Sandbanks Provincial Park — Attraction in Ontario

I feel like your opinion of this campsite will really vary depending on what's important to you as a Beach camper.

My family stayed in a tent on site 15 over the labour Day weekend. I will start with the pros.

There are several activities to keep the kids (and adults) busy at the campground. From a small beach with paddleboat rentals, basketball court, swimming pools, small playgrounds, beach volleyball, horse shoes and even a library. They also have scheduled events; the weekend we were there they had a corn roast, fireworks and music. It was quite nice. There is a restaurant very close to the camping sites (on the beach) although we didn't eat there.

The tent sites were large and all had water and electricity available. The sites were close to the washroom/shower facilities and at most it's only a very short walk to any of the activities. Pets are allowed which may be a pro or a con. There were quite a few dogs while we were there but all were well behaved and seemed to be cleaned up after so we had no issues.

There are "wilderness" campsites in a treed area available without water or electricity. You cannot take your vehicle directly to these campsites but it is only a very short walk from the parking lot to the sites. I posted photos but we didn't stay in a wilderness site. I'd say you would want to set your tent up on a tarp if you are camping here. The ground looked like it might be a bit moist. Some sites looked sandy while others were just hard earth. Despite being a long weekend, there was only one couple I saw camping here. It seemed like a quiet area to camp.

I took a stroll through the seasonal trailer area and it looked quite nice.

Now the cons...

The regular campsites are in an open field like area with a few trees scattered throughout. This gives pretty much no privacy and there is nothing to block sound. You hear everything your neighbours are doing, even if they aren't being "noisy". So for us this meant falling asleep to a conversation about a crazy co-worker and being woken up to someone chopping wood at 7am.

The washroom and showers are adequate I guess. You can get the job done but I wouldn't say they are nice. Some of the stalls had locks that were broken or you had to fiddle with to get closed. Some of the showers had poor water pressure. A pro was they were always stocked with soap and toilet paper while we were there. They were fairly clean apart from the usual dirt in corners and cobwebs you normally find in campsite washrooms. A little extra effort in maintenance would probably go a long way here.

Overall for us, we would probably try somewhere else next time as we value nature, quiet and relaxation more than the activities available. If you have smaller kids you might value things to keep them busy over being able to sleep in though lol.

Some other things to note, at check in there is a $10 deposit for an entry fob for the gate as well as $10 for an adapter to use the electrical outlet. You must wear a wristband while at the resort. Firewood is available to purchase. Debit is available...

Sandbanks Provincial Park, located in Ontario, Canada, is renowned for its beautiful beaches, unique sand dunes, and picturesque scenery. Here are some key aspects to consider when reviewing the park:

Beaches: The park boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Ontario, with fine golden sand and clear waters. The three main beaches - Outlet Beach, Sandbanks Beach, and Dunes Beach - provide ample space for sunbathing, swimming, and beach activities.

Scenic Views: The park's sand dunes offer breathtaking views of Lake Ontario, making it an excellent spot for photography and relaxation. Exploring the dunes can be a fun and unique experience.

Outdoor Activities: Sandbanks Provincial Park offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, you can also indulge in hiking, cycling, birdwatching, picnicking, and kayaking.

Camping Facilities: The park has well-maintained campgrounds that cater to different types of campers, including tent campers, RV owners, and trailer campers. The camping experience allows you to stay close to nature and enjoy the park's offerings for an extended period.

Wildlife: The park is home to various wildlife species, including birds, turtles, and other small animals. Nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers will find plenty to see and appreciate here.

Visitor Amenities: Sandbanks Provincial Park offers adequate amenities for visitors, including washrooms, picnic areas, and designated parking lots. However, during peak seasons, the park can get crowded, and parking may become limited.

Seasonal Considerations: It's essential to consider the time of year you plan to visit. The park can get extremely busy during the summer months, especially on weekends and holidays. If you prefer a quieter experience, visiting during the shoulder seasons might be a better option.

Overall, Sandbanks Provincial Park is a wonderful destination for those seeking a beach getaway or outdoor adventure. Its stunning landscapes, recreational opportunities, and camping facilities make it a popular choice among both locals and tourists alike. However, to have the best experience, it's advisable to plan your visit well in advance and consider off-peak times if you prefer a more...

Really nice Provincial Park if your main focus is hanging out on a really nice beach and I’m sure the camping here is amazing too. The Beach and Water were amazing to say the least. I can see this Park getting super busy on nice weather days and there aren’t many picnic tables around unless you arrive super early so best to be safe and maybe bring a small portable table just in case if you need one. Beach and Park are kept super clean so just hope for some nice weather and get ready to have a great time 👍🏼 2nd Visit July 2022 Update… We had another great time here even though they no longer allow Charcoal BBQ’s it seems I think you can still bring Propane ones. We didn’t even bother and just packed some sandwiches and it turned out amazing. The beach was great and I took my own advise and brought our own foldable table with us and lucky we did because even with a 10am arrival all the picnic tables were taken as I expected. If it’s a super sunny and hot day also bring some shade like a gazebo or umbrella of some sort as the beach is pretty open and it will get hot eventually. The water was perfect temperature again and we spent a fair amount of time in the lake. There is also a general store and cafe onsite within the park to grab some drinks, fast food and ice cream if you like. It is a bit pricey there so anything you can bring on your own might save you some money. Bring lots of cooled water to stay hydrated as well. The biggest tip I learned and can give you from this trip is to obviously purchase your day pass in advance and print out your parking pass at home this was you can avoid the long check in line and bypass it by keeping an eye out for a little hidden road on the right at the main entrance you can take that goes right by the checkin line which was really long last weekend probably an hour delay that we just drove right by and displayed our pre printed parking pass in our car window when we parked and had no issue at all. Another great trip this time and hopefully these few new tips help you to a smoother more enjoyable...