A Perfect Park to Develop Your Backcountry Camping Skills
Local outfitters offer exceptional services for guided or self-guided adventures. #PaddleON
Charleston Lake Provincial Park is an easy drive from Ottawa (1 ½ hours) and Kingston (50 minutes). It is a favourite family camping destination offering car camping, backcountry camping and roofed accommodation. It has excellent swimming, fishing and wildlife viewing. Located in the Frontenac Arch UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.


- Charleston Lake Provincial Park Store (canoe rentals)
- Sand Lake Campground & Cottages (canoe rentals)
- Kingston Cottage Shop & Outfitters
- Ahoy Rentals (Kingston)


- Charleston Lake Provincial Park
- Frontenac Arch UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve
- The Great Waterway – Regional Tourism Information

Discover more backcountry paddling experiences. For information on park fees and reservations, click here.
Recommended Articles
Temagami Canoe Trip Guide
Expert advice for paddling in paradise.
Ontario’s Blue-Water Lakes
So blue you won’t believe your eyes.
Algonquin Park Canoe Trip Guide
Learn how to plan a backcountry paddling adventure.
French River Canoe Tripping
Everything you need to know to explore this historic and wild waterway.
Ultimate Guide to Wabakimi
Find out how to plan a canoe trip in this wilderness wonderland.
It's Time for a Paddle
Canoe and kayak rentals that are perfect for your next paddling adventure.
Skip The Crowds
18 Excellent Alternatives to Algonquin Park
Songs About Canoeing
Kevin Callan shares his top 15 favourites.
The Massasauga Provincial Park Guide
What to know to plan your paddling and backcountry camping trip.
Quetico’s Best Canoe Routes
Expert advice for exploring Canada’s top canoeing paradise.
Missinaibi River Canoe Trip
Learn how to plan a canoe trip down this famed wilderness river.
Killarney Canoe Trips
Learn about the best canoe routes in this stunning Ontario park.
Paddling Laws
This is what you need to know about safety on the water in Ontario.
Woodland Caribou Canoe Trip
Get tips about routes, rentals and more.
Best Ontario Paddling Photos
Colin's 10 Faves
Paddle the Mighty Moose River
Cross a big river paddling trip off your bucket list!
Historic Canoe Routes in Ontario
6 paddling parks where you can touch the past.
Philip Edward Island Camping Guide
The inside scoop on this Georgian Bay gem.
19 Best Paddling Day Trips
These canoe and kayak outings make it easy to get out on the water.
Find Wilderness South of Algonquin
Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park
