Nova Scotia Camping & RV Guide $25-65/Night - Complete Campground Guide

Top Nova Scotia campgrounds include Kejimkujik National Park ($29-45/night), Cape Breton Highlands National Park ($32-48/night), Chebucto Head Campground ($35-55/night), Graves Island Provincial Park ($28-42/night), Five Islands Provincial Park ($30-46/night), Dundee Resort & Golf Club ($40-65/night), Cavendish Beach Music Festival Campground ($35-60/night), and Shubenacadie River Adventure Resort ($25-50/night). These sites offer varying amenities from basic tent sites to full RV hookups.

Nova Scotia offers tent sites ($25-40/night) with fire pits and picnic tables, RV sites with electrical hookups ($35-50/night), Full-service RV sites with water, sewer, and 30/50-amp electrical ($45-65/night), Wilderness/backcountry sites ($15-25/night), Group camping areas for organized events, Cabin rentals within campgrounds ($60-120/night), and Glamping options with furnished tents ($80-150/night). Provincial parks, national parks, and private campgrounds each offer different site types and amenities.

Provincial parks ($28-46/night) offer pristine natural settings, hiking trails, beaches, and basic amenities at lower costs. Private campgrounds ($35-65/night) provide more amenities like pools, playgrounds, WiFi, laundromats, and camp stores. Provincial parks emphasize nature experiences and conservation, while private campgrounds focus on family entertainment and convenience. National parks ($29-48/night) combine natural beauty with interpretive programs and superior facilities. Choose based on priorities: nature immersion vs. amenities and entertainment.

Book provincial parks and national parks as soon as reservations open (typically January-March) for peak summer dates. Popular parks like Kejimkujik and Cape Breton Highlands fill quickly for July-August weekends. Private campgrounds often accept reservations 6-12 months in advance. Shoulder season bookings (May, June, September) offer better availability and rates 15-25% lower. Mid-week stays are easier to book than weekends. Some campgrounds accept walk-ins, but availability isn't guaranteed during peak season.

Standard campground amenities include washroom facilities with flush toilets and showers, picnic tables and fire pits at each site, potable water access, garbage and recycling collection, basic camp store or vending, and playground facilities. Enhanced campgrounds add laundromats, WiFi, swimming pools, rec halls, and equipment rentals. RV sites include electrical hookups (30/50 amp), water, and sewer connections. Firewood is typically available for purchase ($6-12/bundle).

Most Nova Scotia campgrounds accommodate RVs, but size restrictions vary by park. Provincial parks typically accept RVs up to 40 feet, National parks handle RVs up to 35 feet in most sites, and private campgrounds often accommodate RVs up to 45 feet. Big rig sites (40+ feet) are limited and should be reserved early. Full hookup sites with 50-amp service are available at premium campgrounds. Check specific campground policies for slide-out restrictions and site accessibility. Dump stations are available at most campgrounds.

Top waterfront campgrounds include Graves Island Provincial Park with ocean views and beach access ($28-42/night), Five Islands Provincial Park overlooking Bay of Fundy ($30-46/night), Chebucto Head Campground near Halifax with coastal hiking ($35-55/night), Ingonish Beach Campground in Cape Breton Highlands National Park ($32-48/night), Thomas Raddall Provincial Park with pristine beaches ($28-42/night), and various lakefront sites at Kejimkujik National Park ($29-45/night). These locations offer swimming, fishing, kayaking, and stunning sunset views.

Nova Scotia camping regulations include quiet hours typically 11 PM - 7 AM, campfires only in designated fire pits with permits during fire season, pets must be leashed and controlled at all times, maximum 6 people per campsite, no alcohol in provincial parks (private campgrounds vary), check-in usually 2-4 PM, check-out 12-2 PM, and generators restricted to specific hours (usually 8 AM - 8 PM). Firewood must be purchased locally to prevent invasive species. Leave No Trace principles are strongly encouraged.

Yes, Nova Scotia offers wilderness camping in Kejimkujik National Park's backcountry sites ($15-25/night), Cape Breton Highlands National Park wilderness areas, Tobeatic Wilderness Area (permit required), and various Crown Land locations (free with restrictions). Backcountry camping requires permits, advance registration, and self-sufficiency. Facilities are minimal - pit toilets and tent platforms only. Wilderness camping offers solitude, wildlife viewing, and pristine nature experiences away from developed campgrounds.

Campground activities include hiking trails ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry routes, swimming and beach activities at coastal campgrounds, fishing in lakes, rivers, and ocean (licenses required), kayaking and canoeing rentals at many parks, wildlife viewing including moose, eagles, and seabirds, interpretive programs and guided nature walks, photography opportunities at scenic vantage points, and proximity to attractions like Peggy's Cove, Cabot Trail, and Bay of Fundy tides.

Make reservations through Nova Scotia Parks online reservation system for provincial parks, Parks Canada website for national park campgrounds, or directly with private campgrounds via phone or website. Reservations typically open January-March for summer season. Booking fees range $6-12 per reservation. Payment is usually required at booking. Cancellation policies vary but typically allow full refunds 48-72 hours before arrival. Some sites are available on first-come, first-served basis, but availability isn't guaranteed.

Essential camping gear includes waterproof tent and rain gear for Maritime weather, warm sleeping bags rated for 10°C lower than expected temperatures, layered clothing for variable conditions, insect repellent for black flies and mosquitoes, portable camp stove (campfire bans possible during dry periods), headlamps and lanterns for early darkness, first aid kit and emergency whistle, and bear-proof food storage containers where required. Maritime weather can change quickly, so prepare for rain and cool temperatures even in summer.

Nova Scotia campgrounds are very family-friendly with playground equipment at most locations, shallow swimming areas with lifeguards at popular beaches, interpretive programs designed for children, easy hiking trails suitable for families, recreation halls with games and activities during rainy weather, and junior naturalist programs at national and provincial parks. Many campgrounds offer family washrooms, baby changing facilities, and equipment rentals. Group camping areas accommodate extended families and scout groups.

Additional camping costs include park entry fees for national parks ($7-12/adult/day or annual passes), reservation fees ($6-12 per booking), firewood purchases ($6-12/bundle), equipment rentals like kayaks or bikes ($25-50/day), shower fees at some campgrounds ($1-2/use), laundry facilities ($3-5/load), camp store purchases at higher prices than town, and activity fees for guided tours or programs ($5-25/person). Budget an extra $15-30/day per family for incidental expenses.

Accessible campgrounds include Kejimkujik National Park with wheelchair-accessible sites, washrooms, and trails, Cape Breton Highlands National Park with accessible facilities and viewpoints, many provincial parks with accessible washrooms and some adapted sites, and private campgrounds with accessible amenities. Features include paved or firm surface sites, accessible picnic tables, ramped washrooms, and adapted fishing platforms. Reserve accessible sites well in advance as availability is limited. Contact campgrounds directly to confirm specific accessibility features.

Most Nova Scotia campgrounds welcome pets with restrictions. Pets must be leashed at all times and not left unattended. Provincial and national parks typically allow pets in campgrounds but not on beaches or in some buildings. Private campgrounds may have varying pet policies and fees ($5-15/night per pet). Pet owners must clean up after their animals and prevent excessive barking. Some campgrounds have designated dog exercise areas. Verify specific pet policies when making reservations as some areas may restrict pets during wildlife sensitive periods.

Summer (June-September): Peak season with highest rates, best weather, full amenities, but requires advance bookings and deals with insects. Spring (May): Variable weather, lower rates, fewer bugs, but some facilities may not be fully operational. Fall (October): Beautiful foliage, moderate rates, fewer crowds, but cooler nights and potential early closures. Winter: Most campgrounds close, but some offer winter camping with limited facilities for hardy adventurers. Shoulder seasons offer the best value but require flexibility for weather.

Find quieter camping by choosing lesser-known provincial parks like Ellenwood Lake or Salsman, weekday visits rather than weekends, shoulder season camping in May or September, backcountry sites in Kejimkujik National Park, Crown Land camping in designated areas, and smaller private campgrounds away from major tourist routes. Avoid popular areas like Ingonish Beach and Graves Island during peak summer. Eastern Shore and interior locations tend to be less crowded than Cabot Trail and South Shore destinations.

Planning resources include Tourism Nova Scotia's camping guide and website, Parks Canada and Nova Scotia Parks reservation systems, Campground review websites and apps, local visitor information centers with maps and recommendations, camping forums and Facebook groups for insider tips, weather apps for Maritime climate monitoring, tide charts for coastal camping, and trail maps for hiking activities. Contact campgrounds directly for specific questions about amenities, accessibility, and policies. Annual park passes can provide savings for multiple visits.

Nova Scotia offers the most diverse camping options in the Maritimes with ocean, lake, and forest settings. Rates are comparable to New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island ($25-65/night) but Nova Scotia provides more variety in landscapes and activities. Provincial park systems are well-developed with good facilities. National park camping in Cape Breton Highlands rivals any in Atlantic Canada. Private campground amenities are generally superior to neighboring provinces. Coastal camping opportunities are unmatched, with both Atlantic Ocean and Bay of Fundy access.