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
Sharbot Lake Official website
Sharbot Lake Official Facebook
Sharbot Lake Official Twitter
Sharbot Lake & Area Community Page
Information
Phone #: 613-335-2814
Main entrance co-ordinates : 44.764794, -76.72384
Address: Civic # 25467 Hwy 7, R.R.#2 Sharbot Lake K0H 2P0
Opening seasons: May 12, 2023 to October 10, 2023
The main park gate is now closed for the season (2022). However, leaving your vehicle outside the park and accessing trails on foot may be possible. Confirming this with the park office would be worthwhile if you travel a long distance. You should be aware that there will be no open facilities and limited staffing.
Park Winter access: in 2020, we asked Ontario Parks about park access out of season when most parks are officially closed. Their reply – “Parks that are closed for the season, and non-operational parks, are gated and access is available by foot. Visitors are permitted to park outside the gates and walk in for day use activities, such as hiking, fishing and picnicking. Please note that all buildings and facilities will be closed, and there is no consistent staff presence to oversee actions in the park.”
Activities
Camping & Accomodation
Campsites:
The majority of sites at Sharbot Lake have vehicle access. A few sites do not have space for an on-site, however, designated parking areas are just a short walk away.
There are over 150 treed campsites, some with electricity and two that are barrier-free. Large trailers can be accommodated in the Beach Front and Maple Grove Campgrounds. A barrier-free comfort station with showers and drinking water is among the amenities provided.
Hiking, Biking & Paddling
Hiking
Trails:
Discovery Trail – 1.2 km loop, 1hour, moderate
Follow this trail along the ridge of land that divides Black Lake and Sharbot Lake through stands of maple, oak and birch and see a dramatic change in topography. From the top of the ridge you can see both lakes.
Ridgeview Trail – 0.5 km return, 30 minutes, easy to moderate
This trail climbs the ridge that divides Black Lake from Sharbot Lake. There is one steep climb before you reach the top and a spectacular view.
Biking
Trails: There are no dedicated bicycle trails at Sharbot Lake but bicycles are permitted on campground roads.
Paddling
Routes: Sharbot Lake, with its docks, is ideal for large boats and waterskiing. Black Lake is more suitable for smaller boats. Canoes can be rented in the park.
Paddle on the sheltered waters of Black Lake or tackle the larger Sharbot Lake. A short portage connects the two bodies of water. Canoes can be rented in the park.
Winter
Despite this park closing its main gate in October, there’s still plenty of enjoyment to be had with hiking, snowshoeing, and a little rough cross-country skiing.
There is room for a few vehicles to park at the main gate, and you can access Sharbot Lake Provincial Park on foot. Just don’t block access for people that need to get into the park.
Without campers, the whole of the park is available to hike, snowshoe, or X-country ski. Not just the two short hiking trails mentioned above. Don’t expect any facilities like washrooms to be open, and you’ll probably not see any on-site staff, so stay safe and let someone know where you are going.
Birding
Especially during Spring and Fall when the campsites are closed, you may be lucky to spot a variety of birds. Listen for the loon’s haunting call on the lake and for the songs of warblers, Eastern Phoebes, Scarlet Tanagers, Barred Owls, and Red-Shouldered Hawks amongst the woodland areas.
Maps & Resources
An overview map of Sharbot Lake Provincial Park is available on the official website. Quite frankly, the park is compact so it is difficult to get lost.
Local Facilities
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