From its main beaches to its Carolinian forests and coastal dune ecosystems, Grand Bend is one of the most scenic destinations in southwestern Ontario, promising plenty of outdoor activities and local attractions for a summer holiday.
And while the area is a popular cottage region in Ontario, it is also a great spot to stay under the stars, with several campgrounds and RV parks located just a short drive from Grand Bend Beach.
From seasonal resorts to rustic outdoor hideaways, these are the ten best campgrounds in Grand Bend for your next adventure.
A Quick Look At The 10 Best Family Campgrounds In Grand Bend
The 10 Best Grand Bend Campgrounds
1. Pinery Provincial Park
Protecting an expansive area of over 25 square kilometres less than a ten-minute drive from Main Street, Pinery Provincial Park is the perfect place near Grand Bend for escaping to the heart of an expansive nature reserve.
What’s even better is that along with boasting some of Canada’s best sunsets from its famous sand dunes, the Pinery Provincial Park also boasts three distinct campgrounds perfect for spending a family holiday in a natural setting.
The park’s riverside campground is the only one that is open year-round, providing electrical, non-electrical, and pull-through sites along the picturesque Old Ausable Channel.
The Burley Campground is located the furthest from the park’s entrance and offers only non-electrical campsites, making it the ideal choice for guests looking for a rustic camping experience.
Finally, the Pinery’s Dunes Campground is my personal favourite and puts visitors within walking distance of the beach and the park’s famous sand dunes. Both the Dunes Campground and Burley Campground are only open between May and September.
2. Falls Reserve Conservation Area
Located a little further from Grand Bend, Falls Reserve Conservation Area is about a 45-minute drive north along the shores of Lake Huron. Still, this 230-acre outdoor haven is a good place to spend a camping trip with the family, promising plenty of traditional camping activities through its surrounding Oak Savannah forests and along the Maitland River.
The grounds offer 170 campgrounds throughout three main campground areas, providing a range of sites, both electrical and non-electrical. Every site offers a fire pit and a picnic table, while electrical campsites feature the added comforts of hydro and water hookups.
As a serviced campground, Falls Reserve Conservation Area promises well-maintained campground facilities that include clean washrooms, safe drinking water, private nature walking trails, and a river swimming area, promising a safe but rustic setting for your family holiday.
3. Oakridge Family Campground
Set just down the street from the Pinery Provincial Park, the Oakridge Family Ground is one of the most extensive campgrounds near Grand Bend, promising a long list of onsite amenities and activities for a fun summer getaway.
Along with promising a selection of full and partially serviced seasonal campsites, the Ontario campground offers a wide variety of comfort services and facilities, including clean public washrooms, a convenience store, a dumping station, and free wifi available in the rec hall.
Additionally, the campgrounds also promise plenty of entertainment for all ages, including heated family and adult-only swimming pools, a wading pool, a minigolf course, giant chess, horseshoes, wagon rides, and much more.
4. Rus-Ton Family Campground
Rus-Ton Family Campground is another great camping option located just a 7-minute drive south of the heart of Grand Bend. While the convenient setting makes it easy to explore everything the energetic beach town has to offer, the grounds’ onsite amenities also provide for a fantastic family holiday in their own right.
Along with offering a selection of tent, full-service, and semi-serviced sites, the campgrounds also offer more accommodating stays with its selection of cabin and trailer rentals.
Whether staying in a tent or cabin, all campers receive private access to the campground’s shared facilities, which include three outdoor pools, a games room, a general store, and children’s playgrounds.
5. Green Haven Trailer Park
Offering trailer and cabin rentals in the heart of Grand Bend, the Green Haven Trailer Park is just a short hike from Grand Bend’s Main Beach but is tucked away in a quiet neighbourhood just to the side of Main Street.
The grounds offer seasonal camping between May and October. Additional features such as A/C, heating, and a washer/dryer are also available for an extra cost.
The grounds do not permit overnight camping at the time of writing this article, but be sure to check the official website for up-to-date availability for the upcoming season.
6. Klondyke Trailer Park
Klondyke Trailer Park is a great nearby campground offering a selection of both seasonal and overnight campsites. The park is just 5 km south of Grand Bend and promises three outdoor heated pools, a splash pad zone, and two playgrounds.
Meanwhile, the park also features a variety of onsite facilities within its property, including a snack booth, variety store, basketball court, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and much more.
7. Carolinian Forest Campground
Set just a short walk from Ipperwash Beach, the Carolinian Forest Campground is a quiet, relaxed outdoor resort about a 20-minute drive south of Grand Bend.
Occupying an expansive 23-acre property, the Carolinian Forest Campground only offers seasonal camping, with day and overnight passes to visiting guests. With no overnight camping, the park’s sites are only available for full-summer rentals.
Still, the extensive complex promises plenty of comfort for your summer holiday, with onsite facilities that include public washrooms, beach access, a heated outdoor pool, horseshoes, laundry facilities, and an intricate web of trail systems leading through the surrounding Carolinian Forests.
8. Ipperwash Family Campground
Also located along the nearby Ipperwash Beach, the Ipperwash Family Campground is a great alternative, offering both seasonal and overnight campsites.
Promising a natural escape within the surrounding Carolinian Forest, the serviced campgrounds promise comfort amenities, including firewood, potable water, communal washrooms, and septic hookups.
Meanwhile, for entertainment, the park also offers hiking and bike trails, paddle craft rentals, a heated outdoor pool, and private beach access, just a 5-minute walk from the site.
9. The Great Canadian Hideaway
Set about a 25-minute drive away from Grand Bend and Lake Huron, The Great Canadian Hideaway occupies a breathtaking 300-acre property that includes an expansive 200-acre man-made lake and peaceful pond.
Welcoming overnight campers, the grounds are a playground of outdoor activities, ranging from canoeing through its picturesque waterways and hiking along its walking paths to swimming within its heated outdoor pool or playing a variety of outdoor games on its sports field.
Along with offering a selection of serviced and semi-serviced sites, the grounds also feature communal washrooms with flush toilets and showers, a big playground, and a convenience store.
10. Rock Glen Family Resort
Offering over 100 campsites and numerous villa, cabin, and pod rentals within the picturesque Rock Glen Conservation Area, the Rock Glen Family Resort makes for a great place to camp near Grand Bend.
Tucked away within the protected area, the Rock Glen Family Resort promises a natural setting for staying under the stars when visiting the popular beach area and provides plenty of comfort amenities within its property, including a pool and miniature golf course.
