Achray serves as the lone frontcountry campground on the east side of the park. Set on the shores of the scenic Grand Lake, campers will find forty-five campsites along with a yurt with both a radio-free and dog-free zone. Grand Lake (Access Point 22) also provides a put-in/take-out point for backcountry paddlers.
Directions
Despite the long 50 km (31 mile) drive from Highway 17 at Petawawa, most of which is on gravel, this park is just as busy as those along the Highway 60 corridor, and it can be a challenge to reserve a site. The campground is accessible by 2WD, 4WD and RVs.
To reach the Achray Campground, head west on Highway 28 (Achray Road) from Highway 17. This turns into the Barron Canyon Road and leads to the Sand Lake Gate, the central permit office for the “East Side” of Algonquin, after travelling 26 km. The Sand Lake Gate office offers park information and washroom facilities, and in addition to providing access to the Achray Campground and the Grand Lake Access Point, also serves as access to the Barron Canyon Trail, the Eastern Pines Backpacking Trail and the McManus Lake, Mallard (Sec) Lake and Lake Travers access points. From the gate, it is a further 19.2 km along the Barron Canyon Road before a left/south turn leads an additional 5 km to the campground.
Campground Amenities
While the Achray Campground is situated deep in the Algonquin backcountry, it does offer a range of amenities. These include two beaches, a day-use area, flush toilets, a boat launch, a theatre, a Historic Site Exhibit and an Outside-In Interpretive Exhibit. Please be aware that there are no power sources available, and generators are prohibited.
Things to Do
Hiking: Without leaving the campground, hikers can explore the 4.5 km (2.8 mile) Berm Lake Loop Trail, the 1.6 km (1 mile) Jack Pine Trail leading to the location where Tom Thomson painted "The Jack Pine," or explore sections of the Eastern Pine Backpacking Trail. A drive back along the Barron Canyon Road leads to the trailhead for the 1.5 km (0.9 mile) Barron Canyon Trail, which visits the north rim of the spectacular 100-metre deep Barron Canyon.
Paddling: Those camping in Achray can paddle Grand Lake or drop a canoe into the Barron River and take in the immense cliffs from below. Watch the weather and be prepared for winds on the long, narrow lake.
Fishing: With a boat launch at the campground, it is easy for anglers to get out onto Grand Lake. Here, they will find brook trout, lake trout, and smallmouth bass, but be aware that outboard motors are limited to 10 hp on the lake.
Wildlife Viewing: An early morning drive or a trip out at dusk offers a good chance to spot some of Algonquin’s wildlife, including moose, bear and wolf. Lake Travers Road is your best bet. Drive slowly and watch the woods off the shoulders, especially where creeks meet the road or near Forbes and Pretty Lake. Don’t be afraid of stepping out of your vehicle and trying a wolf howl, you might just be rewarded with a call back!
