Backcountry campgrounds

Georgian Bay Islands National Park

There are 7 backcountry campgrounds on Beausoleil Island that offer a more rustic experience. These campgrounds are located on or near the shore and have between 4 and 10 sites each, some with tent pads, others have wooden platforms.

Important Notice: Day and overnight visitation in this national park is located on islands and is only accessible by boat. Campers must coordinate their own boat transportation or book a licensed private water taxi.

Backcountry features

Reservable sites available
Tent pads or wood platforms on each site can accommodate 1 medium tent or 2 small tents
Composting toilets
Hibachi (fire box) and picnic table at each site
Firewood for sale from daily barge visits
Food storage lockers
Central garbage and recycling wildlife proof bins
Central shelter with picnic tables
Running water is not available. Visitors are required to bring their own water or filtering systems
Boat docks and/or vessel beaching can be found at most campgrounds
Dock space is limited and is available on a first come, first serve basis

Each camping area offers it's own unique feel.

Honeymoon Bay

8 campsites (7 reservable sites)
Located at the north end of Beausoleil Island this camping area offers unparalleled sunset views on Georgian Bay
Campsite surround a bay with a small sand beach with mark swimming area
4 dock slips
Access to the Fairy Lake Trail

Chimney Bay

6 campsites
Located in the protected waters of Chimney bay
The bay is a popular anchoring location for boats
Dock is located a 5 minute walk from the camping area
4 dock slips
Access to the Fairy Lake Trail

Oaks

5 campsites (4 reservable sites)
Located in the protected waters of Chimney bay
The bay is a popular anchoring location for boats
A small rock and sand beach can be found near the cooking shelter
4 dock slips
Access to the Massasauga Trail

Tonch North

4 reservable sites
Located on the Tonch Peninsula in the east side of Beausoleil Island
Access to the Tonch and main Huron Trails
4 dock slips

Tonch East

6 campsites (5 reservable sites)
Located on the Tonch Peninsula in the east side of Beausoleil Island
Access to the Tonch and main Huron Trails
Paddle in only site with no docks

Tonch South

6 campsites (5 reservable sites)
Located on the Tonch Peninsula in the east side of Beausoleil Island
Access to the Tonch and main Huron Trails
Paddle in only site with no docks

Thumb Point

8 campsites (7 reservable sites)
Located 15 minutes north of Cedar Spring Campground on the east side of Beausoleil Island
Camp on wood platforms on rounded granite bedrock among windswept pine trees
Access to the treasure and main Huron Trails
2 dock slips available

Beausoleil Island map

Map of Beausoleil Island

How much does it cost?

Self registration permits are available at each location and are payable by cash or credit card. Please complete immediately upon arrival.

The permit form consists of 3 parts. After completing the form and calculating the fees, one part of the form is posted at your campsite, one part is placed on your vessel (if applicable), and one part is a payment envelope which is deposited into a secure lockbox located close to the dock. Visitors are asked to fill out the permit form clearly and completely. Fees are collected daily. Audits and compliance checks are conducted periodically throughout the season.

Applicable fees for camping at a backcountry campsite:

Campsite fee - primitive
Reservation fee (if applicable)
Daily admission
Mooring or beaching fee (if bringing your private vessel)

Firewood is for sale from daily barge visits.

The cost of a private water taxi to the island can vary depending on group size. Contact a local operator to learn more.

Fee update: Beginning in 2025, all visitors to Georgian Bay Islands National Park will have to pay a daily admission fee in addition to other applicable fees.

What should you bring?

This list is not exhaustive! Need help knowing what to bring? Look at our camping checklist or download the Parks Canada App where you can edit and save your own packing checklist.

Tent
Sleeping bags and mats
Flashlight, lantern or headlamp, extra batteries or battery pack (electricity is not available at these locations)
Personal gear: clothing, accessories, toiletries and towels
Personal safety items: whistle, first aid kit, sunscreen and bug repellant
Cooking stove and equipment, cooler, food and drinks, water filter or purifier, reusable water bottles, etc.
Entertainment items (i.e. binoculars, books, cards or sporting equipment, etc.)
Other (matches or lighter; rope; hatchet and fire starters, etc.)

Things to keep in mind

Food

Food and cooking related items must never be left unattended on a campsite as this will attract wildlife
A central food storage locker is located in each campground
Food should be stored in a hard sided containers in the food storage lockers to prevent smaller animals from getting in
Learn more about the Bare Campsite Program

Fire

Each site has a hibachi or firebox for cooking
Firewood is for sale from daily barge visits
Collecting wood and natural materials from the forest is prohibited

Don't move firewood

Moving firewood, even just a few kilometers to or from a campground, is a common way for invasive insects and diseases to spread. Purchase firewood from the park and burn it in provided fire pits or leave it on-site to avoid transporting pests that may destroy our forests. Help us save forests.

Respect

While excessive noise is not allowed at any time of the day, visitors should be aware that quiet hours are enforced between 11:00 pm and 8:00 am
Respect nature: leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but pictures
Please leave your site as tidy as, or tidier than, you found it
Review the visitor guidelines and important bulletins prior to your trip