Fall and winter camping
Bruce Peninsula National Park
Service Notice: The yurts will be unavailable from Nov. 1 to 8th, 2024 for annual cleaning, inspections and maintenance.
Reservations for front country camping at the Tamarack section of Cyprus Lake Campground and backcountry campsites at Stormhaven and High Dump campgrounds can be booked online. Please note: Winter camping is walk-in tent camping only. Car, van, trailer and RV camping is not available during the winter months.
October 31 to April 30
The Bruce Peninsula is spectacular in all seasons. Fall and winter camping is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area. There are a few things you should know before you arrive.
Two ways to reserve
The basics
Expect limited service in the winter, both in the park and in the surrounding area. The Parks Canada Visitor Centre and Cyprus Lake Campground Office will be open over the winter (see hours of operation). There is a gas station, grocery store, post office, liquor store, and a handful of other businesses that stay open throughout the year in the town of Tobermory. Hours are limited. Check www.tobermory.com for more information.
Winter Safety
- Winter conditions can be dangerous - be prepared and cautious.
- Emergency response is limited during winter.
- Cell phone reception is not reliable.
- Make a trip plan and share it with someone.
- Winter activity is more strenuous and daylight hours are short. Watch your time.
- Be alert for exhaustion and hypothermia.
- The shoreline becomes icy, especially at the Grotto/Indian Head Cove. The ice is often covered by snow. Do not approach the edge closely
- Danger of thin, moving ice on Georgian Bay. Do not walk on the ice!
Where can I camp?
Yurt camping:
- Yurt camping is available for the fall and winter season. A reservation with a two-night minimum is required.
- Check-in at the Cyprus Lake Office.
- Each yurt is equipped with a bunk bed (double bed below and single bed up top) and a double sized murphy bed.
- A barbeque and a bear-proof bin to store scented items are provided. Cooking or storing food inside the yurt is not permitted.
- The only heat source inside the yurt is a woodstove. Wood is available at the Cyprus Lake Campground Office or from local vendors in the Bruce Peninsula.
- Cars are not permitted to park at the yurts. Sleds are available to bring belongings from the nearby parking lot.
- Candles or other open flames are not permitted.
- Washroom facilities are located in the parking area. For sanitary purposes, please use the washrooms and not the surrounding forested areas.
Front country camping:
- New! Front country camping reservations are now available online! Visit the reservation page to book your site today.
- Campsites are not directly accessible by vehicle. Parking is available nearby at the P2 parking lot and campers must walk with their gear to their campsite.
- RV, trailer, van or car camping is not permitted during the winter months.
- Services are limited, outhouse facilities are available in the campground.
- Winter storms can impact road conditions. It is recommended to bring all required food and water supplies, including extra supplies in case of extreme weather.
- Fires are permitted in designated fire pits only. Burn locally sourced firewood which is available at the Cyprus Lake Office or from vendors in the Bruce Peninsula.
- Camping fees apply.
Backcountry camping (remote, hike in wilderness sites):
- New! Book backcountry camping reservations online! Visit the reservation page to book your site today.
- Fires and open flames are prohibited at all backcountry sites. If you see a fire, please alert park staff or call 1-877-852-3100.
- Stormhaven backcountry sites (map )
- Be prepared for a 3-4 hour hike from P2 parking lot.
- During the winter months, the cut-off time to access the trails to stormhaven is 3 hours before sunset.
- High Dump backcountry sites (map )
- Be prepared for an 8-10 hour hike from P2 parking lot.
- During the winter months, the cut-off time to access the trails to High Dump is 8 hours before sunset.
How do I register?
- Yurt camping requires a reservation and you must check-in at the Cyprus Lake office upon arrival to collect your permits.
- Front and backcountry camping is available by reservation.
- Front and backcountry campers must register at the Cyprus Lake office the day of arrival.
- Please keep in mind the cut-off time to access the trails for the backcountry is 3 hours before sunset for Stormhaven and 8 hours before sunset for High Dump.
How much does it cost?
Please visit our fees page for more information.
- Yurts
- Camping, reservation and daily admission fees apply
- Extra vehicle parking fee applies if there is more than 1 vehicle per yurt
- Front country (Tamarack)
- Camping and daily admission fees apply
- Extra vehicle parking fee applies if there is more than 1 vehicle per campsite
- Backcountry camping (Stormhaven, High Dump)
- Camping, parking and daily admission fees apply
What should I bring?
Firewood
- To prevent the spread of invasive species please use firewood purchased at the Cyprus Lake Office.
- Collecting firewood, sticks or twigs from the forest is prohibited.
Everything you need to enjoy your camping. This includes:
- Tent or sleeping shelter. Campground is not plowed in winter months, tent camping only. RV, trailer, van or car camping not permitted.
- Warm sleeping bag and appropriate clothing.
- Food and water – there is no potable water in the winter. Grocery store hours are limited
- Cooking gear (stove, pots, pans, etc) and other standard camping gear.
- A hatchet for splitting firewood into kindling
- Anything you need to enjoy your experience.
- Don’t forget your lighter or waterproof matches.
Anything else I should know?
- Fires are only permitted in the designated fire pits at your yurt or at your campsite in the Tamaracks campground.
- Fires are not allowed anywhere else in the park, including the Stormhaven and High Dump remote campsites.
- There is no running water available at front and backcountry campsites. Bring your own water or filtration system.
- Toilets are primitive at front and backcountry campsites. There are no flush toilets or running water. Please use the outhouse facilities for sanitary purposes, not the surrounding forest.
- Commercial businesses on the Bruce Peninsula are limited during the winter months.
- Make sure your vehicle is equipped for local road conditions (snow tires are recommended)
- You must pack out your garbage.
- Your cell phone may not work, in the campground, on the trails, or elsewhere in the park.
Winter conditions can be dangerous - be prepared and be cautious
Learn more about winter safety to ensure you are prepared for camping in the park.- Date modified :