
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

Ontario’s Blue-Water Lakes
Waters so blue you won’t believe your eyes.

Killarney Canoe Trips
Learn how to plan a backcountry canoe trip in this provincial park.

Paddling Laws
This is what you need to know about safety on the water in Ontario.
Sun and Sand
Soak it up at the best Lake Huron beaches
Spectacular Rivers
11 easy day trips for canoes, kayaks and SUPs.

Skip The Crowds
18 Excellent Alternatives to Algonquin Park

It's Time for a Paddle
Canoe and kayak rentals that are perfect for your next paddling adventure.

Killarney’s Most Beautiful Lakes
10 lakes you need to book a campsite on.

Top 10 Easy Canoe Trips
Go guided and learn canoe and camping skills in Northern Ontario.

Paddling Getaways Near North Bay
Discover 7 stunning places to explore by kayak and canoe.

Ultimate Paddling Day Trips
11 can’t-miss provincial parks for paddlers.

SUPreme Adventure
Best paddleboarding destinations for beginners.

Mattawa River Canoe Trip Guide
Paddle the rugged and historic waterway.

Kayaking in Northern Ontario
14 paddling spots that are sure to delight.

Best Sites on the French River
Where to stay on your canoe trip.
The Missing Link of "the Great Trail"
Find out how it was completed.

Easy River Tripping
The French River will delight canoeists of all ages.

Best Lakes for Paddling
Explore Ontario’s pristine waters.

Go With the Flow
14 river tubing & rafting adventures in Ontario

more savage than the nahanni
Take the Magnetawan River challenge.