Northern Exposure: Top 7 Campgrounds Near Sault Ste. Marie

Where the rugged shores of Lake Superior meet the ancient rock of the Canadian Shield, Sault Ste. Marie stands as the gateway to Ontario's true north. This region is a paradise for those who crave dramatic landscapes, where towering cliffs, turquoise waters, and endless pine forests replace the manicured parks of the south.

Finding a place to pitch your tent or park your rig here means gaining front-row access to some of the most powerful natural scenery in the country. From the thunderous waves of the world’s largest freshwater lake to the quiet, trout-filled streams hidden in the bush, the camping options near "The Soo" are as diverse as they are breathtaking.

Whether you are seeking a well-appointed provincial park with every amenity or a secluded lakeside nook to watch the northern lights, these sites offer a genuine northern exposure. Here are the top seven campgrounds near Sault Ste. Marie that showcase the wild, untamed beauty of the Algoma District.

1. Glenview Cottages & Campground

Location: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Type: Full-Service Campground & Year-Round Cottages

Glenview Cottages & Campground offers a perfect blend of convenience and nature just 15 minutes north of Sault Ste. Marie. Situated on 141 acres of woodland, it is the nearest resort to both Hiawatha Highlands and Searchmont. This location makes it an ideal home base for those visiting the Agawa Canyon Tour Train, skiing, or exploring the Lake Superior coastline.

The park caters to all campers from mid-May to mid-October, offering spacious 30-amp full hookup RV sites and traditional wooded tent areas. For those seeking year-round comfort, rustic camper cabins and fully equipped cottages are also available. Each seasonal site includes a fire ring and picnic table, maintaining that classic campfire feel under the tall pines.

Amenities include a seasonal outdoor pool, an indoor sauna, and a hot tub for post-hike relaxation. The property is pet-friendly and provides practical perks like laundry facilities, free hot showers, and Wi-Fi. It’s a versatile destination that perfectly balances wilderness seclusion with the modern comforts of a well-maintained resort.

Best for: RV travelers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking resort-style amenities close to major trail systems.

Pro Tip: The Trans Canada Trail runs directly through the property, providing instant access to some of the region’s best scenic hiking and cycling right from your doorstep.

2. Wawa RV Resort & Campground

Location: Wawa, Ontario

Type: RV Resort & Family Campground

Wawa RV Resort & Campground is a family-owned campground located along the Magpie River, just off Highway 17 and only a few minutes northwest of Wawa. It makes a convenient base for travellers exploring Northern Ontario, especially those looking for a mix of easy highway access, natural scenery, and classic campground comfort.

The campground offers sites and cabins, free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, washrooms, private showers, an outdoor dishwashing station, and firewood for purchase. Guests can also enjoy an in-ground pool, a large playground, swing sets, a ninja slackline park, and a smaller playground, making it a strong choice for families travelling with kids.

Another nice feature is the campground’s peaceful setting along the Magpie River, with nature trails and plenty of space to relax after a day of exploring the Wawa area. It is also pet-friendly, which is ideal for campers bringing their dog along on a Northern Ontario road trip.

Best for: Families, RV campers, and Highway 17 road trippers.

Pro Tip: Book early in summer, especially for cabins or full-service RV sites.

3. Blueberry Hill Campground

Location: Goulais River, Ontario

Type: RV & Tent Campground

Blueberry Hill Campground is located on Highway 17 North in Goulais River, about 15 miles from Sault Ste. Marie. It is a convenient option for campers who want to stay close to the city while still enjoying a quieter Northern Ontario campground setting.

The campground offers large 30-amp campsites, with both treed and open site options. Campers can choose from no-service, water and electric, or full-service sites, and each campsite includes a picnic table and fire ring.

On-site amenities include a store, laundromat, indoor pool, playground, firewood for sale, and sanitary dumping stations. Visitors can also enjoy nearby outdoor activities like hiking, birding, mountain biking, fishing from shore, horseshoes, and berry picking in season.

Best for: RV campers and families looking for a convenient campground near Sault Ste. Marie.

Pro Tip: Choose a full-service site if you want the easiest RV setup, especially for a longer Northern Ontario stay.

4. Snowshoe Camp Resort

Location: Thessalon, Ontario

Type: Lakeside Cabin & Camping Resort

Snowshoe Camp Resort is a quiet four-season resort on Wakomata Lake in the Algoma region, about three miles off the highway. Surrounded by Northern Ontario scenery, it is a peaceful choice for campers who want lake views, fishing, and a more remote getaway near the Sault Ste. Marie region.

The resort is especially popular with anglers, as Wakomata Lake is known for northern pike, bass, lake trout, whitefish, and perch. Guests can also enjoy a sandy beach, sheltered boat docks, boat and motor rentals, canoes, and a paddleboat.

Accommodations include housekeeping-style cabins with indoor bathrooms, Wi-Fi, equipped kitchens, decks, BBQs, and cozy wood-burning stoves in select cabins. There is also a rec hall with TV, pool, and ping pong, making it a comfortable lakefront base for families and groups.

Best for: Anglers, families, and campers looking for a quiet lakefront escape.

Pro Tip: Book a cabin with a lake view if you want the full Wakomata Lake experience.

5. Brennan Harbour Resort

Location: Spanish, Ontario

Type: Fishing Resort & RV Park

Brennan Harbour Resort is a Northern Ontario fishing getaway located in Spanish, about 120 miles east of Sault Ste. Marie. Set near the Whalesback Channel of Lake Huron and the Spanish River, it is a great choice for campers and travellers who want waterfront scenery, wilderness views, and easy access to excellent fishing.

The resort offers housekeeping cabins with full bathrooms, equipped kitchens, living and sleeping areas, and waterfront views. Fishing packages are a major focus here, with access to species like walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, lake trout, perch, whitefish, salmon, and muskie.

There is also a Brennan Harbour RV Park with 42 sites, including water, hydro, and sewer pump-out service. For visitors exploring the North Shore of Lake Huron, it makes a peaceful base with a strong fishing-resort atmosphere.

Best for: Anglers, RV campers, and cabin guests looking for a Lake Huron fishing getaway.

Pro Tip: Book early for peak fishing season, especially if you want a waterfront cabin or RV site.

6. Sunset Shores Resort

Location: Batchawana Bay, Ontario

Type: Lakeside Campground & Cottage Resort

Sunset Shores Resort is located on Highway 17 North in Batchawana Bay, about 68 kilometres north of Sault Ste. Marie. Set where the Batchewana River meets Lake Superior, it is a scenic base for campers who want beaches, paddling, fishing, and classic Northern Ontario views.

The resort offers seasonal and overnight camping, tenting, RV sites, and cottage rentals. Campground features include electric, water, and sewer hookups, pull-through sites, showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, a store, propane, a playground, and a beach for swimming.

Outdoor lovers will appreciate the direct access to both the river and Lake Superior, with fishing for trout, salmon, pike, and more. The resort also has canoe, kayak, bike, and motor boat rentals, plus an on-site Vietnamese restaurant, Pho-Licious, open during July and August.

Best for: Families, anglers, paddlers, and campers wanting a Lake Superior beach escape.

Pro Tip: Plan a summer stay if you want the fullest experience, including the beach, rentals, and on-site restaurant.

7. Como Lake Resort

Location: Chapleau, Ontario

Type: Cabin Resort & Campground

Como Lake Resort is a quiet Northern Ontario getaway located on the shores of Como Lake, just inside the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve. The resort is the only one on the lake, making it a peaceful choice for campers who want fishing, wildlife, and a remote nature-focused stay.

The resort offers housekeeping cabins along the lake, along with campground accommodations for motorhomes, campers, and tents across the road from the main lodge. Campground sites include large drive-through options, 15-amp service, water hookups, modern flush toilets, and private showers.

Outdoor activities include fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, ATVing, wildlife viewing, and relaxing along the shoreline. Como Lake is a large lake with plenty of opportunities for fishing, nature walks, and quiet Northern Ontario scenery.

Best for: Anglers, nature lovers, and campers wanting a quiet remote resort.

Pro Tip: Follow the resort’s directions carefully, as the website warns not to rely on GPS from certain routes.

Final Thoughts

Camping near Sault Ste. Marie is perfect for travellers who want rugged scenery, quiet lakes, fishing, beaches, and easy access to some of Northern Ontario’s most beautiful landscapes. From convenient RV parks near the city to remote cabin resorts and peaceful Lake Superior campgrounds, this region offers something for every kind of camper.

Whether you are planning a family road trip, a fishing getaway, or a longer Northern Ontario adventure, these campgrounds make great bases for exploring the Algoma region. Some are best for quick overnight stops, while others are better suited for slow, scenic stays surrounded by water, forest, and wildlife.

Before booking, check each campground’s season, site options, pet policies, and available amenities. Summer weekends can fill quickly, especially at lakefront resorts, so planning ahead will help you secure the best spot for your trip.