Plan Your 2026 Manitoba Camping Trip

There’s still plenty of time to plan your summer getaways and we’ve rounded up a few strategies to secure the camping spot of your dreams:

• Set availability alerts: You can now create up to five availability notifications through your Manitoba Parks account. If a site opens due to a cancellation and it’s matching your criteria, you’ll get notified by email.
• Check beyond provincial parks: Private and municipal campgrounds often have their own booking systems and can be easier to secure, especially for weekends.
• Plan for quieter times: Midweek trips and shoulder season dates like May, June and September tend to be less busy which means more campsite availability.

Part 1: Classic Provincial Park Escapes

These parks can be booked through the Manitoba Parks Reservation Service.

1. Bakers Narrows Campground

Located about 20 minutes south of Flin Flon, this northern gem offers picturesque sites right on Lake Athapapuskow. If you are used to the busier lakes of southern Manitoba, you will be pleasantly surprised by the solitude found here. Canoe on the clear water and you likely won’t see another boat for a while. Before you leave, climb the park’s lookout tower for sweeping, 360-degree views of the boreal forest.

2. William Lake Campground

Located east of the main Turtle Mountain Provincial Park area, William Lake is known for its stocked waters and rainbow trout fishing. The lake features a swimming beach, boat launch and multiple canoe and kayak access points, along with a playground and horseshoe pitch.

For a bit of elevation, the nearby Turtle’s Back Trail leads to Turtle’s Back summit, with wide views over southwestern Manitoba. The campground offers 52 basic sites and two small group-use areas, along with modern washrooms, showers, firewood and a fish cleaning area..

3. Otter Falls Campground

Nestled into the northern end of Whiteshell Provincial Park, Otter Falls sits on the beautiful Boreal Shield along the Winnipeg River system. The region offers phenomenal hiking opportunities, such as the Bannock Point Petroforms hike, which is just a short drive away. All cabins now feature Wi-Fi and there are several pet-friendly options available. If your campfire cooking doesn't go to plan, head over to the Otter Falls Resort Grill.

4. Wekusko Falls Campground

There is nothing quite like falling asleep to the sweet sound of rushing water. Wekusko Falls Provincial Park offers some of the most stunning sites in the province, with the walk-in campsites offering a direct view of the falls. Take it slow and enjoy the scenery and the two suspension bridges of the park, or head to the Grass River (which runs through the park) for a canoe or kayak excursion.

5. Grand Beach Campground

You may have visited this world-class beach for a day trip, but staying overnight allows you to experience the silica sand dunes and the boardwalk long after the crowds have left. Keep an eye out for Piping Plovers along the shore and don't forget to grab an ice cream cone for your sunset stroll

6. Lundar Beach Campground

Hop over to Lake Manitoba’s Lundar Beach Provincial Park on the west side of Lake Winnipeg for a quieter pace. This is a premier spot for birdwatching, so keep your binoculars ready for pelicans, songbirds and ducks in the natural marshlands. The sunsets over the lake are widely considered some of the best in the province and the nearby Lundar Museum offers a great look into the region's local history.

7. Paint Lake Campground

The hub of the North near Thompson, Paint Lake is a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The campground is equipped for families, featuring two playgrounds, a volleyball court and modern washroom facilities. With its stunning beach and numerous islands to explore by canoe, it’s a reliable pick for those looking to experience the beauty of the boreal forest with modern comforts.

8. Kiche Manitou Campground

Kiche Manitou is known for its varied landscape, from spruce parkland to the desert-like Spirit Sands dunes. After a day exploring the sand, a refreshing dip in Kiche Manitou Lake is a great way to cool off.

Located within Spruce Woods Provincial Park, Manitoba’s only dark sky preserve, the area is known for its mix of prairie, remnant boreal forest and sand dunes, including the Devil’s Punch Bowl. The campground has more than 200 sites, with both electrical and basic options. You’ll also find a visitor centre, interpretive programming and a network of multi-use trails, along with an equestrian campground and trail system.

Spend your time here hiking, biking, birdwatching, swimming or fishing. For something different, wagon rides through the Spirit Sands can be booked with Spirit Sands Wagon Outfitters.

Note: Reservations for Bay 10 family and group sites are currently on hold while electrical upgrades are completed. Watch for a special release later this season.

9. Blue Lakes Campground

Home to Manitoba’s highest peak, Baldy Mountain, this park is a must-visit for hikers. The lakes themselves are famously blue and reach depths of 60 meters, making West Blue Lake a popular spot for scuba diving and clear-water swimming. West Blue Lake’s motor restriction makes it especially well-suited for canoeing and a quieter day on the water, while nearby boat launches and rentals make it easy to get out and explore. Anglers will also find a challenge, with opportunities to fish for record-breaking splake and rainbow trout.

10. Iskwasum / Reed Lake

If you’re heading north, Grass River offers a quieter, more remote camping experience at Iskwasum and Reed Lake, both open from May 15 to October 12, 2026. Iskwasum is also the starting point for the Karst Spring Trail, known for its striking limestone features and photo-worthy scenery. The campground has over 50 grounds with amenities like a playground, a boat launch

Part 2: Municipal and Private Gems

Book these directly with the operators.

11. Cripple Creek Campground

Located just 40 minutes east of Winnipeg near Richer, this family-run campground offers over 100 acres of forest to explore. It is a paradise for pet owners, featuring a dedicated off-leash dog park and trails that link directly into the Sandilands Provincial Forest. Relax at the KaMaKi beach or visit the "Shed of Games" for a round of board games on a rainy afternoon.

12. Rubber Ducky Resort and Campground

Just 20 minutes north of Winnipeg, this resort is a hub for summertime family fun. With two heated pools, bumper boats and a minigolf course, the kids will never run out of things to do. They even offer motel rooms and cabin rentals for those who want the campground experience without the gear. Check their schedule for ice cream socials and movie nights throughout the 2026 season.

13. Vermillion Park Campground

If you found Riding Mountain National Park to be fully booked for your camping dates, Vermillion Park in Dauphin is a great alternative. This municipal campground offers upgraded facilities and puts you right in the hub of the Parkland region. You get the best of both worlds: easy access to Dauphin’s local shopping and restaurants while being just a short drive from the national park gates.

14. Pelican Shores RV Park

A fully-serviced RV park on the shores of Pelican Lake, just 45 minutes from Brandon. Boaters and sailors will love the easy access to the Pelican Yacht Club. With boat docks on-site and excellent fishing for northern pike and walleye, this is a top-tier choice for those who want their summer vacation to revolve around the water.

15. Flin Flon Tourist Park & Campground

Located right on Highway 10, this municipal park is home to the friendly face of Josiah Flintabattey Flonatin, the city’s namesake mascot. It is a convenient and friendly stop for northern road-trippers, featuring modern washrooms, free Wi-Fi and proximity to the Flin Flon Station Museum.

16. Town & Country Campground

The easiest "staycation" option for those in the city. Located just east of Winnipeg, this full-service campground is within walking distance of Tinkertown Family Fun Park. With over 300 sites, a convenience store and an arcade, it’s a hassle-free way to give the kids a camping experience while still being close to city amenities.

17. Prairie Oak Campground

Quiet riverfront camping near the U.S. border at Emerson. This is a peaceful retreat is great for fishing the Red River or exploring the history of nearby Fort Dufferin. The campground offers access to the Trans Canada Trail, making it a great home base for hikers.

Bonus Hidden Gems

Wild Oaks Campground

Wild Oaks is known for its quiet atmosphere, making it a great choice if you’re looking to avoid the busier campground scene. Expect peaceful evenings and a slower pace just outside Steinbach.

The campground is well-equipped, with amenities that include a swimming pool, hot tub, laundry facilities and nearby beach access. There is a playground and volleyball area on site and the seasonal sites offer full water and sewage disposal.

All overnight sites come with a picnic table and firepit, making it easy to settle in and enjoy your time outdoors.

Childs Lake Campground

Often overshadowed by the Blue Lakes, Childs Lake offers the same clear, deep water with fewer crowds. It’s a strong option for last-minute weekend bookings, especially if you’re set on that signature Duck Mountain lake experience.

The campground includes tent sites, yurts and accessible yurts. Firewood is available for purchase and the site features both modern and non-modern washrooms, as well as a pay telephone. There’s also a beach, boat docks and launches for those spending time on the lake.

For those looking to stay active, the Childs Lake Hiking Trail offers a network of looped routes along the west shore. The McKelvey and Mossberry Lake trails connect Childs Lake to Blue Lake and are open for hiking, cycling and all-terrain vehicles. About 10 kilometres west, the Shell Valley Hiking Trail features a scenic climb overlooking the valley.

Find Your Next Campsite

Ready to plan your summer camping trips? Check availability through Manitoba Parks or book directly with the private and municipal campgrounds listed above.