Record setting 2025 season prompts creation of more provincial park campsites

$60 million in funding has been announced to create 300 new campsites across Ontario. CTV’s Scott Miller reports.

Nearly 14 million visitors stayed in an Ontario provincial park last year – it’s the most campers ever.

“Many parks reached capacity during peak seasons, which is wonderful in one sense. But it means there are families who want to spend a weekend under the stars, and they can’t always find a site. That is why today I’m happy to announce that we are beginning the first phase of our $60 million multi-year investment to deliver the largest campground expansion Ontario has seen in more than half a century,” said Ontario’s Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks Todd McCarthy while visiting MacGregor Point Provincial Park in Bruce County on Tuesday.

Two hundred and eighty-five campsites have already been upgraded to electrical sites at Sandbanks, Arrowhead and Turkey Point provincial parks. There will be 67 new sites ready for campers this summer, including 17 new ones at MacGregor Point Provincial Park near Port Elgin, which was the backdrop for the announcement.

“These new campsites represent the first wave of our plan to create approximately 300 new campsites and electrify up to 800 more. A total of 1,000 new and upgraded sites that include 65 new campsites coming to Bon Echo and Presque Isle provincial parks, for the 2027 summer season,” says McCarthy.

The province is trying to build on one of the positive outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic – more people interested in exploring the great outdoors.

“The addition of 17 new campsites here at MacGregor Point comes at the perfect time. Because, as we all know, demand for outdoor recreation continues to grow, and families are eager to spend time connecting with nature. These new sites will help more people enjoy that experience, while also supporting longer stays and repeat visits,” said Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau.

Campers spend money too taking day trips to the towns and villages located near their temporary homes in the woods.

“When visitors come to MacGregor Point, they just don’t stay in the park. They visit our local shops, they buy groceries, they dine at our incredible restaurants, and they support our businesses right across the region, and throughout Ontario,” said Huron-Bruce MPP and Ontario’s Minister of Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson.

Reservations for the 67 new campsites, open June 15^th.

“This summer, these new campsites will offer nearly 5,000 new reservable camping nights over the 10-week summer. It’s a long one this year, June 26 to Labor Day. That’s at least 5,000 swims in Ontario’s lakes and rivers, 5,000 more campfires after dinner, and just as many new memories with friends and loved ones, made right here in Ontario. Memories that will last a lifetime,” said McCarthy.