A beginner's guide to RV camping in Canadian national and provincial parks

RV camping is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Canada's stunning wilderness while still enjoying the comforts of home. From towering mountains to serene lakeshores, the country's national and provincial parks are must-visit destinations for RV enthusiasts.  

If it is your first time embarking on an RV adventure in Canada, there are a few key tips to remember. Start with a shorter trip to ease into the experience and get comfortable setting up and managing an RV site.  

Before your camping trip, spend some time familiarizing yourself with your RV's features. You'll want to understand how to use the generator, sewage connections, and levelling systems to save you stress while on the go.  

Whether you plan on exploring locally or are heading out for a big Canadian adventure, here is a beginner's guide to RV Camping in Canadian national and provincial parks.  

Booking your campsite 

Canada offers two main types of protected parks perfect for RV camping: national parks, managed by Parks Canada, and provincial parks, overseen by individual provinces. Both provide distinct experiences but differ in management, amenities, and reservation processes.  

Securing an RV campsite requires timing and preparation. National Parks use a centralized reservation system through Parks Canada, offering a range of fully serviced RV sites. When reserving for an RV camping trip, choose forecountry camping and select the correct size of your trailer or RV from the drop-down list to ensure your campsite can accommodate your RV.  

RV sites often have electrical, sewer, water hookups, and modern comforts like Wi-Fi and showers. This makes them ideal for travellers seeking convenience while enjoying Canada's natural beauty. Booking for the regular camping season typically opens in January, but specific dates can vary, so check the Parks Canada website for updates. To reserve your spot, visit Parks Canada Reservations.

For Provincial Parks, each province operates its own reservation platform. Ontario Parks stands out with over 19,000 car and RV camping sites across the province. These parks are easily accessible from provincial highways and cater to diverse camping preferences, from rustic wilderness settings to full-service RV campgrounds.  

Reservations at Ontario Parks open in April, following a five-month rolling window that allows bookings up to five months in advance. Popular parks such as Algonquin, Bonnechere, and Sandbanks fill quickly, so early planning is essential. To secure your site, visit Ontario Parks. 

Each province manages its parks independently, with unique booking systems and timelines. To secure your spot, be sure to visit the official website of the parks department for your chosen location. Many of the parks' reservations fill up fast, so book your campsite well in advance.  

Top pick RV campsites at Ontario Provincial Parks 

Ontario is home to many scenic provincial parks perfect for RV camping. Whether you're looking for sites with modern amenities or secluded spots in nature, these parks make great vacation destinations. 

Bonnechere Provincial Park 

Located west of Pembroke and close to Ottawa, this park is ideal for families and first-time RVers. The sites are large and easy to access, with sandy beaches nearby and rental opportunities for canoes and kayaks. The Tall Pines Campground offers sites that can accommodate RVs and sites with electrical hookups. 

Sandbanks Provincial Park

Located along Lake Ontario, Sandbanks is famed for its sandy beaches and the world's largest barrier dunes. RV camping here is a dream for water and nature enthusiasts, with over 500 campsites varying from dry loops to electric and water setups. Families can enjoy shallow waters, spectacular trails, and nearby vineyards for a unique day out. Sandbanks is popular with RV and car Campers, so bookings fill up fast! 

Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park

Known as the "Niagara of the North," Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park near Thunder Bay is great for RVers seeking a unique experience in Northern Ontario. Its campgrounds have electricity, and its trails provide breathtaking views of the falls. Kakabeka Falls offers pull-through campsites with electrical hookups for trailers and RVs. Plus, they have comfort stations, showers and laundry facilities on site.  

Algonquin Provincial Park

Perfect for beginners, Algonquin Provincial Park offers RV-friendly campgrounds with electric sites and accessible facilities. With serene lakes, picturesque trails, and plenty of wildlife to spot, it's an excellent choice for families and first-time RVers exploring Ontario's natural beauty. 

Must-visit RV-friendly National Parks 

Bruce Peninsula National Park

Famed for its stunning Georgian Bay coastline, the Bruce Peninsula is perfect for RV camping beginners. The Cyprus Lake Campground has pull-through sites and clean facilities, with easy access to The Grotto and scenic hiking trails. Families will love the ranger-led programs offered throughout the season. Check the park's website to ensure your RV is the right size when booking with the Bruce Peninsula.  

Prince Edward Island National Park

This park is an excellent choice for RVers exploring the Maritimes. Cavendish Campground provides large, RV-friendly sites with utilities near the island's iconic red sand beaches. Visitors can also take advantage of well-maintained trails, coastal views, and nearby cultural attractions like Green Gables. 

Jasper National Park 

Known for its quieter, more laid-back atmosphere, Jasper is ideal for those seeking a less crowded experience. It offers stunning mountain views, serene lakes, and accessible RV-friendly campgrounds like Wapiti. Highlights include the Athabasca Glacier, Maligne Lake, and abundant wildlife.  

Banff National Park

As Canada's first national park, Banff is iconic and tends to be busier, especially in peak seasons. It boasts world-famous attractions like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, and well-developed facilities. Tunnel Mountain Campground is a popular RV spot with great amenities. 

Gros Morne National Park 

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is ideal for nature-loving RVers on Newfoundland's west coast. Trout River Campground provides scenic and spacious sites with modern facilities amidst towering cliffs and fjords. The park's short trails and cultural heritage programs are perfect for beginners. 

Rent your RV

CAA Members earn 125 CAA Dollars when they list their RV through RVezy and complete their first rental. 

Save on fuel and more at Shell

Stop at Shell to fuel up before your camping trip. Use your CAA card to save 3¢/L on every fuel stop at participating Shell locations.* With over 1,300 participating locations across Canada, you can easily find a location to fuel up at before you start your adventure, and locations to keep you fueled up along the way. Plus, save 10% off in-store purchases for road trip snacks and drinks to keep the whole family fueled up and ready for fun.*

*At participating locations. Conditions apply.