Planning your first RV trip in Ontario but not sure where to point the wheels? These are real tips from local RV owners who camp here every season — the people who actually know which lake is worth the drive and which town has the best coffee.
The best part about renting instead of buying? You get to try all of it — beaches, big parks, quiet lakes, even a cross-country road trip — without owning a rig or worrying about winter storage. Pick a city, grab an RV, and go.
Here’s where Ontario owners send their guests.
RV Owner Picks for Ontario
“Fitzroy Provincial Park (local, ~45 mins) is perfect for a quick getaway — forested campsites right along the Ottawa River, great for kayaking and easy trail walks. Algonquin Provincial Park (~2.5 hrs) is a world-renowned paradise: pristine lakes, wildlife, and endless canoe routes. Bon Echo Provincial Park (~2 hrs) has amazing cliffside camping featuring the massive Mazinaw Rock.”
Why we love this pick: This is the one we’d hand a first-timer. It sorts trips by drive time — a 45-minute local option and two famous ones — so you can start small and go bigger on your next trip. Find RV rentals near Ottawa.
“The Outaouais area is full of fun and sun: Sandbanks in Ontario, Lac McGregor in Val-des-Monts, Rivière Rouge (famous for river kayaking), the Laurentians and Mont-Tremblant, Lac Poisson Blanc, and Lac Simon. So much to explore in less than 2 hours around the area.”
Why we love this pick: Pick up around Ottawa and you’re minutes from the Quebec border — and this owner’s list proves it. Everything here is under two hours, mixing Ontario beaches with Quebec lakes and mountains. One rental, two provinces to play with. See RV rentals in Ottawa.
“Head to Algonquin Provincial Park — epic hiking, great beaches, and beautiful motor-boat-free lakes to kayak and canoe in. Other great parks near Toronto are Killbear Provincial Park (great beaches, biking trails, and unique hikes) and Sauble Beach Provincial Park (an almost ocean-like beach).”
Why we love this pick: Three very different trips from one city — quiet Algonquin lakes, Killbear’s Georgian Bay views, and Sauble’s giant beach. Perfect if you’re not sure what kind of camper you are yet. See RV rentals in Toronto.
“Right here in the Kawarthas there’s so much to see and do. Emily Provincial Park makes a great spot to set up camp — it’s right on Pigeon Lake. A short drive to Peterborough and you can check out the highest hydraulic lift lock in the world, stroll the free Riverview Park and Zoo, or visit the Canoe Museum on a rainy day.”
Why we love this pick: Not every trip has to be a big-name park. This one’s built for families — a lakeside site plus easy town outings and a rainy-day backup plan. Browse RV rentals near Barrie.
“From London there are numerous places to visit within a 2-hour radius: breweries to the west and north, wineries in Niagara, famous camping in Grand Bend at the Pinery, and birding in Leamington.”
Why we love this pick: A tidy little road map for southwestern Ontario. Beaches, birds, wine, and beer all within a short drive — easy to plan a weekend around whatever your group is into. Find RV rentals near London.
“Best overall resort-style camping: Wildwood Golf & RV Resort. Wildwood by the lake in Morpeth also has lots of activities for kids, plus Wheatley Provincial Park and other provincial parks nearby.”
Why we love this pick: If you’re in the far southwest, you don’t need to drive for hours to camp well. Resort-style sites and a Lake Erie provincial park are right there — handy for a low-stress first trip with kids. See RV rentals in Windsor.
“Beautiful Lake Erie is a short haul from here. Turkey Point and Long Point provincial parks, plus many private campgrounds. Norfolk County is home to amazing microbreweries and some great local restaurants.”
Why we love this pick: There’s more to this corner of Ontario than the Falls. Lake Erie beaches, two provincial parks, and Norfolk’s food-and-drink scene make for an easy, grown-up-friendly weekend. Find RV rentals near Niagara Falls.
Dreaming Bigger?
One Ontario owner mapped out a full coast-to-coast run: the Rockies and BC for glacier lakes and hot springs, the Prairies and Badlands for wildlife and dark-sky stargazing, Ontario’s Canadian Shield lakes, and Quebec and the East Coast for whales and coastal drives.
That’s the quiet advantage of renting over buying. You can take a rig cross-country once, park it back with its owner, and never think about maintenance or storage again. The dream trip is something you can actually book — no ownership required.
Ready to Book?
These owners rent their RVs on Outdoorsy, and you save 10% when you book through Breakaway RV Rentals. Delivery and pet-friendly options are available on plenty of listings — just filter and go.
Not near the cities above? We’ve got you covered across Ontario, including Hamilton, Mississauga, and Kitchener.