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 promises this will be clear when booking.
Rules for backcountry camping and the roofed accommodation haven’t changed.
Day Use Vehicle Permits: because of the popularity of this park, it’s one that may need permits to be purchased in advance in order to guarantee park access. This was started in 2021 and continued in 2022. There’s no reason to believe that this will be kept for 2023.
If you’re smart, grab the permit before any visit, even mid-week. We found this out the hard way at our local Provincial Park.
You can buy the vehicle permit up to 5 days in advance, which guarantees you access to the park on that day. If you have an annual or season pass, you should still book your permit online, but there’s no extra charge.
Facebook and Website Links
Craigleith Official website
Craigleith Official Facebook
Information
Phone #: (705) 445-4467
Main entrance co-ordinates: 44.5365537 -80.3482702
Address: 209403 Highway 26 Blue Mountains, ON L9Y 0T6
Opening seasons: April 8, 2022, to October 23, 2022
Activities
Camping & Accommodation
Car Camping
All of Craigleith’s campsites are accessible by car. There are four comfort stations located throughout the park so all campsites are within a short distance of one. Two of our comfort stations offer shower facilities and one offers laundry facilities.
Area A contains non-electrical sites that are ideal for tents. This area also has a designated dog beach at the west end of the park and a comfort station with flush toilets, showers, laundry facilities, and a water tap.
Area B contains both electrical and non-electrical sites that are ideal for both tents and trailers. This area is close to the Area A comfort station and also has another mini-comfort station one that offers flush toilets and showers.
Area C is made up of both electrical and non-electrical sites that are all radio-free. The non-electrical sites are ideal for tents or small trailers. The electrical sites are ideal for trailers and RVs. This area also has a comfort station, trailer filling and dumping station, playground, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and playing field.
Area D is primarily made up of electrical sites with only two non-electrical sites. Most of the electrical sites have water hook-up which makes this area ideal for trailers and RVs. This area is radio-free and has one comfort station and the day-use area which is located at the east end.
Radio-Free Camping
Areas C and D, which offer both electrical and non-electrical sites provide radio-free camping.
Hiking, Biking & Paddling
Hiking
Biking
Bike on the park roads or the Georgian Trail located just outside of the park. A nice flat, stone chip trail runs from Meaford to Collingwood.
For downhill and cross-country skiing as well as road riders you can visit the park store for the most up to date information on trails.
Paddling
Routes:
Rental:
Winter Activities
Craigleith provincial park is located two hours and a half from Downtown Toronto and close to Collingwood. Best reached by car
Craigleith is open for day use year-round for your winter activities. Vehicle permits are required all year. You can get them at the parking lot or buy them online before leaving home. There’s parking available
bring your snowshoes or cross-country skis and enjoy a wonderland experience close to home.
Parking and self-serve permits are available at the main park office. Vehicle permits are required year-round.
Check out this list of winter activities to do at Craigleith Provincial Park near Collingwood! There are many trails that lead through the forest, perfect for all kinds of hiking. If you’re looking for something more adventurous try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing
Before heading out, you can check snow conditions on the park’s official website the link goes to Wasaga beach one and will give you a close enough clue on the conditions.
This park has no equipment rental, so don’t forget your snowshoes, cross-country skis, and snacks.
Being so close to Collingwood, there are plenty of places to get hot drinks, snacks, and meals.
Weather Conditions – if you are looking for weather information or snow conditions, the following list should help you.
Canadian Snow Research –
Dark Sky –
Environment Canada – weather forecasts, hourly forecast, and weather radar map.
National Weather Service – US Government, but it does include Ontario.
Open Weather Map –
Snow Forecast – more relevant for downhill skiing.
The Weather Network has lots of ads, but you get 7 and 14-day forecasts. Snow reports from downhill ski areas but remember they do make their own snow.
Windy.com –
We’d love to hear from you if you have any other suggestions – please message us.
