With summer just around the corner, camping and road trip planning is heating up across Newfoundland and Labrador. From campsites overlooking scenic ocean vistas to remote sites tucked into dense forest, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador truly has it all when it comes to both frontcountry and backcountry camping. Whether you are a local looking for a new hidden gem or a visitor planning a road trip across this beautiful province, the new 2nd Edition of the Newfoundland and Labrador Backroad Mapbook is the perfect tool for planning your next camping trip, and the perfect companion to bring with you for all your adventures along the way.
Camping in Newfoundland and Labrador is split up between provincial and national parks, private campgrounds, rest areas or wilderness areas, and backcountry or wilderness camping. Each type of camping will provide a different experience and require different levels of preparation. Below, we will outline the basics of what you need to know before camping in this beautiful province, and further information can be found in the 2nd Edition of the Newfoundland and Labrador Backroad Mapbook.
Start Planning Your Trip
From glamping yurts with amenities in some of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most scenic provincial and national parks to backcountry campsites set among mountain valleys and alongside sparkling streams, there is no shortage of beautiful spots to spend a night or week beneath the stars. Whether you are planning a camping trip in advance and booking campsite reservations, or simply looking to grab some first-come, first-served sites along a road trip, it is always a good idea to map out a tentative itinerary so that you can plan correctly.
With clearly marked regional, provincial, and national parks along with comprehensive roadways including highways, secondary roads, and logging and industry roads, it is easy to start planning out your next camping trip with the 2nd Edition of the Newfoundland and Labrador Backroad Mapbook. And with a newly reviewed and updated Parks & Camping Adventure section, you will have detailed information on campground access, amenities, number of sites, nearby activities, and contact information right at your fingertips.
Make a Reservation (Or Don’t)
There are almost 100 formal campgrounds spread out across the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, which includes provincial and national campgrounds. In addition, there are several options for private campgrounds, yurts and glamping options, as well as wilderness areas which offer free camping, and rustic backcountry sites which can be found along scenic hiking trails, paddling routes, and secluded logging roads. For national park reservations, visit reservation.pc.gc.ca, or phone 1-877-737-3783. For provincial park reservations, visit nlcamping.ca or phone 1-877-214-2267. A list of some of the private campgrounds throughout the province, as well as contact information, can be found at campingselect.ca.
If the campground you wish to visit is sold out, or you are on a road trip looking for a last-minute spot to spend the night in nature, most of the provincial and national parks in Newfoundland and Labrador feature at least a few first-come, first-served campsites. Furthermore, much of the island of Newfoundland is classified as crown or public land, meaning that tent and RV camping virtually anywhere is free and legal if you aren’t within the boundaries of provincial or national parks, protected areas, or on private property.
Some examples of areas with free rustic wilderness sites include the Avalon Wilderness Reserve, which can be accessed by rough 4WD roads (permit required), the beachy area at Fortune Head, the Main River Canadian Heritage River Area, accessed by rough backroads, or Blue Beach, where you can set up a tent right on the sand. Even more secluded options include the wilderness sites that require hiking in, such as the Bay Du Nord Wilderness Reserve (permit required), the headland overlooking Fox Bay which can be accessed from the Fox Head trail in Champney’s East, or the wide variety of wilderness campsites found off the famous East Coast Trail. All this information and more can be found in the 2nd Edition Newfoundland and Labrador Backroad Mapbook.
Load Up Your Car
Once you have a general itinerary, it is time to start preparing to camp. Some camping essentials for any campsite include:
- Tent/Camper/RV
- Sleeping bags or bedding
- Headlamps or flashlights
- Camp chairs
- Warm clothing and/or sun protection
- Fire wood and/or an axe (be sure to check local fire regulations first)
- Camp stove and fuel
- Matches/lighter
- Cooking and eating utensils
- Cooler with ice and food of your choice
- Biodegradable soap
- Trash and recycling bags
- Toilet paper and hand sanitizer
This is a very basic list, and of course, more supplies or different supplies will be needed depending on where you choose to camp. In the remote areas of Newfoundland, and especially Labrador, it is important to be bear and wildlife safe while camping. If you are tenting, put your food in a locked vehicle, or place your food into a bear bag and use a rope to raise it into a tree. It is also important to not leave out any used plates or cutlery and be sure to pack out any garbage when you leave.
Enjoy Countless Adventures
Packed with endless outdoor recreation opportunities, Newfoundland and Labrador is an adventurer’s paradise, and camping is a great way to get direct access into the beautiful backcountry. From paddling through ponds and bogs in the Avalon Wilderness Reserve, fishing for Arctic Char or Atlantic Salmon, to hiking and exploring the rugged untouched wilderness of Torngat Mountains National Park where no roads lead, there is truly an adventure around every corner in this stunning province. Most parks that feature camping also have day-use areas near a pond or the ocean, perfect for beachcombing or taking a dip on a warm summer day. No matter where your adventure takes you, there’s nothing better than the quiet solitude of sleeping under the stars after a day spent outside.
With newly updated and refined Adventure sections including Backroad Adventures, Paddling Adventures, Trail Adventures, Winter Adventures, and much more, the 2nd Edition Newfoundland and Labrador Backroad Mapbook is the perfect companion to any road trip or adventure across this beautiful province.
Ready to get outside and camp in Newfoundland and Labrador? Pick up a copy of the brand-new 2nd Edition Newfoundland and Labrador Backroad Mapbook, which is available in both print and digital formats. For camping information right at your fingertips, be sure to try out our Backroad Maps App or Web Map which can be downloaded onto your smartphone, tablet, or computer. And, last but not least, make sure you tag us on social media at @backroadmaps or #BRMBLIFE on all your favourite Newfoundland and Labrador camping adventures.