Algonquin: Lake of Two Rivers Campground Review & Guide
Looking to camp at Lake of Two Rivers Campground in Algonquin Park? We have done it, so if you are wondering what it’s like, you have come to the right place!
Located in South-Central Ontario and approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes (266 km) from Toronto, Algonquin Provincial Park has been on my bucket list for a variety of reasons.
From the gorgeous views to the fall colours, the amazing hiking trails, and of course, beautiful campsites, what’s not to like?
We spent a long weekend camping in Algonquin with our Teardrop Trailer “Nellie” and had an absolute blast.
In this post, we will outline the logistics, important things to know, the good, the bad, and everything in between.
Let’s jump in!
Pros and Cons of Lake of Two Rivers Campground – Quick Guide
If you are in a hurry, here’s a quick list of the pros and cons of Lake of Two Rivers Campground Algonquin Provincial Park:
Things We Liked
Things We Did Not Like
Lake of Two Rivers Campground – What You Need to Know Before You Go
Booking a campsite at the Lake of Two Rivers in Algonquin Provincial Park is pretty straightforward but does require some planning ahead.
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 though, you will first need to have an Ontario Parks account.
Given the popularity of Algonquin, especially during peak seasons like summer and fall, you will really need to plan ahead.
Campsites open for registration at 7 am, so it’s wise to mark that five-month mark on your calendar. The early bird gets the worm, or in this case, the best campsite.
Lake of Two Rivers Campground is open for camping from the beginning of May until mid-October (Canadian Thanksgiving weekend).
Lake of Two Rivers Address:
Located at 31.8 Km mark on Highway 60, Algonquin Park
https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/algonquin/lakeoftworivers
Arriving at the Park
The Lake of Two Rivers campground can be found at the 31.8-kilometre marker.
Check-in normally requires you to go into the small booth at the entrance to the actual campground.
Since Algonquin Park is HUGE, you can grab a map at the park gates, but you can’t check in there.
Just a Heads up
There was some confusion when we first pulled up to the campsite gatehouse during our Thanksgiving weekend visit. It was unstaffed, and both gate arms were raised.
We noticed that several cars and RVs were in the lot by the gatehouse, with more than a few people walking around the kiosk, looking confused.
No one had a clue as to where we were supposed to check-in.
Finally, an Ontario Parks employee drove up and told everyone that they needed to go 2.5 km down the road to the next campsite (Mew Lake) to check-in.
Not sure if this campsite always works this way, or if it was just because we were there on a long weekend at the end of the season.
But there were definitely no signs indicating we needed to check in elsewhere.
Lake of Two Rivers Map
Navigating the Park
Navigating through Algonquin Park is easy, especially considering the sheer size of the park.
There are kilometre markers all along Highway 60, so you really have no excuse not to find what you are looking for.
Within the campground, signage was also quite decent. We did not have a hard time locating our campsite or any of the amenities.
While Highway 60 is paved, most of the campground roads are not. However, they were in pretty decent shape.
Parking
There are several parking areas around the campground.
Like in most Ontario Parks, you will find parking at all comfort stations, at the gatehouse, near the bike and hike trailheads, and at the Lake of Two Rivers Store.
Just a heads up, we have been to the store several times during our visits to Algonquin. And no matter what the season, the parking lot is ALWAYS jammed.
So be prepared to either wait for a spot to open up, or better yet, just walk there from your campsite.
Lake of Two Rivers Camping
The Lake of Two Rivers Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles.
From car camping to tenting, barrier-free camping, and RVs up to 32 feet (9.7 metres), you will find it all.
You will also have the choice between electric or non-electric sites.
Unfortunately, not all types of camping can be accommodated at all sites, so you will need to watch for this when making your reservations.
Lake of Two Rivers has 241 sites situated on 4 campsite loops. These are joined by the main campground road off Highway 60.
Group Camping
Unfortunately, there is not a group camping area available at the Lake of Two Rivers campground.
However, Whitefish Lake in Algonquin Park does have group camping sites available.
Whitefish Group Campground is open from late April to Thanksgiving and is located at the 37-kilometre mark.
Our Campsite Experience
We found the sites at Lake of Two Rivers to be a decent size, especially for our 18-foot camper. While there were plenty of trees, the privacy was only average.
The roads going through the campground were wide enough and clear for larger rigs, but not well-marked for the direction of travel.
Our campsite (#156) was pretty level. Just like our site at Presqu’ile, there was a treeline that gave us privacy from the site behind us but was open on either side.
We also had the communal water tap at the entrance to our site. This actually worked out great for us (more on that below).
The one major downside to this site (and many others nearby) was that the ground was covered in pine needles.
We had to be really careful not to track the sap into our trailer. And our shoes got pretty sticky by the end of the weekend.
What Amenities Does Lake of Two Rivers Offer?
Onsite Amenities – Quick List
- 241 wheelchair-accessible campsites
- RV campsites
- Showers and laundry facilities
- Restaurant
- Park Store
- Bicycle rentals
- Hiking/Biking Trail
Comfort Stations
Lake of Two Rivers campground has 2 comfort stations available. Each one is shared with two loops of the campground, so they do get a little busy.
The facilities include 4 shower stalls, flush toilets (3 each for men and women), laundry facilities, and an information board.
As we mentioned above, the comfort stations are wheelchair accessible.
There are also three vault toilets located throughout the four campground loops.
The Lake of Two Rivers Store
If you find that you have forgotten something for your camping adventure, you’re in luck. The Lake of Two Rivers Store is right next to the campground and is packed with essentials.
You will find a decent assortment of fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh and frozen meats, dairy, groceries and sundries.
You will also find an in-store bakery, a full range of camping and fishing supplies, and some really cool Algonquin souvenirs.
Restaurant and Ice Cream Bar
If you are not in the mood to cook or are looking for a quick snack, the cafe and grill has a selection of prime rib burgers, fresh-cut french fries, an assortment of wraps as well as garden-fresh salads, and sandwiches.
The last time we were there, they even had bison burgers!
If you are visiting during the summer (or any other time of year for that matter), head to the dairy bar.
Not only do they have ice cream cones with over 16 flavours, but they also serve milkshakes and sundaes, all made from Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream.
While I love the scooped Ice cream at Darlington Provincial Park, the Lake of Two Rivers dairy bar is waaaaay better!
Bike Rental Shop
If you are like us and do not have a way to transport your bicycles to the campground, then having a bike rental shop onsite is awesome.
Just like at Pinery Provincial Park, Algonquin has mountain bikes, fat bikes, and even cruiser bikes available for rental at the store.
The bikes come in a variety of sizes and are well-maintained. Helmets are also included in the rental rates.
Day Use Area and Beaches
While there isn’t an onsite day-use area at Lake of Two Rivers, you will find both the Lake of Two Rivers Beach and East Beach nearby.
The Lake of Two Rivers Beach area is located just a short drive from the actual campground at the 33.8-kilometre mark.
There, you will find plenty of picnic tables, parking, vault toilets, and a large sandy beach with a swimming area.
Because this day-use area is located right off Highway 60, it can get a little crowded during the peak season.
The views in this day-use area and campground lake are spectacular! There is even a canoe launch area.
The East Beach is located at the 35.4-kilometre mark. There you will find a covered picnic pavilion, picnic tables, and a beach with a swimming area.
Visitor’s Centre
The Visitor Centre at Algonquin Park is located at 43 Kilometre mark along Highway 60. It’s definitely a must-visit when camping in the park, as it’s got a ton of things to see and do.
Inside, you will find a variety of exhibits on the park’s flora and fauna, as well as its history.
From the wildlife that calls Algonquin home to the people who’ve passed through its lands, there are plenty of new things to learn.
And you definitely don’t want to miss the viewing deck. Trust me, the view from there is absolutely worth the stop.
This is especially true in the fall when the leaves are changing (the park’s live webcam is actually located at this viewing deck).
You will also find washrooms, a small cafe, and a great gift shop inside that has tons of trinkets and treasures. The centre also has a theatre that shows films about the park.
Outside, there is a picnic area, plenty of parking for vehicles as well as large RVs, and a short (200 m) Fire Tower Trail.
While the Visitor’s Centre is open all year round, the hours change depending on the season.
What Services Does Lake of Two Rivers Offer?
Lake of Two Rivers Campground has 241 campsites, over half of which have electrical hookups.
There are also a variety of sites available that can accommodate all types of camping equipment.
Water
This is kind of where we ran into some issues as well. We made the mistake of believing that each campground in Algonquin Park would have its own fill and dump stations.
Wrong! We were very lucky in that our campsite actually had a THREADED water tap located by the road.
We were able to fill our rig with fresh water without having to drive to the fill station.
We were told by our ‘neighbour’ that very few of the water taps located throughout the campground were threaded, so we would have had no way to attach our freshwater hose.
Dump Station
The second issue was the dump station. Given the size of the park, we didn’t think that it would ONLY have 2 dump stations.
One sanitation area is located pretty far south at the Rock Lake Campground. The other, which is where we ended up going, was located at the 35.6 km mark.
This particular dump station had two lanes with a fill and dump station each. However, the water and dumping areas are in the same lane.
So even if you just have to fill up with water, you are stuck waiting for the people who are dumping.
And having visited on the long weekend, the line to dump was very LOOOONG!
Garbage and Recycling
There was a smallish area conveniently located at the campground gate with both garbage and recycling bins.
Wi-Fi
And if you are wondering about cell service, it’s pretty spotty.
While we were able to get enough service in our campsite to make calls or to search for things online, streaming a movie might have been pushing it.
Things to Do at Lake of Two Rivers Campground
1. Enjoy Some Hiking
While Algonquin Park is filled with incredible hiking trails, if you are looking to stay closer to ‘home’ you’re in luck.
Two Rivers Trail
The Two Rivers Trail is located right across the street from the Lake of Two Rivers Store and the campground.
The Trail is a 2.3-km loop and is generally considered a moderately challenging hike. It should take approximately 45 minutes to complete.
Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be on a leash.
2. Go for a Boat Ride
Powerboats with 20 horsepower motors or less are allowed on Lake of Two Rivers.
But if canoes or kayaks are more your speed, then you are in luck. There is a canoe launch at Lake of Two Rivers Beach.
From Lake of Two Rivers, you can go up the Madawaska toward Cache Lake or across Lake of Two Rivers into Pog Lake towards Whitefish and Rock Lake Campground.
Boat Rentals
Canoes and kayaks may be rented in the park from Opeongo Outfitters. And the great part is, they will even deliver right to the Lake of Two Rivers Campground Beach.
3. Try Your Hand at Fishing
If you enjoy fishing, then Lake of Two Rivers is the perfect place to hang out, and maybe even catch your dinner.
Algonquin Park actually has some of the best trout fishing in Canada.
In the Lake of Two Rivers, you will mostly find Lake Trout and Smallmouth Bass or Splake (a hybrid of Brook and Lake trout).
4. Enjoy a Bike Ride
There are some really great biking trails in Algonquin Park.
In fact, you can even catch one right from the Lake of Two Rivers campground.
Old Railway Bike Trail
As one of the easiest bike trails in Algonquin, the Old Railway Bike Trail is perfect for a leisurely family bicycle ride during the spring, summer and fall.
The trail is 16 km one way. It is pretty level and hard-packed with no technical areas to maneuver, making it an easy ride even for younger children.
The Old Railway Bike Trail runs from Rock Lake Campground to Cache Lake.
Just a short ride along the bicycle trail from Lake of Two Rivers campground to Mew Lake campground will give you access to the Old Railway Bike Trail.
The trail follows the abandoned bed of the historic Ottawa, Arnprior, and Parry Sound Railway, which opened in 1896 and was decommissioned in 1959.
5. Go for a Swim
Lake of Two Rivers Campground has a large sandy beach nearby and is a great place for family swimming.
Since we visited during the fall, we didn’t have any desire to go for a swim!
6. Do Some Birding
While we are not birders, it was really nice waking up to the sound of birds chirping every morning.
So, with more than 260 bird species having been recorded in the Park, Algonquin is a birder’s dream.
We didn’t recognize too many of the birds we saw, except of course when we got a visit from a Cardinal at our campsite.
7. Discovery Program
The Discovery Program is perfect for families looking to include additional activities in their camping adventures.
You can check Algonquin’s website to see what is available during your visit.
Here’s what the program typically includes:
- Guided Walks: Every day from late June to Labour Day, park naturalists take you on a relaxed 90-minute stroll through Algonquin, sharing the secrets of its landscapes. You’ll find the times and locations posted on bulletin boards within the campgrounds.
- Evening Programs: Every night at dusk from late June to Labour Day, head to the Outdoor Theatre (km 35.4) for an evening show. Lasting around 90 minutes, these sessions are a mix of talks, movies, and sometimes even guest speakers, covering a wide range of topics from wildlife conservation to the cultural history of Algonquin. If the weather’s not cooperating, the activities will move over to the Visitor Centre. Keep an eye on the campground bulletin boards to catch the latest on what’s happening and when.
- Children’s Programs: Perfect for kids ages 5 to 12, the Visitor Centre hosts a fun hour packed with games, tales, and critters. Times and topics are posted on the campground bulletin board.
- Interpretive Panels and Exhibits: Scattered throughout the park, these provide on-the-spot information about the park’s geography, wildlife, and history, perfect for self-guided learning.
- Special Park Events: Keep an eye on “This Week in Algonquin Park” notices pinned up on all the campground bulletin boards for the scoop on special events. The iconic Public Wolf Howls are a Thursday night tradition in August, and definitely something that you don’t want to miss. This event will only run if a pack has been spotted in a good location and the weather is cooperating. Check the Friends of Algonquin Park website on Thursday morning to find out if a Wolf Howl is going to be held that day.
Is Lake of Two Rivers Campground Accessible?
As far as accessibility goes, all 241 of the sites at this campground are good for people with limited mobility.
Site #65 and #67 are designated accessibility sites and are located right across from the comfort stations.
The comfort stations are also fully accessible.
While the inner roadways were pretty even, they weren’t paved. That means that you are always going to come across areas that have potholes, puddles, or tree roots.
You will also find accessible parking spots at all of the main parking lots throughout the campground, and the park itself.
And if you are looking for an accessible hiking trail, the Old Railway Bike Trail is perfect.
Are Pets Allowed at Lake of Two Rivers?
Dogs are allowed at the Lake of Two Rivers Campground.
However, they are not allowed on many of the trails or in any Park buildings.
That said, just like at Sibbald Point Provincial Park, you will find a pet recreation area and a special pet-friendly beach located north of the main beach on Lake of Two Rivers.
Just keep in mind that dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
Other Useful Information and Tips
The Bear Bins are metal boxes which are bear-proof and can be used to lock away your food.
This will prevent critters from ravaging your campsite at night or while you are away.
These lockers are on a first come, first served basis, and can be arranged for at the camp office.
Is There Winter Camping at Lake of Two Rivers?
Unfortunately, the Lake of Two Rivers Campground is not open for winter camping.
You can book a campsite from early May until late October only.
If you are interested in winter camping in Algonquin Park, Mew Lake is the only campground that is open.
Backcountry camping is allowed all year long, and day-use areas are also open during the winter.
Our Park Rating
We give this park 5 out of 5 stars for having:
Final Thoughts
So the reviews are in! We really enjoyed our Teardrop camping adventure at the Lake of Two Rivers Campground in Algonquin Park.
We found Lake of Two Rivers to have great amenities overall, and we were able to do a lot of things without having to drive too far (or at all).
While there wasn’t a lot of privacy at the sites, you were still located in a gorgeous forest, making it a very relaxing experience.
Algonquin is one of our favourite Ontario Parks for camping, and we can’t wait to go back next season!
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More Campground Reviews:
- Algonquin: Rock Lake Campground Review & Guide
- Algonquin: Pog Lake Camping Review & Guide
- Algonquin: Canisbay Lake Campground Review & Guide
- Algonquin: Lake of Two Rivers Campground Review & Guide
