Camping on Manitoulin Island: 10 Best Sites in 2023

Thinking of camping on Manitoulin island in Ontario? Great choice. Manitoulin Island is the largest freshwater lake island in the world. Its surrounded by natural beauty – beaches, cliffs, waterfalls and forests, as well as historic sights from its rich indigenous and European settlement heritage.

Manitoulin Island is only about 3 hour north of Toronto (plus a ferry) but its scenery couldn’t be more different. Its a large piece of unspoiled land, lots of open space and scenery. A lot of the campsites on Manitoulin island do not have websites, so this is a helpful guide for you in seeing what amenities are offered.

There are dozens of campgrounds on Manitoulin island -some service trailers only, and some have cabins and tents that you can rent. We’ve narrowed it down to the 10 best campsites on Manitoulin, based on our personal experience from visiting Manitoulin island, and updated 2023 season information. So, let’s jump in.

Camping on Manitoulin Island: The 10 Best Campsites for 2023

Here are the best campgrounds on Manitoulin island, and the amenities that they offer

1. Fred’s Camp & Cottages

We love Fred’s Camp & Cottages because there are free-roaming small animals, such as bunnies -very popular with children! (It’s important to note however that, that picking up the small animals isn’t allowed.) Dogs are allowed at Fred’s Camp, but in our opinion, this isn’t the best place for a dog, because there are restrictions placed on them for the safety of the small roaming animals. (Dogs also aren’t allowed here if they tend to bark at small animals or want to chase them.) Fred’s Campground has all the amenities you want, and is a great spot if you’re looking for a fun and relaxing vacation.

✅Tent Camping
✅Cabins
✅Lakefront
❌Laundry
✅Showers
✅Children’s playground (simple – some sand and a teeter totter in a well shaded area)

2. Batman’s Cottages & Campground

We love Batman’s Campground because of the name (of course) but also they have access to two shorelines, lots of recreation (badminton, hiking trails, recreation hall) and they have everything you need! If you’re looking for a campsite with a lot of activities and things to do, and good customer service, then this is the place.

✅Tent Camping
✅Cabins
✅Lakefront
✅Laundry
✅Showers
✅Children’s playground

3. Green Acres Manitoulin – Family Campground & Restaurant

10944 ON-6, Sheguiandah, ON

Green Acres offers trailer camping, and tent camping. There’s also a possibility to rent a trailer from them. One thing thats really neat about Green Acres is that they have a restaurant right on site. Green Acres doesn’t have a website up yet, but they have a Facebook page where you can ask questions. It would be best to call them to book: (705) 368-2428.

✅Tent Camping
❌Cabins
✅Lakefront
❌Laundry
✅Showers
✅ Children’s playground (small, slide and a few things to play on)

4. Midemoya Court Cottages & Campground

We love Midemoya Court & Cottages & Campground for so many reasons. They have planned activities for guests, such as bonfires and volleyball games. They are very family friendly, and you can take a short (1 km) hike in their 200 year old forest, there’s a diving board in their swimming area, and you can rent boats.

❌Tent Camping
✅Cabins (still some availability remaining for summer 2023)
✅ Lakefront
❌Laundry
✅ Showers
✅Children’s playground

5. Stanley Park Campgrounds

1702 Monument Rd, Spring Bay, ON

Located only a 20 minute drive from most of the attractions on Manitoulin island, such as Bridal Veil Falls and the Cup and Saucer Trail. Stanley Park Campgrounds features sandy beaches, a playground, and other activities such as renting canoes or paddle boats to take on to the lake.

✅Tent Camping
✅Cabins
✅Lakefront
✅Laundry
✅Showers
✅Children’s playground

6. Idyll-Glen Camping

280 Hill Rd, Mindemoya, ON

Idyll-Glen is a family-friendly campground right on the water with a sandy beach, and a kid’s playground with a slide and monkey bars. They sell slushies and ice cream on-site!

✅Tent Camping
✅Cabins
✅Lakefront
✅Laundry
✅Showers
✅Children’s playground

7. Manitoulin Eco Park & Darksky

18777 ON-6, Tehkummah, ON

Manitoulin Eco Park is one of the coolest places around. The owners believe in the importance of human’s connection to nature and try to foster that through the activities and programs on their campground. Manitoulin Eco Park allows you to be surrounded by nature on their 260+ acres of land.

Get this – Manintoulin Eco Park even has a special part of their site (the Darksky area) where no lights are permitted after dark – which includes flashlights, fire, phones, etc. This is the perfect romantic destination for people who want to see what the starry night sky looks like without light pollution.

✅Tent Camping
✅Cabins (bunkies)
✅Lakefront
❌Laundry
✅Showers
✅Children’s playground

8. Meldrum Bay Marina & Campgrounds

Meldrum Bay Campground is primarily for people who have a trailer. If you have a trailer, you’re in for a treat staying here. Its very simple with fewer amenities than most (ie: no kid’s play area) but its small, so its perfect if you’re looking for peace and quiet, fewer tourists, then this is the place for you. You can rent on a short term or longterm basis. The views are gorgeous

❌Tent Camping
❌Cabins
✅Lakefront
❌Laundry
✅Showers
❌Children’s playground (it is still child-friendly however, kids are welcome, and will love the beach area)

9. Lake Wosely Obejewung Tent and Trailer Park

225 Lake Wolsey Rd, Gore Bay, ON

Lake Wosely Obejewung Park is a great place to camp on Manitoulin island because its a bit further from the main towns, but that is part of the charm that visitors enjoy about it. Lake Wosely doesn’t have a website and would prefer that you call them to make a booking: (705) 282-2174.

✅Tent Camping (and trailers)
❌Cabins
✅Lakefront
✅Laundry
✅Showers
✅Children’s playground

10. Providence Bay Tent & Trailer Park

Providence Bay Tent & Trailer Park is one of the most beautiful campgrounds on Manitoulin Island. Not only is it located right along a sandy shoreline, but it has a lot of mature trees that provide shade and breaks from the sun. There are no cabins, but its a great place if you’re looking to park a trailer or camp in a tent.

✅Tent Camping
❌Cabins
✅Lakefront
❌Laundry (but there is a laundromat nearby)
✅Showers
✅Children’s playground

Things to Do on Manitoulin Island

There are a lot of attractions on Manitoulin island, here are some of the most breathtaking attractions

1. Visit Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil falls is right beside the road on the 540 motorway. There’s a small parking lot, and from there its a short walkway to the falls; fairly easy to get to.

The water in front of the falls is very shallow and you can swim in the falls, or go behind them. It’s kid friendly, and you could also bring a baby or toddler ( obviously while holding them.) The Bridal Veil falls is quite popular, and can get pretty busy at peak times.

Pro Tip: After cooling off by the falls, grab a bite to eat nearby at Bridal Veil Variety, or Boo Bah Lou Candy Store just a stone’s throw from the parking lot

2. Hike the Famous ‘Cup and Saucer’ Trail

The Cup and Saucer trail on Manitoulin island is a must if you enjoy hiking and beautiful views. The Cup and Saucer trail is mostly flat, and not too busy. The trail is mostly flat, but there is one spot where you have to climb up a steep hill. After that, it follows along a long cliff that gives you a beautiful view of the surrounding land and bay.

The Cup and Saucer trail is doable with a moderate fitness level, and is kid-friendly. It’s not stroller friendly, because of that one steep part – but you could help a toddler or young child up the steep part of the trail.

3. Attend a Pow Wow

Appreciate indigenous (Annishenabek) culture by sharing in a cultural Pow Wow, which are only held on certain days of the year on Manitoulin Island. A Pow Wow is a celebration that includes music, dancing, regalia, crafts and sometimes food.

Sadly, Pow Wows were prohibited in Canada from 1876 until 1951, as a way to block out indigenous culture. I’m so happy that they continue to run, and that people (indigenous and non indigenous) are able to appreciate them. Remember to be respectful if you attend one of the Pow Wows – they will give you instruction about when photos are permitted, and when they’re not.

There is one more Pow Wow planned for summer 2023 in Manitoulin Island: August 5th – 7th, entry at noon on each day. Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for children 6+. Children under 6, and adults 65+ are free of charge. For more information or to book this Pow Wow, contact the Wiikwemikong Heritage Organization at (705) 859-2385 or connect with them via Facebook.

4. Have a beach day

Given that Manitoulin is a large island, there are a lot of beaches on Manitoulin island, and whats nice is that a lot of them are sandy. If you’re staying at one of the campsites listed above, most of them will have their own private beach area.

However, there are also a few other beaches on Manitoulin Island that you can visit. One of the most notable is Providence Bay Beach, which is said to be the best beach in Northern Ontario. It has a long sandy shoreline that makes it great for families, you can visit the beach website here for more information.

4. Visit an Art Gallery

Manitoulin Island has more than nature. It is also full of artists. Get a break from the sun and gain some appreciation of the local art by visiting an art gallery. There are a few great art galleries on Manitoulin Island currently. Some have closed down over the years, so its more important than ever to support them.

Visiting the art galleries supports local art and the preservation of culture. Here are some of the best art galleries in Manitoulin Island:

Ojibwe Cultural Federation. Aside from artwork, the Ojibwe Cultural Federation in M’Chigeeng (also known as West Bay) also runs events and workshops. Enjoy doing art? Consider attending one of their Tuesday night craft workshops, running throughout summer 2023.
Perivale Gallery -Located in Spring Bay, Perivale Gallery features works from local artists, which you can purchase or simply browse and appreciate
Edwards Studio – Found in an old building in the village of Kagawong, Edwards Studio features a lot of art of different mediums. Well worth a visit while you’re in Manitoulin Island.

How to Get to Manitoulin Island

Manitoulin Island can be reached by driving 3 hours to Tobermory from Toronto. You then ta Manitoulin by taking the M.S. Cheechiman from the Tobermory harbour. It’s highly recommended that you bring you car to Manitoulin island, so that you can easily get to your campsite and be able to explore. You can look at schedules and book ferry tickets on the MS Cheechimaun website

Tobermory ferry — *MS Chee-chimaun docking at Tobermory harbou*

What to Bring Camping in Manitoulin Island

Aside from the obvious – your clothes, toiletries, wallet, phones, chargers – here are some other things you want to make sure you bring to your campsite on Manitoulin

Binoculars – especially for kids. Perfect for bird watching and star gazing. If you’ve always wanted to invest in a good quality pair, this pair is good for adults and kids.
Fold up camping chair – for adults and if you want, a smaller one for the kids
Outdoor game activities – this outdoor ring toss game will keep kids entertained outside your campsite
A card or boardgame – my family and I (kids included) love playing this Love Letter game. Its small, compact, easy to understand rules. Probably good for age 6+

Camping in Manitoulin Island FAQ

Here are some of the most commonly askes questions about Manitoulin Island and about Camping there

Is it worth going to Manitoulin Island?

Manitoulin Island is worth a visit. It’s the largest freshwater lake island in the world, and it has a lot of rich history with its indigenous heritage and scenery. Between hiking, beaches, camping, art galleries, museums, you feel truly in touch with Ontario’s heritage and pristine beauty when you visit Manitoulin Island.

What is Manitoulin Island known for?

Manitoulin Island is known for its indigenous culture, and for its natural beauty. It is also known for being the largest freshwater lake in the world.

Can you see the northern lights from Manitoulin Island?

Yes, the Northern Lights can be seen from Manitoulin Island and other parts of Ontario as well. Of course, seeing the Aurora Borealis is never guaranteed, regardless of where or when you go. But, the best months to see the Northern Lights on Manitoulin Island are between August and October.

How do you get on Manitoulin Island?

If you live in southern Ontario, the easiest way to get to Manitoulin Island is by taking the ferry from Tobermory, which is a 3-hour drive north of Toronto. Many people also get to Manitoulin Island by driving from the Sudbury region, if they’re in Northern Ontario.

Camping on Manitoulin Island: Final Thoughts

Between stunning natural beauty, hiking trails, waterfalls, beaches and cultural activities, Manitoulin Island is a beautiful, must-see destination in Northern Ontario and a great place to go camping.

If you’re looking for other less-travelled locations in Northern Ontario, you could consider Thunder Bay which is quite family friendly and it has the 2nd highest waterfalls in Ontario, Kakabeka Falls. We hope this guide has been helpful in helping you plan your trip camping in Manitoulin Island!