Camping Frequently Asked Questions

Why do campgrounds charge for visitors?

Campgrounds often charge a visitor’s fee due to limited capacity. Excess guests can strain facilities and increase costs for supplies, maintenance, and labour. Facilities are designed with strict water and sewage limits, requiring campgrounds to stay within capacity. Visitors are expected to use amenities and participate in activities, but extra vehicles can cause congestion and safety concerns, so most campgrounds restrict cars per site.

Who sets the rules for private campgrounds?

As member campgrounds are privately owned businesses, they set their park rules and regulations, determine their rates and payment policies and use their own customized forms at their campgrounds. Like any business owner, they are required to abide by all municipal, provincial and federal laws.

Why am I not allowed to bring my own firewood?

Ontario campgrounds are trying to protect their trees. While many are in, or close to Emerald Ash Borer zones, many are not. To avoid being turned away from the campground, assume that you are not allowed to bring in firewood. Most campgrounds sell wood on site.

How many people does my site fee cover?

Each campground sets their own rates for their campsites. Please check the campground reservation system or ask the campground how many campers (adults and children) are allowed to stay on each site

Why do I have to reserve 3 nights for a long weekend?

As you know, campsites are in high demand for all long weekends. It is the industry practice to ask for 3-day reservations. This ensures that staff time is spent tending to the guests needs rather than checking campers in and out of campgrounds.

Why am I charged a reservation fee?

Some campground charge reservation fees for on-line or phone bookings. The cost of the reservation fee varies from campground to campground.

Why do fire bans affect private and not provincial campgrounds?

Under Provincial Law, Provincial Parks and Conservation Authorities do not have to adhere to municipal fire bans. If the Province issues a fire ban, then all campfires are prohibited.

Seasonal Campers

What is a License of Occupation and why do I need to sign it?

The License of Occupation is a contract between the campground owner and the camper(s) for use of a seasonal campsite. This contract outlines the terms of the contract, names the occupant and additional persons that will be using the site. In addition, it verifies the camper’s information including a permanent address and insurance policy. The charges for the seasonal occupation of the campsite are outlined, as well as any other additional charges (winter storage, boat docking, hydro etc.). As privately owned businesses, each campground sets their rules and regulations. A copy of the campground’s rules and regulations are attached to the License of Occupation.

Why can’t I have my mail sent to my seasonal campsite?

Campgrounds are designed for seasonal or temporary use only and as such, the campsite cannot be used as a permanent residence or home address.

I am looking to sell my trailer at a campground. Why do I have to pay a fee to the owner?

It is common for a campground to charge an administration/marketing fee when selling a trailer on behalf of a camper at a campground. Campgrounds will likely have a set of conditions under which they will sell the trailer at the campground. If you do not wish to pay the administrative fee, you may remove the trailer from the campground to sell independently.

Why does the campground limit the number of people on a site?

The campground’s infrastructure was designed for a maximum number of people based on the number of sites. The facilities and amenities were also designed using these same numbers. Keeping the number of guests within these numbers also ensures that all guests will have an enjoyable stay. It is for this same reason most campgrounds limit the number of vehicles per campsite.

Why do my fees go up every year, but I do not see any change in the campground?

Upgrades like septic, water treatment, and electrical systems often go unnoticed but are very expensive. Operating a campground is expensive, especially when owners must update amenities like washrooms and pools to satisfy guests and meet regulatory requirements.

Why can’t I have a golf cart at my campground?

Some campgrounds do not allow golf carts due to liability issues. To ensure the safety of all campers, campgrounds may have regulations prohibiting various types of motorized vehicles including golf carts. Check with the campground you are planning to visit to ensure that they allow golf carts.