[SUMMER 2024, Ontario] You can likely tell from previous trip dispatches that I really groove on waterfront sites. Well, who wouldn’t, right? So much beauty in that magical combo of trees and rocks on a northern lake. I live in an off-grid home surrounded by 50 acres of woodlands and look out at trees everyday… which I am grateful for, but it means the typical Provincial Park wooded campground scenario is less of a novelty. So when I’m able to set-up my tiny trailer within sight of water, horizon, and big sky, oh boy what a treat. Here’s the inside scoop for Teardrop campers considering Grundy Lake PP.

Not My Usual Camping Gig

I hadn’t been able to get away much during spring this year but took off on a last-minute trip the week prior to Canada Day to get in some Teardrop camping before peak summer season began. My primary destination was Killbear Provincial Park, where a primo campsite I noted on a previous trip was available for 3 nights. I had two nights free ahead of the Killbear dates so decided to try out Grundy Lake, about halfway between Killbear (near Parry Sound) and Sudbury.

Grundy Lake is not the kinda Provincial Park I would ordinarily stay at because, for one thing, it’s not far from a busy major road (Hwy 69). Add to that a highly developed camping function with hundreds of sites across nine campground areas plus a high density of electrical sites and there’s just not much allure for me… those kinds of dense campgrounds can sometimes have all the charm of living in the suburbs.

Archetypal Canadian Shield Landscape

I gave Grundy a try because the location worked well relative to Killbear, and because the photos of it sure looked beautiful. And when it comes to natural beauty the park is unlikely to disappoint. It is classic “Muskoka” trees, rocks and lakes… loons and all! In particular, the Swan Lake Trail and Gut Lake Trail, both well-maintained and well-marked, pass through absolutely stunning scenery and showcase a variety of physical features and land types. As a plus, this park has a prohibition on any type of motorized watercraft, which adds to the peace.

Campground Areas

Each of the nine campgrounds has a particular look and vibe, some more appealing than others. My chief caution would be to avoid staying in the Balsam campground. It is much closer to Hwy 69 than the other campground areas, and on the east side of Clear Lake and thus facing the direction road noise is originating from.

On the first night I stayed in Jack Pine campground, which has a nice cluster of non-electrical sites close to the lake, mostly well separated by the topography of the land, and easy water access within barely a minute walk. This campground area is on the west side of Grundy Lake, so road noise is muted by trees and distance, and if there is a breeze blowing down the lake you likely won’t hear any at all.

On the second night I stayed in the Hemlock campground area, located on the west side of Gurd Lake which is probably the most active lake in terms of people use seeing as it is accessed by three campground areas. A nice feature of the Hemlock area is the mostly large and generally well-spaced sites including several very close to the lake.

I didn’t stay in the White Spruce campground area but did hike past it at Smokey Point. This is a quaint area with only thirty camp sites, more private than most, and all non-electrical which tends to keep away the big rigs and the noise of a dense campground. I want to try out this area on whenever I make a return visit.

Primo Campsites

Grundy Lake is a popular and well-used park, so I don’t feel like I’m outing a hidden gem by telling you my picks for fantastic sites when camping in your Teardrop trailer:

• 731 (my first night) & 732 are right on the water, you’ll have a lake view from your Teardrop windows and even a jumping rock for swimming (as lovely as the site I stayed at in Rossport on Lake Superior)
• 723 is on the waterfront, though the view obscured by trees there is a little path to your own private rocky outcrop overlooking the lake
• 110, 19, 21 & 22 are all waterfront with a view and direct water access for swimming
• 115 & 116 (my second night) are just across the road from water, though view from the sites obscured by trees there is an open area just steps away with view and access for swimming

If you’ve been to Grundy Lake PP and have some fave areas or camp sites of your own you’re willing to share please use the comment form below!