Expansion adds nearly 5,000 new camping nights at three popular Ontario Parks
| NEWS | June 9, 2026 |
PORT ELGIN — The Ontario government is opening 67 new campsites at three of the province’s most iconic and in-demand provincial parks. This summer, MacGregor Point, Killarney and Driftwood Provincial Parks will offer nearly 5,000 new reservable camping nights just in time for peak camping season as part of the first phase of a nearly $60 million, multi-year investment to deliver the largest campground expansion Ontario has seen in more than 50 years.
“Camping is at the heart of summer for so many families across this province, and an Ontario Parks getaway is second to none,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “By opening 67 new sites – with hundreds more to come – we are creating more opportunities for families to enjoy Ontario’s incredible outdoors, supporting local businesses and helping people create lifelong memories to share with loved ones.”
Reservations for the new campsites open on June 15, 2026, at 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time for arrivals beginning June 26, 2026, through the Ontario Parks Reservation Service at the following parks:
- MacGregor Point Provincial Park: 17 new campsites
- Killarney Provincial Park: 25 new campsites
- Driftwood Provincial Park: 25 new electrical campsites
Ontario Parks welcomed a record nearly 14 million park visits in 2025, reflecting the rapidly growing demand for outdoor recreation across the province. The new campsites will make it easier for more families and visitors to experience Ontario Parks while boosting domestic and international tourism that supports local businesses and jobs.
The new campsites are part of Ontario Parks’ broader $60 million campsite expansion and modernization efforts to add up to 300 new campsites and upgrade 800 campsites with electrical service. This includes the creation of 65 new campsites at Bon Echo and Presqu’ile Provincial Parks that will be available for 2027 summer season.
Ontario Parks has already completed electrical upgrades at 285 campsites across several provincial parks, including Sandbanks, Arrowhead and Turkey Point. These upgraded sites are currently available for reservation, with arrival dates varying by park and site.
As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the province is expanding access to outdoor recreation, strengthening local tourism economies and ensuring families can continue enjoying Ontario’s world-class parks and natural spaces for generations to come.
Quick Facts
- Collectively, these new sites will add 4,891 reservable camping nights between June 26 and Labour Day, increasing opportunities for Ontario families to enjoy the outdoors this summer.
- Over the life of the investment, Ontario Parks will create approximately 300 new campsites and electrify 800 existing sites, representing the largest campground expansion in more than 50 years.
- Since 2018, the province has invested more than $161 million in infrastructure upgrades across Ontario Parks.
- With almost 14 million visits in 2025, Ontario Parks is the largest provider of outdoor recreational opportunities in the province.
- Park visitors play a key role in Ontario’s tourism economy, generating spin-off benefits for nearby communities through local dining, shopping and attractions.
Quotes
“Ontario’s provincial parks are among our most iconic tourism assets, attracting visitors from across Canada and around the world. Expanding access to camping means more people can experience our province’s incredible natural beauty, create lasting memories with family and friends, and discover the outdoor experiences that make Ontario a world-class destination.”
– Stan Cho
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming
“The addition of new campsites at MacGregor Point Provincial Park is great news for the Town of Saugeen Shores and the County of Bruce for families looking to enjoy Ontario’s beautiful outdoors. This investment will expand access to camping, support local tourism and help more people experience one of our region’s most treasured destinations.”
– Lisa Thompson
MPP for Huron—Bruce
“The addition of 17 new campsites at MacGregor Point Provincial Park provides more opportunities for people to experience the natural beauty of this incredible park. At the Town of Saugeen Shores, we feel fortunate to have this provincial asset within our community and recognize the important role it plays in protecting natural ecosystems, supporting environmental education, and offering a wide range of outdoor experiences. We look forward to welcoming more visitors to explore both the park and the surrounding area.”
– Luke Charbonneau
Mayor, Town of Saugeen Shores
“The province’s investment in new campsites in our beloved park is wonderful news. The Friends of MacGregor Point look forward to continuing our support of the park in enhancing the experience for new and returning campers, and in showcasing the many special natural environmental features and recreational attributes of MacGregor Point Provincial Park.”
– Kathy Woeller
Chair, Friends of MacGregor Point Provincial Park
“Friends of Killarney Park is thrilled to see the expansion of Killarney Provincial Park’s campground, as it will allow more visitors to access free programs and events during their stay, as well as even more opportunities to partner with us! Killarney Provincial Park is a recreational, environmental, and educational treasure to all who visit, and we, with the generous support of our donors and members, are honoured to continue to support and protect a place that park visitors hold so dear.”
– Jena Ethier
Executive Director, Friends of Killarney Park