We’ve been camping as a family for well over a decade, and it’s amazing how the way we camp has evolved as our kids have grown. In the early years, it was all about finding campgrounds with big sandy beaches, shallow swimming areas, and plenty of room for little legs to run. It was all about sandcastles, buckets, digging giant holes, and chasing bubbles — the kind of simple joys that make camping with young kids so easy to love.
We explored so many beautiful parks during this stage — from the soft sandy shores of Rock Point to the long stretches of beach at Port Burwell, Pinery, and Rondeau. Each place had its own charm, but they all shared one thing in common: lots of space for play and hours of water fun.
As the years rolled on, we started branching out a bit more, adding parks like Awenda, MacGregor, and Charleston Lake to the mix. These spots still had great beaches, but they also offered new experiences — hiking trails, nature programs, and bike-friendly loops that the kids loved exploring.
By the time we hit the tween years, things started shifting. The older two were beginning to outgrow the days of building sandcastles and digging holes on the beach. We decided it was time to change things up and find campsites with calm, quiet lakes — perfect for trying new pastimes like paddleboarding and kayaking. We even rented a small U-Haul trailer so we could haul all the water gear and our bikes. By then, the kids were getting more skilled (and adventurous) on two wheels, so having bikes along added another layer of fun to our trips.
This shift marked the start of a new chapter in our camping adventures and influenced the parks we chose with families of tweens and teens in mind. I’ll keep adding to this list as we explore new spots, but I know it might not grow much longer—our eldest is heading off to university soon. The kids are growing up fast, and I’m sure our camping adventures will begin to take on a different tone and direction.
2022 – Silent Lake Provincial Park
Highlands East, Ontario
Quiet, car-free campsites near the lake, perfect for paddling and hiking. No motorboats allowed, so it’s peaceful for families learning to canoe or paddleboard.
Learn more and book – Ontario Parks
2023 – Grundy Lake Provincial Park
Britt, Ontario (Highway 69 & 522)
Perfect for swimming, paddling, and spotting wildlife. The cliffs are fun for supervised jumping (older kids) and the lake is calm for SUPs.
Learn more and book – Ontario Parks
2024 – Bruce Peninsula National Park
Bruce Peninsula, Ontario
Famous for the turquoise waters of the Grotto, this park is a stunning destination. Be sure to book early — it’s very popular!
Check out my blog post for more on this park as well as our side trip to Tobermory!
Learn more and book – Parks Canada
2025 – Murphy’s Point Provincial Park
Tay Valley, near Perth, Ontario
Peaceful lakes, heritage buildings, and wildlife viewing make Murphy’s Point a great choice for families who love both nature and history.
Learn more and book – Ontario Parks
This post will be updated when we plan our subsequent trips.
Whether you’re planning your first family camping trip or you’re seasoned tent pros, these parks have given us years of memories — from sandy beach picnics to late-night stargazing. I hope this list inspires your next outdoor adventure.
Read my blog post on Family-Friendly Camping Spots in Ontario that are still great options for families with teens and tweens.
