James MartinA year back, when my thrill-seeking crew rolled into town itching for excitement, I was baffled about what to do with them. Then it struck me: why not go camping in Halifax?
I could introduce them to some killer spots around the city and explore my own backyard like a rugged explorer. Genius, right? We explored more than one spot and let me tell you, the experience was glorious!
Later on, it hit me like a lightning bolt—why not spill the beans on Halifax’s best camping spots and show off what this city’s got? If you’re on the prowl for new camping adventures, look no further than this list!
- 1. Graves Island Provincial Park
- 2. Rissers Beach Provincial Park
- 3. Thomas Raddall Provincial Park
- 4. Hubbards Beach Campground & Cottages
- 5. Dollar Lake Provincial Park
- 6. Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park Campground
- 7. Woodhaven Park Campground
- 8. Crystal Crescent Beach
- 9. Laurie Provincial Park
- 10. McNabs and Lawlor Islands Provincial Park
- 11. Oakfield Provincial Park
- 12. Sackville Lakes Provincial Park
- 13. Wayside Camping Park
1. Graves Island Provincial Park
Media credit: novascotiawesty
Website: https://parks.novascotia.ca/content/graves-island
Address: 230 Graves Island Rd
Phone: +1 902-275-4425
About 40 minutes from Halifax, Graves Island Provincial Park is an easy spot to find. Just hop on Route 103 to Exit 7, then follow Route 3.
And there’s no need to smash the piggy bank—admission is a mere $26 per night! You get to choose from wooded or open campsites, perfect for shade lovers and sun worshipers alike.
Amenities include sparkling clean restrooms, a canteen, and fire pits. Activities? Oh, they’ve got it all: hiking, swimming, picnicking—you name it.
And don’t worry, the island’s connected to the mainland by a causeway. No swimming needed to get there!
| Pro Tip: Reserve your spot early, especially in summer. Hotspots tend to get snapped up quicker than a seagull steals your sandwich! |
2. Rissers Beach Provincial Park
Media credit: christineeli
Website: https://parks.novascotia.ca/content/rissers-beach
Address: 5366 NS-331, Petite Rivière Bridge
Phone: +1 902-688-2034
Rissers Beach Provincial Park is a charming 90-minute jaunt from Halifax along the picturesque South Shore.
The cost is just $26 a night for oceanfront camping—a real bargain! The park offers beachfront campsites ideal for morning ocean gazing.
You can expect modern washrooms, a boardwalk, and picnic areas. Boredom? Not here! You can swim, beach comb, or hike the interpretive trails to your heart’s delight.
Oh, and Rissers Beach is home to rare coastal plain flora. Botanists, grab your magnifying glasses—you might discover a new species!
| Pro Tip: Bring your binoculars! Birdwatching here is top-notch, with a variety of species to spot, especially during migration seasons. |
3. Thomas Raddall Provincial Park
Media credit: sidannaretreat
Website: https://parks.novascotia.ca/park/thomas-raddall
Address: 529 Raddall Park Rd
Phone: +1 902-683-2664
Thomas Raddall Provincial Park sits two hours from Halifax, near Liverpool, and it’s worth every single mile. The fees are a mere $26 per night—consider it a great bargain for peace and quiet!
Secluded campsites nestle among the trees, making it a genuine forest escape. Restrooms, fire pits, and picnic tables come as part of the deal.
At this park, hiking, bird watching, and soaking up the coastal views make up the agenda. It’s ideal for anyone who likes their nature served with a generous helping of solitude!
| Pro Tip: Check out the nearby Kejimkujik Seaside Adjunct for a bonus adventure. It’s just a short drive away and offers stunning coastal views and more hiking opportunities. |
4. Hubbards Beach Campground & Cottages
Media credit: brucemorrison9593
Website: http://www.hubbardsbeach.com/
Address: 226 Shore Club Rd RR 2
Phone: +1 902-857-9460
Just 45 minutes from Halifax, this South Shore spot is a breeze to reach via Highway 103. Admission is around $30 per night, which is pocket change for ocean views.
The campground offers tent sites, RV spots, and charming cottages, so there’s a roof (or not) for everyone. Amenities include clean showers, a canteen, and Wi-Fi—because even campers need to Instagram, right?
If you’re looking for fun activities, swimming, beachcombing, and kayaking are just a few.
Hubbards Beach is a famous filming location, having starred in a few TV shows. Who knows, you just might end up as an extra when you camp here!
| Pro Tip: Swing by the Hubbards Farmers’ Market on Saturdays. Fresh local produce and handmade goodies make for a picture-perfect picnic. |
5. Dollar Lake Provincial Park
Media credit: starlitlandscapes
Website: http://parks.novascotia.ca/content/dollar-lake
Address: 5265 Old Guysborough Rd
Phone: +1 888-544-3434
Dollar Lake gets its name from the lake’s perfectly round shape, resembling a coin. But then again, the name was a dead giveaway, wasn’t it?
A mere 30-minute drive from Halifax, this park is your answer to a quick nature fix. Entry fees for the Dollar Lake Provincial Park hover around $25 per night, so there’s no need to bring out the big bucks.
The park offers forested campsites, ideal for those who prefer a leafy canopy. You’ll find restrooms, a picnic area, and a boat launch at this spot.
Activities are plentiful: swimming, canoeing, and hiking the scenic trails. A great spot for those who love water activities without the ocean salt.
| Pro Tip: Pack your fishing gear. The lake is stocked with trout, making it a favorite spot for anglers. |
6. Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park Campground
Media credit: elblingo
Website: http://www.wildnaturecampground.com/
Address: 20961 NS-2
Phone: +1 902-758-1631
Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park Campground hosts over 90 species of animals. It’s like a zoo but without the big-city nonsense.
It’s the solution for families who want to mix camping with a wildlife safari!
Just 45 minutes from Halifax, this place is a dream for wildlife enthusiasts. Entry costs around $10, plus $25 per night for camping.
The accommodations? You get basic tent sites—just right for the no-frills camper.
And, you can expect picnic tables, restrooms, and easy access to the wildlife park. When you feel like learning new things, you can just enjoy animal watching, hiking, and their educational programs!
| Pro Tip: Visit during feeding times for an up-close look at the animals. It’s both educational and wildly entertaining. |
7. Woodhaven Park Campground
Media credit: leizelmaelc
Website: https://www.woodhavenrvpark.com/
Address: 1757 Hammonds Plains Rd
Phone: +1 902-835-2271
Just 20 minutes from Halifax near Windsor Junction, Woodhaven Park Campground is practically in the city’s backyard. Costs hover around $30 per night, giving you more bang for your buck!
You’ll find a variety of accommodations here: tent sites, RV hookups, and cozy cabins. There’s a swimming pool, laundry facilities, and a playground to keep everyone entertained.
Woodhaven Park’s friendly resident goats are a hit with both kids and adults. It’s perfect for those wanting a quick escape without straying too far from civilization.
Activities are surprisingly plentiful: swimming, hiking, and even mini-golf. Who knew you could still tee off like a pro while camping in the wild?
| Pro Tip: Don’t miss the weekend pancake breakfast. It’s a local tradition that’s both delicious and a great way to meet fellow campers. |
8. Crystal Crescent Beach
Media credit: climaxmate
Website: https://parks.novascotia.ca/content/crystal-crescent-beach
Address: 220 Sambro Creek Rd
Phone: +1 888-544-3434
Right at the mouth of Halifax Harbour, Crystal Crescent Beach isn’t just a pretty face—it’s a triple threat of white-sand goodness. Boardwalks guide you to the first two beaches, ensuring a leisurely amble for even the laziest beach bum!
And there’s no need to break the bank here; entry’s on the house, making it a top pick for a wallet-friendly day in the sun.
Picnic tables and accessible facilities at Lewis Lake sweeten the deal, while activities like swimming, sunbathing, and a hike to Pennant Point keep boredom at bay.
| Pro Tip: Bring your binoculars and hike to Pennant Point for some of the best birdwatching in the area. |
9. Laurie Provincial Park
Please embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/B16_qJmnTdV/
Media credit: mosayick
Website: https://parks.novascotia.ca/content/laurie
Address: 4949 NS-2
Phone: +1 888-544-3434
Laurie Provincial Park offers a peaceful lakeside setting that’s just begging for various outdoor activities. A small admission fee of about $25 per night applies for camping, but day use is free.
The park provides tent sites for camping, a boat launch, and picnic areas. They’ve even thought of everything, with restrooms and facilities accessible to all.
For the less leisurely inclined, there’s canoeing, water skiing, fishing, and a good old-fashioned swim. It’s a well-known retreat for those seeking peace and quiet without venturing too far from the city’s hustle and bustle!
| Pro Tip: Take a canoe out on the lake at sunrise for a magical and tranquil start to your day. |
10. McNabs and Lawlor Islands Provincial Park
Media credit: sea_to_shore
Website: http://mcnabsisland.ca/
Address: McNabs Island
Phone: +1 902-662-3030
Located at the mouth of Halifax Harbour, McNabs and Lawlor Islands offer a step back in time and nature. Forget about paying at the door—there’s no admission fee here, folks!
But do plan ahead for how you’re getting there; these islands aren’t coming to you. Once you’re there, strap on those hiking boots, grab those binoculars, and get ready to dive into some serious history hunting.
From ancient fort remains to bird-watching bonanzas, these islands have it all. History buffs and nature nerds, rejoice—you’ve found your utopia!
| Pro Tip: Pack a picnic and spend the day exploring the historical sites and enjoying the serene natural surroundings. |
11. Oakfield Provincial Park
Media credit: asiyathms
Website: http://parks.novascotia.ca/content/oakfield
Address: 366 Oakfield Park Rd
Phone: +1 902-861-2560
Oakfield Provincial Park, located on Grand Lake, is a popular day-use spot near Halifax. No admission fee here, just pure enjoyment.
What’s in the bag? A cozy beach, a boat launch for those revved-up vessels, picnic spots galore, those not-so-fancy but functional vault toilets, and trails that are just begging for a wander.
Here, you can splish-splash in the lake, zoom around in boats, or simply feast away at those picnics. Locals dig it for its Instagram-worthy views—go ahead and snap away!
| Pro Tip: Bring your kayak for a peaceful paddle around Grand Lake’s scenic shoreline. |
12. Sackville Lakes Provincial Park
Media credit: hiking_jo_jo
Website: http://www.novascotia.com/see-do/outdoor-activities/sackville-lakes-provincial-park/6057
Address: 440 First Lake Dr
Phone: +1 888-773-8888
Sackville Lakes Provincial Park serves up nature walks and hikes galore, all for the grand price of zero dollars. It’s just the best spot for those “let’s just go” moments!
You’ll find lush forests and tranquil lakes here, begging for some canoeing or kayaking action. The trails are top-notch, thanks to a dedicated community crew, providing the ultimate chill-out from city chaos.
| Pro Tip: Visit in the early morning for a peaceful hike and the best chance to spot wildlife. |
13. Wayside Camping Park
Media credit: hamlettcarol
Website: http://www.waysidecampground.com/
Address: 10295 Peggys Cove Rd
Phone: +1 902-823-2547
Wayside Camping Park is about a 30-minute drive from Halifax, located in Glen Margaret. The park charges around $35 a night.
Whether you’re pitching a tent, plugging in an RV, or cozying up in a cabin, they’ve got you covered.
Need a breather? They’ve got restrooms, laundry, a camp store, and a playground for the rugrats.
Feeling adventurous? Just dive into hiking, swimming, fishing, or boating.
Plus, they spice things up with themed weekends and events because, let’s face it, who doesn’t love a bit of extra fun?
| Pro Tip: Check the event calendar before booking. Themed weekends can be a blast and offer unique experiences for campers of all ages. |
