McRae Point Provincial Park
McRae Point Provincial Park
3.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
60 reviews
Excellent
14
Very good
20
Average
15
Poor
6
Terrible
5
allykatjelly1984
136 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
My favourite part of this whole park is the trail that takes you around the waterfront. There is a breathtaking little cove at the tip where you can sit on the rocks and take in the views. I thought the south campground spots were mostly all worth booking at because they are private, spacious, and have gorgeous mature trees. The best ones being 144,146,148,150, 152,154,155,157, 179,181. I liked these because you have a peekaboo view of the lake Simcoe, some even having their own linking trails to the water. Some of them are severely sloped though, so this may not be a good option for people who have to level a trailer.
The beach is okay. Water was nice and warm, but there are sharp shells all over the shore (so water shoes would be handy.) Water was also a bit smelly, likely because of the geese. Our site also wasn’t cleaned before we got there and there was garbage left from the people that were there before us. One other con was that there were loud people up until after 1AM, so I’m guessing there isn’t a quiet time enforcement (if that’s important to you.)
Overall, I thought the park was beautiful. I liked the smallish feeling of it. It’s nice when you’re not getting lost, or having to drive all over the park to see certain things. Will return.
The beach is okay. Water was nice and warm, but there are sharp shells all over the shore (so water shoes would be handy.) Water was also a bit smelly, likely because of the geese. Our site also wasn’t cleaned before we got there and there was garbage left from the people that were there before us. One other con was that there were loud people up until after 1AM, so I’m guessing there isn’t a quiet time enforcement (if that’s important to you.)
Overall, I thought the park was beautiful. I liked the smallish feeling of it. It’s nice when you’re not getting lost, or having to drive all over the park to see certain things. Will return.
Written August 13, 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.
Zeusthecockapoo
Barrie, Canada4,745 contributions
Sept 2020 • Solo
This park is small and primarily aimed at families camping with kids. As such, it is not really for those seeking a true "out in the wild" experience; also expensive for a day use pass in my opinion. That said, I did enjoy the Water’s Edge Trail a lot more than expected. There are some scenic areas along the southwestern edge of the trail with views of nearby islands and a plethora of interesting ferns & cedar trees. Quite a few lively birds and squirrels foraging too. You can combine with several shorter trails for a loop around nearly the entire park, starting and ending at the beach. The beach itself looked well maintained and benefits from being partly sheltered from the wind off the lake, definitely a good choice for summer visitors.
Written March 20, 2021
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.
travellingkt
Toronto, Canada6 contributions
Aug 2020
We were at site 17 which is pictured on the reservation web site as grass covered. There was absolutely no grass on this site. It was complete mud even though there was no rain the week (Aug 10-14) we stayed. All other sites around were grass covered. #17 is a mud pit. Although the site is large, private and has nice shade the mud was a challenge when camping with small children and a dog. The playground was nice but beach and grass area covered with lots of goose poop. The boat launch is very shallow so only works for very small boats. The park is quiet and staff were friendly. The Ontario Provincial Park Reservation web site needs to up date their site pictures.
Written August 15, 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.
Tina D
1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Family
Most poorly managed provincial park we have visited. They checked us into the wrong site and one we were all set up (pop up trailer) we realized we werent on an electric site like we booked. It took hours (well past dinner) to get it sorted out with the front and it was finally decided we would stay where we were even though we payed for electric. The front staff were all very young and not interested or apologetic for the error; they circled the complete wrong campsite on the map.
The noise control is non existent so don’t go here if you want to relax or sleep. The kids all around us were yelling and running from sun up to sun down, people slamming car doors all night, and the second night hosted a huge birthday party that stretched several sites. We have children as well and expect to hear them playing, this was beyond excessive and again the from staff did not care about the situation.
The beach is disappointing, goose poop everywhere, a lot of city day visitors taking up the ideal spots, even the boat launch had people setting up tents and chairs to gatekeep the area for themselves.
The “store” only sells wood and ice, so make sure you don’t forget anything or get put on a site with no electricity Unexpectantly because you can’t buy a coffee or anything you are missing.
We’ve been to a lot of camping spots, we will not return to McRae, extremely disappointing trip. Again, we have young kids and are pretty low maintenance, but we have never had such a negative camping trip. I read the reviews and thought the negative ones were exaggerated; they were not.
The noise control is non existent so don’t go here if you want to relax or sleep. The kids all around us were yelling and running from sun up to sun down, people slamming car doors all night, and the second night hosted a huge birthday party that stretched several sites. We have children as well and expect to hear them playing, this was beyond excessive and again the from staff did not care about the situation.
The beach is disappointing, goose poop everywhere, a lot of city day visitors taking up the ideal spots, even the boat launch had people setting up tents and chairs to gatekeep the area for themselves.
The “store” only sells wood and ice, so make sure you don’t forget anything or get put on a site with no electricity Unexpectantly because you can’t buy a coffee or anything you are missing.
We’ve been to a lot of camping spots, we will not return to McRae, extremely disappointing trip. Again, we have young kids and are pretty low maintenance, but we have never had such a negative camping trip. I read the reviews and thought the negative ones were exaggerated; they were not.
Written July 16, 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.
CdnGoldy
Kitchener, Canada1,084 contributions
Jul 2021
We experienced campsites with no privacy, lots of music, people walking through our campsite all weekend, and no apparent interdiction by the rangers for music, parties, large groups on campsites, etc. Maybe the south campground is better, but I don't recommend North campground.
We had a muddy weekend due to rain, so the floors were dirty in the comfort stations, however they were regularly cleaned. The beach is narrow, but groomed, and there is a lot of grass in this area (it is also the day use area). It was very crowded when we were here, with the staff closing the front gates to day use early each day. The playground was crowded with equipment our grandkids loved - lots of upper body exercise.
We had a muddy weekend due to rain, so the floors were dirty in the comfort stations, however they were regularly cleaned. The beach is narrow, but groomed, and there is a lot of grass in this area (it is also the day use area). It was very crowded when we were here, with the staff closing the front gates to day use early each day. The playground was crowded with equipment our grandkids loved - lots of upper body exercise.
Written July 5, 2021
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.
RickToronto_Canada
Toronto, Canada170 contributions
Jul 2020
Went to this provincial park in July 2020 and it is a beautiful location. I would have given it a 4/5 but for all of the geese and sea gulls taking over the water area. There was no way you could avoid the goose crap all over the ground. And these geese would come up within 5 feet of you and drop a remnant right in front of you. The water was beautiful though and on an extremely hot day it was refreshing. Being 6' 5" though I had to walk out what seemed like a km to get to my waist.
Because of Covid-19 the store was closed as well as any vending machines. I firmly believe that once the virus has been lifted and they properly staff this place it will be better.....but on my visit it was only a 2/5.
Because of Covid-19 the store was closed as well as any vending machines. I firmly believe that once the virus has been lifted and they properly staff this place it will be better.....but on my visit it was only a 2/5.
Written July 9, 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.
Troy P
Haliburton, Canada1 contribution
Aug 2020
If your planning to rent an RV and have it delivered plan to fork out 15 bucks to have it dropped off and 15 bucks for pick up. It's crazy that they say 15 bucks for 15 minutes. You can's show someone how the RV works in that time. Say 45 bucks for 45 minutes and if your done before that you get your money back....It's just stupid.
Written August 31, 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.
Chris N
Toronto, Canada43 contributions
Aug 2020
We have been to McRae Point twice in 2020 (so far) and we really like it. Considering I am not a fan of provincial park camping (i like quiet solitude) with neighbors on both side and behind (such as the North Campground, the South campground is really well laid out with lots of trees. Our 1st site we stayed in was not great as we were not prepared for the mosquitos and the sun of which we got full blasts from both but trip two we were better prepared. The staff kept mostly everyone quiet and we get it, kids are noisy and they are in the wild, so overall, a good place to go with or without kids. The amenities were clean (the kids cleaning the bathrooms and vacated sites were really good) the dog beach is a little 3rd world but they groomed it a couple times and it was clean. The trails are nice, the water was great and sitting by a fire for a few days was just what we needed. Looking forward to coming back to this campground after exploring a few more (Sibbald is next).
Written August 4, 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.
KarenW2
Barrie, Canada65 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
Lovely beach, nice easy trails along Lake Simcoe. The south campgrounds are more private,dryer and more open to the sun. There is also a dog beach, small boat launch and docks. Close to Orillia if you forget anything, or Casino Rama, for a rainy day. Checked out Mara but it was dark and damp there. McRae is better for camping.
Written July 1, 2015
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.
thepossum
Gatineau, Canada80 contributions
Jul 2013
There's two sides to the campgrounds. One more private than the other. I guess it depends on how social you like to be. We stayed at campsite 138 on the private side. Most of the sites there have reasonable privacy but there's lots of sun too. On the other side the trees are old growth and provide more shade. The beach is great for kids as the water was really warm and the water is roped off at about a three foot depth which is over 100 feet from shore. Orrilia is only 10 minutes away so all the modern comforts are only moments away. We rented a fishing boat around the corner at Blue Beacon Marine which was easy and convenient. The water surrounds the campgrounds so the bugs are aplenty, bring bug spray, lots of it. The park is regularly patrolled and we felt safe and looked after. The comfort station is on the big side but since the park isn't that large it wasn't a big deal. All in all a fun time for all.
Written July 27, 2013
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.
Sherry H
Orillia, Canada
Can you camp thanks giving weekend? Oct 5th to8th 2018
Written September 9, 2018
BEARS: Are there bears there? Any bear sightings? How to avoid bears?
Written July 25, 2017
Park rangers will advise you when your enter if there are bears in the area.
Just don’t leave garbage out, leave inside your car or near garbage sites nearby
Written July 20, 2020
Do you have season fees? I have a motorhome and ooking for somewhere to park for the season. I also have a 14ft seadoo boat, do you a boat launch access?
Written May 30, 2016
Hi there,
Thanks for your message.
McRae Point does not have seasonal campsites but several other parks do. You can find more info about that on our website.
McRae Point has boat launch facilities and its location on Lake Simcoe offers access to the Trent Severn Waterway.
Sincerely,
Ontario Parks
Written June 24, 2016
Are there any bears at this park/ have there been any bear sittings at this park.
Written August 21, 2015
We had a cottage in the area for years and I only heard a rumor years ago that a bear had been seen in the area. The park is on a point not the easiest spot for bears to access.
Written August 22, 2015
For information on campsites, the Ontario Parks reservation website is a great tool. You are able to choose McRae Point Provincial Park and look at the campground maps. If you see sites you are interested in, you are able to select the site and get all the information about that specific site, including photos.
Written June 16, 2015
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