Lake Superior Provincial Park Camping Trip Itinerary (3 options)

Planning a camping trip in Lake Superior Provincial Park? I’ve put together three different Lake Superior Provincial Park weekend camping itineraries to help you plan your trip! 

This beautiful Ontario Park is full of diverse landscapes and scenery, including beaches, waterfalls, hills, cliffs, lakes, canyons and more! You must add this stunning park to your Ontario travel bucket list.

Lake Superior Provincial Park is one of Ontario’s largest provincial parks, spanning 1,550 square kilometres along the coast of Lake Superior. Activities like hiking, kayaking, watching wildlife, picnics, camping, and fishing are among the most popular activities in Lake Superior Provincial Park.

If you are in Ontario and looking for somewhere to spend a couple of days exploring the wilderness, this Ontario Park is a great place to go. The park also has a fascinating cultural history which we can learn about at the Visitor’s Centre and at the Agawa Pictographs.

Keep reading and take notes to start planning your Lake Superior Provincial Park Camping trip!

While all opinions and recommendations are always my own, KristasCompass contains affiliate links and is an Amazon Services LLC Associate Program member. This means I will receive a small commission if you purchase a product through one of these links. Don’t worry, though; there is no additional cost to you. As always, I am so grateful for your support.

Best Time to Camp in Lake Superior Provincial Park

My favourite time to camp in Lake Superior Provincial Park is mid to late September. If the weather is cooler, that means there will likely be way less bugs. PLUS – the autumn colours start to make an appearance!

I have also been in the Spring and Summer. Both are great options as well – Spring tends to have a lot of ice breaking up on the lake and fewer crowds, and Summer is high-season, meaning there will be a lot more people, and you need to book your campsites in advance.

Lake Superior Provincial Park Day Use and Camping Permits are usually available around the beginning of May until mid-October. You can check this link to find out when the park opens and closes.

Summer and Autumn are my favourite times of year to go. If you are going in the Summer, just remember to book your stay at your desired campsite in advance – that way, you will get one! Also – if I didn’t mention it already, the bugs are awful on some of the nature hikes.

Late September and early October is my favourite time of year to go by far! This is around the time when the magical colours of Autumn are peaking, and you see a sea of oranges, yellows and reds filling the Ontario Park. It does get chilly at night. Remember – we are in Canada.

4-Day Lake Superior Provincial Park Camping Weekend Itinerary Overviews

I have come up with three options for you!

Option 1 – Agawa Bay Campground (top choice)

Day 1 – Arrive in Park + Old Woman Bay + set up camp

Day 2 – Sand River Trail + Agawa Rock Trail + Kayaking or Canoeing

Day 3 – Towab Trail to Burnt Rock Pool + Dinner at Voyageurs Lodge Cookhouse

Day 4 – Pack Up + Hike Peat Mountain or Old Woman River Trail

Option 2 – Agawa Bay Campground (backcountry camping)

Day 1 – Arrive at the park + set up camp + Agawa Rock

Day 2 – Pack up camp + Hike to Towab Trail campsite

Day 3 – Hike back + head back to Agawa Bay Campground + Canoe or Kayak

Day 4 – Pack up camp + Sand River Trail or Old Woman River Trail + Old Woman Bay

Option 3 – Rabbit Blanket Lake

Day 1 – arrive at the park + set up camp + Old Woman Bay for sunset

Day 2 – Sand River Trail + Agawa Rock + dinner at Voyageurs Lodge and Cookhouse

Day 3 – Peat Mountain + Canoe or Kayak

Day 4 – Pack up camp + Old Woman River Trail

Pin this post for future camping trip planning!

What to Pack for a Lake Superior National Park Camping Trip

I will list a few things you definitely need to remember to bring on your Lake Superior Provincial Park camping trip – I’ve also created a packing list freebie that you can download using the form below!

Tent

Okay – so you might be thinking, “well, duh, Krista… obviously.” But sometimes people forget to bring important things on their camping trips. Obviously, only bring this if you are tent camping or backcountry camping. Otherwise, you might have no use for it.

Or, maybe you car camping one night or sleeping in your van or trailer. And another night, you want to do a backcountry overnight camping trip. Well then – don’t forget to bring your tent!

On another note – you might want to bring one, juuust in case.

Story Time – one time, I went camping with a pop-up camper, and when we put it up, the camper broke, and the roof came down. We couldn’t fix it and had to drive over an hour to buy a tent big enough for the group of us. So if you are camping in a pop-up camper, bring a tent just in case.

This is a really great quality tent that pretty much everyone has nowadays!

Sleeping Bag

Also another given. Make sure you have a good enough sleeping bag that is warm enough for the temperatures at night. I have a sleeping bag that is supposedly good for 6-degree celsius weather. However, it wasn’t quite warm enough. I always suggest going with a sleeping bag that is good for cooler temperatures than you will be sleeping in.

Grill

You can always cook your meals over the fire in the fire pits, but sometimes there are fire bans. And sometimes, it’s just easier or more practical to cool your meal on a grill. I like to take a grill with an element on it so I can cook things in pots and grill certain foods.

This is the one I have been using for years.

Lighter

You definitely need to bring a lighter to start your campfire and/or your grill of choice. I mean, who doesn’t bring a lighter when they go camping? I’ll admit, I’ve forgotten to bring one several times and had to pick one up at a nearby store.

Stasher for Food

These are handy for carrying small portions of snacks like trail mix or fruit on your adventures. You can also cook things like pasta salad, stir-fries or other mixed meals before your trip and store them in there for when you’re ready to eat them.

Check them out here – you can use them at home as well to be more sustainable and reduce plastic waste!

Cooler

If you can’t bring your cooler from home because you aren’t from Canada or travelling elsewhere in Canada, you can get one of those styrofoam coolers. If you can bring a cooler from home – bring it.

You will want this to store any food that could go bad when unrefrigerated.

Bear Bell / Bear Spray

Lions and tigers and bears – oh my! 

Okay… there are no lions or tigers in Ontario or even Canada, but if you are asking, “are there bears in Lake Superior Provincial Park” then the answer is yes! This park has lots of untouched forest areas. Which means lots of animals populate these forests.

Black bears are among the many mammals that roam around this Ontario Park. Bear bells are a great little thing to attach to your backpack. Do they keep bears away? Not necessarily. But they create consistent noise so that a bear can hear you coming, and you don’t surprise Mr. Bear.

When bears get scared, they can react in unpredictable ways. It’s important to know that bears can always be unpredictable scared or not, and that’s where the bear spray comes in.

More people get attacked by bears when they try to shoot them than if they use bear spray. If you are travelling alone or in a small group, bear spray is an excellent idea to take with you if you plan to explore the wilderness.

Headlamp

I’ll say this once – bring a headlamp or flashlight. They make better light than the flashlight on your iPhone or Android. If you are hiking before sunrise or planning to watch the sunset on a hike, chances are you will be hiking in the dark.

If you plan to start your camping adventures after work during the week, you might be setting up camp in the dark. It’s just a handy tool to bring around with you when you are camping.

You might also need one when you go outside in the middle of the night to do your “business.”

Lake Superior Provincial Park Camping

Backcountry Camping

Backcountry camping in Lake Superior Provincial Park is a really great option and cool experience. There are over 150+ campsites spread across the park for you to choose from. Some along the Coastal Trail and some down other incredible trails like Towab Trail to Agawa Falls.

There are plenty down the canoe routes if you are planning a canoe trip in the park.

Best Campground in Lake Superior Provincial Park

There are currently two campgrounds in Lake Superior Provincial Park. Agawa Bay and Rabbit Blanket Lake. 

Rabbit Blanket Lake is located in the northern part of the park and has some beautiful trails nearby. I have never camped here because, after doing some research, I preferred to stay at Agawa Bay Campground.

Rabbit Blanket Lake is not on Lake Superior but on a much smaller lake in the park called – you guessed it – Rabbit Banket Lake. 

Both of these campgrounds have availability from tent camping to trailer camping if you need to hook up to electricity. There are washrooms, showers, and canoe and kayak rentals. You can also purchase firewood at the campground’s check-in area.

Note – you cannot and should not bring firewood from outside of the campground. This is to preserve and protect the forests and wildlife.

Agawa Bay Campground Review

Agawa Bay Campground is where I always stay for camping trips in Lake Superior Provincial Park. It has a stunning, expansive beach that stretches across the bay. It is beautiful at sunset and feels like you are at the Ocean.

It is a little more central to the park and less than an hour away from Batchawana Bay – where I love to stop for great food and desserts. There is also a craft store here with some cool Indigenous crafts and other creations.

At the Agawa Bay Campground, you can also check out the Visitor’s Centre, which has a Park Store and an interactive display that showcases some really neat history of the park.

The campsites here are very nice, and the campground here is well-kept and always clean. It seems that the park staff really do take care of the place to make sure it looks nice for visitors.

Each campsite is equipped with a fire pit and a picnic table and usually has a pretty good layout. Some campsites have more privacy than others, depending on the types of trees surrounding your campsite. You can actually see photos of the campsite before you book it on their website.

The staff have always been friendly and super helpful when asked about the trails and wildlife of the park. They are even helpful when asked about where to catch certain fish.

Overall, I’ve always had a pleasant stay at this campground and will always recommend it to anyone going. I will have to make an effort to stay at Rabbit Blanket Lake one of these times.

Lake Superior Provincial Park camping reservations can be booked here.

Can You Camp At Old Woman Bay?

There are no camping options for Old Woman Bay, but Rabbit Blanket Lake Campground is nearby and an excellent option for those of you who want to spend more time at the incredible scenic view of Old Woman Bay. Agawa Bay Campground is about a 40-minute drive away from this scenic viewpoint.

Related Posts:

Best Things to do in lake Superior Provincial Park

Hike to Agawa Falls

4-Day Lake Superior Provincial Park Camping Weekend Itinerary Overview

So as I mentioned, I created three different itineraries for your camping trip in Lake Superior Provincial Park. The days can definitely be switched up depending on which way you are coming into the park.

To make it easier, I have made each itinerary as if you are entering from the Northern part of the park. That way, on the last day, when you are exiting the park from the North again, you have some stops you can make on the way out if you have the time.

If you are coming into the park from Sault Ste. Marie, you can simply swap hikes from the northern part of the park with ones from areas near Agawa Bay. I will list adjustments for each itinerary.

I will mention Agawa Rock Hike in each of these itineraries. However, it’s important to note that it closes in mid-September.

I won’t go into too much detail about each hike and activity. I will just give a summary. You can find more information on all the hikes and activities in my complete guide of the best things to do in Lake Superior Provincial Park.

I like to jam-pack my days when I am travelling, but if you want some more relaxing days, feel free to adjust to your liking and remove some activities.

Lake Superior Provincial Park Camping Itinerary #1 (top choice)

Day 1 – Arrive in the park + Old Woman Bay + set up camp

After entering the park, you will see a sign for Old Woman Bay scenic view. Make sure to stop there and check out the incredible view. This is one of my favourite views in the park. Then you will continue heading south until you reach Agawa Bay Campground. Set up camp and enjoy the rest of your day.

If you feel up to it and have time, head over to Agawa Rock. This hike takes around 45 minutes to an hour.

Head back to camp, watch the sunset on Agawa Bay and have a bonfire if the weather permits

Day 2 – Sand River Trail + Agawa Rock Trail + Kayaking or Canoeing

Sand River Trail is one of my favourite hikes in Lake Superior Provincial Park. It is a 2.2km out-and-back trail that takes about an hour to do. The scenery is so beautiful on this hike, with small, rocky falls.

Check out the Indigenous Pictographs on Agawa Rock Trail if you haven’t already. This very short trail will take you less than an hour. You can also go for a kayak ride to this location instead.

Rent a canoe or kayak later in the afternoon if the weather is nice, and enjoy your time exploring the lake. When I went, the group of us kayaked to this tiny island near the Agawa Bay Campground.

Head back to camp and enjoy the rest of your evening as you wish!

Day 3 – Towab Trail to Burnt Rock Pool + Dinner at Voyageurs Lodge and Cookhouse

Hike down to Burnt Rock Pool for some beautiful views. This should take you several hours to do. By the time you get back, you will probably be tired and hungry.

Drive down to Voyageurs Lodge and Cookhouse to grab a delicious meal and dessert. On your way down, be sure to stop at the craft shop. The drive down here takes a little less than an hour. It is worth it, though!

Head back to camp and enjoy the rest of your night as you wish!

Another option if you are feeling extra adventurous and willing to do a long, challenging hike is to hike all of Towab Trail to Agawa Falls. Keep in mind this is a strenuous 20km+ hike and makes for a very long day.

If you decide to do this, you will have to start very early, and you will likely have to skip out on the dinner at Voyageurs Lodge and Cookhouse. But don’t worry, you can always adjust and move the Voyageurs Lodge to one of the previous days.

Day 4 – Pack Up + Hike Peat Mountain or Old Woman River Trail

It’s time to pack up camp and head back out of the park.

On your way out of the park, if you are feeling up for it, you can Hike Peat Mountain, which takes about 3ish hours, or you can do Old Woman River Trail.

Old Woman River Trail is a short hike that takes around 1 hour. The hike is so diverse and has stunning scenery, including rivers, bridges, and small falls. At one point, it feels like you’re walking through an enchanted forest.

Both hikes are great options, but if you want something shorter – Old Woman River is the way to go.

Okay, so if you are coming from the Southern Part of the park, you might want to make adjustments. Old Woman Bay will not be on your way into the park, so I would do something like this:

Day 1 – Arrive in Park + set up camp + Agawa Rock

Only do Agawa Rock if you have time and are feeling up to it. Then enjoy the sunset on the beach and enjoy a bonfire.

Day 2 – Towab Trail to Burnt Rock Pool + Kayak or Canoe

Again, if you are feeling extra adventurous, you can go all the way to Agawa Falls, but it makes for a very long day, and you can expect to be sore.

Day 3 – Hike Peat Mountain or Old Woman River Trail + Old Woman Bay

Drive about an hour North and do one of these hikes. You can do both if you really want to. I probably would! Then stop at Old Woman Bay to enjoy the view. Head back to camp.

Day 4 – Sand River Trail + Dinner at Voyageurs Lodge

If you haven’t done Agawa Rock yet, add it in here. Then do Sand River Trail and on your way out, stop at Voyageurs Lodge and Cookhouse for lunch and a delicious treat.

Lake Superior Provincial Park Camping Itinerary #2 (backcountry)

This option is for those of you who really want to hike to Agawa Falls. Hiking Towab Trail in one day is not usually recommended, but it is doable. However, it will take an entire day, and you will be exhausted.

I will be the first to admit – it was a deadly day when I did it. So instead, here is an itinerary for an overnight option. The only thing that sucks is having to set up camp, pack up camp, set up camp, pack up camp, set up camp and pack up camp again.

But – it is worth it if you really want to see this hike.

Related Posts:

Agawa Falls Hike – A Complete Guide

The Best Things To Do In Lake Superior Provincial Park

Day 1 – Arrive at the park + set up camp + Agawa Rock

Arrive at your campsite at the Agawa Bay campground and set up camp for the night.

If you have time and energy, you can do the short hike to check out the Indigenous Pictographs at Agawa Rock which is just 10 minutes north and a 1-hour hike. The Agawa Rock hike is super cool, and you can learn about Indigenous Culture.

Then head back to camp and watch the sunset on the beach and enjoy a bonfire for the rest of the evening.

Day 2 – Pack up camp + Hike to Towab Trail campsite

Pack up camp early enough on day 2, and start your hike to your chosen Towab Trail campsite.

You can find my full guide on the hike to Agawa Falls via Towab trail here.

Hiking the second last campsite on the trail is your best option, but the third last one is a great one as well. This can take you anywhere between 3-5 hours to do, depending on your hiking skill level.

Set up camp – and continue your hike to the waterfall and enjoy the view. Head back to camp and enjoy the night.

Day 3 – Hike back + head back to Agawa Bay Campground + Canoe or Kayak

Time to pack up camp again and hike back to Agawa Bay Campground. You can either Canoe or Kayak in the afternoon or choose a hike nearby. If you don’t want to do anything but relax and/or swim in the cold waters of the beach, you can do that instead.

Spend your evening however you like!

Day 4 – Pack up camp + Sand River Trail or Old Woman River Trail + Old Woman Bay

It’s time to pack up camp again and head home. If you have time, you can do either Sand River Trail or Old Woman River Trail on your way out of the park. Heck – you can even do both if you have the time since they are both very short.

Both of these trails take roughly an hour and are incredibly gorgeous hikes. They both feature some small but gorgeous falls. Old Woman River has more of an enchanted forest type of vibe and more of a variety of scenic views.

There aren’t very many adjustments needed here for those of you coming from the South. You can just completely remove Old Woman River Trail and Old Woman Bay since you aren’t heading up that way and do Sand River Trail.

If you are determined to do Old Woman River Trail and see Old Woman bay, you can always add that to your afternoon on day 3 after your long hike back from Agawa Falls instead of going for your canoe ride.

Lake Superior Provincial Park Camping Itinerary #4 (Rabbit Blanket)

Day 1 – Arrive at the park + set up camp + Old Woman Bay for sunset

Head to your campsite and set up camp. You can always hike Old Woman River Trail, which takes a little over an hour if you think you have time and arrive early enough.

Then head up to Old Woman Bay and spend a few hours there enjoying the beach and having a picnic. Make sure to stay for sunset because it really is gorgeous!

Head back to camp and enjoy a bonfire!

Day 2 – Sand River Trail + Agawa Rock + dinner at Voyageurs Lodge and Cookhouse

Drive about an hour south and hit up Sand River Trail, which is a beautiful hike with some rocky falls and stunning scenery. This trail takes a bit over an hour.

Then check out the Indigenous Pictographs over at Agawa Rock. This will take about an hour and is a very easy hike.

If you are feeling up to it, you can drive about another hour south to enjoy a nice meal and treat at the Voyageurs Lodge and Cookhouse. Make sure to stop at the Agawa Bay Craft store and check out the Indigenous crafts. Heading here will make for a long drive back up to your campground, but it’s worth it.

Day 3 – Peat Mountain + Canoe or Kayak

Hike Peat Mountain today for some incredible views from above. It might not be like the mountains in the Canadian Rockies, but you still get some pretty amazing views.

Spend your afternoon canoeing or kayaking or just by the water and enjoy your relaxing afternoon.

Day 4 – Pack up camp + Old Woman River Trail

It’s time to pack up camp and head home! If you haven’t done Old Woman River Trail, now is your chance to add it in.

Here are my adjustment suggestions for those of you coming from the South.

Day 1 – Stop for lunch at Voyageurs Lodge and Cookhouse + Hike Agawa Rock + set up camp

Day 2 – Peat Mountain + picnic at Old Woman Bay and stay for sunset

Day 3 – Old Woman River Trail + Canoe or Kayak

Day 4 – Pack up camp + Sand River Trail on the way out

You can swap Agawa Rock and Sand River here if you’d like.

Final Thoughts + Tips on Lake Superior Provincial Park Camping

That is how I would spend a long weekend camping in Lake Superior Park. But if you’re constantly wanting to be busy doing things like me, like I said, feel free to remove some activities.

You can also swap out some activities for others, change hikes around and adjust them to your liking. 

Check out my complete guide on Lake Superior Provincial Park for more information on the park and for more activities you can add to your Lake Superior Provincial Park Camping Itinerary. This post includes park information, the best hikes, the best activities, where to stay and more!

Are you still there? If you want to know what to pack, download this free weekend camping packing list printable, so you don’t forget anything on your camping adventure.

Related Posts on Lake Superior Provincial Park

Agawa Falls Hike – A Complete Guide

Hike to Agawa Falls via Towab Trail

Thank you for stopping by, and happy adventuring ♡

Krista x.

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