The scent of pine needles, the crackling of a campfire, the cozy shelter of a tent… childhood camping trips in Ontario Parks hold a special place in my heart. From those rustic “vault toilets” to the thrill of exploring new parks like Balsam Lake or Algonquin, the memories still make me smile.

As a kid, I remember those dark brown “vault toilet” buildings—the ones that required a flashlight at night. But you know what? It didn’t matter. WE WERE CAMPING! Balsam Lake, Kill Bear, Algonquin, Bonecho, and Sharbot Lake—all these names evoke a sense of adventure and freedom.

As an adult, I appreciate Ontario Parks even more. The clean bathrooms (with real showers!), spacious campsites, and central amenities make them ideal for families. Growing up near Presquile Provincial Park was a dream – it was our own giant, nature-filled backyard!

But our absolute best family camping adventure was at The Pinery Provincial Park. My teens had enough space for independence, yet we were close enough to share laughter around the campfire, creating those forever moments.

Now, years later, my husband and I have the time to camp every summer. We bought a new tent at season’s end for half price—a sign, perhaps, that it was time to bid farewell to our trusty old Woods tent.

Setting Up Camp: Tarp Tales and Rainy Smiles

Every year, like clockwork, we unfold our camping ritual. Last year, a friendly gentleman strolled by as we were setting up. He glanced at our tarp and quipped, “Overkill, isn’t it?” We simply nodded and replied, “We’ll see.”

A few days later, there he was again—this time using a beach umbrella to shield himself from heavy rain. Meanwhile, we sat cozy and dry under our trusty tarp, sipping morning coffee. With a friendly “Good Morning,” we exchanged knowing smiles. He nodded back, perhaps a tad sheepishly, and continued on to the bathroom.

The tarp is always our first order of business. We play a game of “which trees to tie around” as we set it up. Over time, we’ve fine-tuned our technique. One stormy year, we lost a couple of grommets, but we adapted. And those adjustable, good-quality bungee cords? They’re our secret weapon, working seamlessly with each rope. Oh, and let’s not forget the poles we recycled from an old screen room tent—they’re part of our well-oiled setup. When we land our goal is setting up and hitting that sandy beach!

If you enjoy the sound of the rain on a tarp while you enjoying your morning camp coffee this video is for you!

Ontario Parks are like a well-loved book with extra chapters. Each one I’ve visited offers the same warm services, and then—surprise!—they unveil their own special magic. There’s a sense of peace that washes over me the moment I step onto their trails, a feeling of being both grounded and uplifted by the natural world. The vibrant colours, the symphony of birdsong, the textures of moss and stone – they all speak to a part of me that craves that wildness.

Until next time friends…