Rideau River Provincial Park
The closest Ontario provincial park to downtown Ottawa, just 40 minutes south on the historic Rideau River. 186 campsites across two campgrounds, sandy beaches, canoe and kayak rentals, and a pet-friendly loop. Open May to October.
Features
About Rideau River Provincial Park
Rideau River Provincial Park is the closest Ontario provincial park to downtown Ottawa — roughly 50 km south, or about a 40-minute drive. Situated on the banks of the historic Rideau River, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal system, the 98-hectare park has been welcoming campers since 1959.
It's a solid pick for a first camping trip, a weekend with kids, or anyone who wants to get into the outdoors without driving two hours.
Camping
The park has 186 campsites split across two campgrounds:
East Campground
- 101 sites, 76 with electrical hookups
- Comfort station with showers and laundry
- Closer to the day-use area and beach
West Campground
- 85 sites, 1 with electrical hookup
- Pet-friendly — dogs welcome on leash
- More wooded and private feel
There are also 6 group campsites that can accommodate up to 125 people each.
Things to Do
Swimming
A sandy beach along the Rideau River with a designated swimming area. The park has multiple beach access points across the campground, group camp, and day-use areas.
Paddling & Boating
Canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are available for rent at the Park Office. A boat launch provides direct access to the Rideau River.
Hiking
The Shoreline Trail connects the campground to the day-use area along the river — a flat, easy walk through the forest. Ontario Parks lists it at 1.5 km, though some hikers report the full end-to-end route is closer to 3 km.
Fishing
Cast a line from shore or from a boat on the Rideau River.
Visitor Information
- Season: May 8 – October 13 (2026)
- Fees: Non-electrical sites from ~$39/night, electrical sites from ~$44/night. Day use $21/vehicle
- Reservations: Book online at Ontario Parks — reservations strongly recommended for summer weekends
- Facilities: Comfort stations with showers, vault toilets, drinking water, park store (firewood, ice, ice cream, souvenirs)
Getting There
- From Ottawa: Head south on Highway 416, exit at Kemptville. About 50 km / 40 minutes from downtown
- Address: 2680 Donnelly Drive, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0
Information may change. If you spot anything outdated or incorrect, let us know.
Information may change. Please verify details on the official website before visiting.
Details
2680 Donnelly Drive, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0
Get Directions →You might also like
CampgroundSharbot Lake Provincial Park
A two-lake park about 100 minutes southwest of Ottawa, known for excellent fishing — walleye, bass, pike, and trout across Sharbot Lake and Black Lake. 176 campsites across four campgrounds, a sandy beach, canoe rentals, and laundry facilities. Pet-friendly throughout. Open late May to mid-October.
CampgroundFitzroy Provincial Park
One of the closest provincial parks to downtown Ottawa, about 40 minutes west at the confluence of the Carp River and Ottawa River. 235 campsites across two campgrounds, two sandy beaches, hiking trails through glacial landforms, and a 300-year-old bur oak stand. Open mid-May to mid-October.
CampgroundBon Echo Provincial Park
One of Ontario's most iconic parks, featuring the 100-metre Mazinaw Rock with over 260 Indigenous pictographs — a National Historic Site. 530 campsites, three beaches, 40 km of trails, and canoe-in backcountry camping on Mazinaw Lake, Ontario's third deepest. About 2 hours 45 minutes from Ottawa.
CampgroundBonnechere Provincial Park
A family favourite in the Ottawa Valley with a shallow sandy beach on Round Lake, calm Bonnechere River paddling, and a radio-free campground. 129 sites plus rustic cabins and a cottage. Known for its accessible trails, oxbow lake wildlife viewing, and relaxed atmosphere. About 2 hours from Ottawa. Open May to October.
CampgroundMurphy's Point Provincial Park
A 1,239-hectare park on Big Rideau Lake, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal. Home to the Silver Queen Mine — the only publicly accessible mica mine tour in Ontario Parks. About 90 minutes from Ottawa with car camping, beaches, hiking trails, and pioneer heritage sites. Open mid-May to mid-October.
CampgroundSilver Lake Provincial Park
A quiet, smaller park on a clear lake about 90 minutes southwest of Ottawa. 146 campsites across three campgrounds, two sandy beaches, and canoe/kayak/SUP rentals. A hidden gem known for great swimming and a relaxed atmosphere. Open late May to mid-October.
Want to add your place to 613today? It’s free!
Contact Us→