Established in 1921, Long Point is Ontario’s fourth-oldest provincial park, but its biggest draw isn’t rugged wilderness—it’s its expansive sandy shoreline and the warm waters of Lake Erie.
Thanks to Lake Erie’s shallow, warm waters, it’s a place where swimming feels more like a southern beach getaway than a typical Ontario camping trip, with soft sand and surprisingly warm water defining the experience.
With 11 beach access points, including several directly from the campground, it’s easy to go from your tent to the sand in minutes. The lake remains shallow for a long distance from shore, making it a popular spot for families with young children and anyone looking for a relaxed day in the water.
Beach Camping
Camping is divided between the Old Park and the New Park, each offering a different experience. The Old Park’s Cottonwood campground is radio-free, making it ideal for a quieter stay. The New Park is home to Firefly, Monarch’s Rest, and Turtle Dunes, all within a short walk of the beach. Some Turtle Dunes campsites even have private paths leading directly onto the sand.
Evenings are just as memorable, with campers gathering along the shoreline to watch Lake Erie’s famous sunsets, often trading dinner plans for front-row seats to the changing sky.
The park is part of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and lies along one of North America’s busiest bird migration routes. This makes it a favourite destination for birdwatchers, especially during the spring and fall migration seasons.
Fishing is also popular, and if you don’t have your own equipment, you can borrow gear through the park’s TackleShare program. Campsites are in high demand during the summer, so it’s best to reserve as early as Ontario Parks allows.
The Need To Know Details
- Location: Near Port Rowan, about 2.5 hours from Toronto, on the Long Point peninsula along Lake Erie
- 2026 season: Camping is open May 8 to November 15. The day-use area operates April 3, 2026, to January 3, 2027
- Camping: The park has 250 car campsites, including electrical, pull-through, and radio-free options across four campgrounds
- Beach: Enjoy over 2 kilometres of sandy shoreline and warm, shallow Lake Erie waters, perfect for swimming. There are 11 beach access points, many just steps from campsites
- Facilities: Comfort stations with flush toilets and showers, a park store, laundromat, playgrounds, picnic areas, boat launch, trailer dump station, and an off-leash dog beach are available
- Fishing: Bring your own gear or borrow rods through the park’s TackleShare program. Personal flotation devices are also available to borrow with a refundable deposit
- Good to know: Swimming areas are not supervised by lifeguards. Campsites often book up months in advance, especially for summer weekends
