Charleston Lake Provincial Park

About Charleston Lake Provincial Park

Charleston Lake Provincial Park is a 2,596-hectare Natural Environment park in the Canadian Shield, about 90 minutes south of Ottawa near Lansdowne. It's where the rugged granite landscape of the Shield extends into eastern Ontario — rocky outcrops, granite ridges, and deep clear water.

The park was established in 1976 and is known for its fishing, hiking, and backcountry canoe camping. It's a step up in wilderness feel from the closer parks like Rideau River or Fitzroy, without the long drive to Algonquin.

Camping

The park has roughly 236 campsites across four campgrounds:

Bayside (83 sites)

Close to the beach and day-use area. Mix of electrical and non-electrical sites.

Shady Ridge (58 sites)

Home to the park's 4 yurts — each sleeps up to 6 and comes with futon bunk beds, table and chairs, propane BBQ, and fire grill.

Meadowlands (87 sites)

Mix of electrical and non-electrical sites.

Backcountry (10 sites)

Small clusters of canoe-in sites on the lake — paddle out and set up camp on your own point.

Things to Do

Hiking

• Blue Mountain Trail (~10 km round trip) — The highlight. Climbs to the highest point in Leeds & Grenville County with 360-degree panoramic views, including the Adirondack Mountains on a clear day
• Several shorter trails through Canadian Shield terrain

Swimming

Sandy beach in the day-use area with a designated swim zone.

Paddling & Fishing

Canoe and kayak rentals available at the Discovery Centre (mid-June to Labour Day, 8 AM – 8 PM). Boat launch on site. Charleston Lake is well regarded for bass and trout fishing.

Nature Programs

The Discovery Centre runs Natural Heritage Education programs — guided hikes, amphitheatre talks, and kids' activities through the summer.

Visitor Information

• Season: Mid-May to mid-October
• Fees: Non-electrical sites from ~$39/night, electrical from ~$44/night. Yurts priced separately
• Reservations: Book online at Ontario Parks
• Facilities: Comfort stations with showers, laundry, dump station, playground, picnic shelters, fish cleaning stations, barrier-free access

Getting There

• From Ottawa: Head south on Highway 416, then Highway 29 and local roads toward Lansdowne. About 126 km / 90 minutes
• Address: 148 Woodvale Road, Lansdowne, ON K0E 1L0