Escape the City: Top 9 Campgrounds Near Ottawa

Ottawa may be a busy capital city, but you do not have to travel far to find quiet lakes, forested campsites, sandy beaches, and peaceful riverside escapes. Within a short drive of the city, campers can trade traffic and downtown crowds for starry skies, campfires, paddling, hiking, and relaxing weekends outdoors.

The campgrounds near Ottawa offer a great mix of options for different camping styles. Some are ideal for families who want beaches, playgrounds, and full-service RV sites, while others are better suited for tent campers, paddlers, anglers, or anyone looking for a more nature-focused getaway.

This guide highlights nine of the best campgrounds near Ottawa, including family-friendly parks, scenic waterfront campgrounds, and convenient weekend escapes. Whether you are planning a quick summer getaway, a longer camping trip, or your first outdoor adventure of the season, these campgrounds make it easy to escape the city and enjoy the outdoors.

1. McCullough’s Landing Campground

Location: Drummond/North Elmsley, Ontario

Type: Family Campground on Mississippi Lake

McCullough’s Landing Campground is a long-running family campground on Mississippi Lake, about one hour from Ottawa along Highway 7. The campground welcomes seasonal and overnight campers, with options that include waterfront sites, regular tenting sites, water and electric RV sites, and seasonal camping.

This is a strong pick for families who want a classic lakefront camping experience, with two beaches, including a shallow beach for children and a deeper beach with a raft and slide. Visitors who prefer extra comfort can also rent one of three lakefront summer cottages, with two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and four-bedroom options available.

There is plenty to keep guests busy throughout the summer, including two flush washroom buildings with showers, a canteen that sells food, a candy store, a soccer field, and a baseball field with kids’ baseball every Sunday morning. The campground also hosts a variety of seasonal activities, making it a fun and welcoming escape near Ottawa.

Best for: Families, lakefront campers, cottage stays, and weekend trips from Ottawa.

Pro Tip: Book early if you want a waterfront site or lakefront cottage during peak summer weekends.

2. Whitewater Cottage and RV Resort

Location: Foresters Falls, Ontario

Type: RV Resort, Cottage Resort & Cabin Rentals

Whitewater Cottage and RV Resort is a large, scenic resort property near the Ottawa River, offering a mix of RV sites, camping, cottages, and cabin rentals. It is a strong choice for campers who want a more resort-style escape near Ottawa, with plenty of space to relax, walk, swim, and enjoy the outdoors.

A major highlight is the sandy beach and beautiful waterfront setting, including a two-mile water’s edge walking trail where guests can take in the river scenery. The resort also offers cottages to buy, making it an option for visitors who want a longer-term getaway in the area.

For extra relaxation, Whitewater Cottage and RV Resort is home to Whitewater Beer Spa, which features a water spa experience with a pool, hot tub, cold dip, and saunas. With its mix of camping, rentals, beach time, walking trails, and spa amenities, this resort is ideal for anyone who wants a comfortable outdoor escape with a few added luxuries.

Best for: RV campers, cottage stays, beach days, walking trails, and spa-style getaways.

Pro Tip: Make time for the Whitewater Beer Spa if you want to turn your camping trip into a more relaxing resort-style weekend.

3. Agape Gardens

Location: Luskville, Quebec

Type: Nature Stays, Camping & Glamping Retreat

Agape Gardens offers a more private and intimate alternative to larger public campgrounds, with Nature Stays that include off-grid camping, glamping bell tents, and cozy cabin-style stays. Located about 35 minutes from Ottawa, it is designed for guests who want to unplug, reconnect with nature, and enjoy a quieter, more curated outdoor escape.

One of the biggest highlights is the Wild Spa experience, which includes a wood-fired sauna, wood-fired hot tub, cold plunge, outdoor showers, and relaxation space. Guests can also add wellness experiences such as Venik Massage, sauna rituals, holistic offerings, and other restorative experiences that make the stay feel more like a retreat than a standard camping trip.

Agape Gardens is hosted by on-site caretakers who actively care for the land and guest experience, creating a welcoming and intentional atmosphere. The property also hosts retreats, workshops, private group experiences, and gatherings, making it a strong choice for couples, small groups, wellness travellers, and anyone looking for a peaceful nature stay near Ottawa.

Best for: Glamping, wellness escapes, couples, retreats, and private nature stays.

Pro Tip: Book the Wild Spa or a sauna ritual with your stay if you want the full Agape Gardens experience.

4. Golden Lake Park Campground

Location: Golden Lake, Ontario

Type: Waterfront Family Campground

Golden Lake Park Campground is a family-friendly campground on Golden Lake and the Bonnechere River, about two hours west of Ottawa. With 4,200 feet of scenic waterfront, it is a great choice for campers who want swimming, boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and a classic cottage-country feel within driving distance of the city.

The campground offers spacious RV and tent sites, including popular overnight waterfront sites that put campers just steps from the water. It is also home to a welcoming seasonal camper community, making it a strong option for families who want to return throughout the summer and feel part of a relaxed campground atmosphere.

For visitors who prefer more comfort, Golden Lake Park also offers cabins, RV rentals, and a waterfront three-bedroom cottage expected to be available starting in July. With beaches, a playground, laundry, showers, a store, and plenty of on-site activities, it works well for weekend escapes, family vacations, and longer summer stays.

Best for: Families, waterfront campers, seasonal campers, and weekend trips from Ottawa.

Pro Tip: Book early if you want one of the overnight waterfront sites or the new three-bedroom waterfront cottage once it becomes available.

5. Cedar Shade Campground

Location: Alfred, Ontario

Type: Family Campground & RV Park

Cedar Shade Campground is a family-oriented campground in Alfred, about one hour from Ottawa and 1.5 hours from Montreal. It offers seasonal sites, overnight sites, tenting, and cabin-style stays, making it a flexible option for both weekend campers and longer summer getaways.

The campground has plenty of family-friendly amenities, including two swimming pools, two spas for adults, an artificial lake with a small beach, Tarzan ropes, a playground, arcade, pool hall, petting zoo, fenced dog run, and organized weekend activities. Campers also have access to modern washrooms, showers, laundry facilities, a store, dump station, and paved roads.

With easy access for motorhomes, trailers, and caravans up to 50 feet, Cedar Shade works well for RV travellers who want a convenient, activity-filled campground near Ottawa. Its mix of pools, beach time, games, animals, and family programming makes it especially appealing for campers travelling with kids.

Best for: Families, RV campers, weekend getaways, and kid-friendly camping near Ottawa.

Pro Tip: Book early for summer weekends, especially if you want a cabin, RV site, or family-friendly spot close to the main amenities.

6. Calabogie Camping

Location: Calabogie, Ontario

Type: RV, Tent & Cottage Campground

Calabogie Camping is a family-friendly campground in the Ottawa Valley, located near Calabogie Lake and surrounded by rolling hills, forests, and outdoor recreation. It is a great option for campers who want a peaceful nature escape while still being close to beaches, hiking trails, golf, motorsports, restaurants, and village amenities.

The campground offers a mix of seasonal RV sites, overnight camping, tent sites, and cottage rentals. Guests can enjoy a relaxed campground atmosphere with space to unwind, gather around the campfire, and use Calabogie as a base for exploring the surrounding area.

One of the biggest draws is the location. Calabogie is known for outdoor adventure, including paddling, fishing, swimming, hiking, ATVing, skiing in winter, and scenic drives through the Ottawa Valley. For campers looking to escape the city without feeling too remote, Calabogie Camping is a strong choice.

Best for: Families, RV campers, cottage stays, and Ottawa Valley outdoor getaways.

Pro Tip: Plan extra time to explore Calabogie Lake, Eagles Nest Lookout, and the nearby trails while you are in the area.

7. Bellamy Park

Location: Toledo, Ontario

Type: Family Campground & Conservation Park

Bellamy Park is a peaceful family campground in Toledo, about an hour southwest of Ottawa. Set around Bellamy Lake, it offers a relaxed nature-focused escape with camping, swimming, fishing, paddling, hiking, and plenty of open space for a classic summer getaway.

The campground offers seasonal and overnight sites, including tent sites and serviced RV sites. Guests can enjoy a sandy beach, boat launch, playground, picnic areas, trails, washrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and access to the lake for canoes, kayaks, and small boats.

Bellamy Park is a good choice for campers who want a simple, affordable, and scenic place to unwind near Ottawa. With its lakefront setting and family-friendly amenities, it works well for weekend trips, longer summer stays, and low-key outdoor vacations.

Best for: Families, lakefront camping, fishing, paddling, and quiet weekend escapes.

Pro Tip: Bring a kayak, canoe, or fishing gear if you want to make the most of Bellamy Lake during your stay.

8. Sleepy Cedars Family Camping

Location: Greely, Ontario

Type: Family Campground & RV Park

Sleepy Cedars Family Camping is a locally owned family campground in Greely, about 25 minutes from Ottawa. The campground offers seasonal and daily camping on spacious sites with picnic tables and fire pits, plus options for 15- or 30-amp hydro and water hookups.

The campground has 25 unserviced tent sites, a group camping area, clean washrooms with flush toilets and hot showers, a dump station, and 43 acres for nature walks. Families can also enjoy a heated saltwater pool, 9-hole fun golf course, 9-hole mini-putt, children’s play area, and recreation hall with a pool table and ping pong.

Sleepy Cedars is a good fit for campers who want a relaxed, family-focused stay close to the city without feeling like they are camping downtown. Firewood and ice are available for a small fee, Wi-Fi is also available for a fee, and reservations can be made online.

Best for: Families, tent campers, RV travellers, and easy getaways close to Ottawa.

Pro Tip: Do not bring outside firewood, as the campground requires firewood to be purchased on site.

9. Oasis RV Resort

Location: Limoges, Ontario

Type: Family RV Resort & Cabin Rentals

Oasis RV Resort is a family-friendly RV resort in Limoges, located about 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa and directly across from Calypso Water Park. It is a convenient choice for campers who want a fun resort-style getaway with easy access to both Ottawa attractions and one of the area’s biggest summer water parks.

The resort offers full RV hookups, big-rig-friendly back-in sites, upgraded Wi-Fi, on-site laundry, firewood delivery, and cabin rentals. Families will find plenty to do on site, including a heated saltwater pool, mini golf, playground, jump pillow, petting zoo, volleyball court, basketball court, and weekend live music.

Oasis also has an on-site canteen and bar, making it easy to grab food, snacks, or drinks without leaving the property. With its mix of camping comfort, family activities, and location next to Calypso, it is a strong pick for a lively summer escape near Ottawa.

Best for: Families, RV campers, cabin stays, and trips to Calypso Water Park.

Pro Tip: Book early for summer weekends, especially if you want a cabin or RV site during peak Calypso season.

Final Thoughts

Camping near Ottawa makes it easy to escape the city without spending your whole weekend on the road. From quiet lakefront parks and family campgrounds to glamping retreats, RV resorts, cottages, and cabins, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors within a short drive of the capital.

Whether you want sandy beaches, paddling, hiking, fishing, spa-style relaxation, or kid-friendly amenities, these campgrounds offer something for every type of camper. Some are best for peaceful nature stays, while others are ideal for active family getaways with pools, playgrounds, events, and nearby attractions.

Before booking, check each campground’s season, site types, rental options, pet policies, and reservation requirements. Summer weekends and long weekends can fill quickly, especially for waterfront sites, cabins, and cottages, so planning ahead is the best way to secure the right spot.