A favourite activity around the lake and within Frontenac County is camping. There is something so peaceful about setting up camp in nature, listening to the pleasant sound of water lapping on the shore, the symphony of frogs, the chirping of of busy birds, or even the haunting cry of coyotes that can sometimes pierce a silent night. Better yet, the ratatat of a woodpecker in the morning announcing the dawn of a new day.

There are a variety of camping options; from boat-in or hike-in spots in Frontenac or Bon Echo Parks, to convenient vehicle camping at Sharbot Lake or Silver Lake Campgrounds. The selection available is terrific. Review the categories below to get started:

PROVINCIAL PARKS

 BACK-COUNTRY CAMPING


PRIVATE CAMP GROUNDS & COTTAGES
Have family and friends visiting and need area accommodations for them? With more than 1,000 lakes it's no surprise there are so many places to stay the night in Frontenac. Check out the listing below of private campgrounds and cottages in Frontenac:


For additional camping options, please consult the Park Locator feature on the Ontario Parks website

CAMPFIRES
Before building a campfire, be sure to check the current Fire Ban Status on the South Frontenac website.

In South Frontenac, a burning ban can be put in place during the "Fire Season" which is the period from the 1st day of April to the 31st day of October in each year, pending weather conditions as per the By-law, however the Director of Fire and Emergency Services has the authority to put a full burning ban in place at any time. 

Any questions concerning the by-law should be directed to the Fire Chief Darcy Knott at 613-376-3027 Ext 2234.

LEAVE NO TRACE

CLEANING
The average camper thinks that it’s ok to pour soapy water into lakes and streams if they use biodegradable soap to wash their hands, bath or do camp dishes. Nothing could be farther from the truth. 

Generally speaking, getting any soap in a water source is not acceptable or recommended by Leave No Trace guidelines. The ingredients in soap can cause all sorts of issues from increased nitrogen to potentially causing significant harm to aquatic inhabitants. It’s important to understand that a biodegrablae product is just one aspect, and does not mean that the ingredients are safe to add to a body of water. That means no phosphate, surfactants, triclosan, or any “anti-bacterial” ingredients. The first two spike algal growth resulting in mucky, sluggish water. Conversely, triclosan, found in hand sanitizers and most hand soaps, is extremely toxic to aquatic life. Synthetic perfumes found in most products, is also very toxic to aquatic life.
So how should you dispose of soapy dish water or water you’ve used to wash yourself? Simple dig a hole 200 feet away from the shoreline and pour your wastewater in the hole and cover the hole with soil. Putting it in a hole lets the soil act as a filter, helps activate the biodegradable process, and protects wildlife from disturbing it by helping to hide the scent.

TRASH
When packing for your trip, plan for a zero litter camp site. Take garbage bags with you to use and take. Leave excess packaging at home and plan rations to avoid leftovers as much as possible. Pack it in, pack it out. Put all litter–even crumbs, peels and cores–in garbage bags and dispose of it properly.

FURNITURE
Camping chairs and other pop-up furniture is actually a great way to minimize your impact and stay comfortable. By bringing these handy items so you won’t be tempted to move logs or rocks for seats, which can disturb habitat.

LAUNDRY
Bring a clothesline to dry wet towels, swimsuits and other apparel items so you’re not compelled to hammer a nail into a tree or hang clothing from branches, both of which can cause damage to trees and make them more susceptible to disease. Breaking branches off trees can also create a scar.

PETS
Be sure to bring trash bags and plastic bags for your pet’s poop and drop it in proper waste containers on your way out or back at home. Do not leave pet poop in biodegradable bags behind at your camp site.

WHEN NATURE CALLS
Plan to use restrooms or outhouses if available. If not, bring a trowel and bury human waste, if permitted, in a small 6-8" deep hole and 200 feet away from the shoreline. Better yet, bring your own portable toilet system or a supply of Wag Bags and pack out your human waste.

CAMPFIRE
Everyone loves a good campfire. If permitted, build a campfire only in established fire rings with dead and downed wood no bigger than your forearm or purchase firewood locally. Never burn trash. Burn all wood to ash and make sure your fire is completely out and cooled before departing.

CAMPING SAFETY
Whether you're heading out for just a single night or for a week-long adventure, safety never takes a holiday and should remain top of mind when you are outdoors.

The Ontario Parks website provides an important summary on what safety measures you should take when camping outdoors. Topics include:

  • Access to Emergency Services
  • Avoid Getting Lost
  • Pack and Dress Properly
  • Inclement Weather
  • Theft
  • Sun Safety
  • Bug Bites
  • Water Safety
  • Poisonous Plants
  • Be Bear-Wise

 Happy camping!