Best Campgrounds Near Ottawa for Families

Bug season is coming which will quickly be replaced with the summer heat but if you are keen to get out camping one must seize the day (or weekend!) here in the Ottawa area. With a short camp season for most from mid-May to mid-October there are plenty of campgrounds for families around Ottawa. Why not make it a goal to try out as many different campsites as possible this summer?

Whether you are pitching a tent, setting up your trailer, or keen to try a rustic cabin on site there are plenty of options for everybody camping with kids.

Best Campgrounds Near Ottawa for Families

Murphy’s Point

Murphy’s Point is located just outside of Rideau Ferry (between Perth and Smiths Falls) and is a close option from Ottawa. With two beach options on the Big Rideau Lake the swimming conditions are great. There is a playground on site, short hiking trail options and mica mine tours in the summer months.

Parc de Plaisance

Located less than an hour away Parc de Plaisance has a nearby waterfall to enjoy, an on site splash pad, and a boardwalk along the marsh to explore (this is a great place to have a scavenger hunt!). Canoe rentals are available at the camp office. You can book your campsite or opt for a yurt or cabin to enjoy your time away and in nature.

Sharbot Lake

Sharbot Lake Provincial Park is located just off highway 7 and you will enjoy access to two lakes here where you can swim, canoe, fish and boat. There are plenty of nature trails and you will also find a “Discovery Program” during the summer months where you can observe plants and animals and explore the park. Don’t forget to grab your “Discovery Activity Book”

Parc Omega

Camping options here are plenty for those who want to get their feet wet and dip their toes into the world of camping or who may like a slightly different experience. There are ready-to-camp options like tipis, cabins, or even pods which are fully equipped with air conditioning, heating and electricity. No camping experience is needed to have a fun filled night away with your family enjoying the outdoors and wildlife.

Parc Leslie

Parc Leslie on Otter Lake in Quebec (not to be confused with Otter Lake in Ontario!) offers on site camping as well as cabins you can rent. With a sandy beach that spans approximately 1800 feet this spot is a hit with families! The water is shallow for quite a long distance and your little (and big!) ones will spend hours and hours here playing. Fishing, cycling, hiking, volleyball, basketball and softball can all be played here or head over to the playground on site. You can also rent canoes, kayaks, and pontoon boats!

Fitzroy Provincial Park

With over 200 campsites spanned over two campgrounds (Pine Grove and Two Rivers) there are plenty of campsites to access but we highly recommend the waterfront campsites which bisect the park. Two Rivers Campground offers a small beach for families. There is even large campsites which can accommodates groups of 50-100 people! Canoe, hike, fish or swim directly on site as you spend time immersed in nature.

Cardinal / Ottawa South KOA

Close to the 1000 Islands and only an hour from Ottawa the Cardinal/Ottawa South KOA is a destination spot for many families due to its large amount of amenities and entertainment. With a splash pad, pool, large playground, bounce house/trampoline, and mini putt there is something to keep the busy all day long. Pitch a tent, pull up your RV, or enjoy one of the onsite cabins and enjoy a more traditional camping experience or glamping. There are also food options on site should you wish to purchase food.