RV Camping Ontario: North Shore of Lake Superior
Discover the Ultimate RV Adventure Along Lake Superior’s North Shore
We love RV camping along Ontario’s north shore of Lake Superior, a bucket-list road trip for adventure seekers! With breathtaking views, rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and incredible provincial parks, this route offers some of the best camping in Canada. Whether you're looking for full-service campgrounds or off-grid boondocking spots, this guide will help you plan the ultimate RV trip along this stunning stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway.
While a Lake Superior RV adventure will provide many memories along the way, the spectacular beauty of the world's largest freshwater lake cannot be denied.
Why RV Camping Along Lake Superior’s North Shore is a Must-Do
Lake Superior’s north shore is one of Canada’s most scenic and rugged landscapes. With vast stretches of pristine wilderness, crystal-clear waters, and towering cliffs, this region is a dream for nature lovers and road-trippers alike. Here’s why you should consider an RV camping adventure along this spectacular route:
Unmatched Natural Beauty: Experience Canada’s inland sea with its turquoise waters, rugged coastline, and untouched forests.
Scenic Drives: The Trans-Canada Highway offers some of the most breathtaking views in Ontario, with plenty of scenic pull-offs and photo opportunities.
Rich History and Culture: Learn about Indigenous history, visit ancient pictographs, and explore historic sites along the way.
Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy hiking, paddling, fishing, and wildlife spotting at some of Ontario’s best provincial parks.
RV-Friendly Facilities: Numerous campgrounds, fuel stops, and amenities along the route make RV camping convenient and comfortable.
Whether you prefer to camp in the pristine settings of Onatrios provincial parks or enjoy full hookups and the services of an RV resort, there is a perfect camping spot waiting for you along the north shore of Lake Superior.
Best RV Campgrounds on the North Shore of Lake Superior
Whether you prefer lakeside views, secluded forest settings, or easy access to hiking trails, the north shore of Lake Superior has an RV campground for you.
Ontario Provincial Parks along the North Shore of Lake Superior
Pancake Bay Provincial Park
It is famous for its sandy beaches and Caribbean-like waters.
Spacious campsites with electrical hookups and modern facilities.
Close to the Lookout Trail, offering spectacular views of the lake.
Agawa Bay Campground – Lake Superior Provincial Park
Stunning lakeside campsites with incredible sunset views.
Visitor Centre with information on the park’s history and ecology.
Nearby access to the Agawa Rock Pictographs, an important Indigenous site.
Rabbit Blanket Lake – Lake Superior Provincial Park
A quieter, inland camping option within the park.
Great for canoeing and fishing in a peaceful setting.
Close to scenic spots like the Sand River waterfalls.
Neys Provincial Park
Historic site of a WWII prisoner-of-war camp.
Beautiful beachfront campsites with stunning Lake Superior views.
Access to hiking trails, including the famous Pic Island Overlook.
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
A mix of full-service and backcountry RV sites.
Home to some of Ontario’s best hiking trails, including the Top of the Giant Trail.
Wildlife spotting opportunities, including moose and bald eagles.
RV Parks along the North Shore of Lake Superior
Glenview’s Campground (Sault Ste. Marie) -Trailer sites can accommodate all types and sizes of recreational vehicles, offering full hookups or just water and electricity (30 amps).
KOA Holiday Sault Ste. Marie – Full hookups, Wi-Fi, pool, and pet-friendly.
Wawa RV Resort & Campground – Full-service sites, pool, showers, and Wi-Fi.
Thunder Bay KOA Holiday - 90 acres of spruce, birch, and poplar tucked in the trees and in wide-open sunshine. Enjoy the driving range, mini golf, an outdoor shuffleboard court, two heated saltwater pools, a splash pad, and a catch-and-release trout pond. Pets are invited to the off-leash park.
Chippewa Park Pavilion - located on the shore of Lake Superior, south of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Set up on one of the 34 electrical and water RV sites are available with 15, 30, and 50-amp/240 volt electrical service
Penn Lake Park and Campground - The park offers 16 campsites with 30/15 amp service and 2 RV sites with 50/30/15 amp service.
There is no shortage of outdoor adventures along the north shore of Lake Superior. Hiking, biking, paddling, and fishing opportunities abound. If you want to enjoy the outdoors in a less active way, discover amazing beaches or chase some waterfalls.
Discover more Lake Superior adventures.
Lake Superior Adventures: Your Ultimate Northern Ontario Outdoor Activity Guide
11 Stunning Lake Superior Beaches in Ontario You Need to Visit This Summer!
Must-See Attractions Along the North Shore
While the campgrounds and Lake Superior shoreline are a major draw, the drive has so many must-visit attractions. Here are some of the highlights you won’t want to miss:
Terry Fox Monument (Thunder Bay): A tribute to the Canadian hero with panoramic lake views.
Ouimet Canyon: A breathtaking deep canyon with dramatic cliffs and walking trails.
Aguasabon Falls & Gorge: A powerful waterfall near Terrace Bay, perfect for a quick stop and scenic photos.
Wawa Goose Statue: One of Ontario’s most famous roadside attractions.
Old Woman Bay: A stunning bay with towering cliffs and a sandy beach, ideal for a picnic or a swim.
Pebble Beach (Marathon): Pounding waves and shifting ice polish the colorful rocks that line Pebble Beach for over two kilometers.
Essential RV Camping Tips for the North Shore
Camping along the north shore of Lake Superior comes with some unique challenges. Here’s what you need to know to have a smooth and enjoyable trip:
Best Time to Visit: The ideal RV camping season is from late May to early October. The fall offers stunning foliage but can be chilly at night.
Reservations vs. First-Come, First-Served: Many campgrounds require advanced reservations during peak season.
Packing Essentials: Bring extra fuel, drinking water, bear-proof food storage, and warm layers for cool nights.
Wildlife Precautions: Watch for black bears, moose, and other wildlife. Store food properly and drive cautiously.
Fuel and Grocery Stops: To avoid running low in remote areas, fuel up in major towns like Sault Ste. Marie, Wawa, Marathon, and Thunder Bay.
Boondocking and Free Camping Options
For RVers looking to save money or enjoy off-grid camping, the north shore of Lake Superior has several boondocking opportunities:
Crown Land Camping: Some areas allow free dispersed camping - check regulations before setting up.
Walmart Overnight Parking: A few locations along the route allow overnight stays in their parking lots.
While the rugged shores of Lake Superior might be the primary reason for a road trip north, be sure to set aside some time to explore the many attractions in Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and towns along the way.
RV-Friendly Towns and Services
Knowing where to find RV services along the route is essential. Here are some key towns and what they offer:
Sault Ste. Marie: Full-service RV parks, fuel stations, grocery stores, and repair shops.
Wawa: Dump stations, fuel stops, and local dining options.
Marathon: A great stop for resupplying with grocery stores and fuel stations.
Nipigon: Small-town charm with access to outdoor adventures and RV-friendly amenities.
Thunder Bay: The largest city along the route with RV repair shops, full-service campgrounds, and shopping centers.
RV camping along Ontario’s north shore of Lake Superior is an unforgettable journey filled with stunning landscapes, top-tier campgrounds, and incredible outdoor adventures. Whether you're relaxing by the shores of Pancake Bay, hiking at Sleeping Giant, or discovering hidden gems along the route, this trip is one every RVer should experience. Start planning your adventure today and embrace the wild beauty of Canada’s greatest lake!
Are you ready to hit the road? Share your favorite RV camping spots along Lake Superior’s north shore in the comments below!
