Ultimate Guide to RVing in Ontario
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RVing in Ontario: Top Routes, Campgrounds & Tips
Ontario is made for RV travel. From the rugged coastlines of Lake Superior to the peaceful pines of Muskoka and the vineyard-dotted roads of Niagara, this province offers some of Canada’s most scenic, diverse, and accessible RV routes.
Whether you’re a first-time RV owner or a seasoned road warrior, there’s always more to explore in Ontario — and more to know. That’s where this guide comes in.
Over the past twenty years, we have explored Ontario with our pop-up trailer and a Class C RV. Currently, we are travelling in our new 2025 No-Bo 19.4 by Forest River.
In this ultimate guide to RVing in Ontario, we’ll share everything we’ve learned so far: when to go, where to camp, what routes to take, what to pack, and how to make the most of your travels.
Ready to hit the road? Let’s dive into the best RV-friendly adventures Ontario has to offer.
Epic road trips, breathtaking scenery, and the freedom to explore. Need more reasons to discover Ontario by RV? Check out our blog post, 10 Reasons to RV Northern Ontario This Season.
Why Choose Ontario for RV Travel?
Ontario is the perfect province for RVers. With over a million square kilometres of land, thousands of lakes, and dozens of scenic routes, it offers something for every type of traveller:
Geographic Diversity: From the boreal forest to bustling cities, sandy beaches to rocky cliffs.
Abundant Campgrounds: Ontario Parks, private sites, and Crown land camping.
RV Infrastructure: Dump stations, propane refills, service stations.
Safe and Welcoming: Friendly communities and low-crime rural areas.
Whether you're into hiking, fishing, paddling, or wine tasting, you'll find your kind of adventure here.
When it comes to breathtaking scenery and memorable RV adventures, the north shore of Lake Superior is hard to beat. Please read our blog post RV Camping Ontario: North Shore of Lake Superior for more details on this must-visit destination.
When to RV in Ontario: Seasonal Breakdown
Spring (April to June)
Spring brings cooler weather, fewer crowds, and excellent opportunities for birdwatching. Some parks open as early as April, although snow may still be present in northern regions.
Summer (July to August)
Expect crowded parks and busy events. Book your reservations early, especially for weekends. Perfect for families and long-haul trips.
Fall (September to October)
A favourite among seasoned RVers. Crisp mornings, bug-free nights, and Ontario's renowned fall colours. Many parks stay open through Thanksgiving, with some offering year-round camping.
Winter (November to March)
Winter RVing is for the adventurous. Some campgrounds stay open with electrical hookups only. Snow tires and insulation are must-haves.
From Ontario Provincial Parks, private campgrounds, RV resorts, and even free Crown Land camping places to park your RV for a night or a few, there are many options. This is at Glenview Cottages & Campground, Sault Ste. Marie.
Types of RV Camping in Ontario
Provincial Parks
Over 100 parks offer RV-accessible sites.
Popular ones include Algonquin, Killbear, and Pancake Bay Provincial Park.
Most offer electric sites, but not full hookups.
Book through the Ontario Parks reservation system.
Private Campgrounds
Additional amenities include pools, showers, and Wi-Fi.
Great for families with children or those staying for an extended period.
Examples: Sandbanks River Country, KOA Niagara Falls.
Crown Land Camping
Free but primitive.
Only allowed for Canadian residents.
Ideal for off-grid boondockers with solar setups.
RV Parks and Resorts
Full-service sites with hookups, clubhouses, and long-term stay options.
Some operate as 55+ snowbird communities.
When discussing Ontario RV destinations, Algonquin Park frequently ranks highly. Check out our blog post, Camping Your Way Around Algonquin Park: A Nine-Day Adventure with a Pop-Up Camper.
RV Travel Routes & Destination Ideas
Lake Superior Circle Tour
Begin in Sault Ste. Marie and circle the vast lake, stopping at Pancake Bay, Neys, Sleeping Giant, and Pukaskwa National Parks.
Georgian Bay Coastal Route
A loop through Parry Sound, Tobermory, Owen Sound, and Midland. Crystal-clear waters, lighthouses, and cottage country charm.
Muskoka & Algonquin Region
Camp at Lake of Two Rivers or Arrowhead. Enjoy paddling, hiking, and the famous lookouts of Algonquin Park.
Niagara & Southern Ontario
Pair wine country with RV-friendly parks. Visit Niagara Falls, wine routes, and Lake Erie’s beaches.
Northern Ontario Adventure Trail
Head north on Highway 11 or 17. Remote, scenic, and full of hidden gems, such as Kap-Kig-Iwan and René Brunelle parks.
The places your RV can take you. This is Racine Lake Campground, 26 kilometres down a gravel road north of Chapleau, Ontario. On this midweek visit in September, we had the place all to ourselves.
How to Plan Your RV Trip
Trip Length: Decide between weekend, weeklong, or multi-week tours.
Mapping Tools: Use Google Maps, Gaia GPS, or Roadtrippers.
Booking Campgrounds: OntarioParks.com for provincial parks, Hipcamp for private sites.
Budgeting: Fuel ($1.60–$2.00/L), site fees ($30–60/night), food, and park passes.
Tip: Include backup campground options, especially in summer.
Discover northern Ontario by RV, check out our blog post, RV Ontario: Ultimate 8-Day RV Adventure in Algoma.
Tips for RVing in Ontario
Wildlife Safety: Keep food secured. Black bears are common in northern parks.
Driving Tips: Watch for moose, use lower gears on hills, and drive with caution on narrow roads.
Dump Stations: Many parks have them; use sani-dump apps to locate others.
Campground Etiquette: Quiet hours, leash laws, and “Leave No Trace" principles are key.
What to Pack for RV Travel in Ontario
Essentials: Freshwater hose, levelling blocks, sewer kit, surge protector.
Seasonal Gear: Bug spray, layers, rain gear, snow brush (fall and spring).
Extras: Solar panel, generator, camp chairs, hiking poles, kayak or bikes.
Navigation: Offline maps, GPS, and a cell booster for remote areas.
Bonus: Carry a backup supply of drinking water and a toolkit.
Monitulin Island is one of our favourite RV destinations in Ontario. Check out our blog post, RVing Manitoulin Island: A Comprehensive Guide to Ontario's Hidden Gem.
Travelling with Kids, Pets, or Solo
With Kids
Choose campgrounds with playgrounds, beaches, or interpretive programs. Arrowhead, Sandbanks, and Turkey Point are excellent.
With Pets,
Check leash rules and dog-friendly beach availability. Pack vet records, pet bed, and extra water.
Solo RVing
Ontario is safe and welcoming. Look for well-lit campgrounds and join RVing Facebook groups to connect with others.
Essential Apps and Resources
Ontario Parks Reservation System: www.ontarioparks.com
Campendium: Reviews and site info
iOverlander: Free camping and dump stations
The Dyrt: Planning and offline maps
GasBuddy: Find the cheapest fuel along your route
We are now exploring Ontario in our new 2025 No-Bo 19.4 by Forest River. Subscribe to our blog for more updates about this travel trailer, detailed route guides, gear reviews, and campground highlights.
Ontario is one of Canada’s most rewarding destinations for RVers. Whether you’re circling Lake Superior or camping lakeside in Muskoka, there’s something magical about life on the road here.
Whether it's a travel trailer, pop-up camper, or a rented Class C RV, RV travel has allowed us to discover some unforgettable places, and we’re just getting started. We hope this guide helps you plan your unforgettable RV adventure in Ontario.
And let us know — where will your Ontario RV journey take you?
Happy camping!
