Summertime means spending time in the great outdoors. It means being one with nature and just disconnecting from modern technology for a while because guess what? The weather actually allows you to go outside and explore your surroundings. And what better way to do that than by camping. There’s nothing like grabbing your best friends and going camping. Roasting marshmallows around the fire, telling ghost stories and sleeping under the starts. It’s the best memories you will make.

Montreal has a lot of great camping spots in the area. Some within the region and some just on the other side of the border (we promise we won’t have you driving for 10 hours!). We’ve listed our top 5 best camping spots that are all less than a 3-hour drive. Make sure to write these down because we promise you will be visiting them this summer!

Parc Nationale de la Mauricie Camping Site

Far enough to have you thinking you’re leaving town, but close enough so you’re not spending the whole day on the road. Mauricie has beautiful surrounding with the lakes that are perfect for canoeing and the trails for hiking. The area is great and provides lots of basic services such as bathroom and showers, telephone and firewood. It<s also a great spot to consider if you want to bring your dog with you since their campsite allows animals.

Distance from Montreal: approx. 3 hours

Address: Chemin de Saint-Jean-des-Piles, Shawinigan, QC G0X 2V0

Mont Orford Camping Site

Mont Orford is perfect for those who love hiking. Their hiking trails are one of the best in the area. Offering great scenery and their wild animals in the area will definitely keep you entertained. Their camping site is known for being well equipped and their beach. Definitely a spot to check out.

Distance from Montreal: approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes

Address: 200, Chemin du Camping, Orford, Magog, Quebec J1X 7A2

Frontenac National Parc Camping Site

Perfect for those who love water activities. Frontenac camping site offers amazing water activities for people of all ages and types. Whether it’s canoeing, taking out your jet ski or paddling, you’re sure to enjoy yourself. But don’t worry! There’s something for everyone. So if you’re not a fan of water activities, you can still have a great time! Their bike trails and wildlife will sure keep you just as busy!

Distance from Montreal: approx. 2 hours and 45 minutes

Address: 599 Chemin des Roy, Sainte-Praxède, QC G0M 1H1

Cumberland Bay State Park

South of the border, but definitely worth it. This camping spot is definitely a popular one. This 350-acre state park is located in Plattsburg. Just a short drive from the border, this place is perfect if you’re looking for something that has amenities close by. Grocery stores are close by so you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything. They have camping options for everyone and their beach is just a short walk away from their camping sites.

Distance from Montreal: approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes

Address: 152 Cumberland Head Rd, Plattsburgh, NY 12901

Oka National Park

Oka National Park offers one of the most beautiful sceneries in the area. Their hiking trails are perfect for the more adventurous crowd and their bird watching will have any nature lover entertained for hours. And off course who can forget their famous Okas! They are known for that so it’s perfect if you want to see Okas in their natural habitat.

Distance from Montreal: approx. 1 hour

Address: 2020 Chemin d’Oka, Oka, QC J0N 1E0