Whether you're a seasoned RVer or new to the road, finding the right campground can make all the difference—especially in a province as vast and varied as Ontario. While provincial parks offer incredible scenery, their popularity often means crowds and limited availability. That's why more and more travellers are turning to high-quality private campgrounds like Batman’s Campground, Lazy Rock Campground, and KOA Thunder Bay for a more reliable and comfortable stay. Here are some top private RV campgrounds in Ontario and some insider tips to help you plan your next great escape.
Private campgrounds like KOAs in Ontario offer RVers some advantages over provincial parks. With spacious, well-maintained sites and a variety of amenities, private campgrounds and KOAs often provide a more comfortable and convenient experience. Features like full hookups, Wi-Fi, heated pools, and on-site stores make stays hassle-free. The availability of creature comforts and pet-friendly policies also caters to a diverse range of needs.
As a seasoned RVer and someone who has camped in every province of Canada over the past 40 years, I have seen my share of ‘dinge’. I now lean towards private campgrounds and KOAs for consistent quality and none of the surprises you might find at other locales—unexpected snags like an electrical hookup that doesn't work, insufficient water, or unsanitary washrooms. Trust me, I have seen it all! Every KOA campground in operation undergoes an annual 600-point inspection, the most stringent in the business, and it shows. Additionally, private campgrounds and KOAs have more flexible check-in/out times and are closer to major attractions, giving RVers both natural beauty and easy access to local amenities and entertainment.
Here are our picks for the Top 5 Private RV Campgrounds in Northern Ontario:
The KOA Niagara Falls is top-notch for several reasons, including its prime location just minutes from the Falls. The wide range of exceptional amenities includes spacious campsites and family-friendly activities like the heated pool, playground and bike rentals. Guests appreciate the friendly staff, well-maintained grounds and convenient accommodations, making it a comfortable, memorable base for exploring Niagara. This campground offers spacious, well-kept RV sites and cozy cabins, catering to various camping styles. Clean restrooms and laundry facilities ensure comfort during stays. The on-site store is stocked with essentials, and the fire pits and picnic areas enhance outdoor dining experiences. RVers appreciate the ‘fur baby’ policy, making it easy to travel with pets. The staff is friendly and helpful, adding to the overall welcoming atmosphere. It's a perfect blend of convenience and quality.
Lazy Rock Campground near Mattawa is widely considered one of the best campgrounds in Northeastern Ontario, making it our second choice in the Top 5. It is very well-maintained, very clean and offers a peaceful, lakeside retreat with free working Wi-Fi, spotless showers, and a unique “room service” feature for delivering firewood, ice, or snacks right to your site. Talk about convenience; now I know why it’s called “Lazy” Rock! Guests I’ve spoken to praise the friendly staff and beautiful setting on Taggart Lake, ideal for kayaking, swimming, and fishing! For information on Lazy Rock Campground, visit their website.
Our next top private RV campground, just a stone’s throw from mighty Lake Nipissing, is the Sturgeon Falls KOA Holiday, owned and operated by Greg & Gina Demers. With a list of 5-Star reviews from fellow campers, Sturgeon Falls KOA has all its bases covered for RVers who love the outdoors, and especially the water. Boating and kayaking are available right at your campsite, along the mighty Sturgeon River. Take a pontoon boat tour of the river, right from the campground, or enjoy the 80-foot dock with a slide into the water. This KOA is ‘big-rig friendly’ with 60-foot pads and 30-amp services, as well as 50-amp pull-thru RV sites, up to 110 feet long. Every site offers full service with water, sewer hookup and power. With a 50-slip marina located in the middle of the campground, you may bring your own watercraft or rent one on-site. With a Tripadvisor overall rating of 4.8/5.0, the Sturgeon Falls KOA is the region’s top campground and one of the highest rated in Ontario.
A little further up the lakehead in Thunder Bay is our next of the Top 5 private RV Campgrounds, the KOA Thunder Bay—a 90-acre campground which holds fond memories for me. Back in 1981, on a family camping vacation to Western Canada, the “KOA TBay” was Morrison Stop #1, rounding out a full 18-hour travel day for us. What a perfect first stop this campground was, I will never forget, like access to Kakabeka Falls, located in a picturesque Precambrian gorge, as well as Ouimet Canyon, a site reminiscent of the Grand Canyon. Winner of the 2011 Kampground of the Year award, the KOA Thunder Bay provides all you would expect from any top-notch campground – heated pool, Wi-Fi, 50-amp service and accommodations for 80’ max length rigs. They also offer deluxe cabins and premium tent sites.
Last of our Top 5 Private RV Campgrounds is located on beautiful Manitoulin Island is the highly rated Batman’s Cottages and Campground, an awesome RV destination. This amazing spot was founded by Ralph Batman (hence the name) in 1969 as a family-operated business. The current owners continue to offer great RVing opportunities on Sunset Beach. Batman's boasts breathtaking sunrise views of the La Cloche Mountains and offers 142 fully serviced 30/50 amp pull-through camping sites, in the splendour of magnificent Manitoulin Island. Not only is Batman’s a top-rated RV destination, its location on Sheguiandah Bay was deemed a National Historic Site.
We have seen some of the best private campgrounds, which generally offer more comprehensive amenities like full hookups, showers, Wi-Fi, and organized activities than other campgrounds. RVers seeking accommodations for larger, more luxurious rigs that require 50-amp service and pull-through sites for 5th Wheels and large A-Class RVs will appreciate the more spacious sites. Happy RVing, and I look forward to seeing you at one of these locations!
