Ontario’s Best RV Winter Camping Spots
Ontario’s Best RV Winter Camping Spots
Posted on November 21, 2025
Winter camping in Ontario is a truly unforgettable experience. With its snow-dusted forests, frozen lakes, and peaceful solitude, it’s the perfect setting for anyone looking to extend their camping season. Whether you prefer the comfort of your RV or want to test your skills in the backcountry, Ontario has an incredible selection of cold-weather camping destinations for every level of camper.
Embracing Winter Camping in Ontario
Camping during the winter may seem daunting at first, but with a little preparation and the right mindset, it becomes one of the most rewarding outdoor adventures you can take. The quiet beauty of Ontario’s wilderness is even more striking under a blanket of snow. Many provincial and national parks remain open through the winter, offering everything from drive-in RV campsites to heated yurts and cozy cabins.
If you’re new to winter camping, consider joining a guided trip or taking a short weekend getaway to build your confidence. Experienced campers will find plenty of places to explore, whether you prefer front-country comfort or true backcountry solitude.
Front-Country Winter Camping: Comfort and Convenience
Front-country camping offers the best of both worlds: access to beautiful winter landscapes and the convenience of drive-in sites, nearby amenities, and maintained trails. For RV owners, this is the ideal way to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing warmth or comfort.
One of the most popular options is Algonquin Provincial Park, where the Mew Lake Campground stays open year-round. With over 100 electrical and non-electrical sites, heated yurts, and even an outdoor skating rink, it’s a fantastic spot for families. You can spend your days snowshoeing the Bat Lake Trail or gliding down the Old Railway Trail on cross-country skis.
Further north, Quetico Provincial Park near Atikokan offers a quieter, more rustic experience. The Dawson Trail Campground provides several winter-ready sites with access to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. If you prefer something more private, cozy up in one of the park’s rustic cabins equipped with woodstoves and kitchenettes.
For RVers who love a stunning shoreline, Bruce Peninsula National Park delivers breathtaking winter views of Lake Huron’s icy formations. The Tamarack section of the Cyprus Lake Campground remains open in winter, offering non-electrical sites where you can park your RV or set up camp amid snow-covered trees.
Backcountry Winter Camping: For the Adventurous
If you crave solitude and adventure, backcountry winter camping in Ontario’s vast wilderness is an experience like no other. The silence of a snow-laden forest, the crunch of your boots on frozen trails, and the star-filled sky make it worth the extra effort.
Backcountry sites in places like Algonquin and Killarney Provincial Parks are perfect for seasoned campers equipped with four-season tents, winter-rated sleeping bags, and reliable gear. Trails like the Western Upland or Highland routes offer peaceful treks through snowy pine forests and frozen lakes.
For something truly remote, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park near Thunder Bay provides rugged backcountry camping along the Lake Superior shoreline. It’s an awe-inspiring spot where the wind, snow, and cliffs create a dramatic winter landscape.
If you’re up for a challenge, Temagami offers incredible crown land camping where you can explore frozen waterways and portages. Here, experienced winter campers travel by snowshoe and toboggan, setting up traditional hot tents warmed by woodstoves.
Guided Winter Camping Trips and Rentals
Not quite ready to head out on your own? Ontario has several expert outfitters offering guided trips, equipment rentals, and instructional courses. These are great for anyone wanting to try winter camping without investing in all the gear right away.
Voyageur Quest offers an all-inclusive overnight hot camping trip on the western edge of Algonquin Park, while Algonquin Basecamp and Lure of the North provide outfitting, rentals, and guided tours for individuals or groups. If you’re looking for a true northern adventure, Temagami Outfitting Co. offers hot tenting trips deep into Northeastern Ontario’s wilderness.
Closer to southeastern Ontario, Frontenac Outfitters rents canvas tents, woodstoves, and toboggans for hot camping right beside Frontenac Provincial Park. Each of these outfitters helps you experience the magic of winter camping safely and comfortably.
Gearing Up for Winter Camping
No matter where you go, the right equipment is essential. For RV campers, winterizing your unit is key, ensure your water lines are protected, and invest in a reliable space heater or heated mattress pad for those colder nights.
If you’re tent camping, there are two main approaches: cold camping and hot tenting. Cold camping relies on durable nylon tents, insulated sleeping bags, and gas stoves, making it a lightweight option for backpackers. Hot tenting, on the other hand, involves canvas tents and portable woodstoves, offering warmth and comfort, ideal for longer trips in Ontario’s deep snow.
Essential items include layered clothing, insulated boots, high-calorie food, and reliable navigation tools. And don’t forget a first aid kit, some medications need to be kept close to your body to avoid freezing.
Where Adventure Meets Comfort
Ontario’s winter camping scene has something for everyone, from cozy front-country RV sites to adventurous backcountry trails. It’s a season that transforms the familiar into something extraordinary, where frozen lakes become highways, forests fall silent, and every breath feels crisp and alive.
So, whether you’re parking your RV under a canopy of snow-covered pines or strapping on snowshoes for a wilderness trek, Ontario’s best winter camping spots promise adventure, peace, and a deeper connection to nature. Plan your next winter RV getaway with The Hitch House in Oro-Medonte, ON, and discover why Ontario’s winter landscapes are some of the most beautiful in the country.