A Perfect Park to Develop Your Backcountry Camping Skills

Local outfitters offer exceptional services for guided or self-guided adventures. #PaddleON
Charleston-Lake-Main.jpg

Charleston Lake Provincial Park is an easy drive from Ottawa (1 ½ hours) and Kingston (50 minutes). It is a favourite family camping destination offering car camping, backcountry camping and roofed accommodation. It has excellent swimming, fishing and wildlife viewing. Located in the Frontenac Arch UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

Discover more backcountry paddling experiences. For information on park fees and reservations, click here.

About Trish Manning

Trish Manning is an adventure travel writer. She is an avid outdoor person who loves to hike, paddle, SUP, snowshoe, cross-country ski and explore Ontario's great outdoors with her golden retriever, Daisy.

Recommended Articles

Ontario’s Blue-Water Lakes

So blue you won’t believe your eyes.

Paddling Laws

This is what you need to know about safety on the water in Ontario.

Temagami Canoe Trip Guide

Expert advice for paddling in paradise.

Algonquin Park Canoe Trip Guide

Learn how to plan a backcountry paddling adventure.

Sun and Sand

Soak it up at the best Lake Huron beaches

The Massasauga Provincial Park Guide

What to know to plan your paddling and backcountry camping trip.

The Steel River

Ontario’s ultimate loop canoe route.

Mattawa River Canoe Trip Guide

Paddle the rugged and historic waterway.

French River Canoe Tripping

Everything you need to know to explore this historic and wild waterway.

SUPreme Adventure

Best paddleboarding destinations for beginners.

Missinaibi River Canoe Trip

Learn how to plan a canoe trip down this famed wilderness river.

It's Time for a Paddle

Canoe and kayak rentals that are perfect for your next paddling adventure.

Best Canoe Maps in Ontario

Find out where to get the best digital and hard-copy versions.

Ontario’s Moose Hotspots

Your best chance of seeing a moose is by paddle.

Killarney Canoe Trips

Learn about the best canoe routes in this stunning Ontario park.

No Roughing It Here

Paddle, sleep and eat well at these comfortably wild lodgings.

Ultimate Guide to Wabakimi

Find out how to plan a canoe trip in this wilderness wonderland.

Canoe & Kayak Trips in Ontario

Learn how to plan your next paddling day trip or overnight here.

Best Kayaking on Georgian Bay

Plan your next kayak trip.

19 Best Paddling Day Trips

These canoe and kayak outings make it easy to get out on the water.