Car camping along the 56-kilometre (35-mile) Highway 60 corridor is one of the easiest ways to experience the heart of Algonquin Provincial Park. This stretch of road threads past lakes, beaches, museums, bike trails, and some of the park’s most accessible hiking – all within a short drive of nine campgrounds that range from quiet and wooded to lively and family-friendly.
What to expect along Highway 60
- Nine campgrounds
- Two museums
- Sixteen hiking trails
- Two bicycle trails
- An art centre
- Picnic tables and firepits at every campsite
- Food-storage lockers at select campgrounds
Demand is steady from spring through fall, so booking ahead is wise. Reservations open five months in advance at reservations.ontarioparks.ca, though last-minute cancellations do occur. For spontaneous trips, the Ontario Parks Cancellations Facebook page is a helpful place to watch for newly released sites.
Canisbay Lake
Number of Sites: 242 campsites (over 100 with electricity)
Paddling: 16 paddle-in campsites
Amenities: Accessible flush toilets, showers and laundry
Season: Campground open mid-May through mid-October
Highlight: Quiet paddling and wildlife viewing
Canisbay Lake sits just north of Highway 60 at km 23.1, reached by a short paved road that leads into one of Algonquin’s most welcoming forest settings. Four loops offer a mix of radio-free, dog-free, and electrical sites, many tucked into mature woods that provide a sense of privacy even in peak season.
A broad sandy beach anchors the day-use area, while a quieter second beach serves as the launch point for the 16 paddle-in sites – an excellent option for campers who want a taste of the interior without a long portage. With motorboats prohibited, the lake stays calm and wildlife-rich; moose often wander the marshy shoreline, and loons are a constant presence.
Canisbay is well-placed for exploring. The Minnesing Mountain Bike Trail begins nearby, and several popular hikes – including Track and Tower – are only a short drive away. The Algonquin Art Centre lies 3 kilometres east, while the Outdoor Theatre is 12 kilometres west. Algonquin Outfitters delivers canoes and kayaks directly to the beach, making it easy to get on the water.
Kearney Lake
Number of Sites: 104 non-electric campsites
Amenities: Accessible flush toilets and showers
Season: Campground open May long weekend and mid-June through Labour Day
Highlights: Great beach and fishing opportunities
Set among tall pines 36.5 kilometres from the West Gate, Kearney Lake has a quieter, more traditional feel. It's 104 non-electric sites include a wheelchair-accessible option, and the campground’s compact layout keeps everything close to the beach, comfort station, and shoreline.
Fishing is a highlight here. Lake trout and smallmouth bass draw anglers in spring and early summer, and with live baitfish prohibited, spoons and soft plastics are the go-to choices. The beach is a pleasant spot for swimming or relaxing after a day on the trails.
The Old Railway Bike Trail passes close by, offering a gentle 16-kilometre (10-mile) ride between Rock Lake and Cache Lake. Bike rentals are available at Algonquin Outfitters at Lake of Two Rivers. The Visitor Centre is less than 10 kilometres away, and a short drive up Opeongo Road brings you to Costello Creek – one of the park’s most reliable places to spot moose.
Lake of Two Rivers Campground
Number of Sites: 241 campsites (over 160 with electricity)
Amenities: Accessible flush toilets, showers and laundry
Season: Campground open mid-May through mid-October
Highlight: Near the Algonquin Outfitters store, restaurant, and bike rentals
Located near km 32, Lake of Two Rivers is Algonquin’s busiest and most energetic campground – a natural hub for families and first-time visitors. Its 241 sites, including more than 160 with electrical hookups, are spread across several loops close to a beautiful sandy beach and the Madawaska River.
Despite the activity, the setting is undeniably scenic. Motorboats up to 20 hp are allowed, but the lake remains a relaxed place to paddle, swim, or cast for lake trout and smallmouth bass. Comfort stations include accessible showers and laundry, and the on-site Algonquin Outfitters store adds convenience with supplies, meals, ice cream, and bike rentals.
The campground sits at the centre of several excellent trails. Two Rivers, Bat Lake, Hemlock Bluff, and Track and Tower are all within a short drive, making this an ideal basecamp for hikers.
Mew Lake Campground
Number of Sites: 131 campsites (over 66 with electricity)
Amenities: Accessible flush toilets and showers (one heated in winter)
Season: Campground open year-round
Note: Motorboats are not permitted
Mew Lake, at km 30.8, is one of the park’s most versatile campgrounds – open year-round and home to yurts, cabins, and traditional campsites. Its 131 sites (66 with electricity) are arranged around a small lake with a popular summer beach and easy access to the Old Railway Bike Trail.
Winter brings a different kind of charm. One comfort station is heated, a skating rink appears when conditions allow, and a new cross-country ski trail begins right from the campground. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the year, and occasional reports of a lone wolf add a touch of wilderness mystique.
The only trade-off is proximity to Highway 60, which can mean some traffic noise. For many visitors, the convenience outweighs the hum of the road.
Pog Lake and Whitefish Group Campgrounds
Number of Sites: 286 campsites (over 88 with electricity). Whitefish Group Site has 18 campsites for up to 40 people
Amenities: Accessible flush toilets, showers and laundry
Season: Campground open mid-May through mid-October
Highlight: Bicycle rentals available at Algonquin Outfitters, Lake of Two Rivers
Just 2 kilometres south of Highway 60 at km 37, Pog Lake blends family-friendly amenities with a quieter, more wooded feel. It's 286 sites include radio-free, dog-free, and accessible options, along with several sandy beaches perfect for swimming and paddling.
The Old Railway Bike Trail runs right past the campground, and the challenging Centennial Ridges Trail is only a short drive away. In the evenings, the Outdoor Theatre – one of Algonquin’s signature experiences – is just 5 kilometres up the road.
Nearby, the Whitefish Group Campground offers 18 rustic sites reserved for youth and special groups. It’s an excellent option for clubs, schools, and larger gatherings looking for a more secluded setting.
Raccoon Lake
Number of Sites: 48 campsites
Amenities: Vault toilets
Season: Campground open mid-June through Labour Day
Highlight: Access to Centennial Ridges and Old Railway Bike Trail
Raccoon Lake is a quiet, rustic retreat reached by a 6-kilometre drive down the Rock Lake Road from km 40.3. With just 48 sites and a small beach, it’s a favourite for campers who want a simple, peaceful base close to some of the park’s best hiking.
The Centennial Ridges Trail – one of Algonquin’s most spectacular routes – is within walking distance. Booth’s Rock Trail is a short drive south and offers sweeping views, especially during fall colours. The area gets busy in autumn, and Booth’s Rock even requires its own day permit during peak weekends.
For those seeking solitude without heading deep into the interior, Raccoon Lake delivers.
Rock Lake Campground
Number of Sites: 121 campsites (over 72 with electricity)
Amenities: Accessible flush toilets and showers
Season: Campground open mid-May through mid-October
Highlight: Motorboats permitted (20 hp limit)
Rock Lake, located 8 kilometres south of Highway 60 near km 40, is a scenic and well-equipped campground with two beaches, 121 sites (72 with electricity), and excellent access to the water. Anglers come for brook trout, lake trout, and smallmouth bass, while paddlers explore the rugged shoreline and visit the pictographs on the rock walls.
Motorboats up to 20 hp are permitted, but the lake remains a calm and beautiful place to paddle. Booth’s Rock Trail is close by and offers some of the best views in the Highway 60 corridor, especially in the fall.
Rock Lake strikes a nice balance: big enough to offer amenities, but still quiet enough to feel immersed in the landscape.
Tea Lake Campground
Number of Sites: 42 non-electric campsites
Amenities: Flush toilets and showers
Season: Campground open mid-June through Labour Day
Highlight: Large beach close to Highway 60
Tea Lake, at km 11.4, is a compact and convenient campground with 42 non-electric sites, a comfort station with showers, and a small beach. Its location makes it a great jumping-off point for exploring the west end of the corridor.
Fishing is popular, with splake, smallmouth bass, and the occasional lake trout. Motorboats up to 20 hp are allowed. Several excellent trails are nearby, including Whiskey Rapids, Hardwood Lookout, and Mizzy Lake – the latter famous for wildlife viewing.
Paddlers can explore Smoke Creek and Smoke Lake, and Algonquin Outfitters at Canoe Lake is only five minutes away for supplies, meals, and rentals.
Choosing your campsite on Highway 60
The campgrounds along Highway 60 make an ideal basecamp for exploring Algonquin. With hiking trails, beaches, museums, wildlife viewing, and quiet motor-free lakes all within easy reach, you can build a different adventure every day of your stay.
Each campground has its own personality – a peaceful lake, a sandy beach, a family-friendly loop, or a quiet corner tucked into the pines – and together they offer a remarkable range of experiences in a compact stretch of road. Whether you are paddling at sunrise, biking the Old Railway Trail, or catching an evening program at the Outdoor Theatre, the Highway 60 corridor keeps the best of Algonquin close at hand.
