Backcountry Camping Available At Ontario Parks And On Crown Lands Starting June 1st

Hello time traveller!!
This article is 1420 days old.
The information listed below is likely outdated and has been preserved for archival purposes.

The Ontario government is gradually reintroducing camping in Ontario Parks and recreational camping on Crown land.

As of June 1st, backcountry camping will be available at Ontario Parks, including access points, paddle and portage routes and hiking trails.

Backcountry camping involves hiking or paddling through park lands and setting up camp in remote areas. These campers are typically in small groups, fully equipped with supplies, and do not normally require the use of any facilities, such as washrooms, showers or other amenities.

“We are all eager to get outside this time of year, and backcountry camping will give people a low-risk way to enjoy the benefits of being outdoors while following physical distancing rules,” said Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “We’re counting on people to be responsible when enjoying our parks and continue to follow all of the public health measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19.”

Following current provincial restrictions, no more than five people will be allowed to occupy a backcountry campsite during their stay, unless they live in the same household.

The closure of all other overnight camping and some day-use activities at provincial parks and conservation reserves has been extended to June 14th and will continue to be reassessed. All buildings and facilities including campgrounds, roofed accommodations, visitor centers, park stores, playgrounds, and beaches remain closed.

Ontario Parks will begin collecting fees for day-use and backcountry camping access as of June 1st.  Learn more on the fees here.

In addition, Ontario is reopening recreational camping on Crown land.  Camping on Crown land does not include the use of shared facilities and is a low-risk way for people to enjoy the outdoors.

To learn more about camping on Crown land visit their website here.