Camping at Sturgeon Bay Provincial Park: A May Long Weekend Adventure

There’s no better way to kick off the summer season than spending the May long weekend outdoors, and Sturgeon Bay Provincial Park is the perfect hidden gem for a peaceful nature escape. Located just off Highway 400 in Pointe au Baril, Ontario, this cozy and quiet park offers a classic Northern Ontario camping experience — tranquil, scenic, and stress-free. Best of all, it’s just over two hours north of Toronto, making it an easy weekend getaway.

This trip also marked a small milestone — Sturgeon Bay is the 42nd park I’ve visited in the Ontario Parks system, and it was the first trip in my new VW Taos. Some people are able to go camping with everything on their back, but not me, I am NOT that girl. I need an SUV for my camping adventures and having this VW has been amazing!

It’s been a rewarding journey exploring what our province has to offer, one park at a time. And this was our first camping trip of the season, which meant Rosie was especially excited to be back in the tent and exploring the trails. Her bum was shaking from the moment I started packing up the Yeti cooler and all the way until we pulled into the campground.

The Campground at Sturgeon Bay Provincial Park

Sturgeon Bay may be one of Ontario’s smaller provincial parks, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm and accessibility. Here’s what to expect when setting up camp for the long weekend:

Campsites & Layout

• The park offers 81 car-accessible campsites, many of which are tucked under tall pines or nestled along the rocky ridges typical of the Canadian Shield.

• About a third of the sites have electrical hookups, ideal for RVs or anyone bringing small appliances.

• Expect level-ish ground, fire pits, and picnic tables at each site. While there are no backcountry or walk-in options, the convenience of being able to drive right up to your site is perfect for families and first-time campers.

• Campsites are close together with little to no privacy, especially during busy weekends. Noise carries easily, so bring earplugs or plan on early mornings.
  

  
  

  

  
  

Amenities

• Flush toilets are centrally located and kept clean.

• Drinking water taps are available throughout the campground.

• Firewood and ice are available for purchase at the park gatehouse.

  
  

Waterfront & Recreation

• The small but scenic day-use beach is a popular spot for swimming and relaxing. The rocky shoreline and Canadian Shield outcrops make it a uniquely beautiful place to spend an afternoon.

• Canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards can be launched from the beach area, with calm waters ideal for beginners.

• Although there aren’t extensive hiking trails, the shoreline and forested areas provide great opportunities for short hikes and exploration.

• The bay is well-known for early-season fishing, especially for those bringing their gear and a bit of patience.

  
  

Sunday Day Trip: To Parry Sound

After a couple of slow-paced days outdoors, Sunday is the perfect time for a short road trip. The weather was cold and rainy so it was a perfect opportunity to explore the town of Parry Sound. We started out at Canadian Tire and wondered around there for a little bit and checked out their camping section. We picked up a few things that we needed and then headed down the road to Trestle Brewing Company

• Why it’s worth the drive:

  • Located on the waterfront, the brewery offers stunning views of the Parry Sound harbor and the iconic CPR Trestle Bridge.

  • Trestle Brewing Company serves up a variety of craft beers brewed on-site, including small-batch seasonal selections.

  • The patio is a great spot to relax, and the menu features dishes like hot pretzels charcuterie boards, sandwiches and beer.

  • It’s dog-friendly, and that made it special for Rosie and I to enjoy lunch together.

  • Hours on Sundays: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (kitchen closes at 7:30 PM)

    
    

After a little snack and a beer flight, we decided to take a walk along the fitness trail. It is a 5km well manicured trail. We wondered along the trail and came to the Canadian Coast Guard. After our walk, we headed back to camp and joined in most of Canada as we live streamed the Maple Leafs Game 7 at the bonfire.

Sturgeon Bay Provincial Park offers a simple and accessible camping experience just a short drive from Toronto. While it may lack some of the amenities and privacy of larger parks, it delivers on natural beauty and convenience. With the added bonus of a brewery day trip, it’s a solid choice for anyone looking to unplug and enjoy a weekend outside.

• Pack light, plan ahead, and enjoy the balance of fresh air, forest shoreline, and a good local beer to close out your long weekend.

Let me know in the comments your thoughts on this park. I would love to hear what you think!

Happy Camping🏕️

Love,

Liz