6 Campgrounds in Newfoundland to Consider for Your Summer Staycation

Camping is one of our all-time favourite weekend activities. It’s an easy and affordable way to explore new towns, cities, and landmarks. Just hook on the trailer or toss the tent in the trunk and hit the road! Although now we have the vintage camper that we’ve been towing around Alberta, we’ve only ever gone tenting in NL, so this is definitely a tent-friendly post. That said, all of these campgrounds would accept at least a small van or trailer (although be sure to call ahead so you don’t find yourself stuck!). Keep reading for our favourite campgrounds that we’ve visited in NL so far along with links to our in-depth blog posts about each.

#1 Blow-Me-Down Provincial Park

We loved Blow-Me-Down Provincial Park for so many reasons: the name, the rocky beach, the clean facilities, the spacious campsites, and the friendly attendant. We also really enjoyed exploring this area of the province, which I feel is so underrated. Lark Harbour and York Harbour are beautiful, tidy coastal towns with lots of character. There are great hikes around and lots of landmarks to see.

#2 Lomond Campground

If the name of our blog post isn’t enough to get you interested, the views from this cozy campsite should be. Killdevil Mountain is a spectacular sight to wake up to. This is a Parks Canada campground and is great for tenting. As I mention in the post, be sure to try to snag a shoreline campsite. There’s lots to do in the area from lunch in Woody Point to Bonne Bay boat tours to exploring abandoned townsites.

#3 Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park

This park is somewhat in the middle of nowhere and definitely off-the-beaten-path, but it’s worth it for one big reason: this is a prime location to see one of the true marvels of nature– salmon jumping upstream. Or up a waterfall, to be specific. This was such a cool experience so I absolutely recommend people check it out. The campground is also clean and large with lots of privacy between sites, which is a perk.

#4 Shallow Bay Campground

The post below mentions two Parks Canada campgrounds: Berry Hill and Shallow Bay. Berry Hill was honestly underwhelming but still a satisfactory, run-of-the-mill Parks Canada Campground– a place to stay if you want to experience Gros Morne but everything else is booked up. The true gem is Shallow Bay Campground. With lots of privacy between sites, a large recreational area, and one of the best beaches in the province, you can’t miss it. It’s pretty far up the Northern Peninsula but worth the drive.

#5 Trout River Campground

Another Parks Canada Campground (I’m starting to realize I need to check out some private campgrounds next time I’m in NL!), Trout River Campground is probably our favourite of the bunch. With an absolutely breathtaking view of the Mars-like terrain of the Tablelands, a great beach and swimming hole, and perfectly laid out campsites; this is such an awesome place to spend a weekend. Enjoy some world-class dining in Trout River with all the charm of a tiny coastal community. The best hikes in the area are without a doubt the Tablelands and Green Gardens.

#6 Malady Head Campground

Located in Central NL along the Road to the Beaches, Malady Head Campground has some of the first Oasis camping pods to ever open in Canada. You can check out my in-depth review of the Oasis pods in the post below, but to make a long story short, they’re worth the money if you’re interested in a unique experience but not if you’re looking for a practical camping option. Malady Head Campground is not confined to just the Oasis pods though. It’s a really lovely campground with lots to do in the area including Splash n’ Putt Park, the Eastport Peninsula (check out the Salvage Trails), the communities of Glovertown, Traytown, and Culls Harbour, and lots of great hiking trails (Louil Hills, Malady Head).

Have you camped in any of these sites? What’s your favourite campground in NL? Let us know, we want to visit!