10 Best Camping Sites Around Halifax to Explore This Summer
April 30 2025,
Summer is just around the corner, and there's no better time to plan your outdoor adventures in beautiful Nova Scotia. Whether you're looking for oceanfront relaxation, family-friendly activities, or a secluded forest retreat, the Halifax region offers excellent camping options for every preference. At Carson Exports in Dartmouth, we understand that our customers don't just need reliable pre-owned vehicles to get to work—they need dependable transportation for life's adventures too. That's why we've compiled this comprehensive guide to the 10 best camping destinations around Halifax for summer 2025.
Finding the Perfect Camping Spot in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia's diverse landscape provides a stunning backdrop for summer camping trips. From coastal havens with crashing waves to tranquil woodland settings, you'll find the perfect spot to park your pre-owned SUV or crossover and set up camp. The Halifax region is particularly blessed with exceptional camping locations, all within a comfortable driving distance from the city.
1- Porters Lake Provincial Park
Just a 40-minute drive from Halifax in your pre-owned vehicle, Porters Lake Provincial Park offers an ideal blend of convenience and natural beauty. The park features both wooded and open campsites, providing options for those who prefer shade or sunshine.
Each site comes equipped with fire pits for evening campfires, and the park maintains clean, modern restrooms. The on-site canteen is perfect for picking up forgotten essentials or treats for the kids. Activities abound with hiking trails that wind through diverse ecosystems, a supervised swimming area perfect for cooling off on hot summer days, and picnic areas for relaxing family meals.
Porters Lake delivers exceptional value for weekend getaways or longer stays, and its proximity to Halifax makes it ideal for even short overnight camping trips in your reliable pre-owned vehicle from Carson Exports.
2- Rissers Beach Provincial Park
For those willing to venture a bit further from Halifax (about 90 minutes by car), Rissers Beach Provincial Park rewards campers with spectacular oceanfront sites. The drive itself is scenic, making it a perfect opportunity to enjoy your pre-owned car or SUV on Nova Scotia's coastal roads.
The park boasts modern washroom facilities with hot showers, a boardwalk along a stunning white sand beach, and interpretive hiking trails that educate visitors about the unique coastal ecosystem. Swimming in the Atlantic, beachcombing for treasures, and spotting rare coastal flora make this park especially memorable.
Rissers Beach provides an affordable ocean escape that feels worlds away from city life, while still being accessible for a weekend trip from Dartmouth.
3- Thomas Raddall Provincial Park
Located about two hours from Halifax near Liverpool, Thomas Raddall Provincial Park offers a secluded camping experience perfect for those seeking peace and tranquility. This more distant location is ideal for testing the reliability of your pre-owned vehicle on a longer road trip while discovering one of Nova Scotia's hidden gems.
The park features well-spaced, forested campsites that provide privacy and a true wilderness feel. Hiking trails wind through diverse ecosystems, offering excellent bird watching opportunities and breathtaking coastal views. The park's remoteness means clearer night skies for stargazing—a perfect activity after setting up camp.
This park provides exceptional value for those looking to truly disconnect from urban life and immerse themselves in nature's tranquility.
4- Woodhaven RV Park of Halifax
Just 45 minutes from the city, Woodhaven RV Park offers versatile accommodation options including tent sites, RV spots with hookups, and cabins for those who prefer a more comfortable camping experience. This flexibility makes it perfect for families or groups with different comfort preferences.
Amenities include modern shower facilities, a well-stocked canteen, Wi-Fi for those who can't completely disconnect, and easy access to swimming and kayaking opportunities. The park's central location makes it easy to use as a base camp while exploring other attractions in your pre-owned vehicle.
Woodhaven provides a comfortable camping experience with more amenities than provincial parks, making it ideal for families or first-time campers from the Dartmouth area.
5- Shubie Campground
As the closest camping option to downtown Halifax, Shubie Campground offers the unique opportunity to combine urban exploration with outdoor recreation. Located within Shubie Park on the shores of Lake Charles, this campground is perfect for urbanites wanting an outdoor experience without venturing too far from city conveniences.
The campground's location provides easy access to the historic Shubenacadie Canal system, with excellent opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and walking along scenic trails. Its proximity to the city means you can easily make a quick trip back to Halifax or Dartmouth for forgotten supplies or to enjoy urban attractions during your camping trip.
This campground is especially convenient for those who want to test out their camping gear without committing to a distant location, and provides a perfect opportunity for a quick getaway in your pre-owned vehicle from Carson Exports.
6- Woodhaven Campground
Located just 20 minutes from Halifax, Woodhaven Campground offers excellent camping options with various accommodation types. The campground features tent sites for traditional campers, RV hookups for those traveling with recreational vehicles, and cabins for guests preferring additional comfort.
One of Woodhaven's unique features is its family-friendly amenities, including a swimming pool, laundry facilities, a playground for children, and even resident goats that delight young campers. These features make it particularly suitable for families with young children trying camping for the first time.
Woodhaven offers convenience, comfort, and entertainment value that makes it a standout option for Dartmouth families looking for a nearby camping experience without the need for extended travel in their pre-owned vehicle.
7- Oaklawn Farm Zoo Campground
About 45 minutes from Halifax, this unique campground adjacent to Oaklawn Farm Zoo offers a camping experience unlike any other in Nova Scotia. The rustic campground provides basic amenities but compensates with its proximity to over 90 animal species at the connected wildlife park.
This location is ideal for families with children, combining the outdoor camping experience with educational wildlife encounters. The campground serves as a perfect base for exploring both the zoo and the surrounding Annapolis Valley area in your reliable pre-owned vehicle.
This campground provides exceptional value, especially for families looking to combine camping with educational activities that children will remember for years to come.
8- Wayside Camping Park
Just 30 minutes from Halifax in Glen Margaret, Wayside offers versatile camping options including tent sites, RV facilities, and cabin rentals. The campground provides essential amenities such as clean restrooms, laundry facilities, a well-stocked camp store, and a playground for children.
What sets Wayside apart is its community atmosphere, with themed weekends and organized events that create a festive environment during peak season. These activities make it easy to meet fellow campers and create lasting summer memories.
Wayside delivers a comfortable, social camping experience that's easily accessible with a short drive from Dartmouth in your pre-owned SUV or family vehicle from Carson Exports.
9- Riverfront Campground
Less than an hour from Halifax, Riverfront Campground overlooks the scenic Shubenacadie River and offers more than 250 sites to accommodate various camping preferences. This larger campground provides numerous recreation options, including a swimming pool, game room, and organized activities for all ages.
The campground's location offers easy access to various local attractions, making it a perfect home base for exploring the region in your pre-owned vehicle. Both daily and seasonal rates are available, making it suitable for weekend getaways or extended summer stays.
The campground's size means you'll find more amenities than at smaller locations, while still enjoying a natural setting along one of Nova Scotia's most historic waterways.
10- KOA Halifax West
Situated on the beautiful Sackville River, this KOA campground combines the reliability of a national chain with the charm of a Nova Scotia setting. The pet-friendly campground provides a peaceful retreat while maintaining easy access to Halifax's attractions via a short drive in your pre-owned vehicle.
Well-equipped for both tent campers and RVs, this campground offers amenities that cater to families and groups of all sizes. Its proximity to Halifax makes it perfect for those who want to balance outdoor experiences with urban exploration during their camping trip.
The campground's KOA designation ensures consistent quality and service, making it a reliable choice for campers who appreciate standardized amenities along with natural beauty.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Camping Adventures
Before heading out to any of these fantastic camping destinations, ensuring your vehicle is ready for the journey is essential. We recommend checking your vehicle for maintenance before embarking on summer adventures. A reliable SUV or crossover with adequate cargo space makes camping trips more enjoyable by easily accommodating tents, coolers, and other camping gear.
For those looking to upgrade their vehicle before summer camping season, our inventory includes numerous pre-owned options perfect for outdoor adventures. From fuel-efficient compact SUVs to spacious family vehicles with roof rack options, we have pre-owned vehicles suited to every camping style and budget.
Experience Nova Scotia's Natural Beauty This Summer
Nova Scotia's camping season is relatively short but incredibly sweet. From late June through early September, the province offers ideal camping conditions with warm days, cool nights, and fewer insects than the early season. Planning your trips early and securing reservations, especially for weekend stays, is highly recommended.
Whether you're a seasoned camper or trying the experience for the first time, these ten camping destinations around Halifax offer something for everyone. From oceanfront relaxation to family-friendly activities, you'll find the perfect spot to create lasting summer memories.
Visit Carson Exports today to explore our inventory of reliable pre-owned vehicles perfect for your summer camping adventures. With the right vehicle and the right destination, your summer 2025 camping experiences in Nova Scotia will be unforgettable.
