Summer is just getting underway, and while we’ve already celebrated Canada Day there are still many weeks of great weather ahead. Making some great memories and taking in the beauty of Canada on a camping trip is the perfect way to spend this time of year with the family.
Fortunately, if you live in Mississauga, you don’t have to go very far at all to get access to some of the most beautiful natural spots in the country. All you need is a reliable vehicle to get you there and a place to pitch a tent, and we’ve got a list of the five best campgrounds to go to with your family
Indian Line Campground
If you’re looking for something close to Mississauga, it doesn’t get much closer than just north of the International Airport! The Indian Line Campground is the answer to camping in your own backyard and is a popular destination for both Mississauga and Toronto residents.
This campground has everything you need, including areas to pitch tents, spots to park RVs and a pet-friendly policy, with up to three pets per family. On top of that, being right in the nerve centre of the Golden Horseshoe, you don’t have to worry about cellular phone reception, plus there’s free wireless internet in the common areas. Coin laundry facilities, showers, a swimming pool and a campground store are amongst this campground’s amenities.
Milton Heights Campground
For something that’s just west of Mississauga, the Milton Heights Campground is another great, nearby alternative. This family-friendly campground is a bit different from others on this list. Not only does this campground remain open during the winter months, but it also accepts long-term stays for people who want to park their RVs and take in the entire season from one campground.
Of course, shorter-term guests are also welcome, and both tents and RVs are accepted at this campground. A pool, rec hall, and store are available, as well as full electric and sewage connections for people with an RV.
Bronte Creek Provincial Park
If you’re willing to travel a little further out west—but not much further, just past Oakville — then the Bronte Creek Provincial Park is another very accessible campground that doesn’t take you far away from Mississauga. Unlike many of campgrounds that are privately run businesses, this provincial park emphasizes nature and roughing it.
Bronte Creek Provincial Park offers a Discovery Program with exhibitions at Spruce Lane Farmhouse. These demonstrate life as it was in the 19th century. Hiking and fishing are also part and parcel of being out in the wilderness. On the other hand, for people who want something a little more traditional, a swimming pool is on site.
Keep in mind that this location doesn’t close when the weather turns cold; in winter you can enjoy tobogganing and cross-country ski trails!
Glen Rouge Campground
For people willing to drive, the Glen Rouge Campground is a great choice that’s east of Scarborough on the 401. It’s a little bit further out compared to some of the other campgrounds listed but nowhere near an hours-long trek up north.
One of the great things about Glen Rouge is that it offers some different experiences, such as “oTENTiks,” a cross between a cabin and a tent for people looking for a unique camping experience. Meanwhile, your children will be sure to be happy: this campground supports Pokémon Go. Your kids will love this!
Gulliver’s Lake RV Resort & Campground
Our last family-friendly campground takes us out west again, this time northwest of Hamilton and Burlington to Gulliver’s Lake RV Resort & Campground. This is a very refined campground experience, geared towards the whole family, with a lot of different activities to take part in.
This campground is all about the lake itself, with docks, facilities for canoes and kayaks, and opportunities to rent boats if you don’t have one of your own. There are showers, pavilions, playgrounds, sites for horseshoes and volleyball, Wi-Fi access, and other amenities. There’s even scuba diving training here for people who want to get serious about going underwater!
For people who can’t get enough of the place, there are even vacation homes on the lakeside for sale.
Be safe out there, and enjoy your summer!