. The spacious, shaded electrical sites and reliable hookups make for an easy stay, while beautiful trails, paddling routes, and a rich logging history offer diverse outdoor experiences. Though some site layouts and comfort building access can be quirky, the park's tranquillity, private riverfront views, and strong cell coverage more than compensate.

It’s particularly memorable during summer lumberjack events or fall colour season—making it a hidden gem worth the detour north.