Rv Camping In Nova Scotia

Tips For Visiting New Brunswick Nova Scotia Newfoundland And Pei

Canadas eastern-most provinces are each bucket-list worthy destinations. There are so many amazing places and people that make up New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. But, we couldnt decide on just one province, so we embarked on an epic nine-week Atlantic Canada RV road trip. And it was more beautiful, exciting, rejuvenating and life-changing than we ever could have expected.

We walked on the gooey ocean floor in New Brunswick, drove the famed Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia, were serenaded by locals in Newfoundland, and found a new perspective in Prince Edward Island. Plus, a whole lot of wonderful adventures in between. If this isnt on your list of places to experience, it should be regardless of if you visit in an RV or not. But, for RVers it is particularly nice because of all the wonderful camping options and scenic drives.

Weve included an overview of each province, what we loved about it, tips for what to see and where to camp. Want an entire list of everywhere we stayed? Check out our RV Camping Reviews page.

Getting To And From Newfoundland

The only way to bring your RV to the island is via Marine Atlantics ferry. It is about 7 hours from North Sydney, Nova Scotia to Port aux Basques, Newfoundland. The ferry is pretty costly compared to smaller voyages, but well worth it, especially if you plan to stay in Newfoundland for an extended trip.

Plan to spend at least C$500 round trip if you are bringing your RV. You can also rent a two-bed cabin for about C$60, which we were happy to have on such a long journey. There is also a restaurant on site with limited hours. If traveling with a pet, you have the option to board them or leave them in your vehicle with windows cracked. Our cat was just fine. For more details about the logistics of getting to Newfoundland read this blog post.

Where Can I Camp For Free In Nova Scotia

There are many places to camp for free in Nova Scotia as well. However if this is something you chose to do always be respectful, safe and get permission from land owners. Also be prepared as none of these sites will have amenities and follow the take out what you take in rule leaving no trace and keeping our wild areas wild. Camping in Nova Scotia is one of the best ways to experience the province no matter how you do it.

Camping on crown land is also permitted in Nova Scotia. You can stay in anyone spot for up to 21 days however you are not allowed to post any permanent structures. Fireboxes or the use of old fire-pits are preferred however creating new fire rings are allowed if needed.

Here is the best list of free camping sites in Nova Scotia:

• Tidney River Wilderness Area
• Learn more HERE.

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The Islands Provincial Park

Just a short drive from the town of Shelburne is Islands Provincial Park, an ideal stopover campground when exploring the South Shore. Some of Shelburnes most notable historic buildings can be seen across the water from a few different areas of the campground.

The campsites themselves are a mixture of waterfront and forested, with the level of privacy varying quite widely between sites. The circular nature of the layout does help the campground feel more spacious. Some of the waterfront spots are really quite fabulous.

Our favourite spots were undoubtedly sites 62 and 63, located in a more private area near the entrance. The water views make the area a very pretty spot and the direct access to the ocean would be a bonus for any kayakers.

Campground details

Directions: The Islands Provincial Park is a very short drive from the town of Shelburne on Nova Scotias South Shore. The campground is also very easily accessible from Highway 103 take exit 26 towards Shelburne and then make a right onto Highway 3 . The park is located on Island Park Road.

Facilities: Free showers, water, flush toilets, fire pits, picnic tables, boat launch, outhouses, picnic shelter, disposal station for RVs, ice and firewood for sale, limited wi-fi , beach.

Price: Campsites at Islands Provincial Park cost $26.70/night. There are no serviced sites at this campground. Reservations can be made online or by phone, starting in April. The nonrefundable online reservation fee is $9.

The Best Nova Scotia Campgrounds

In our quest to find the best Nova Scotia campgrounds, we spent seven weeks travelling and camping our way through this deceptively big province. We racked up thousands of kilometers on the road, to find as many awesome camping options as we could.

In particular, we prioritised finding campgrounds that were tent friendly. Many campgrounds these days look more like a parking lot, designed primarily to accommodate motorhomes. This is not the camping experience we look for. Indeed, we know many people feel the same.

So while most of the recommendations on this list are still applicable to RV users, the campgrounds named here are highly rated for offering what we think as a traditional camping experience.

So without further ado, here are our top picks for the best Nova Scotia campgrounds plus all of the essential info you need to stay at each one.

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Cedar Dunes Provincial Park

Cedar Dunes Provincial Park is located in the west of Prince Edward Island on North Cape Coastal Drive near West Point. They are most famous for their famous West Point Lighthouse.

The park is open from June to September and you can start reserving spaces in April. The lifeguard services for the beach last from June all the way to September, but the park recreation programs only last from June to August.

Youll find the following services provided in Cedar Dunes Provincial Park:

Around Cedar Dunes Provincial Park, you can swim, take a walk, visit the lighthouse, or take part in some of the recreation activities that the park puts on.

If you want to leave the park, there are quite a few things you can do there as well. There are quite a few golf courses nearby, including Mill River Golf Course, Dundarave Golf Course, and Andersons Creek Golf Course.

You can also visit the other lighthouses in the area, take a look at the Canadian Potato Museum, or go deep sea fishing.

For more information on Cedar Dunes Provincial Park or to make a reservation, visit their site here.

Five Islands Provincial Park

A great alternative to Cape Chignecto , Five Islands Provincial Park offers vehicle accessible camping along Nova Scotias Fundy Shore. Campers can hike, paddle, go clam digging or simply hunt for interesting rocks along the beach.

The pebbly beach in question is bordered by imposing 90 metre red cliffs that offer fantastic views of the worlds highest tides.

Open from mid June to mid October, the Five Islands campground is split into two sections A and B. The latter is aimed at tent campers, consisting of unserviced sites. Unlike most campgrounds in Nova Scotia, Five Islands is quite open with few trees. The sites are still well spaced however.

Campground details

Directions: Five Islands Provincial Park is located just off Highway 2 along the Fundy Shore. Halifax is about an hour away by road, while Truro is an hour at the most. The park is well signed along the highway, just be sure to turn at Bentley Branch Road towards the coast.

Facilities: Free showers, flush washrooms, water, outhouses, fire pits, limited wifi, disposal station for RVs, firewood for sale, beach, look out spots, hiking trails

Price: Unserviced and walk-in campsites at this provincial park cost $26.70/night. Serviced sites are $35.60/night. Reservations can be made online or by phone, starting in April. The nonrefundable reservation fee is $9.

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Traveling To Cape Breton Island By Rv

It might be a little too early to be thinking about next summers travel plans, but, then again, maybe not. Especially when youre planning a trip to one of those RV-bucket list destinations Nova Scotia, Canada. Imagine its August, the hottest month of the summer youre traveling around the east coast of the U.S., enjoying all that the Northeast has to offer, until you can no longer bear the heat, humidity and the hordes of summer tourists. Where do you head next? For us, this was a no-brainer Canada! Canada continues to be an amazing destination each and every summer while we are traveling by RV. Whether you are looking to escape the summer heat, trying to find incredible and diverse landscapes, or if you are looking for those incredible fall colors, eastern Canada has a little something for everyone.

Signs that line the Cabot Trail. Photo by: Danielle Boucek

Ovens Natural Park Campground

It is not often that a private campground will dedicate an oceanfront area to tent campers but that is exactly what Ovens Natural Park has done.

The tenting area is well thought out too, using natural borders to separate the sites and create a sense of privacy.

The panoramic ocean views arent the only reason to stay at Ovens Natural Park, as beautiful as they are. The range of on-site activities is also pretty convincing.

One of these is a 2km coastal trail allows visitors to safely explore the fascinating sea cave formations that give this park its name. The clifftop hike gives visitors a chance to descend and peer into these huge caves.

Campground details

Directions: Ovens Natural Park campground is found 20 minutes south of Lunenberg, on Nova Scotias South Shore. Take Highway 332 towards Bayport and continue until Feltzen South Road turnoff . Stay right at the divide a few kilometres later and youll find the Ovens campground at roads end.

Facilities: Free showers, water, flush toilets, fire pits, picnic tables, swimming pool, disposal station for RVs, small general store, museum, gold panning activities, sea caves trail. The on-site restaurant has live music six nights a week from late June to early September.

Price: Unserviced campsites at Ovens Natural Park are $35/night. Serviced sites start at $50/night. Cabins are also available for rent. It is possible to reserve camping and cabins via the Ovens website or by phone.

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Favorite Place In New Brunswick: Hopewell Rocks

We loved Hopewell Rocks from the first moment we got there because it had RV parking! Can I get an amen? But the really impressive part is the tide viewing. You can see the famed tides of the Bay of Fundy at their highest as they cover most of the rocks below. Then go back about 6 hours later to walk on the ocean floor where the water once was. The sea levels rise between 32 and 46 feet here!

The Best Rv Parks In Nova Scotia

Your guide to the best RV parks and campgrounds in Nova Scotia

This province may be the second smallest in all Canada, but its sure to please with plenty or great RV parks and big fun. If youre venturing to the small province of Nova Scotia, you may need to know where to go and where to stay.

Lucky for you, weve done all the legwork to bring you our top five best RV parks and campgrounds for the beautiful maritime province of , Canadas ocean playground.

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Other Top Destinations & Activities In Newfoundland

ATVing Adventure

Check out Newfoundland like a local! We highly suggest an ATV tour with Pirates Haven. They may even take you to their secret beach-side picnic spot if you are lucky!

LAnse Meadows

This Viking settlement is not just a fun reenactment, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the remains of an actual Viking village were found. Go for the history, stay for the views.

Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater Rafting on the Exploits River in Central Newfoundland offers a relaxing, fun time. Paddle, swim and picnic your way down while admiring the beautiful views.

Twillingate

Twillingate is perfect for iceberg and whale watching! Go to Long Point Lighthouse for a wide-open view of the ocean and its many treasures. Then, stop at Auk Island Winery to taste some delicious Iceberg wine!

Elliston & Bonavista Lighthouse

If you want to see Puffins, you have to check out these places during nesting season. You can get extremely close to these adorable birds, and it is 100% free! Nesting season is mid-May through mid-September at the latest. We could really just watch these birds for hours.

Terra Nova National Park

Dont miss a trip to Terra Nova while you are in Newfoundland. There is a ton of great hiking with stunning views, but you will want to make sure to get out on the water as well. From hiking to kayaking, and whale tours and fishing, Terra Nova National Park really has a bit of everything.

Avalon Peninsula

Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site

Thomas Raddall Provincial Park

Located across the bay from the Kejimkujik National Park Seaside location this is the ideal place to camp if you are wanting to explore the area as the Seaside park is only for day use. On site there are 69 unserviced camping sites and 13 walk-in campsites. There are limited wifi options offered, toilets, showers, dish washing stations and multiple water taps available as well as a picnic area.

The park also offers multi use trails for hiking and biking, a playground and a near by unsupervised beach.

Open May 21st to October 11th, 2021. Book online HERE. Bookings begin April 6, 2021.

Address: 100 Core Loop, Port Joli, NS

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Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Camp Resort

How can you resist a Yogi Bears campground? You literally cant. The Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Camp Resort is located in Kingston, Nova Scotia and is the perfect campground especially if you have kids. Aside from the regular expected amenities the camping resort also features mini golf, a heated pool, an arcade, and the kids corral playground. There is also a performance stage, lots of options for sports, and activities, a rec hall, and a concessions stand.

There are 141 RV, motorhome and tent sites available at Yogi Bears campground as well as 14 cabins for rent. If you are lucky you might even get to meet Yogi Bear himself and you can even invite him to your birthday party! This is definitely the best family friendly campground in all of Nova Scotia.

Prices vary depending on many factors. Bookings for the 2021 season begin May 14th, 2021. Learn more HERE.

Address: 43 Boo Boo Blvd, Kingston, NS

Tips For Rving In Atlantic Canada

• Before crossing the Border, make sure you have all of the necessary paperwork and know all the rules like no guns, fireworks, felonies etc.
• Know how tall and wide your RV is in meters and how much it weighs in tons! You dont want to guess last minute.
• Finding places to fill your on-board propane can be a bit of a challenge, so do some research before you get too low!
• Costco only takes Mastercard, Canadian debit cards and cash. So, youll likely need some moolah if you want to get your bulk shopping on.
• Redbox isnt a thing. Plan accordingly.

The support we received from Parks Canada, as well as local tourism companies was overwhelming. We would like to thank the following companies for helping make this trip so memorable and giving us so many great tips to share: Tourism Prince Edward Island, Marine Atlantic, Go Western Newfoundland, Adventure Central Newfoundland, Molly Bawn Whale & Puffin Tour, ONadventure Wilderness Tours, Happy Adventure Tours, Inn at the Pier, Outside Expeditions, and Gros Morne Theatre Company. As always, all opinions are our own.

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Macleods Beach Campground: Dunvegan

If you think all Canadian beaches are chilly, try the warm beaches of MacLeods Beach Campground. You have your choice of 15 or 30-amp electrical utilities on top of water and sewer connections. The sites are open or wooded, and you can get your fire pit at many of the sites.

Like any decent RV park, you also have clean and bright showers, bathrooms and laundry facilities. Youll get a camp store for groceries and camping supplies, firewood for your fire pit, and a rec hall and playground for the little ones.

MacLeods focal point is found on the beach itself, right from the beach and campground you can get some on the water fun, beach walks and views of magnificent sunsets. Of course, youll go crazy if you stay at your site, but the local area has plenty more to offer.

Within an hours drive, youll find the Cabot Trail, the Cape Mabou Hiking Trail, the pastoral town of Cheticamp and the Alexander Graham Bell Museum. When in doubt about things to do, hop on a boat for whale-watching or salmon fishing. MacLeods Beach Campground will make you feel like a regular old salt.

Pinware River Provincial Park

Pinware River Provincial Park is located at Pinware in Newfoundland and Labrador. It is just over 168 acres of bedrock that is over 150 million years old and full of diverse vegetation and terrain.

Here, youll find bogs, clean lakes and rivers, paper birch and balsam poplar trees, and a variety of berries you can pick as you hike.

Pinware River Provincial Park is open from early June to the middle of September, which is the best camping weather for the season. The amenities you will find offered there include:

• Friendly to Pets
• Discounts for Seniors

This camping spot is right on the borders of some fantastic salmon and trout fishing rivers. Besides fishing, you can go on hikes, take a swim, visit the lookout point, and take the ferry from St. Barbe on the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland to Southern Labrador.

Besides all of the active things you can do, you could also relax and try a spot of whale watching or seabird watching to pass the time. Youre in a remote location, so its quieter and more animals are sure to visit.

This area is a smaller camping area, so there are sure to be fewer people to crowd out your vacation. You can park you rig in one place for a few days without being bothered. You can use that time now to relax, go swimming, and have an adventure.

For more information on camping in Pinware River Provincial Park, visit the overview website here or their site here to make reservations.

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