Camping in Newfoundland
Camping is amazing in Newfoundland and Labrador! Whether hikers catch a glimpse of a majestic moose or boaters see breaching whales, there is always an island adventure around every corner. From toddlers to senior citizens, everyone loves spending time in the spectacular and untouched beauty of the Newfoundland outdoors. Visitors can enjoy an afternoon at the beach, nature tours, day trips to island parks, or an extended camping trip.
Newfoundland and Labrador has 14 Provincial Parks (as well as three national parks) of varied sizes which offer different levels of service. Chance Cove Provincial Park is maintained by the Parks and Natural Areas Division but it is the only one without park staff on site. There are also six Natural and Scenic Attraction Provincial Parks designed primarily for day use activities, as well as 11 Provincial Park Reserves, and the T'Railway Provincial Park. In addition, there are numerous private campgrounds, with comfortable sites and daily fun activities and events, across the province.
National Parks
- Gros Morne
Gros Morne Park, in western Newfoundland, is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1987, Gros Morne National Park was given this recognition because of its unique geological features and the breathtaking beauty of the region. This park is also the second largest national park in Atlantic Canada. Another Newfoundland park - Torngat Mountains National Park (9,600 sq km/3,700 sq mi) - surpasses it in size.
Gros Morne National Park offers camping at five different locations within its boundaries. Reservations are recommended for all campgrounds (except for primitive campsites and Green Point with self-registration). Reservations can be made online or by calling 1-877-737-3783 (from the US and Canada) or 905-426-4648 (from outside the US and Canada). In addition, seven private campgrounds (six with serviced sites) operate in the surrounding areas.
- Terra Nova National Park
Terra Nova National Park, located 80 km east of Gander and 240 km west of St. John’s, is rich in nature with 500 species of plants, 200 types of moss, and hundreds of kinds of lichens. The park has an interpretive centre to explain all its natural wonders. Terra Nova Park is a terrific spot for hiking, wildlife viewing, bicycling, and water activities such as sea kayaking, swimming, and canoeing. Golfers can enjoy a great game of golf in an incredible setting.
Terra Nova National Park has front-country as well as primitive camping. Terra Nova National Park is open year-round but full services are available only from mid-May to early October. Campground reservations can be made online or by calling 1-877-737-3783.
Camping in the City
With Newfoundland’s scenic trails, Atlantic beaches, and pristine lakes and rivers, the island’s Provincial Parks will naturally get an A+ rating. Yet not many tourists would expect to find a perfect camping spot in a capital city but St. John’s Pippy Park provides that experience.
Pippy Park, an urban park on the northern boundary of St. John’s, offers a view of the city and the Atlantic Ocean. Pippy Park has seen campers from the rest of Canada and the US, as well as 15 other countries, including New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Israel. Open from May-October, the park has 216 sites (full service and unserviced lots).
The full-service sites are located in an open meadow and the unserviced sites are on private treed lots. The campground is near the Fluvarium, mini-golf, the MUN Botanical Gardens, and scenic trails, as well as close to the heart of St. John’s. An unbeatable combination!
Nature by Day
- Salmonier Nature Park
Salmonier Nature Park, on the Avalon Peninsula, is an extremely popular attraction with children and adults. Salmonier Nature Park is part of a unique provincial rehabilitation program for wild animals. This natural oasis offers educational programs during the school year as well as informative and fun events during the summer.
The park will sponsor Family Fun Days on July 17 and August 21, 2010. Salmonier Nature Park is a perfect place for a day trip on a glorious day in Newfoundland and Labrador. (Hours of operation: June 1st-Labour Day - seven days a week - 10:00 am-6:00 pm - gates close at 5:00 pm - Labour Day-Thanksgiving Day - seven days a week 10:00 am-4:00 pm - gates close at 3:00 pm.)
Planning Your Newfoundland Camping Trip
Newfoundland and Labrador Park Reservations
