Primitive Campgrounds

There are 7 campgrounds on Beausoleil Island that offer a more primitive experience. Campsites at Honeymoon Bay, Oaks, Tonch North, Tonch East, Tonch South, and Thumb Point are reservable. The remaining campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

These campgrounds are located on or near the shore and have between 4 and 13 sites each, some with tent pads, others have wooden platforms. Each site has a picnic table and a hibachi (fire box) for campfire cooking. Although maximum capacity per site is two tents, many sites can only accommodate a single tent. A covered picnic shelter is available at each campground, and some also offer a shared wood stove for additional cooking options. Most campgrounds offer food storage lockers for safe food storage that you must use for your safety and the safety of others.

 

 

Accessing the Campgrounds

Beausoleil Island and primitive campsites are accessible by water only. Campers can access these sites using their personal vessel, or by booking a licenced private water taxi company that operate in the Honey Harbour area. The park does not provide boat transportation to the primitive campgrounds. The boat ride over to these campsites is approximately 20 minutes. 

Vessels
Boat docks and/or vessel beaching can be found at most campgrounds. Dock space is limited and is available on a first come, first serve basis. Additional docking fees apply. Tonch East campground is a paddle-in only campsite and docking is not available.

Registration
With access to the primitive campgrounds being via water only, a main entry gate or registration desk is not available. As a result, visitors to the park are asked to pay for their entry and camping using a 'self-registration' permit system.

Permits can be found in an information box located close to the dock at every campground and picnic/docking area. Please ensure that you have adequate funds or complete credit card information to include with the permit envelope.

The permit form consists of 3 parts. After completing the form and calculating the fees, one part of the form is posted at your campsite, one part is placed on your vessel (if applicable), and one part is a payment envelope which is deposited into a secure lockbox located close to the dock. Visitors are asked to fill out the permit form clearly and completely. Fees are collected daily. Audits and compliance checks are conducted periodically throughout the season.

Facilities and services
Washroom facilities available at the primitive campgrounds consist of at least 1 pit privy (outhouse) or a compostable toilet. Running water is not available. Visitors are required to bring their own water or filtering systems.

 

Garbage service is provided daily during the summer months and on weekends only in May, June, September and October. Each campground has an animal-proof garbage container and recycling bins.

**To prevent the spread of invasive species, firewood must be purchased at the campground or from a local vendor. Information on the dangers of moving firewood.

Pets
Pets are welcome in the park. They must be kept on a leash at all times and never left unattended.

The Campgrounds in Detail

From North to South

Map of Beausoleil Island
HTML version | PDF (5 Mb)

Honeymoon Bay

 

This popular campground offers 10 campsites along the shores of the small bay. 9 campsites are reservable. Its western exposure offers breathtaking sunsets.

On the very northern tip of Beausoleil Island, visitors to this area can look out toward the open water of the north channel and perhaps watch one of the bay's powerful storms roll in.

The campsites offer both tent pads and platforms. There are 2 compost toilets, 2 boat docks, a picnic shelter, stone stove, a sandy beach and swimming area.

The Fairy Trail starts nearby.

Chimney Bay and Oaks

Located in a sheltered bay, these two campgrounds offer a total of 11 campsites, all of which are close to the water and have great views of the bay. Most sites have wooden tent platforms.

A great location for swimming and accessing the park's hiking trails.

Oaks campground has sites available for reservation and Chimney Bay campground is available on a first come, first serve basis. 

Tonch North

A small campground, one of 3 on the 'Tonch' peninsula, these are the campgrounds that are most visible as you come out of the Big Dog Channel, heading toward the mid-point of Beausoleil Island. Reservable sites available.

Tonch North has 4 sites, all with tent pads (no wooden platforms). 

Tonch East
A centrally located campground offering 6 campsites, some scattered a little further from others. Swimming is limited, as this campground is surrounded by wetlands and weed beds. The flat rock that leads to the water can get very slippery. Caution is advised. There is no docking available at this site. Reservable sites available.

Tonch South
Facing the south-east and surrounded by wetlands, this campground sits upon an outcrop of rock. Most campsites are rather exposed to the south and east winds. Swimming is limited. Just off one of the main boat channels in the area, it neighbours Treasure Bay, where waters are calmer and more conducive to canoe and kayaking. There are 6 campsites at the Tonch South campground. Reservable sites available.

 

Thumb Point

A 15 minute walk from the Cedar Spring Campground, this campground has 8 campsites and a composting toilet. The sites are scattered over a rocky terrain and all offer wooden platforms. Swimming is limited on the flat rock which can be very slippery. Visitors are advised to exercise caution when getting in and out of the water. With close proximity to the services at Cedar Spring, Thumb Point is a good choice for campers looking for something a little less remote. Reservable sites available.