camping ontario

Ontario says backcountry and crown land camping will be allowed starting this week

Provincial parks will soon be open to campers once more. 

The Ontario government has just announced that, a few weeks after reopening parks to the public for day-time activities like hiking and bird watching, we'll be able to camp at provincial parks by June 1. 

Backcountry camping will be available at the 20 provincial parks in Ontario that offer it, including access points, paddle and portage routes, and hiking trails. 

Same goes for camping on Crown Land

Roughing it out in a provincial park will require advanced reservations or registrations, and Ontario Parks will be collecting fees.

Campsites are limited to no more than five people at a time, as per the provincial maximum on social gatherings, unless everyone lives in the same household. 

Day-use activities will also be expanded to include picnicking and off-leash pet areas.

That being said, a number of amenities and activities remain closed in provincial parks and conservation reserves until June 14.

All other types of overnight camping and certain day-use activities are still off-limits, as are campgrounds, roofed accommodations, visitor centres, park stores, playgrounds and beaches. 

Lead photo by

Camping In Ontario


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Sports & Play

Toronto Blue Jays selling super-cheap tickets for less than $10 each

Toronto traffic forces NHL team to walk to game against Maple Leafs

Former Toronto Raptors star Fred VanVleet goes viral after altercation with refs

This group of friends is making skateparks in Toronto more safe and inclusive

Runner turns Toronto map into a giant cartoon animation

Here's how to get tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup games in Toronto

William Nylander models for new Toronto Maple Leafs collab with OVO

Toronto's free outdoor skating rinks are about to open for the season