Craigleith Provincial Park
Craigleith Provincial Park
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- WindpipeOshawa, Canada56 contributionsWe all left happy!A great camping outing with teens! This campground was a unique experience for us and the whole family came away happy. Our campsite (203) had water and electricity hook up. The water was a nice feature for a provincial park and made things just a little easier. We were right on the water and there was a little path down to the shore. The shore was shale and great for walking out and sitting in chairs. We brought our kayaks and on calm days it was easy kayaking. The day we left the water was rough but it was beautiful to hear the sound of the waves. We were minutes from Blue Mountain Resort and with a 15 year old and almost 12 year old, it was a perfect day trip. We bought the play all day passes which included all the activities. We went on the zip line, the mountain coaster and the gondola. I also won at mini putt. :) There are many things to do at the resort and you won't be bored. Great restaurants too! Now, if you go into this knowing there is a highway next to the campground, you won't be disappointed. We camp in nature all the time at many different provincial parks. We went into this knowing it would be a different experience. We loved being right on the water so much that the highway and small campground weren't even an issue to us. When you play in the water and enjoy the offerings of the bay, the other things disappear.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten July 17, 2024
- Daydream669695138922 contributionsOkay for an overnight staySmall sites and right next to the highway so it was noisy. That was expected. Arrived on a Sunday and nearly every garbage bin and container was over flowing. washrooms were dirty, in disrepair and in need of updating. It worked for and overnight stop but wouldn't stay there longer.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten August 26, 2024
- Chelsea MKitchener, Canada33 contributionsSmall park, superb viewsThis is a small, gated-entry park right near Georgian Peaks Ski Club located directly on Georgian Bay. The shoreline is stunning and provides ample opportunity to wade into the water, as there is a large limestone shelf. The campsites are small, not all that private, yet provide excellent views of the lake (site # 4 and 12 seem to have the best views). The bathrooms are clean. My only minor gripes are a) the park office closes at 4 p.m., which isn't always helpful and b) while the park is small, there's not a lot of signage and it's difficult to navigate in a vehicle. For a cute day trip, check out Thornbury.Visited September 2024Travelled soloWritten October 10, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Popular mentions
3.0
112 reviews
Excellent
18
Very good
33
Average
32
Poor
12
Terrible
17
Stephen M
Fergus, Canada159 contributions
Aug 2022
If you want a sandy beach, this is not it. The beach is mostly shale/rock and that is what you will find in the water as well. However, the water is great and clear with very little algae or debris. They are currently requiring reservations on weekends even if you have a season pass (found out after we shoed up expecting to just get in) but week days you are good with your pass. The parking can be an issue are the beach area but there is overflow parling as you enter the park which is a short walk to the beach/day use area.
We found lots of fossils for the kids to look at while there and they got right into the search with us. Mostly simple shells but we did find a nice large one with quite a bit of detail. There are signs posted to not take rocks/stones from the park, I presum to prevent a lot of fossil taking so just be prepared to let the kids know you will be leaving them behind.
We did not camp there but the camp sites looked very clean and well spaced out. Lots of trailers there and a few tents when we went through. I imaging pitching a tent might be a challenge due to the rocky soil.
We found lots of fossils for the kids to look at while there and they got right into the search with us. Mostly simple shells but we did find a nice large one with quite a bit of detail. There are signs posted to not take rocks/stones from the park, I presum to prevent a lot of fossil taking so just be prepared to let the kids know you will be leaving them behind.
We did not camp there but the camp sites looked very clean and well spaced out. Lots of trailers there and a few tents when we went through. I imaging pitching a tent might be a challenge due to the rocky soil.
Written August 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shannon M
Welland, Canada102 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
Honestly we have been to over 15 provincial parks in Ontario and this one has the worst sites and amenities. For the amount people are paying the washroom and shower facilities need a total overhaul. Most of the sites are small and there is no privacy…not to mention the constant highway noise. Georgian bay is the only thing going for this park. Seriously for the nightly fee and cancellation fees this should be on par with other parks in Ontario and it is NOT.
Written September 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Holly B
16 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
The only good thing about this place is the beautiful water but bring water shoes as it’s rocky. The play ground is very old and not fun. The washrooms were cleaned every day but horribly dirty. The separate showers were pretty clean completely to the washrooms. Sites are very small and it’s close to the road so a bit of road noise but wasn’t an issue for us we were close to the water so the crashing waves were louder then the road. It’s very very quiet so was a bit uncomfortable at times. The price was very good. It was good for what we needed. We went out bike riding in Collingwood so the lack of excitement at the campground didn’t bother us.
Written October 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jake t
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Friends
I don’t even know where to begin with Craigleith Provincial Park. Calling this place a park is an insult to nature itself. It’s more like a wasteland someone forgot to clean up. The so-called “campsites” are a joke. Instead of a peaceful retreat into nature, you’re crammed next to other campers like sardines, with barely any room to move. Forget about any kind of privacy; you’ll hear your neighbors snoring, arguing, and worse all night long. The bathrooms are an absolute nightmare. I wouldn’t send my worst enemy into those disgusting cesspools. They’re so filthy it feels like they haven’t been cleaned since the park opened. If you value your health, stay far away because just stepping inside could give you a disease. The stench alone is enough to make you gag—mold, urine, and a mix of who-knows-what else. Calling them bathrooms is generous; they’re more like public health hazards. The “beach” is nothing but a pile of jagged rocks and slimy, algae-covered muck. It’s not even a beach—it’s a landfill disguised as one. Dead fish are scattered across the shore, and the water smells like sewage runoff. People come to parks for fresh air and relaxation; here, you get slapped in the face with the smell of decay and filth. Want a peaceful day by the water? Too bad. The only thing you’ll get here is tetanus from stepping on rusty debris. And let’s talk about the wildlife. Not the kind you’d want to see—I’m talking about the rats. Yes, rats. Scurrying around the campsites, digging through the garbage that’s overflowing everywhere because apparently, waste management is a foreign concept here. Who needs squirrels and birds when you’ve got rodents running around your tent at night? In short, Craigleith Provincial Park is an absolute disgrace. It should be shut down for the sake of public safety and basic human decency. If you value your sanity, stay far, far away from this dump masquerading as a provincial park.
Written September 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel R
1 contribution
Jun 2024 • Couples
This is a terrible park. If I could rate it less than 1 star I would. The park is extremely small. The second you pull up to enter, the campsites are already right there. The park is pressed right up against a busy highway so it's noisy all night long. The beach is rocky, and slippery from the algae. The campsites are the furthest thing from private. We got real close with our neighbors, thankfully they were great. But we had no choice. There was maybe one little pine tree separating us from them. Park ranger told us the water was potable, yet we all caught a stomach bug.
The only reason you should ever visit this park is that it's minutes away from Blue Mountain Village. If you wanna take your family out for a weekend at Blue Mountain and you want to bypass getting an expensive hotel, this park is a good option. It's less than a 10 minute drive away.
Other than that, you can see better nature in the parks half an hour from Toronto. Don't drive up here to experience camping, it is far from worth it.
The only reason you should ever visit this park is that it's minutes away from Blue Mountain Village. If you wanna take your family out for a weekend at Blue Mountain and you want to bypass getting an expensive hotel, this park is a good option. It's less than a 10 minute drive away.
Other than that, you can see better nature in the parks half an hour from Toronto. Don't drive up here to experience camping, it is far from worth it.
Written June 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew R
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Friends
Have camped in over 30 Provincial Parks and have never seen a more ‘disgusting’ Park!!
Had difficulty pulling into the Park off the highway because their are entry gates but you need a pass from the Park office in order to enter. There is no place for trailers to park while they are registering so this causes a traffic back up onto the highway. There is also no signage to provide any direction.
The washrooms and shower house I’m sure are original and were incredibly dirty and not looked after. When I brought this up to management, was simply told they were ‘understaffed’.
Other than the good location, this Park is an embarrassment to our Provincial Park System.
Had difficulty pulling into the Park off the highway because their are entry gates but you need a pass from the Park office in order to enter. There is no place for trailers to park while they are registering so this causes a traffic back up onto the highway. There is also no signage to provide any direction.
The washrooms and shower house I’m sure are original and were incredibly dirty and not looked after. When I brought this up to management, was simply told they were ‘understaffed’.
Other than the good location, this Park is an embarrassment to our Provincial Park System.
Written August 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gabriel Cortez
Toronto, Canada14 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Without a sandy beach, the park is still nice for enjoying the lake and the rocky shore.
In summer, the water can be nice and warm.
Many small sites, that are only suitable for small vehicles and tents.
The worst of this park are the washrooms.
They need serious upgrades, and the existing ones don't receive frequent enough maintenance. I see few staff around and, when many other Ontario Parks I visit every year have people cleaning good washrooms morning and evening, here in Craigleith I see the same mess stay for the two days of our visit.
This weekend the condition was particularly disappointing. See the attached photo and you will imagine the frustration of many campers.
In summer, the water can be nice and warm.
Many small sites, that are only suitable for small vehicles and tents.
The worst of this park are the washrooms.
They need serious upgrades, and the existing ones don't receive frequent enough maintenance. I see few staff around and, when many other Ontario Parks I visit every year have people cleaning good washrooms morning and evening, here in Craigleith I see the same mess stay for the two days of our visit.
This weekend the condition was particularly disappointing. See the attached photo and you will imagine the frustration of many campers.
Written June 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
traveller976
Oakville, Canada256 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Fantastic location near Blue Mountain. Quick drive into Collingwood or Thornbury, or you can bike directly via the Georgian Trail - accessed across the road from the park. The trail is flat and perfect for family bike rides. No beach but there are a few rocky areas where you can watch the gorgeous sunsets or take a swim. We also drove to Wasaga Beach which is about 30 mins away. Campsites are basic but we like this park for the location!!
Written July 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim B
Ontario, Canada504 contributions
Sept 2020
Many years ago when our kids were growing up this was our "Go To" park.
Over the years the park has been hit with a weather down burst that destroyed many of the trees and high water has destroyed the road.
They have opened a new section for larger RV's but it is also closer to the highway.
The views are still magnificent and now we use it once a year for large family week end camping when we can secure 4 sites together.
There is a large playground for kids.
Over the years the park has been hit with a weather down burst that destroyed many of the trees and high water has destroyed the road.
They have opened a new section for larger RV's but it is also closer to the highway.
The views are still magnificent and now we use it once a year for large family week end camping when we can secure 4 sites together.
There is a large playground for kids.
Written September 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda
36 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
It feels like no one cares about this place.
Terrible spot. Right by the hiway, no matter where you “camp.” Very close together, absolutely no trees or privacy. Difficult spots to get into, water access is awkward. No real beach. I’ve done a lot of camping, worse spot ever.
On a positive note thé staff are nice and want to help. We also saw wardens doing walking patrols.
And a note to the campers. CLEAN UP AFTER YOUSELVES.
We arrived to a filthy spot, including dog feces. The bathrooms are disgusting and that’s not the staff’s fault. Having said that, one ply toilet paper is difficult to use because it just falls apart as you’re removing it. Still no excuse to throw the excesss paper, water bottles and other garbage on the floor.
Terrible spot. Right by the hiway, no matter where you “camp.” Very close together, absolutely no trees or privacy. Difficult spots to get into, water access is awkward. No real beach. I’ve done a lot of camping, worse spot ever.
On a positive note thé staff are nice and want to help. We also saw wardens doing walking patrols.
And a note to the campers. CLEAN UP AFTER YOUSELVES.
We arrived to a filthy spot, including dog feces. The bathrooms are disgusting and that’s not the staff’s fault. Having said that, one ply toilet paper is difficult to use because it just falls apart as you’re removing it. Still no excuse to throw the excesss paper, water bottles and other garbage on the floor.
Written July 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hilhuisman
Blenheim, Canada
Wondering about camp area D. We have a toddler (will be 20 months) is it a drop off on the waterview sites there? Or is it flat to the water's edge?
Written March 21, 2021
Hi , just wondered what the beach area is like this year. Is the water very high? Is there any space along the shore to sit with a beach chair?
Thanks
Written August 26, 2019
The water level is not very high and you will find plenty of space to sit with beach chair and your feet feeling cold water touch with every wave... I had wonderful time relaxing on beach chair during my recent trip last month.
Written September 8, 2019
Hi there! We're planning our first trip out to Craigleith (usually we stick to The Pinery near Grand Bend), and we're wondering if you could let us know about how bad the bugs are in mid-August? We're camping near the shore in section B, if that helps.
Thanks!
Steve.
Written August 6, 2018
Mary J
Owen Sound, Canada
We had a breeze all the time we were there. There were a few bugs but that was around 8-9 pm at night. There were a few flies BUT nothing too major.
Written August 8, 2018
pinktee2017
Ibadan, Nigeria
Do I need to make booking in advance to have access to the park.
Written April 17, 2017
We recommend making a reservation to avoid disappointment if the park is full. That said, if you arrive and a campsite is available, no advance booking is necessary.
Written April 19, 2017
pinktee2017
Ibadan, Nigeria
Do I need to make booking in advance and pay on arrival?
Written April 17, 2017
Hi There: What was your site # and would you recommend it for a camper trailer? Thank you.
Written September 7, 2016
not sure what the previous camper was talking about. Area D has both 15 and 30 amp service and water hookups on the water front premium sites. We luved this section.
Not sure what type of camper you have.We have a 25 foot, open , hardtop camper and just stayed in site 199, perfect for us.
Just make sure you input your camper size when booking.
Written September 15, 2017
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