Driftwood Provincial Park Review & Campground Guide

If you are looking for a small park with gorgeous waterfront campsites, then Driftwood Provincial Park should definitely be on your list.

While John and I only spent one day in August visiting this awesome park, we really enjoyed our time there.

Driftwood Provincial Park is located 478 km northeast of Toronto near the town of Mattawa.

Because it’s almost a 5-hour drive from where we live, this campground was part of a two-week road trip around Algonquin Park.

There were plenty of activities to keep us busy, so we immediately had regrets about not being able to stay longer.

This guide will give you an overview of what we experienced at Driftwood Provincial Park. Decide for yourself if it should be added to your camping bucket list!

Pros and Cons of Driftwood Provincial Park – Quick Guide

If you are in a hurry, here’s a quick list of the pros and cons of Driftwood Provincial Park:

Things We Liked

Nice private campsites
Great hiking paths
Clean amenities
Great paddling opportunities

Things We Did Not Like

Some wonky sites that were difficult to get into
The Ottawa River is prone to blue-green algae

Driftwood Provincial Park Reservations – What You Need to Know Before You Go

Making a reservation to camp at Driftwood Provincial Park is pretty easy.

Just like all the other Ontario Park campsites, you can book your campsite up to five months in advance of your arrival date through the Ontario Parks reservation system.

In order to make a reservation online, you will first need to have an Ontario Parks account.

Registrations begin at 7 am EST.

We booked our stay at Driftwood for August and considering how tiny the park is, we had no difficulty getting a choice site for the day we wanted.

And while we made the conscious decision to go with a non-powered site, there were plenty of powered ones to choose from during our stay.

On the plus side, most of the sites at this park were pretty nice! So I really don’t think you can go wrong.

☑️ Expert Tip – Be sure to pre-register and check in online before arriving at the park. It definitely expedites the process once you arrive. This can easily be done by logging into your Ontario Parks account and heading to your reservation.

The park is open for camping pretty much the entire year. It looks like the park is only closed during the month of April.

Driftwood Provincial Park Address:
39520 Highway 17, Stonecliffe, ON K0J 2K0
https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/driftwood

Arriving at the Park

When you pull into the park entrance, it’s just a quick drive to the gatehouse.

There’s regular vehicle parking there, but no designated RV spots. The whole parking lot runs parallel to the road with no barriers.

So realistically, unless there are a ton of people arriving at the same time, you should have no problem parking your RV off to the side. We found it easy enough.

The gatehouse also works as the park store. We picked up a printed map, grabbed some firewood, and I added a park patch to my collection.

You can also buy ice and rent PFDs from the gatehouse.

We arrived after the 2:00 p.m. check-in, so once we were done at the gatehouse, we could head straight to our campsite.

Driftwood Provincial Park Map

Navigating the Park

Driftwood is a pretty small park, but even so, it’s always easier to navigate when the park has good signage.

There were plenty of clear signs pointing you toward the campgrounds, day-use areas, and other spots of interest throughout the park.

The main park road was paved while the smaller campground roads were gravel. Both were in pretty good shape.

The campground roads in the non-powered sections are one-way, fairly narrow, but easy enough to manage with a small trailer.

I’m pretty sure that the powered areas of the park have roads that are a little wider, so easier to manage for larger rigs.

Parking

The parking lots we came across around the park were a good size.

There were parking lots at the gatehouse, one at the comfort stations, and a large one at the beach.

It was the small lots that were located throughout the campgrounds that were small and on the steep and wonky side.

While these were plentiful (at least in our campground), it would not be easy to park there due to the steep grade. Weird!

Driftwood Provincial Park Camping

Driftwood Provincial Park supports a wide range of camping options.

You can book sites for car camping, tenting, and RVs up to 32 feet (9.7 metres).

Of course, you can choose between electric and non-electric campsites as well.

Just note that not every campground section fits every style of camping, so pay close attention to the site details when you book.

Driftwood Provincial Park has 3 main campgrounds: West River, East River and Brumm Campgrounds.

Both the West and East River Campgrounds only offer non-powered sites, with the majority of them being waterfront.

The Brumm Campground only has pwered sites, with many of them being drive through.

All in all, Driftwood is home to only 82 campsites.

Campgrounds at a Glance

West River Campground

27 Campsites
Non-electric sites
Water taps
Vault Toilets
Comfort station with showers
Laundry
Wooded sites

East River Campground

33 Campsites
Non-electric sites only
Water taps
Vault Toilets
Comfort Station with showers
Laundry Station
Wooded and private sites

Brumm Campground

47 Campsites
Non-electric sites only
Water taps
Vault Toilets
Wooded and private sites

Group Camping

Driftwood has 2 large Group Camping sites located just off the main campground road and closest to the Brumm Campground.

The group sites can accommodate 15 – 50 people. Unfortunately, trailers of any kind are not allowed on the group campsites.

There are water taps, vault toilets, and a garbage/recycling area available on site.

The group sites are a 15-minute walk to the beach and a short drive to the comfort station.

The sites can be reserved in advance online or by phone.

Our Campsite Experience

During our visit to Driftwood, we stayed in the East River Campground.

Our waterfront campsite was pretty spacious, with more than enough room for us to set up our dining tent (although we chose not to).

While the sites were not completely private (I could still see my neighbours), there was more than enough shrubbery between sites to provide a good buffer.

We were also close to the water tap and a short walk to both vault toilets and the comfort station.

Our site also provided direct access to the Ottawa River. This was the case for all the waterfront sites at this park.

Surprisingly, this isn’t always so at all parks. For instance, our riverside site at Samuel de Champlain had no water access!

There was one big drawback to our site, however. And that was the fact that it was pretty windy. But this is usually the case when you have a waterfront site.

Small price to pay to watch the sunset!

And we absolutely LOVED our view!

We actually sacrificed having a powered site so that we would have water access and a great view.

Unfortunately, during our visit there was blue-green algae present in the water.

That meant that the beaches were closed to swimming, and I didn’t feel comfortable taking my paddleboard out either.

Oh well. I sat waterside, read my book, and enjoyed the view anyway!

What Amenities Does Driftwood Offer?

Onsite Amenities – Quick List

82 Campsites
Showers and Flush Toilets
Two Laundromats
Park Store
Two Beaches
Canoe Rentals

Comfort Station

There is only one comfort station with showers in Driftwood Provincial Park.

The comfort station is located in between the West and east River Campgrounds.

Even though John and I chose to shower early in the evening, we did not have to wait even once for the showers to be free.

We found the comfort station to be really clean and well-kept. The water was hot, and the pressure in the showers was decent.

Vault toilets were also located near the beaches, as well as in each of the campground areas.

Laundry

A coin laundry is available in the only comfort station located in the park.

The laundry room was clean and in great condition.

It had one washer, two dryers, as well as a large laundry sink and folding counter.

All machines were in working order during our visit.

Park Store

As I mentioned earlier, the Park Store is located inside the gatehouse.

Inside, you will find a small selection of Ontario Parks merch, including hoodies, t-shirts, hats, stickers, water bottles, camping cups, and more.

You will also find a small variety of snacks, an ice cream freezer full of novelty ice cream, a coffee station, as well as some camping essentials that you may have forgotten.

Visitor’s Centre

There is no Visitor Centre at Driftwood Provincial Park.

Day Use Area

The day-use area at Driftwood is home to the main beach.

There, you will find a a small playground, picnic tables, the boat launch, kayak rentals, and a trailhead.

There was a decent sized parking lot located adjacent to the main beach, as well as vault toilets.

If you want to visit the park for the day-use area only, you can reserve your daily vehicle permit to guarantee your day-use spot.

Permits can be obtained up to five days in advance.

Boat Launch

There is one boat launch at Driftwood Provincial Park. As I mentioned above, it is located in the day use area.

As a result, the boat launch also shares a parking lot with the day use area.

The small boat launch ramp appeared to be in decent shape. However, during our visit, the adjacent dock was roped off as it appeared in pretty rough shape.

Driftwood Provincial Park Beach

Driftwood Provincial Park is home to one main sandy beach, as well as a long strip of sandy beach running along the coastline and the West and east River campgrounds..

The Main Beach is located in the day use area and has a swimming area marked with buoy lines. We visited this beach briefly on our last day at the park.

The swimming area was clean and did not appear to get very deep, making it perfect for families with young children.

Keep in mind, we didn’t actually enter the water due to the blue-green algae.

Signs were posted at the beach and at the gatehouse warning people of the presence of blue-green algae. It was nice that the park staff also made sure to make us aware of this upon check-in.

The second beach area is located along Driftwood Bay. This beach is used by campers with waterfront sites.

You will also find a few public access points to the Bay, with one located at the junction of the main park road and the campground road in West River.

This beach is narrower and does not have a roped-off swimming area. The area is nice and sandy with a pretty gradual drop-off.

What Services Does Driftwood Offer?

You will find all the usual Ontario Provincial Parks services at Driftwood.

Water

The water fill station at Driftwood Provincial Park is located in the sanitation loop, prior to reaching the gatehouse.

There are two water fill stations located on a single lane. There is one on either side, making it easy for anyone with tanks on the passenger side of their rigs.

The fill stations are also staggered so that two rigs could be filling at the same time.

You will find water taps located throughout the campgrounds, as well as in the day-use area.

There are no water hookups at the individual campsites.

Dump Station

There is only one sanitation station at Driftwood Provincial Park.

The dump station is located just before you reach the gatehouse.

The sanitation area consists of a long single-lane loop with one dump station located on the driver’s side, which is where most rigs have their tanks.

And just like at other parks, expect the sanitation area to be busy around check-out time.

Garbage and Recycling

You will find a central garbage and recycling area located between the gatehouse and the sanitation loop.

It wasn’t that well marked, so we almost drove right past the loop on our way out of the park!

In this area, you’ll find multiple recycling containers, a small shed for recyclables, an open trailer for garbage, and designated spots for small empty propane canisters.

There is also a shed for you to put your garbage bags on one side, and mixed bags of recycling on the other.

Cell Service

If you need to stay connected during your time at Driftwood, we found the cell service to be decent.

I was able to make calls, answer emails, send texts, and even stream my TV shows from almost anywhere in the campground.

This allowed me to write this blog while enjoying my campsite views, as well as get some other work done with absolutely no issues.

Things to Do at Driftwood Provincial Park

Driftwood Provincial Park is a pretty good place for outdoor recreation.

No matter what you like to do while camping, this park has it!

1. Go for a Paddle

John and I were pretty disappointed when we found out that we could not head out for a paddle due to the blue-green algae.

There are so many kilometres of shoreline, as well as a small island to explore with your canoe, kayak, or paddleboard.

We did see people in kayaks out on the water, as well as paddleboards, but we did not want to risk getting sick.

Hopefully we will back and get to experience paddling in this park first hand!

2. Enjoy a Refreshing Swim

Driftwood Provincial Park is (normally) a great spot for swimming.

The tea-coloured water is clean and warm enough for a comfortable dip.

The roped-off swimming area stays fairly shallow, which makes it a good option if you’re visiting with younger kids.

John and I walked from our campground to the main beach to check it out, but it was not a short or easy walk!

Had we wanted to spend the day at the beach with gear, we would have needed to drive there.

Of course, had the water been safe, we probably would have just entered the water from our own site rather than make our way to the beach!

3. Go for a Bike Ride

There are no dedicated bike trails at Driftwood. That said, you are welcome to bike on the main road as well as the smaller campground roads.

Looking for a great leg workout? The camp roads in this park are a bit hilly in some areas!

In fact, we saw a few families biking around the campground with younger kids.

Unfortunately, it rained for part of the time during our stay, so we really didn’t have a lot of time to explore the park by bike.

I didn’t realize this until just before we left the park!

4. Take Part in the Discovery Program

During the summer months, Driftwood runs a full schedule of educational programs.

Sharbot Lake Provincial Park - Discovery Kids Sign

Check the weekly events calendars posted throughout the park for details on upcoming opportunities.

A Discovery Book is also available for free at the gatehouse, which would allow the families to explore the park on their own.

5. Try Your Hand at Fishing

Driftwood Provincial Park is a great spot to relax and do a little fishing.

You can fish for Walleye, Northern Pike and Small-mouth Bass in the Ottawa River, or. Splake, Lake and Brook Trout in nearby lakes.

The Dumoine River on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River, directly across from the park, is known for its excellent Walleye fishing.

Just keep in mind, that you will need to buy a Quebec fishing licence!

We saw people fishing from boats, from the water’s edge, and even from paddleboards!

6. Do Some Birdwatching

If you are into birding, then Driftwood Provincial Park is a nice spot to sit and enjoy the view.

The Ottawa River is home to a variety of songbirds and brightly coloured warblers.

While we didn’t really notice a large amount of bird activity or birdsong during our stay, we also don’t consider ourselves birders by any stretch of the imagination!

7. Enjoy a Hike

Driftwood Provincial Park is home to several hiking trails. The trails are divided into two main branches – The Oak Highland Trails and the The Chevrier Creek Trails – with several hikes in each branch.

We didn’t have time to hike all the trails, but we did manage to explore one of them and really enjoyed it.

We did find that this park does not have large trailhead signs on any of the hiking paths. This made it tricky to find some of the trails.

There were small parking lots near some, but not all, of the trails.

Riverview Loop

Length: 1.0 km (loop)
Duration: 45 minutes
Difficulty: moderate

John and I really enjoyed this short trail, which had some really nice lookout points over the Ottawa River.

The trail was pretty steep, with plenty of rocks and roots on the path.

We found some parts of this trail to not be well marked. We really had to stop and look to see where the trail continued, as it was not obvious.

Beaver Pond Loop

Length: 2.5 km (loop)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: moderate

While we did not have time to hike this trail, we have heard that it is not a bad one to try.

While it’s not as scenic as the Riverview Loop, its still a nice way to spend a couple of hours.

Keep in mind, this hike is labelled as moderate due to the rough terrain.

The Chevrier Creek Trails

Length: 4 loops vary in range from .5 – 3.7 km loop
Duration: 30 mins – 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

The Chevrier Creek Trails are a group of four trails that are located just off the West River Campground.

The loops vary in length, so you have several options depending on how much time you have:

Loop 1 – 1.8 km
Loop 2 – 3.7 km
Loop 3 – 0.5 km
Loop 4 – 2.0 km

Just like the other trails in the park, their moderate to difficult rating is due to steep inclines and rough terrain, making some of them pretty technical.

Is Driftwood Provincial Park Accessible?

We found the buildings at Driftwood to be very accessible.

All the comfort stations allowed for barrier-free access to both flush toilets and showers.

The Gatehouse and vault toilets were also barrier-free.

One thing we did not notice, was any kind of mobility mat at the main day use beach, or anywhere along the camper’s beach.

According to the park map, sites 53, 54 and 124 are designated barrier-free campsites.

But unlike the distinctive firepit in Algonquin’s Canisbay Lake Campground, I really didn’t notice anything that would differentiate these campsites however.

Are Pets Allowed at Driftwood?

Yes. Dogs are welcome at Driftwood Provincial Park.

Pets are allowed at the campground and in the day-use area, but must be leashed at all times.

Point Farms Provincial Park - Guinness and I at our campsite

Unfortunately, we did not see any pet exercise area or dog beach.

Just a reminder, dogs are not allowed at the main beach.

Is There Winter Camping at Driftwood?

No. Unfortunately Driftwood does not offer winter camping.

As I mentioned earlier, you can camp until about mid-October and that is it.

The park is also not open for any winter activities like cross-country skiing, skating or snowshoeing.

Our Park Rating

We give this park 3 out of 5 stars for having:

Wooded Campsites
Well-maintained park
Hike & Bike Trails
Not Too Many Amenities
Ok Beaches

Final Thoughts

Our visit to Driftwood Provincial Park was definitely a pleasant surprise.

While we didn’t get to experience the paddling in this park, we did explore the hiking trails, and enjoy the well-maintained facilities.

We wouldn’t say no to coming back to this park, for no other reason than the nice waterside views!

Definitely give this one a try!