The 4 Best Places For Family Camping Near Montreal

Flip

A family camping trip is always an exciting vacation to plan, and a quick Google search can reveal seemingly endless options.

But not all travel destinations actually work well for children, whether because of a general lack of kid-friendly activities or amenities or or because the options they do have aren’t of interest to a particular child’s preferences.

Browsing through thousands of reviews on aggregate websites takes time that most busy parents simply do not have.

Fortunately, we’ve rounded up highlights of some great campgrounds near Montreal, all of which offer ample activities for children and locations that are truly kid-friendly, because they’re designed with little campers in mind!

family camping — Family Camping, photo courtesy KOA

What to Look for in Family-Friendly Campgrounds

For families with little ones, the best camping spots strike a delicate balance between practicality and fun.

These key factors can make all the difference between a ho-hum family camping experience and a truly memorable one you’ll treasure for a lifetime:

EASY ACCESS- Parents will appreciate campgrounds located within a short distance of a major city like Montreal. This makes it easy to settle in quickly without wearing out little travelers.
CHILD FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES– Look for campgrounds with dedicated playgrounds, open spaces, and structured activities like nature walks, bike paths, or supervised programs. These attractions help keep children engaged and allow them to fully enjoy the outdoors safely.
AVAILABLE AMENITIES- These provisions can often make or break the family camping experience. Clean restrooms and accessible facilities go a long way, especially when camping with kids.

The Best Places to Camp With Kids Near Montreal

Pool at Montreal South KOA Journey — Photo courtesy Kampgrounds of America

1. South KOA Journey

You may recognize the Kampgrounds of America name: KOA ranks among the most popular outdoor destinations across North America, with over 500 locations offering a diverse range of camping experiences.

Their nearest camping option near Montreal is the South KOA Journey. Located just a 30-minute drive from downtown, it gives kids that feeling of “getting away from it all” without turning the trip into a long drive that tests their patience.

You can pull up to RV sites with 30/50-amp service and full hookups, or stay in camping cabins. Both offer the option to enjoy a private campfire experience for making s’mores.

If you prefer pitching tents, individual campsites help little ones immerse themselves in the full outdoor adventure.

One thing that makes this location especially convenient for families is its 24/7 laundry facilities. There’s also a pool to enjoy, along with kid-friendly activities such as a playground, splash pad, skateboard ramps, table tennis, and a pickleball court.

It’s arguably among the best places to camp with kids near Montreal.

KEY FEATURES
● Clean, professionally managed sites
● Flexible camping options
● No membership required
● User-friendly booking app

2. Camping Choisy

Camping Choisy is located in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region of Montérégie, which is about an hour’s drive from downtown Montreal.

It’s a great option for families who don’t have their own equipment because they offer ready-to-camp units, including log cabins that can sleep up to 6 people. Each cabin comes with convenient amenities, such as a fridge and microwave.

During peak Summer camping season, a minimum stay of one week is required. But it’s a great choice for a low-season weekend trip, with a more flexible 2-night minimum.

If you opt for the trailer option, it’s also ideal for weekend stays. It simplifies camping into a more upgraded experience, with added convenience for a group of 6.

Many activities at this campground revolve around family-friendly fun, including a heated pool for swimming and mini-golf. There’s also an on-site convenience store and a nearby restaurant.

Kids will especially enjoy riding the little train around the campground, while adults can spend quieter moments with films, board games and books.

KEY FEATURES
● Well-kept grounds
● All-inclusive rate
● Ready-to-camp cabins and trailers
● Activities for all ages

Photo courtesy of Camping des Voltigeurs

3. Camping des Voltigeurs

Located just a few minutes from downtown Drummondville and about an hour from Montreal, Camping des Voltigeurs is a lush green oasis near the banks of the Saint-François River.

This campground offers 14 ready-to-camp sites. For a more traditional camping experience, there are also five different zones where you can pitch a tent, with amenities like water and electricity available in some areas.

Picnic tables and communal fire pits make it easy to socialize with other parents while your children make Summer friends. There’s also a dedicated RV space for larger vehicles, with restrooms and shower areas nearby.

Children can enjoy access to a heated swimming pool, with lifeguards on watch. They also offer plenty of play areas with slides and swings to help young kids burn off energy, while older ones can try the volleyball, basketball, and soccer areas.

Families can rent bikes for free and ride along the river path together. There’s also a free treasure hunt-style trail, where can discover local birds using clues and a map, which is a fun way to explore the campsite while learning about nature!

KEY FEATURES
● Highly rated, clean site along the river
● Ready-to-camp accommodations
● Lifeguard on watch
● Excellent cycling options

4. Oka National Park

Another option located less than an hour’s drive from downtown Montreal, Parc National d’Oka is one of the area’s top family camping destinations.

It’s ideal for those seeking a safe beach escape, with 11 kilometers of shallow sandy shoreline and lifeguards on duty. Kids can play all day while their parents enjoy peace of mind.

Beyond the beach, families can explore easy hiking trails that offer chances to spot turtles and birds, especially along the La Grande Baie boardwalk. Flat biking paths suit all ages, with teenagers likely to enjoy them most.

Additional kid-friendly options– such as ping-pong tables, climbing walls, and football areas– offer even more ways for families to stay active.

One of the highlights of this national park is how close the camping area is to the shore. There’s also a community center and a restaurant nearby.

Accommodation options here range from compact cabins for 4 to traditional tent campsites located a short walk from the beach. Ready-to-camp tents are also available, each of which has heating, bedrooms, and a spacious living area.

KEY FEATURES
● Extensive shallow beachfront
● Family-friendly outdoor trails
● Well-maintained biking terrain
● Camping close to the water

Parents often worry about how their children will fare on an overnight camping trip.

But each of these destinations near Montreal makes it easy, with kid-friendly activities and thoughtful amenities that simplify parents’ lives (even for first-time campers).

From quick weekend getaways to full-on outdoor adventures, these family-friendly spots near Montreal offer safety, convenience, and endless fun for all ages! –by Alex S. Morrison; lead image courtesy KOA