A Beginner’s Guide to RV Camping in Ontario
RV camping in Ontario gives you the freedom to explore nature with your family. You can visit hundreds of campgrounds and parks across the province. The RV lifestyle offers adventure and comfort for your camping trip. This guide shows beginners how to start, what camping essentials you need, and where to camp.
Why the RV Lifestyle Works Well in Ontario
Ontario has over 340 provincial parks managed by Ontario Parks and Parks Canada. The RV lifestyle costs less than hotels. Recreational vehicles bring your kitchen, bathroom, and beds with you. Your camping trailer lets you change plans easily and stay as long as you want.
The best time for a camping trip runs from May to October. July and August bring warm weather but more crowds. Spring and fall offer fewer people and lower fees. Some enjoy the RV lifestyle year-round with four-season recreational vehicles.
Choosing Your First RV
Camping Trailers and Travel Trailers hook to your car or truck. These camping trailers come in sizes from 12 to 35 feet. You can unhook at camp and use your vehicle for outdoor activities. Camping trailers offer good value for your first RV trip.
Fifth Wheel Trailers connect to a hitch in your pickup truck bed. Fifth Wheel Trailers give you more room than standard camping trailers. The raised front section creates extra space. Fifth Wheel Trailers work well for extended camping trips and full-time living.
Truck Campers mount directly onto your pickup truck. Truck Campers offer great fuel economy and easy parking. You can remove Truck Campers when not camping. These work perfectly for backcountry camping on rough roads and sleep two to four people.
Pop-Up Campers fold down for easy towing and storage. They cost the least of all camping trailer types. Pop-ups provide comfortable camping shelter for four to six people.
Sturgeon Woods RV sells camping trailers, Fifth Wheel Trailers, Truck Campers, and motorhomes. The team helps you find the right option for your camping trip. They also provide information about RV rental and renting an RV before buying. They serve customers in Leamington, Windsor, Chatham, London, and across Southwestern Ontario.
Camping Essentials for Your First Trip
Pack these items before you leave:
- Water hose, sewer hose, and electric power cord
- Wheel chocks and leveling blocks
- Basic tools and first aid kit
- Flashlights and batteries
- Sleeping bag for each person (rated for Ontario temperatures)
- Trail mix and non-perishable snacks
Bring clothes for different weather on your camping trip. Ontario temperatures change quickly. Quality sleeping bags keep you comfortable at night. Stock your camping gear with easy-to-cook foods.
Book campgrounds early through their reservation system. Summer weekends fill fast. Many Parks Canada locations use an online reservation system. Trip guides and apps like RV Life help you plan your route.
Top Places to Camp in Ontario
Southwestern Ontario
Point Pelee National Park is a Parks Canada site at Canada's southern tip. The park has camping trailer hookups with electricity. Point Pelee sits just one kilometer from Sturgeon Woods RV. Rondeau Provincial Park offers sandy Lake Erie beaches with over 250 campsites for camping trailers. Long Point Provincial Park features beaches and warm water. Pinery Provincial Park on Lake Huron has 10 kilometers of beach and welcomes all camping trailer types.
Central Ontario Parks
Algonquin Provincial Park is Ontario's most famous destination. Several campgrounds accept camping trailers including Mew Lake and Rock Lake. The park offers guided outdoor activities and backcountry camping areas. Trip guides at visitor centers help plan your stay. Sandbanks Provincial Park has massive sand dunes and three beaches. Book early through the reservation system. Presqu'ile Provincial Park has 394 sites for camping trailers with outdoor activities like kayaking.
Northern Ontario
Lake Superior Provincial Park has three campgrounds for camping trailers and Truck Campers. You can hike to waterfalls and explore backcountry camping areas. Killarney Provincial Park features white mountains and blue lakes. Several campgrounds accept large Fifth Wheel Trailers and offer backcountry camping options. Rushing River Provincial Park near Kenora welcomes all recreational vehicles with modern facilities.
Parks Canada Sites
Parks Canada manages Bruce Peninsula National Park near the Grotto, Thousand Islands National Park with island camping, and Georgian Bay Islands National Park. Check the Parks Canada reservation system early for these popular spots.
Tips for Your RV Trip
Practice driving your camping trailer before your camping trip. Find an empty parking lot and practice turns and backing up. Truck Campers affect your truck's handling, so practice with a loaded camper.
Arrive at campgrounds before dark. Setting up camp in daylight makes your camping trip easier. Level your camping trailer at each site using a bubble level and leveling blocks. A level camping trailer keeps your refrigerator working properly.
Know your electrical needs. Check if your camping trailer uses 30-amp or 50-amp power. Use a surge protector to prevent damage. Watch your water tanks and check levels on your control panel. Empty black water first, then gray water.
Be a good neighbor. Keep your site clean and quiet. Control your pets and respect quiet hours. The RV lifestyle includes being part of a friendly camping community.
Keeping Your RV Ready
Check these before each camping trip: tire pressure, all lights, propane connections, detectors, water heater, refrigerator, roof condition, and that sleeping bags and camping gear are ready.
Get your camping trailer serviced annually. Sturgeon Woods RV has certified technicians who service camping trailers, Fifth Wheel Trailers, and Truck Campers. They handle maintenance and repairs to keep your recreational vehicles running smoothly.
Winterize your camping trailer before freezing weather. This prevents expensive freeze damage. De-winterize in spring to prepare for camping season.
Begin Your RV Adventure
The RV lifestyle in Ontario creates lasting family memories. You explore beautiful parks, visit small towns, and travel at your own speed. Your camping trailer gives you freedom and comfort.
Visit Sturgeon Woods RV to see their inventory of camping trailers, Fifth Wheel Trailers, and Truck Campers. They provide RV rental and renting an RV options to try before you buy. Located near Point Pelee National Park, five minutes from Leamington, their team helps first-time buyers find the perfect camping trailer. They offer financing options and expert service. Stop by today and start planning your first Ontario camping trip.