Gateway to the Wild: 5 Must-Visit Campgrounds Near North Bay

Commonly called the "Gateway to the North," North Bay sits at a spectacular crossroads where the calm waters of Lake Nipissing meet the rugged spirit of the Mattawa Valley. For campers, this is where the manicured parks of the south give way to the towering pines, ancient rock ridges, and deep-blue horizons of the Canadian Shield.

The region's unique geography offers a "choose-your-own-adventure" style of camping. You can find full-service RV resorts within a five-minute drive of downtown’s vibrant waterfront, or head slightly east to follow the historic fur-trade routes where the Mattawa and Ottawa Rivers collide. Whether you’re chasing world-class sunsets over one of Ontario’s largest lakes or seeking the silent seclusion of a backcountry trail, the area surrounding North Bay provides a perfect bridge between urban comfort and true wilderness.

From family-run farms with "barnyard" experiences to legendary provincial parks rich with logging history, these sites serve as the ultimate home base for exploring the near north. Here are five must-visit campgrounds near North Bay that showcase the incredible diversity of the Nipissing District.

1. Sid Turcotte Park

Location: Mattawa, Ontario  

Type: Family Campground & Cabin Resort  

Sid Turcotte Park is a family-owned gem situated on 2,000 feet of scenic Mattawa Riverfront. This park is a paradise for active families, known for its vibrant theme weekends and two large playgrounds that keep kids entertained all summer. A local favorite activity is "river tubing," where campers hop on a floatie at one beach and drift down the gentle current to the second beach.  

Anglers and boaters will appreciate the direct access to over 60 miles of navigable water on the Mattawa and Ottawa Rivers, supported by an on-site boat launch and docking facilities. For those who prefer land-based adventure, the park is incredibly welcoming to ATV and dirt bike enthusiasts. You can ride directly from your campsite to the nearby Voyageur Multi-Use Trail System (VMUTS) in just a few minutes.  

The park offers a range of accommodations, from full-service RV sites and traditional tenting to cozy cedar cabins and glamping trailers. After a day of exploring, guests can enjoy wood-fired pizza and ice cream right on-site. The park is also pet-friendly, welcoming leashed companions to join in the fun at designated swimming areas along the river.  

Best for: Families seeking a relaxing northern oasis.

Pro Tip: If you're staying in an RV or tent, ask for a riverfront site to enjoy the sunrise over the water—and don't forget to grab a scoop of their famous on-site ice cream.

2. Camp Conewango

Location: Redbridge, Ontario (Lake Talon)

Type: Four-Season Resort & Campground

Tucked away on the north shore of Lake Talon, Camp Conewango is a true wilderness retreat surrounded by the natural beauty of Mattawa River Provincial Park. It serves as a peaceful "home away from home" for those looking to explore the rugged Crown lands of the North. Whether you’re staying in a historic log cabin or a seasonal RV site, the atmosphere is defined by old-school Northern Ontario hospitality.

The resort is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering direct access to miles of hiking, ATV, and mountain biking trails. For water lovers, Lake Talon provides incredible fishing for walleye, pike, and bass, with boat, canoe, and kayak rentals available on-site. The property also features a spacious sandy beach and lush lawns, perfect for a quiet afternoon of loon-watching or a game of horseshoes.

Camp Conewango is unique for its year-round appeal, operating as a hub for snowmobilers and snowshoers once the lake freezes over. The on-site restaurant and lodge provide a cozy community space to refuel after a day of adventure. It’s the ideal destination for travelers who want to experience the deep woods of the Nipissing district while enjoying the comforts of a well-established resort.

Best for: Anglers, paddlers, and trail riders looking for a quiet, scenic basecamp with a strong sense of history.

Pro Tip: Take a paddle toward the chutes where the Mattawa River leads to the Ottawa River—the canyon-like views are some of the most spectacular in the region.

3. Booth Landing Camping & Cottages

Location: Powassan, Ontario (Wasi Lake)

Type: Family-Owned Waterfront Resort

Situated on the peaceful northeast shores of Wasi Lake in Powassan, Booth Landing has been a beloved vacation destination since the 1940s. Family-owned and operated since 2000, this 45-acre property offers a quiet escape just a short drive from North Bay. It serves as a perfect middle ground for families seeking a "raw" northern wilderness experience with modern comforts.

The campground features spacious, grassy overnight sites with 30-amp hydro and water, alongside a collection of fully-equipped waterfront cottages. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the 2,000 feet of shoreline, which provides excellent fishing for walleye, bass, and pike. The resort also offers boat rentals, including aluminum motorboats, kayaks, and paddleboats for exploring the calm waters.

Beyond the water, the Powassan area is a fantastic hub for ATVers, hikers, and mountain bikers, with access to endless trails on nearby Crown land. The property includes a small sandy beach, a children’s playground, and beach volleyball courts. It’s a place where the day naturally ends around a campfire, watching the sunset give way to an incredible canopy of stars.

Best for: Sportsmen and families who want a quiet, trail-accessible basecamp with great fishing and a historic feel.

Pro Tip: Wasi Lake is relatively shallow and fertile, making it a "walleye factory"—try fishing the weed beds at dawn or dusk for the best chance at a trophy-sized catch.

4. Villa Maria Camp

Location: Greater Sudbury, Ontario

Type: Lakeside Campground & Cabin Retreat

Villa Maria Camp is a peaceful, low-key campground tucked along Richard Lake in Greater Sudbury, making it a worthwhile stop for campers exploring the wider North Bay and Northeastern Ontario region. Located at 2646 Richard Lake Drive, this campground is best suited for travellers who want a quieter stay with simple comforts, lake access, and a relaxed northern setting.

The property offers a welcoming mix of grassy campsites, cabins, and trailer rentals, with amenities such as washrooms, showers, water and 30-amp electrical hookups, free Wi-Fi, picnic tables, fire pits, and a playground area. Families will appreciate the open space, volleyball court, and easy access to the beach, while anyone looking to unwind can spend the day swimming, paddling, or relaxing by the water.

One of the biggest highlights of Villa Maria Camp is its relaxed lakeside atmosphere. Guests can enjoy the floating dock and beach area, rent a cabin for a more comfortable stay, or take advantage of canoe and kayak options for a quiet paddle on Richard Lake. The campground also has group-friendly facilities, including a kitchen and dining hall, making it a practical choice for family gatherings, retreats, picnics, birthdays, and small events.

Best for: Campers looking for a quiet lakeside escape with cabins, swimming, and family-friendly amenities.

Pro Tip: Book a cabin or lakeside-style stay if you want a more relaxing getaway, and bring your own paddling gear or confirm canoe and kayak availability before arriving.

5. Mattawa Adventure Camp

Location: Mattawa, Ontario

Type: Waterfront Cottage Camp & Adventure Resort

Mattawa Adventure Camp is a four-season getaway located on the scenic Upper Ottawa River in Mattawa. It offers easy access to the Mattawa River, which sits only a couple hundred metres away, making this a great choice for travellers who want a classic Northeastern Ontario outdoor escape.

This camp is especially appealing for visitors who want more than a basic campsite. Guests can stay in waterfront housekeeping cottages, motel-style rooms, or larger cabin-style rentals suited for families and groups. Some cottages sleep anywhere from 4 to 27 people, making it a flexible option for couples, families, ATV groups, and fishing trips.

Adventure is the main draw here. Campers can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, ATVing, golfing, snowmobiling, skiing, and more. ATVers will love being about 1.5 kilometres from the VMUTS trailhead, with access to roughly 300 kilometres of trails and a free ATV washing station back at camp.

Anglers are also well taken care of, with free boat parking and launching available for guests. The Mattawa and Ottawa River area is known for fishing opportunities for musky, walleye, pike, pickerel, and bass, making this a strong pick for anyone planning a fishing-focused camping trip.

Best for: Outdoor adventurers, ATV riders, anglers, and families looking for a waterfront cottage-style stay.

Pro Tip: If you’re bringing an ATV, stay here for direct convenience—park at the camp, ride to the trails, and use the washing station after a muddy day on VMUTS.

Final Thoughts on Camping Near North Bay

North Bay and the surrounding region are packed with incredible places to camp, especially if you love lakes, rivers, forests, and classic Northern Ontario scenery. Whether you want a family-friendly campground with playgrounds and beach days, a quiet cabin retreat by the water, or an adventure-focused basecamp for ATVing, boating, and fishing, this area has plenty of options to choose from.

What makes camping near North Bay so appealing is the variety. You can relax beside the Mattawa River, explore scenic trails, paddle calm northern waters, or spend the evening around a campfire after a full day outdoors. These campgrounds are also close enough to towns like North Bay and Mattawa that you can still access restaurants, supplies, and local attractions without feeling too far from nature.

If you are planning a summer trip, book early, especially for waterfront sites, cabins, and long weekends. Campgrounds in this part of Ontario can fill up quickly once warm weather arrives.

No matter which spot you choose, camping near North Bay is a great way to experience the peaceful, rugged, and adventure-filled side of Northeastern Ontario.