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Reserving a sought-after campsite has become increasingly competitive, given that Ontario Parks visitor numbers have been climbing over the past decade, surpassing 12 million total visits in 2022.

It鈥檚 hardest to score a sleepover in Algonquin, Killbear, Pinery, Bon Echo and Sandbanks 鈥� Ontario鈥檚 five busiest provincial parks in the summer. Collectively, these parks account for more than 50 per cent of bookings made in the January-to-March window, Hunt explains.

But if you don鈥檛 luck out with those five perennially popular spots? Consider these alternatives recommended by Ontario Parks. 鈥淭hese parks were all chosen as they are in relatively close proximity to their busier park option, and have traditionally had more availability,鈥� says Hunt.

Instead of Algonquin:

Zoom out from Algonquin Provincial Park on a map and near the edge of the bigger-than-P.E.I. expanse, you can see comparatively quiet and wee Bonnechere. Here, you鈥檒l find car camping grounds and rustic cabins, a sandy beach overlooking Round Lake, plus an easy base for exploring the Ottawa Valley. Those favouring serene recreation can paddle the Bonnechere River, while adventure seekers are within day-tripping distance of the rapids that make the Ottawa Valley the聽聽of 91原创.

Instead of Killbear:

Want to brave the backcountry for the first time? In Northern Ontario, Restoule Provincial Park offers backcountry camping that鈥檚 considered beginner-friendly and easy to access via canoe, kayak or paddle board. The much more experienced and ambitious can undertake a multi-day canoe trip down the French River. But if all of that鈥檚 too daunting? There鈥檚 always car and RV camping in the maple forest.

Instead of Pinery:

On the shores of Lake Huron, north of pretty Goderich, this stretch of southwestern Ontario has been attracting summering families since the 1870s 鈥� back when a Victorian resort, the Point Farm Hotel, opened on what鈥檚 now provincial parkland. Today, you can hike through former farm fields and orchards; swim off a sandy beach; take in the region鈥檚 famously impressive sunsets; and camp out with family and friends (select sites can accommodate groups of up to 45 people).

Instead of Bon Echo:

Under an hour鈥檚 drive from Kingston, Ont., Charleston Lake Provincial Park offers a kid-pleasing motley of activities, including swimming, hiking, birding, canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding. A discovery centre, open seasonally, also runs educational programming for little guests, including talks about wildlife they might spot while they鈥檙e here.

Instead of Sandbanks:

No, Ferris Provincial Park isn鈥檛 a lazing-on-the-beach destination. But at this Ontario Parks-recommended alternative, you鈥檒l get scenic lookouts (including views of Ranney Gorge from the pedestrian suspension bridge), hiking trails winding through forest and along the river, and close proximity to cute Northumberland County communities like Warkworth. And while you won鈥檛 find sand dunes and swimming at Ferris, the often-full is about a 90-minute drive away 鈥� just remember to book your day-use permit in advance.