Ultimate Guide to Point Pelee National Park Camping
Are you interested in camping at Point Pelee National Park, but are not sure if it is worth a visit? We spent the long weekend camping in this park and had an amazing time.
Located about 61 km Southeast of Windsor, and about 354 km Southwest of Toronto, this park is totally worth the drive (in my humble opinion).
Point Pelee National Park is absolutely gorgeous, with awesome hiking trails, incredible marshes to paddle through, and a gorgeous stretch of beach to swim in.
Located at the southernmost point in Canada, it’s a pretty cool experience to walk out to the tip!
That said, staying here is not without some issues. And these may be a deal-breaker for some people.
Want to learn more? Let me take you through our experience and why this amazing National Park might just be your next favourite camping getaway.
Pros and Cons of Point Pelee National Park – Quick Guide
If you are in a hurry, here’s a quick list of the pros and cons of Point Pelee National Park:
Things We Liked
Things We Did Not Like
Point Pelee National Park Reservations – What You Need to Know Before You Go
The first thing that you need to know about camping at Point Pelee National Park, is that you can only do it in the provided Parks Canada roofed accommodations.
RVs, tenting or car camping are strictly prohibited in this park.
That said, booking a campsite at Point Pelee National Park is fairly straightforward.
Similar to other Parks Canada sites, reservations open on a specific date and remain available throughout the camping season.
Each province has a different opening date for campsite reservations.
For Point Pelee in Ontario, the reservation window for the 2025 season opened on February 3 at 8 am.
It’s best to check the Parks Canada website for the most accurate dates.
Before you can reserve your campsite online, you’ll need to set up a Parks Canada account.
But this is when things can get tricky.
Saying we struggled to book a site at Point Pelee would be an understatement!
If you plan to camp here on a summer weekend, make sure to have several potential campsites and backup dates in mind.
Be ready at 8 am when reservations open to quickly book your preferred spot!
Even if you are prepared, your top few choices might suddenly become unavailable as soon as the clock hits 8 am.
(This happened to us.)
🚩 Keep in mind, there are only 24 oTENTik accommodations in the whole park, and Point Pelee is VERY popular!
Securing a campsite at Point Pelee felt as challenging as booking spots at popular parks like Sandbanks or Bruce Peninsula, and that’s saying something.
We’re typically not picky about our campsite location, so our goal was just to get what we could.
So remember, if you really want to camp at Point Pelee during peak season, you need to book immediately when reservations open, or you might find yourself without a site until late fall.
Camping at Point Pelee National Park is open year-round, as the oTENTiks are heated.
Point Pelee National Park Address:
1118 Point Pelee Drive, Leamington ON N8H 3V4
https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/on/pelee
Parks Canada Discovery Pass
When booking a campsite at a Canadian National Park, you’ll also need to pay a daily entrance fee per vehicle, regardless of whether you have a campsite reservation.
If you plan to visit multiple National Parks within one year, we highly recommend buying a Parks Canada Discovery Pass.
The pass can be purchased online or directly at the park. It provides unlimited entry to over 80 Parks Canada locations for a full year from the month you buy it.
We’ve bought this pass several times over the years and have found it absolutely worth the cost.
This pass doesn’t just cover National Parks—it also grants you free access to many of Canada’s incredible National Historic sites.
Keep in mind, though, that you’ll still need to book your camping spots in advance, and some locations (like parking areas at certain popular parks) may also require separate reservations ahead of time.
Arriving at the Park
Once you arrive at Point Pelee National Park’s main gate, you’ll pay for your park admission (as noted above) and receive directions and a map of the campground.
If you get there before the 3 pm check-in time, don’t worry—there are plenty of activities to enjoy while you wait.
The entrance to Camp Henry is roughly a 10-minute drive from the main gate along Point Pelee Drive.
There’s more than enough parking at the Camp Henry office, where you’ll check in and get your keys along with a Camp parking pass.
Keep in mind that a $100 damage deposit will be required on your credit card, refundable once your oTENTik is left in good condition.
The camp office is also your spot to buy ice, firewood, small souvenirs, snacks, and drinks.
Point Pelee National Park Map
Navigating the Park
At only 15 square kilometres, Point Pelee is actually Canada’s second-smallest national park (after Georgian Bay Islands National Park), making it pretty easy to navigate.
There were plenty of signs to help you find your way around the park, especially in the day-use areas.
The main park roads were nicely paved, making it nice to cycle through the park.
Just keep in mind that during the high season, the roadway to The Tip is closed to all vehicular traffic except the Parks Canada Shuttle.
🤓 Fun Fact: Point Pelee National Park sits just below the 42nd parallel. This is the same as Rome and Barcelona!
Parking
In general, we found the parking lots located throughout Point Pelee National Park to be more than sufficient in size.
You will find plenty of places to park at the beach entrances, the Visitors Centre, the Marsh Boardwalk, Delaurier Homestead, as well as some smaller lots by many of the Trailheads.
Point Pelee National Park Camping
As we mentioned earlier, your only option when camping at Point Pelee National Park is the oTENTiks.
But it’s a pretty awesome option!
Parks Canada offers 24 oTENTiks in the Camp Henry Campground. With so few units available, this is why they are so incredibly difficult to book!
What is an oTENTik?
By now, you might be wondering, “What exactly is an oTENTik anyway?”
It’s a unique Parks Canada accommodation—a blend of an A-frame cabin and a tent.
We first experienced an oTENTik in Saskatchewan and jokingly called it “poor man’s glamping.”
While definitely a step up from a tent, it doesn’t offer all the fancy comforts you’d expect from true glamping.
But honestly, these oTENTiks are still pretty great. They’re built on wooden platforms, weatherproof, and even come with electricity.
Each oTENTik sleeps up to six adults comfortably. Inside, you’ll find sturdy wooden bunks with mattresses.
The upper bunk sleeps two, which meant no arguments from my kids about who got the top spot!
They also provided a table and chairs, a space heater, and a stand-up floor fan, which was a lifesaver during our visit.
One downside is that oTENTiks don’t have running water or bathrooms.
The units at Point Pelee surprised us by being fully stocked with cookware, including plates, cutlery, pots, pans, and everything you’d need to cook a decent camp meal.
This was a pleasant surprise and definitely not typical. None of the other National Parks we’ve visited supplied dishes.
Outside each oTENTik, there’s a pair of Muskoka chairs, a gas BBQ, a picnic table, and a fire pit. Just keep in mind that cooking inside the oTENTik is strictly prohibited.
Insider Tip: Camp Henry is home to 4 accessible oTENTik sites ♿ (#8, #11, #17, and # 18) and 2 pet-friendly oTENTik sites 🐕 (#8 and #9).
Where to Park at Camp Henry
One quirky aspect of camping at Point Pelee is that the sites aren’t drive-up.
This means you’ll have to park your car in the main campsite lot and walk to your site.
Fortunately, there are plenty of parking spots available near the camp office.
If you’re worried about hauling your gear to your site, Parks Canada has got you covered.
Next to the camp office, you will find several wagons available for guests to transport their belongings.
For families like ours, who tend to bring along plenty of gear, these wagons are incredibly helpful.
Just remember to return them when you’re done so others can use them too!
What Do You Need to Bring for Camping at Point Pelee?
While Parks Canada has provided a ton of stuff, there are some basics that you do need to bring along:
Of course, you will also need to pack your own clothing and whatever gear you will need for hiking or going to the beach.
Our Campsite Experience
We stayed in oTENTik #17 during our weekend in the park.
I actually didn’t realize that I had booked an accessible site until we got there. Remember what I said about grabbing whatever site I could?
Anyway, we had an absolutely wonderful time!
We had no complaints and would totally recommend camping at Point Pelee.
Our oTENTik was perfect for our family of four, although the kids did miss having Wi-Fi.
Our site was just a short walk to the comfort station and right next to the playground, making it absolutely perfect.
Parking was never an issue anywhere in the park, even when we returned to the campground late.
Being able to walk to the beach and several hiking trails was a definite bonus.
On the downside, check-out time is pretty early, at 11 am. However, you can stay in the park all day.
We took advantage of this and spent our afternoon relaxing on the beach.
One important thing to note—you’re required to clean up your oTENTik before departure.
This means washing all dishes (you’ll be charged for any missing items), sweeping the floor (broom and dustpan provided), and taking out any garbage.
🌿 Pro Tip: There is poison ivy along all the walkways in Camp Henry. Stay on the pathways and keep your kids and pets out of the shrubs.
What Amenities Does Point Pelee National Park Offer?
Onsite Amenities – Quick List
- 24 oTENTiks
- 2 Comfort Stations with Showers
- Visitor Centre
- Playground
- Hiking Trails
- Beach
- Boat Launch
- Bike, Kayak and Canoe Rentals
Comfort Stations
There are two comfort stations located at either end of the campground. I found them to be pretty basic.
There were washrooms with flush toilets and showers located inside.
We found the facilities to be on the older side, but we always had hot water, and the bathrooms were relatively clean.
There were also a couple of dishwashing stations, which came in really handy.
The comfort station also had a screened-in outdoor patio with picnic tables.
During the weekdays, a YMCA Kids’ Camp is run from Camp Henry.
The building used for the program is attached to one of the comfort stations.
So, just a heads up, you will not be able to use those washrooms while the kids are present for the program.
It’s a bit inconvenient during the day, especially if your site (like ours) is right by that building.
☎️ Pro Tip: You will have little to no phone reception while in the campground. There is a phone that campers can use located just outside the camp office. The phone can also be used in an emergency.
Laundry
There are no laundry facilities at Bruce Peninsula National Park.
If you happen to be staying for an extended time and need to do laundry, you can do so in the nearby town of Leamington.
Park Store
There are 2 different Park Stores in Point Pelee National Park. These do not include the small shop inside the Camp Henry camp office.
One is located in the Visitor Centre, and the second can be found at the Marsh Boardwalk. Both are on the small side.
Both are seasonal gift shops run by the Friends of Point Pelee and offer clothing, gifts, park merch, and more.
We were even able to purchase some novelty ice cream treats, which were perfect on a hot summer weekend.
If you need to pick up something you may have forgotten for your camping weekend (like grocery items), you are better off heading into town for that.
Visitor’s Centre
The Visitor Centre at Point Pelee National Park is a great starting point for your visit.
Not only do they have some pretty cool indoor exhibits and videos that explore the park’s ecosystems and cultural history, but they also have an interactive area for younger kids.
There is a large puppet collection of every animal that can be found in the park. Kids can put on a puppet show, or just learn all about the critters as they play.
Families can also pick up activity booklets for the Xplorers and Club Parka programs, which are designed for kids to engage with the park’s natural features.
The Centre also has accessible washrooms, free Wi-Fi, and a gift shop.
From April to October, a free shuttle departs from here every 20 minutes, taking visitors 2 km to the Tip, the southernmost point of mainland Canada.
Parking is available at the Visitor Centre, and the shuttle is wheelchair accessible.
🏞️ Pro Tip: There are parking spaces large enough to fit an RV at the Visitor Centre. So if you are just passing through with your camper and want to enjoy the park for the day, it is perfectly fine.
Boat Launch
The main boat launch point at Point Pelee National Park is located at the Marsh Boardwalk.
This location provides a convenient starting point for exploring the park’s marshes by canoe or kayak.
The Marsh Boardwalk also has a large parking lot adjacent to it, as well as one of the Park Stores.
Inside the shop, you will find canoe and kayak rentals, as well a PFD rentals.
Parks Canada also has a booth at the Marsh Boardwalk where you can book a guided canoe tour of the marsh. But more on that later!
🔌 Pro Tip: You can find charging stations for electric cars in the Marsh Boardwalk parking lot.
Day Use Area
Point Pelee National Park is home to several designated day-use areas for picnics and other fun activities.
These include White Pine Picnic Area, Madbin Jina Picnic Area, and various beach access points like Northwest Beach and West Beach.
These areas provide facilities such as picnic tables, barbecue grills (visitors must bring their own charcoal), washrooms, and beach access.
A couple of the areas even have large picnic pavilions which are available for rent.
Does Point Pelee National Park Have a Beach?
Yes, Point Pelee National Park has a beach.
In fact, with 20 kilometres of sandy beach on the west and east sides of the peninsula, it boasts the longest continuous natural beach in Essex County, Ontario.
The best places to enjoy some sand and sun are at Northwest Beach and West Beach, which offer amenities like washrooms, change rooms, and picnic facilities.
If you are staying at Camp Henry, there is a beach access point right across the road from the parking lot, which is super convenient.
Just note that there are no washroom facilities at this part of the beach.
Another thing that I would like to mention is that swimming at the Tip is strictly prohibited.
It is actually illegal to enter the water beyond the posted red warning signs at the park’s southernmost tip area.
This is because the currents at this part of the park are extremely dangerous and unpredictable.
What Services Does Point Pelee National Park Offer?
Because of the limited style of camping offered at Point Pelee National Park, you will find that the services offered are a little different from other National or Provincial parks.
Water
As there are no sanitation stations at Point Pelee National Park, the only place to get potable water for camping is at the two comfort stations.
The faucets in the dishwashing stations are large enough to fill your water bottles or even large cooking pots.
Garbage and Recycling
There are two garbage/recycling areas located at either end of the campground.
Wi-Fi
As I mentioned earlier, there is little to no cell reception in Point Pelee National Park.
The best place that we found to get any reception was at the beach. And even there, it was pretty spotty.
If you want some solid Wi-Fi, head to the Visitor Centre. The signal is perfect there.
Things to Do at Point Pelee National Park
1. Take a Selfie at Canada’s Southernmost Point
One of the main draws for visiting Point Pelee National Park is to stand at the southernmost point of mainland Canada.
This was a must-do for us, especially since we’d already checked off Canada’s easternmost tip on our Newfoundland trip in 2022.
Reaching the Tip is pretty straightforward.
In summer, the road is closed to regular traffic, but the park offers a complimentary shuttle that runs frequently all day.
The shuttle ride takes about ten minutes and drops you right at the start of the trail.
During spring and fall, you can drive directly to the Tip’s parking lot yourself.
From the shuttle stop or parking area, it’s roughly a half-kilometre walk to the Tip.
The trail is mostly packed gravel and easy to manage, although we did encounter one brief stretch of loose sand that was tougher to walk on.
Along the path, you’ll see several signs with fun facts about local history, wildlife, and geography—plus plenty of photo opportunities.
You’ll also notice clear warnings about the dangerous currents at the Tip.
Unfortunately, many people have lost their lives swimming or wading here. Take these warnings seriously and avoid going into the water.
Once you reach the beach, there’s a short walk across sand and pebbles to the very end of the Tip.
John and our son wore running shoes, while my daughter and I opted for flip-flops. Both choices worked out well for us.
🌊 Insider Tip: Get there early if you want a great shot without crowds. It’s a narrow spot, and arriving before everyone else gives you the best chance for that perfect selfie.
2. Take a Family-Friendly Hike
You can’t visit a Canadian National Park without going for a hike, and Point Pelee offers trails perfect for families.
Almost all trails are under 3 km and can be completed in less than an hour. Many are also multi-use, so you will encounter people biking on them.
We found that the majority of the trails featured packed gravel or wooden boardwalks, making them stroller and wheelchair friendly.
Depending on which trail you decide on, you’ll wander through forests, marshes, or savannahs.
The trailheads usually offer plenty of parking, as well as washrooms located at or near the start of the trail.
One important thing to note is that all trails south of the Visitor Centre are strictly for walking.
🥾 Point Pelee Trails:
And if we absolutely had to recommend just one hike, it would be the Marsh Boardwalk.
We walked it several times during our stay, including once in the evening to stargaze.
It was definitely a very unique experience! And with several benches scattered along the trail, it makes it easy to birdwatch, relax, or even have a snack surrounded by nature.
3. Go for a Bike Ride
With 12 km of biking trails and another 9 km of roadway, cycling is a fantastic way to explore Point Pelee.
We found the trails to be well-maintained, allowing you to easily navigate the park by bike.
🚲 Bike Trails Include:
But by far, the most enjoyable was the ride to the Tip.
In the blazing heat, this roadway is canopied by the Savannah Forest, making it a much cooler ride.
We saw quite a few families with younger kids biking on the road when we took the shuttle to the Tip.
Bike racks are available at the Tip Exhibit Area, as the paths are for walking only.
🚲 Pro Tip: If, like us, you didn’t bring along your own bikes, rentals are available from Pelee Wings at the Marsh Boardwalk.
4. Enjoy a Leisurely Paddle in the Marsh
Given that wetlands make up much of Point Pelee, paddling through the marshes and ponds is a great way to experience the park.
You can launch your own kayak or canoe from the Marsh Boardwalk or rent from Pelee Wings.
Rentals are first-come, first-served from May through Thanksgiving.
A second option would be to take part in one of Parks Canada’s Freighter Canoe Tours through the Marsh.
A guided canoe tour through Point Pelee’s marshes was definitely a highlight for our family.
Tours are led by knowledgeable Parks Canada guides.
So, you’ll not only get to enjoy a peaceful paddle through the marsh, but you will also learn some fascinating facts about the wildlife and plants you encounter along the way.
We spotted plenty of birds, turtles basking in the sun, and learned a lot about invasive plants and local wildlife from our guide.
Our daughter especially loved hearing about the marsh’s different turtle and frog species.
Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced paddler—these canoe tours are designed for all skill levels.
Be sure to check out the little kiosk at the Marsh Tower afterward for some cool turtle shells and other kid-friendly activities.
5. Spend the Day at the Beach
Looking for some sun and sand? Point Pelee National Park has you covered, with around 20 kilometres of sandy beaches on both the east and west sides of the peninsula.
The beaches here offer warm, shallow waters, making them ideal for swimming or just relaxing in the sun.
Day visitors have easy access to multiple beach entry points around the park, complete with parking areas and washroom facilities.
Many spots also have picnic tables and BBQ grills if you plan to have lunch on the beach.
Just be aware that there are no lifeguards on duty, and even though the slope into the lake is gentle, it does get deep quickly.
On one day of our visit, the water was pretty rough, too.
Another thing that you should know is that we found there to be quite a few horseflies buzzing around the beach during our stay in August.
It was pretty annoying, and the bites were not fun.
🌵 Fun Fact: Did you know that Point Pelee National Park and Pelee Island are the only two locations in Canada where you can find the Eastern Prickly-Pear Cactus (Opuntia Humifusa)? This particular variety of cactus is actually listed as an endangered species, and can be found on the footpaths leading to the beach!
6. Do Some Stargazing
As a designated Dark Sky Preserve, Point Pelee offers some amazing stargazing opportunities.
Each month, the park hosts Dark Sky Nights when it stays open until midnight for day-users.
You can grab a star chart at the entrance and enjoy astronomy presentations and telescope viewings.
Dark Sky Nights are run by the RASC (Royal Astronomical Society of Canada).
They typically will bring telescopes and binoculars for guests to view the stars, as well as put on a small presentation about the night sky.
You can find out at the front gate where RASC will be set up for that evening. During our stay, it was in the parking lot of the Visitor Centre.
Parks Canada also offers fun night walks on the Marsh Boardwalk on these special evenings, which is exactly what we did!
August’s Perseid Meteor Shower event is especially popular, so if you are not already camping in the park, don’t forget to reserve your parking pass as soon as they become available.
🔭 Fun Fact: Point Pelee National Park was designated as a Dark Sky Preserve (DSP) by the Windsor Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) in 2006.
7. Try Your Hand at Geocaching
Have you tried geocaching yet?
It was our first time trying this modern-day treasure hunt, and Point Pelee makes it easy and fun, especially for families.
You can rent a GPS unit at the Visitor Centre for $3, and they can explain everything that you need to know.
(Just keep in mind that they will ask for your credit card information as a deposit.)
Using the GPS, you’ll follow clues around the Visitor Centre area, searching for hidden lockboxes containing booklets with information about the park.
You’ll also fill in answers to questions on a provided checklist.
As a bonus, keep your eyes open—there’s a good chance you’ll spot wildlife while searching.
Our kids loved it, and the whole activity took about an hour.
For the kiddos, if they are able to solve all the riddles, they will get a small prize, which can be collected when the GPS units are turned back in.
8. Do Some Birdwatching
Bird lovers, rejoice! Point Pelee lies on a major migration route, making it a prime birdwatching destination.
Over 390 bird species have been spotted here.
Spring and fall are the best times to visit for birdwatching, with May being especially active.
Be sure to bring along binoculars and a birdwatching book—the kids will enjoy spotting and checking off various species.
9. Witness the Monarch Butterfly Migration
Every autumn, millions of monarch butterflies stop at Point Pelee on their journey to Mexico.
The best time to witness this incredible sight is early autumn.
Early mornings or evenings offer the best chance to see butterflies resting in the trees.
Since we were visiting in August, we were a little too early to see the migration.
But we learned from the Parks Canada staff that Point Pelee is actively working to restore habitats that support these gorgeous and iconic insects.
10. Find the Parks Canada Red Chairs
Hunting for Parks Canada’s iconic red chairs is always a must for us.
In fact, I am a little obsessed with this particular activity!
In 2011, Parks Canada staff at Gros Morne National Park came up with the (brilliant) idea to place 18 sets of Adirondack chairs around the park.
The goal was to show off lesser-known, but just as beautiful, locations and invite visitors to enjoy and share on social media.
The idea was a complete success! Today, the iconic red chairs can be found in over 100 locations all over Canada.
At Point Pelee, you’ll find these chairs along the DeLaurier Homestead Trail overlooking the marsh.
They’re easy to reach—just remember your bug spray!
Is Point Pelee National Park Accessible?
We found the buildings at Point Pelee National Park to be pretty accessible.
The comfort stations allowed for barrier-free access to both flush toilets and showers.
Wheelchair-accessible washrooms are also available at Northwest Beach, the Tip and the Visitor Centre.
The Park Store and the Visitor’s Centre were also barrier-free.
The trails located inside the park are 1.5 m wide, surfaced with crushed gravel and boardwalks, and are suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
Point Pelee even offers all-terrain wheelchairs, which are available to rent free of charge from the Visitor Centre. Just keep in mind that the quantities are limited.
And as I mentioned earlier, 4 of the oTENTiks are designated as barrier-free.
Are Pets Allowed at Point Pelee National Park?
Yes. Dogs are welcome at Point Pelee National Park.
Pets are allowed at the campground and on the hiking trails, but must be leashed at all times.
And as I mentioned earlier, oTENTik #8 and #9 are pet-friendly.
Dogs are also welcome in the Visitor Centre and on the shuttle to the Tip.
Unfortunately, there is no off-leash area in the park.
Is There Winter Camping at Point Pelee National Park?
Yes. The park is open year-round for camping.
Three of the oTENTiks are actually equipped with a wood-burning stove so you can stay toasty warm when the temperatures dip.
Wood is available for purchase at the Camp Henry Campground Office.
In the winter, sleds (instead of carts) are available to bring belongings from the nearby parking lot.
The comfort stations at Camp Henry are open all year round as well.
Our Park Rating
We give this park 5 out of 5 stars for having:
Final Thoughts
Point Pelee National Park was a wonderful experience, and well worth the difficulties we had in securing the dates.
This park was very well maintained, with plenty of activities available to keep the whole family busy.
We really enjoyed the Tip, paddling in the marsh, and experiencing the Dark Sky Preserve.
If you can secure a campsite, then experiencing this park is a must!
Pin This Post for Later!
More Campground Reviews:
- Ultimate Guide to Camping at Bruce Peninsula National Park
- How to Book a Parks Canada Campsite – An Ultimate Guide
- Ultimate Guide to Point Pelee National Park Camping
- Ultimate Guide to Camping at Grasslands National Park
