Province launches first phase of largest campground expansion in more than 50 years
PORT ELGIN, Ont. — The Ontario government is adding 67 new campsites across three of the province’s busiest provincial parks as part of a broader effort to expand outdoor tourism infrastructure ahead of the peak summer travel season.
The expansion, announced Tuesday by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, will introduce nearly 5,000 additional reservable camping nights at MacGregor Point, Killarney and Driftwood provincial parks beginning later this month.
The new sites form part of the first phase of a nearly $60-million, multi-year provincial investment that Ontario says will result in the largest campground expansion in more than five decades.
“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 will open June 15 at 7 a.m. ET through the Ontario Parks Reservation Service, with arrivals beginning June 26.
The province said the expansion includes 17 new campsites at MacGregor Point Provincial Park, 25 new sites at Killarney Provincial Park and 25 new electrical campsites at Driftwood Provincial Park.
Ontario Parks sees record demand for outdoor recreation
The announcement comes as Ontario Parks continues to experience record visitor demand. According to the province, the park system welcomed nearly 14 million visits in 2025, making it the largest provider of outdoor recreational opportunities in Ontario.
Officials say the increased campsite inventory is intended to address growing demand for camping while supporting tourism-related businesses in surrounding communities.
Collectively, the new campsites are expected to add 4,891 reservable camping nights between June 26 and Labour Day.
Ontario says the broader campground modernization initiative will ultimately add approximately 300 new campsites provincewide and upgrade 800 existing campsites with electrical service.
Additional expansions are already planned for Bon Echo and Presqu’ile provincial parks, where 65 new campsites are expected to become available for the 2027 summer season.
The province also confirmed that electrical upgrades have already been completed at 285 campsites across several parks, including Sandbanks, Arrowhead and Turkey Point. Those upgraded sites are currently available for reservations, depending on park-specific arrival dates.
Since 2018, Ontario says it has invested more than $161 million in infrastructure upgrades across the provincial parks system.
Tourism and local communities expected to benefit
Provincial officials say the investment is designed not only to expand recreational access, but also to strengthen local tourism economies that rely heavily on seasonal visitors.
“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,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming.
Local leaders and community organizations also welcomed the announcement, particularly in regions where park tourism is closely tied to economic activity during the summer months.
“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,” said Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron—Bruce.
Luke Charbonneau, Mayor of Saugeen Shores, said the expansion would strengthen both tourism and environmental awareness in the region.
“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,” he said.
Advocacy organizations connected to Ontario’s park system also praised the investment.
“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,” said Kathy Woeller, Chair of Friends of MacGregor Point Provincial Park.
Jena Ethier, Executive Director of Friends of Killarney Park, said the campground expansion would improve visitor access to park programming and educational activities.
“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.”