Best Campgrounds Near Ottawa for First-Timers
Five beginner-friendly campgrounds within about 75 minutes of our Ottawa store, on both sides of the river.
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First tent trip out of Ottawa? Stay close. Everything below is within about 75 minutes of the city, has drive-in sites, and takes reservations — so a rough first night is never far from a warm car ride home.
1. Fitzroy Provincial Park — ~45 min
West of the city where the Carp River meets the Ottawa River. Shaded sites and easy riverside walking.
2. Rideau River Provincial Park — ~45 min
South along the Rideau. Calm water for paddling and swimming, and a smaller, quieter campground.
3. Philippe Lake, Gatineau Park — ~40 min
Across the river in Québec's Gatineau Park. Wooded campsites and a proper swimming beach; reservations run through the NCC rather than Ontario Parks.
4. Murphys Point Provincial Park — ~1 hr 15
On Big Rideau Lake near Perth. Worth the extra drive for clean swimming water and a more 'up north' feel.
5. Voyageur Provincial Park — ~1 hr 15
East on the Ottawa River near the Québec border. Big open campgrounds and reliable availability when everything else is booked.
Gear up before you go
Beginners do best with an easy-setup tent, a warm sleeping bag and simple stove. Or take one camp bundle and be done. Travelling light? Browse the ultralight collection. New to tents entirely — start with the tent buying guide.
Borderline Outdoor — Ottawa (Nepean)
1701 Merivale Rd, Nepean, ON K2E 8B8
Open daily 11 AM – 8 PM · 613-800-4764
Visit the Ottawa store
