ALWAYS check Alerts and other information on the official website, as conditions and facility availability are subject to change.
New Camping Rules for 2023 (14-night max) – new for 2023 are revised rules about the maximum number of nights you can camp. In this park, if you are camping between July 1 and the Saturday of the Labour Day long weekend, you’ll be restricted to no more than 14-nights at this park. Outside of those dates, it’s still the old 23-night maximum. Ontario Parks promise this will be clear when booking.
Rules for backcountry camping and the roofed accommodation haven’t changed.
Facebook and Website Links
Balsam Lake Official website
Balsam Lake Official Facebook
Information
Phone #: 705-454-3324
Main entrance co-ordinates: 44.62555 -78.85738
Address: 2238 County Road 48 Kirkfield K0M 2B0
Opening seasons: May 12, 2023 to October 31, 2023
Activities
Camping & Accommodation
Car Camping
Balsam Lake has a range of campsites with and without electricity for tents and RVs. For a private, natural experience car access walk-in sites are also available. Campsites may be reserved from the second Friday in May through to the Thanksgiving weekend. Reservations are accepted five months in advance of arrival – reserve early to avoid disappointment.
Dog-Free Camping
Dog-free camping is available at the six Eco (walk-in) sites.
Group Camping
At Balsam Lake, there are three Group Camping sites serviced with vault privies and drinking water. Reservations can be made online or by phone.
Radio-Free Camping
Eco (walk-in) sites, Cedar Grove, Mapleview, and Hawthorne Valley campgrounds are now radio-free.
Walk-In Camping
Six radio-free, pet-free, Eco (walk-in) campsites are available.
Hiking, Biking & Paddling
Hiking
Lookout Trail – 2.6 km (1.5 hours) walk through eskers and kames formed over 10,000 years ago from the Wisconsin Glacier. Enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Plantation Trail – 4.2 km (2 hours) – a moderate forest trek with both natural and pioneer highlights.
Biking
Cycle on campground roads and over 10 km of local cottage roads (adjacent to the park).
Paddling
Explore the shores of Balsam Lake.