Southwestern Sunsets: Top 9 Campgrounds Near London, Ontario

Nestled in the heart of the Forest City’s hinterland, London serves as the perfect compass point for an unforgettable camping adventure. While the city itself is a bustling hub, some of Southwestern Ontario’s most iconic landscapes—and its most legendary sunsets—are just a short drive from the 401.

To the west, the towering dunes and rare oak savannas of Lake Huron beckon, while to the south, the rugged bluffs and warm waters of Lake Erie offer a completely different coastal vibe. Whether you are looking for a secluded spot along the winding Thames River, a family-centric resort with an indoor pool, or a world-class provincial park where the sun dips into the water in a blaze of violet and orange, this region delivers.

From "urban-adjacent" escapes that let you enjoy city amenities by day to off-the-grid farm stays where the only lights are the stars and the glow of your campfire, these locations offer a true cross-section of Ontario’s beauty. Here are the top nine campgrounds near London that prove you don't have to head to the far north for a spectacular great escape.

1. Paul Bunyan Lake Front Resort

Location: Bayfield, Ontario

Type: Family RV Resort & Cabin Rentals

Perched on the shores of Lake Huron near the historic village of Bayfield, Paul Bunyan Lake Front Resort is a top-tier destination for sunset seekers. This family-owned park features paved streets and meticulously maintained facilities. While it hosts a large seasonal community, it offers premium pull-thru RV sites and cozy cabin rentals for short-term visitors looking for a high-end coastal experience.

The resort is packed with amenities, including a heated pool, multiple playgrounds, and courts for pickleball and volleyball. Guests have direct access to a private beach and the scenic "Creekside Trail" for woodland walks. For indoor entertainment, the recreation rooms offer table tennis, air hockey and a pool table, alongside scheduled events like family bingo and live music.

Accommodations focus on modern comfort, with full-service RV sites (30/50-amp) and air-conditioned cabins equipped with kitchenettes and washrooms. Please note that this is a dedicated RV and cabin resort; traditional tent camping is not permitted. This ensures a quiet, manicured environment perfect for those who want a resort-style stay just a short walk from Bayfield’s boutique shops.

Best for: RV travelers and families seeking a resort-style stay near a heritage village.

Pro Tip: Take a short stroll into downtown Bayfield to explore the art galleries and award-winning restaurants on its famous tree-lined Main Street.

2. Red Oak Travel Park

Location: Eden, Ontario

Type: Family Campground (Tents & RVs)

Red Oak Travel Park is a family-oriented escape located about 45 minutes from London. Open from May 1st to October 15th, the park accommodates everything from traditional tents to large RVs on spacious, grassy sites. It is uniquely known as a home for the southern flying squirrel, offering nature lovers a rare chance to spot these nocturnal critters among the namesake oak trees.

The park is designed for active play, featuring a monitored swimming pool, mini-putt, horseshoes, and basketball courts. On rainy days, the recreation center serves as a community hub with board games and movies. Throughout the season, the park hosts organized activities like kids' crafts and holiday-themed parties, maintaining a friendly, communal atmosphere.

With over 18 acres to explore, Red Oak balances social fun with natural tranquility. Its location serves as an ideal base for day trips to Lake Erie’s beaches or the sights of Niagara Falls. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or the full season, it offers a classic, well-rounded camping experience in the heart of Ontario’s Southwest.

Best for: Families and nature enthusiasts who enjoy community events and wildlife watching.

Pro Tip: This park is popular for its weekend events; be sure to book well in advance for holiday weekends like Canada Day or Labour Day.

3. Sand Hill Park

Location: Port Burwell, Ontario

Type: Family Campground & Beach

Sand Hill Park is a historic, family-run destination that has been welcoming guests since 1854. Currently managed by its fifth-generation owner, this private park prides itself on a strictly family-oriented atmosphere. It is famous for its massive sand dunes—a unique geological feature rising 350 feet over Lake Erie that offers some of the most spectacular views in the province.

The park is packed with amenities designed for active families, including a BMX track, volleyball and basketball courts, and traditional games like horseshoes and shuffleboard. For those seeking creative fun, a dedicated craft and activity barn hosts regular events. Anglers can also find plenty of opportunities for fishing, adding to the wide variety of outdoor recreation available on-site.

Because of its elevated position, the park is a premier spot for watching Lake Erie sunsets from the top of the dunes. The long-standing history as a family business ensures a welcoming environment where generations of campers return year after year. Whether you’re climbing the dunes or relaxing by the campfire, Sand Hill Park offers a classic experience rooted in over a century of hospitality.

Best for: Families seeking a unique natural playground and a traditional, community-focused camping environment.

Pro Tip: The climb to the top of the sand hill is steep but rewarding; bring a sturdy pair of sandals or water shoes, as the sand can get quite hot under the midday sun.

4. Happy Hills Resort

Location: Embro, Ontario  

Type: Family Resort & Campground  

Family-operated since 1971, Happy Hills Resort is a sprawling 135-acre destination designed specifically with family connection in mind. Located in the heart of Southwestern Ontario, this resort balances traditional camping with an impressive array of resort-style amenities. It is a place where "family-oriented" isn't just a label, but a culture fostered through generations of independent ownership.  

The resort is a paradise for active campers, featuring a 9-hole golf course, a driving range, and multiple heated pools, including a dedicated adult pool and a wading pool for toddlers. Children are often found at the interactive petting zoo or participating in the "Kids Klubs" and daily planned crafts. For those seeking variety, the grounds also offer a jumping pillow, BMX bike track, skateboard park, and mini-golf.  

Evening life at Happy Hills is just as vibrant, with nightly hayrides, movie nights, and community events like "Brews, Bites & Tunes" at the beer tent. The combination of 420 shaded, full-service sites and a robust schedule of activities ensures there is never a dull moment. It remains a premier choice for those who want a structured, fun-filled vacation where the kids are entertained from dawn until dusk.  

Best for: Families who want a high-energy resort experience with professional-grade amenities like golf and a petting zoo.  

Pro Tip: Be sure to pack a set of golf clubs and some comfortable shoes; the 9-hole course is expertly designed to be approachable for casual players while still offering a fair challenge for seasoned golfers.

5. Duttona Family Campground

Location: Wallacetown, Ontario

Type: Rustic Family Campground

Duttona Family Campground is a cozy, rustic campground set in a mature forest overlooking the cliffs of Lake Erie. Located within the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Area, it is a peaceful option for campers who want a quieter stay surrounded by trees, nature, and lake views.

The campground offers 100 seasonal campsites, along with several short-term overnight sites for travellers passing through or planning a summer getaway. Overnight sites include back-in sites with municipal water, 30-amp hydro, grey water drain connections, and optional high-speed Wi-Fi.

Families will appreciate the outdoor pool, playground, hiking trails, washrooms, showers, social patio, shop, kitchen/bakery, and Lake Erie lookout area known as The Point. There are also retro RV rentals and bunkie rentals for guests who want a camping-style stay without bringing their own RV.

Best for: Families and RV campers looking for a quiet, rustic Lake Erie campground.

Pro Tip: Overnight camping runs seasonally, so check dates and book ahead for summer weekends.

6. Rock Glen Family Resort

Location: Arkona, Ontario

Type: Members-Only RV Resort & Family Campground

Rock Glen Family Resort is a family-focused RV resort in Arkona, near Lambton Shores, located beside Rock Glen Conservation Area. Its setting gives campers easy access to trails, natural scenery, and the famous Rock Glen Falls, making it a strong pick for families who want both resort-style amenities and outdoor exploring nearby.

The resort offers more than 100 campsites with partial or full hookups, along with cabins, glamping pods, seasonal sites, and park model options. Cabin choices include 4-season, accessible, and pet-friendly options for members and their guests.

Amenities include an indoor heated saltwater pool, outdoor pool, splash pad, mini-golf, indoor playground, fishing pond, fitness centre, sauna, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, playground, store, and recreation spaces. This makes it one of the more amenity-packed campground options near London for families who want plenty to do on site.

Best for: Families and RV campers who want resort-style amenities near Rock Glen Falls.

Pro Tip: Check membership and guest access details before planning your stay, since Rock Glen operates as a members-only resort.

7. Windsor Campground

Location: Maidstone, Ontario

Type: Full-Service RV Campground

Windsor Campground is a family-friendly campground in Maidstone, located about 15 minutes from downtown Windsor. It is also close to Highway 401 and the Detroit border crossing, making it a convenient stop for road trippers exploring Southwestern Ontario.

The campground offers a mix of pull-through RV sites with water, electricity, and sewer hookups, along with sites that include water and electricity. There are also tenting options and cabin rentals available, giving visitors a few different ways to stay.

For families, Windsor Campground has a swimming pool, a large playground, and scheduled kids’ crafts and activities on Saturdays, with extra activities on long weekends. Restaurants and malls are also only about 10 minutes away, which adds extra convenience during longer stays.

Best for: Families, RV campers, and travellers needing easy access to Windsor or Highway 401.

Pro Tip: Bring proper ID when checking in, and book early for summer weekends or long weekends.

8. Pine Lake Campground

Location: Bayfield, Ontario

Type: Member-Operated Family Campground

Pine Lake Campground is a not-for-profit, member-operated campground in Bayfield, set on more than 80 acres of wooded Huron County landscape. It is located just minutes from Lake Huron’s beaches, shops, and restaurants, making it a convenient base for campers exploring Ontario’s west coast.

The campground has a strong family and community feel, with activities, events, and social spaces where members and guests can gather. Amenities include a private sandy beach, recreation hall, chalet, indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, hot tub, playgrounds, walking trails, shuffleboard, mini golf, tennis courts, fishing, and a 9-hole par-3 golf course.

Pine Lake is primarily a membership campground, but visitors can rent overnight campsites to experience the park before deciding whether membership is a good fit. Permanent campsites are fully serviced, with metered electricity, year-round water, sewers, and options for cable TV, telephone, natural gas, or propane.

Best for: Families and seasonal campers who want a community-style campground near Bayfield.

Pro Tip: Ask about overnight site availability first, since Pine Lake is mainly membership-based.

9. McClintock’s Trailer Resort

Location: Cambridge, Ontario

Type: Seasonal Trailer Resort & Short-Term RV Sites

McClintock’s Trailer Resort is a private seasonal trailer park on Puslinch Lake in Cambridge. The resort operates from May 1 to October 31 and is designed for campers who want a peaceful summer base with lake access, mature trees, and a close-knit seasonal community.

The resort has 165 fully serviced seasonal sites, with water, septic, and electrical service available. There are also a limited number of short-term daily, weekly, and monthly RV sites, making it possible for visitors to experience the resort without committing to a full season.

Amenities include a private beach and swim area, pavilion, picnic and play areas, horseshoe pits, wireless internet, dock rentals, and on-site winter storage. The property is private, so amenities are reserved for registered tenants and approved users only.

Best for: Seasonal campers and RV travellers looking for a quiet lakefront resort near Cambridge.

Pro Tip: Short-term sites are limited, so contact the resort early if you want a daily, weekly, or monthly stay.

Final Thoughts

Camping near London, Ontario gives you access to some of the best variety in Southwestern Ontario. From quiet conservation-style campgrounds and rustic forest retreats to family resorts, lakefront trailer parks, and amenity-packed RV destinations, there are plenty of ways to plan a memorable outdoor escape.

Whether you want to relax by Lake Erie, explore the Lake Huron shoreline, stay close to Windsor, or enjoy a peaceful seasonal campground with family-friendly activities, these campgrounds each offer something different. Some are better for short weekend stays, while others are ideal for RV travellers, seasonal campers, or families looking for a full summer base.

Before booking, always check each campground’s season, site types, guest policies, and available amenities. Summer weekends and long weekends can fill quickly, especially at smaller parks or campgrounds with limited overnight sites, so planning ahead is the best way to secure the right spot for your trip.