If you’re thinking about camping in Nova Scotia, you’ve come to the right place.
Many things make Nova Scotia unique, but one of the most popular Nova Scotia facts is that no matter where you are in the province, you’re never more than 67 km from the ocean. With more than 100 campsites and 20 provincial parks to choose from, we wanted to highlight some of our favourite spots for camping in Nova Scotia to help you narrow down your options.
Whether you’re after those stunning ocean views or thinking about family activities when camping in Nova Scotia, this list of Nova Scotia campgrounds has you covered.
Note: Most places are open from early May to early October, but each has its own operating season, so you’ll want to check each individual place for dates.
Kejimkujik National Park
Surrounded by lush forests, serene lakes, and an abundance of wildlife, camping at Kejimkujik National Park in Nova Scotia is an absolute blast! The park offers a variety of camping options, from cozy tent sites to rustic cabins, ensuring there’s something for everyone. During the day, you can explore the park’s extensive network of hiking and biking trails, where you’ll stumble upon breathtaking waterfalls, hidden caves, and ancient petroglyphs that tell stories of the past. If you’re a water enthusiast, grab your canoe or kayak and paddle along the picturesque rivers and lakes, immersing yourself in the pristine beauty of nature. As night falls, gather around a crackling campfire, roasting marshmallows and swapping stories under a sky full of twinkling stars. The park’s dark sky reserve status guarantees an awe-inspiring stargazing experience when the skies are clear. In addition, Parks Canada offers some interesting options for “roofed” camping here, including their classic oTENTiks, their new and unique Ôasis teardrop treehouses, cabins, and yurts, making it easy for those that do not have their own tent. So, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a memorable camping adventure, Kejimkujik National Park has it all.
Thomas Raddall Provincial Park
Located right across the bay from Kejimkujik National Park’s seaside location and nestled along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Thomas Raddall Provincial Park is another great place to go camping in Nova Scotia. This park offers a unique camping experience with breathtaking ocean views and pristine sandy beaches, including 69 unserviced camping sites and 13 walk-in campsites. Campers will also find toilets, showers, dishwashing stations, multiple water taps, picnic areas, and limited WiFi options.
During the day, you can embark on exhilarating coastal hikes, where you’ll encounter rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and charming fishing villages. You can also take a refreshing dip in the sparkling waters, go for a kayak adventure, or simply enjoy the rich wildlife, including seals, ospreys, and even the occasional whale sighting.
Graves Island, East Chester
Graves Island in East Chester is perhaps our favourite site for camping in Nova Scotia. It’s located in a provincial park on a very small island that only contains the park, offering beautiful ocean views from almost all campsites. There’s also plenty of space between each campsite so you can be as social or reclusive as you want. There are also beautiful walking trails with benches where you can sit and watch the sunset or enjoy the sounds of the water lapping at the shore. It’s also conveniently located just five minutes from Chester, where you can find many options for dining, shopping and entertainment.
Broad Cove Campground, Cape Breton
Broad Cove Campground is another Nova Scotia campground that has it all. Framed by trees on all sides with ocean beach access and close proximity to the village of Ingonish, it’s a wonderful spot for camping in Nova Scotia. Located in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the campground is surrounded by dozens of world-class hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty and scenery. You’ll find every amenity available in this park, including flush toilets, showers, a playground, an outdoor theatre, and more. There are also six oTENTiks for those that don’t have their own tent. For those looking to do one of the most spectacular road trips, this campground is also a great choice as you can enjoy many things to do on the Cabot Trail. It’s also a spectacular destination in the Fall. Check out our video on Youtube.
The Ovens Natural Park, Riverport
The Ovens Natural Park has ocean views like no other. You can watch the most incredible sunrises right from your window, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean or be on the opposite side of the park to see the sunset every night. The lapping waves are just a few steps away, where you can beach-comb or pan for real gold! You can rent prospecting equipment on site, or some savvy gold miners even bring their own. If you’re not in the prospecting mood, go for a walk along the trails to explore the sea caves. The waters are as turquoise as the Caribbean on a clear and calm day and you can hear the waves booming in the caves like thunder on stormier days! There’s also a restaurant where you can grab a meal or a drink as you admire the beautiful views. Please note: due to their terrain and stairs, the sea cave trails are not wheelchair accessible.
Dollar Lake Provincial Park
Get ready for a fantastic outdoor adventure surrounded by picturesque landscapes and a tranquil lake. Dollar Lake Provincial Park offers a range of camping options, including 97 unserviced campsites. Dollar Lake is a haven for water enthusiasts, with its crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming (the beach has lifeguards on duty in July and August), canoeing, and kayaking. Cast your fishing line and try your luck at catching trout or perch or enjoy their extensive trail network that caters to hikers and mountain bikers, leading you through enchanting forests and offering breathtaking views along the way. Some of the wildlife you may encounter include deer, foxes, and a variety of bird species.
Located in Musquodoboit Valley, Dollar Lake Provincial Park campground is only 40 minutes from downtown Halifax and just 20 minutes from the international airport.
Ellenwood Lake, Yarmouth
Ellenwood Lake Campground is actually positioned between two lakes, so you have the option of inland camping or camping with water views. What we enjoyed about this campground is that it’s not too far from the activity of downtown Yarmouth, yet the campsites feel secluded and serene. We also prefer campgrounds where trailers aren’t packed tightly next to each other, which is another benefit of this campground. While it can be great to be social and have neighbours, we really appreciate when sites are more wooded and private for peace and quiet. Another unique feature is that the campground is also located in an International Starlight Foundation designated Starlight Reserve making it an excellent spot for stargazing if you get a clear night. There’s also a variety of amenities such as showers, drinking water, beach access, fishing, swimming, and more.
Shubie Park Campground, Shubenacadie
If you’re looking to be close to the action of Halifax Regional Municipality, this is the place for you. After all, it’s the closest campground to downtown Halifax.
Shubie Campground has more than 75 acres of land to explore, which includes history, sightseeing sites, walking trails and river activities like kayaking or paddle boarding rentals. Learn about the historic canals at the Shubenacadie Interpretive Centre, which were once part of an old Mi’kmaq waterway. You’re also just a short drive from Dartmouth or the bridge to downtown Halifax, which makes it easy to explore the city while camping in nature. There are more than 100 campsites available to rent for tents, RVs and motorhomes. However, due to its close proximity to the city, you will hear traffic.
Five Islands Provincial Park
Five Islands Provincial Park is truly a unique place to go camping in Nova Scotia. Located on Nova Scotia’s North Shore, the park is a part of the Fundy Geocliffs, a UNESCO Global Geopark. Prepare to be awestruck by the park’s stunning coastal scenery and unique geological formations as you witness the highest tides in the world. During low tide, you can embark on an unforgettable adventure by walking on the ocean floor and exploring the mesmerizing sea caves that dot the shoreline.
Five Islands has sites with ocean views or if you’d prefer not to be next to the ocean, there are also inland campsites as well. Enjoy some spectacular hiking trails that take you along the cliffs and to ocean views, a must-do for anyone in this part of Nova Scotia. This campground is also close to favourites like Five Islands Lighthouse Park and That Dutchman’s Cheese Farm and animal park, which is great for families and adults.
Cape Chignecto Provincial Park
Also located next to the spectacular Bay of Fundy, Cape Chignecto Provincial Park is another great spot to go camping in Nova Scotia. Prepare to be blown away by the park’s rugged coastal beauty, 185-metre sea cliffs, and unparalleled hiking opportunities. While there are no campsites for RVs, it definitely is a tenters paradise with 47 backcountry campsites, 30 walk-in campsites, 12 kayak campsites, 3 group campsites, and 3 cabins and a bunkhouse. The park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and beachcombing. If you’re looking for more adventure, do a kayaking-camping trip or opt for the 55 km coastal loop trail, which requires approximately three nights of camping to complete. Whether you opt for a hike, a kayak, or some simple sightseeing, keep an eye out for wildlife sightings, including seals, eagles, and even whales.
Meat Cove Campground
Get ready for a unique and adventurous camping experience in one of the most remote and picturesque locations in the province. Perched on the northern tip of Cape Breton Island, Meat Cove Campground offers breathtaking coastal views, rugged cliffs, and a sense of untamed wilderness. Set up your tent or RV in this scenic campground, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and wake up to the soothing sounds of crashing waves. This private campground offers many campsites, cabins, and even a chalet guesthouse. Each campsite comes supplied with a fire pit with firewood available on site. Each cabin comes with a table and chairs and a 6-foot deck on the outside. Free Showers, free WIFI, and access to flush toilets and fresh drinking water are right in the campground.
As this is located on the world-famous Cabot Trail highway, it’s a great spot to camp for those enjoying the road trip and wanting to explore the surrounding area with its numerous hiking trails, panoramic vistas, whale watching, kayaking, and even cliffside rappelling.
Murphy’s Camping on the Ocean
As you can glean from the name, Murphy’s on the Ocean is a great place to go camping in Nova Scotia for those that love the ocean. Nestled right along the picturesque coastline, this campground offers a unique camping experience with direct access to the pristine sandy beaches and the soothing sounds of the ocean waves. Set up your tent or RV in one of the spacious campsites, some even offering oceanfront views, and wake up to the invigorating scent of the sea. Murphy’s offers 25 unserviced tent sites and 20 serviced RV sites as well as 3 seasonal sites and 4 rental units, with the camping sites being fully pet-friendly. They also offer communal campfires, mussel boils, kayak rentals, and a playground for those with families, in addition to boat tours to the many islands nearby. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, they will even drop you off on one of the many wild islands to explore.
King Neptune Campground
The King Neptune Campground is the closest campground to Peggy’s Cove, which is one of the most famous landmarks in the province. The campground has been family-run for the past 60 years and offers 65 camping sites with ocean views and 45 serviced sites for those with RVs. The campground is also pet-friendly and offers Free wifi, clean washrooms, hot showers (coin-operated), fireplaces on select sites, firewood for sale, picnic tables, a playground, a boat launch, and ocean swimming on Pebbly Beach. You can even walk to Ryer’s Lobster Pound and buy some fresh lobster!
In addition to all the above, what makes this campground a good spot for camping in Nova Scotia is that it gives you the chance to experience an authentic, active fishing village and the quaint charms of Nova Scotia. From brightly painted fishing boats coming and going with their daily catch to the seagulls that follow them, this is Nova Scotia at its finest.
Hubbards Beach Campground and Cottages
Located in Hubbards, a lovely small community on Nova Scotia’s south shore, Hubbards Beach Campground and Cottages offer camping and cottage rentals with free access to the beach. This place is great for RVs and tents as well sites are fully serviced. They also have an arcade, a laundromat, a canteen, and more. There’s even a live music venue nearby called the Shore Club for those looking to experience some local Nova Scotian charm.
After waking up to the soothing sound of waves crashing along the shoreline, spend your days soaking up the sun, building sandcastles, swimming in the refreshing waters, or hiking nearby trails. The beach is also great for kayaking and paddleboarding, with equipment available for rent. It’s also a great spot to indulge in delicious seafood, as the area is renowned for its lobster and fresh fish.
Valley Sky Luxury Camping, Annapolis Valley
If you’re looking to add some glamour to your camping in Nova Scotia experience, you may want to consider Valley Sky Luxury Camping in Annapolis Valley. They offer a cabin, a guest suite, and two stunning Geodesic Domes, all situated on their 32-acre property. This adults-only accommodation experience is the perfect place to celebrate a honeymoon, birthday, anniversary or any special occasion. All of their accommodation options include a full kitchen with the cabin and domes offering private hot tubs as well. Both of the domes also accommodate up to four people, with one couple on the main floor and one in the loft over the bathroom. Also, since you’ll be staying in Nova Scotia’s wine country, you’ll want to sample some wine and one of the wineries is just a 15-20 minute walk away.
Archer’s Edge Luxury Camping, Cape Breton
Located amongst the beauty of the Cape Breton Highlands, these domes are perfect for those seeking unique accommodation with absolutely jaw-dropping views of the ocean. Located right near the edge of a cliff (no sleepwalking allowed), Archer’s Edge offers guests a unique Canadian glamping experience. Once a working farm that has been transformed by the same family, each geodesic dome is fully enclosed, 100% waterproof, insulated, ventilated and comfortable. With views of the sea and sky that offers everything from peaceful contemplation to inspiration for adventure, you may not want to leave. But if you do, there are so many things to do in Cape Breton, including the world-famous Cabot Trail road trip, world-renown golf courses, hiking trails, snowmobile trails, and so much more.
Rissers Provincial Park
Located just across the street from the silvery sands of Risser’s Beach, Rissers Provincial Park is a beautiful spot to go camping in Nova Scotia. While many sites are located within the trees at North Rissers, there are ocean-view sites in Little Rissers. Camping is available for both RVs and tents, with 74 unserviced campsites, 19 serviced and 6 walk-in campsites. There are plenty of amenities here, including showers, flush toilets, drinking water, dishwashing stations, firewood, picnic areas, beach access, swimming, hiking, fishing, and more. There’s also a playground, making this a great spot for families. There are also some fun walking trails, such as the boardwalks that have been built over the sand dunes to protect them, all of which lead to the stunning white sands of Rissers Beach.
Blomidon Provincial Park and Campground
If you happen to be visiting the beautiful wine region of Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, you may want to consider camping at Blomidon Provincial Park and Campground. Looking out onto the Bay of Fundy on the Minas Basin, which is home to 600-foot (180 metres) cliffs, the area is home to a variety of habitats, striking natural features, abundant wildlife, and the world’s highest tides. It’s a great place for hiking, beachcombing, camping, and more. It’s also close to national historic sites and some of the province’s best wineries.
This provincial park offers 76 unserviced sites, 6 pull-throughs, and group sites as well. Park amenities include flush toilets, showers, a disposal station, fire grills, table and group shelters, a multi-purpose building with a wood stove, hiking trails, wood, ice, and more. Wi-Fi is available (limited) and leashed pets are permitted.
Jellystone Park, Kingston
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp Resort is one of the best places to go camping in Nova Scotia if you’re travelling with kids in the southern part of Nova Scotia. It’s set up like a little town with fun Yogi Bear-themed street names. We couldn’t believe how many activities this place had for kids and adults. From scavenger hunts to socials, there were activities almost every hour of the day. It also includes tons of amenities for kids and adults alike. You’ll have no problem keeping the kids and yourselves entertained here. The sites are quite tight together when the campground is full, but it has plenty of sites to choose from, such as serviced tent sites to extra-long VIP sites for trailers!
Sunset Watch, Brule
Sunset Watch is a beautiful campground in Brule known as cottage country on the province’s North Shore. This campground offers breathtaking ocean views and beach access. The waters of the Northumberland Strait are much warmer than other parts of the province, and you may even spot a few seals. This campground has plenty of amenities for kids and social events for adults. You’re just a short drive from the charming village of Tatamagouche, where you can visit the multi-award-winning Tatamagouche Brewery (one of the top breweries in Nova Scotia), grab some fresh meat for the BBQ at Dexter’s, or take a stroll on the Butter Trail. Don’t miss a visit to Jamieson’s General Store, stocked with tasty local goods.
Hennigar’s Farm Market, Wolfville
This campground is not available to the public, but if you have a Harvest Host membership, you can park your RV or trailer next to Henningar’s Farm Market’s apple orchards and watch the barn swallows swoop through the air. Stock up on your groceries at their robust market, offering a fudge and ice cream counter, an animal petting zoo, and activities like Farmer’s Golf! Located just minutes from downtown Wolfville, this is a great place to experience Nova Scotia’s south shore. Learn more about this region in our guide to Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley.
Looking for More Things to Do in Nova Scotia?
As you can see, Nova Scotia is a haven for campers. Whether you’re tenting, RV-ing or hitching a trailer, there are so many beautiful spots to go camping in Nova Scotia. You can be next to a lake in the middle of nature or within walking distance from wineries. The choice is yours.
Also, If you’re looking to stay in a provincial campground and want to select the amenities you’d like for your campsite, check out www.parks.novascotia.ca for a full list of provincial parks.
There’s also so much more to Nova Scotia and beyond. For more ideas on what to do in Nova Scotia and beyond, check out these travel guides below.
- Eastern Shores of Nova Scotia
- Things to Do in New Brunswick
- Things to Do in Prince Edward Island
- Things to Do in Newfoundland
- Taking the Newfoundland Ferry
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