The North Calls: A Camper’s Guide to Mikisew Provincial Park and the Almaguin Highlands

Nestled along the serene shores of Eagle Lake, Mikisew Provincial Park offers a quintessential Northern Ontario camping experience. With its array of spacious campsites, numerous outdoor activities, and proximity to unique attractions in the Almaguin Highlands, it serves as an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and families alike. Whether your preferred camping style involves a tent, travel trailer, or RV, there’s a perfect campsite and a memorable adventure waiting at Mikisew Provincial Park.

Exploring Mikisew Provincial Park

Location & Getting There

Mikisew Provincial Park is located at 301 Park Road South, South River, ON, P0A 1X0. From Mississauga, it’s approximately a 3.5-hour drive north via Highways 400 and 11. Once in South River, follow Ottawa Avenue east, then continue on Eagle Lake Road to reach the park entrance.

Camping Facilities

Mikisew offers over 400 campsites across several campgrounds, including The Hardwoods and The Pines. The Pines Campground, situated in a Red Pine forest, accommodates tents to RVs and features electrical hookups. Amenities include comfort stations with flush toilets, showers, laundry facilities, water collection points, ADA-accessible sites, overflow parking, and a dump station. The park is pet-friendly, and cell phone service is generally available.

Booking Information

The camping season runs from May 9 to October 14, 2025. Reservations can be made through the Ontario Parks Reservation System. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak summer months.

Things To Do At Mikisew Provincial Park

Beaches & Swimming

The park features four sandy beaches with shallow, warm waters, ideal for families. A designated leash-free dog beach allows your furry friends to enjoy the water as well. Picnic areas with shaded tables are available nearby.

Hiking Trails

Explore the park’s interconnected loop trails that meander through hardwood forests and wetlands. The whole loop spans approximately 5.4 km and is considered an easy route, suitable for most hikers. We found the trails to be delightful, offering a perfect opportunity to get out for a hike without a long time commitment. Dogs must be on a leash, and bug protection is always a good idea.

Biking

The park’s compact layout makes it ideal for biking. Cyclists can easily access various amenities, including hiking trails, disc golf, and sports courts. You can ride your bike on the hiking trails, but the trails are best suited for mountain bikes. Bikes are available for rent at the park office. If you wish to explore beyond the park by bike, there are many opportunities available along paved and gravel roads.

Fishing

Anglers can enjoy fishing in Eagle Lake, known for its diverse species, including Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Lake Whitefish, Northern Pike, Perch, and Walleye. Remember to have a valid fishing license. If you don’t have your own gear, fishing rods are available for rent at the park office.  

Paddling & Boating

Eagle Lake’s calm waters are perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Paddleboard rentals are available at the park office. Canoe and Kayak rentals are available at the Eagle Lake Narrows Country Store.

Disc Golf & Sports

As first-time Disc Golf participants, we found the activity to be surprisingly enjoyable. There are two courses to choose from: a 9-hole course suitable for beginners and an 18-hole course for more experienced players. Discs are available at the park office at no charge.

The park also features basketball courts, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits, ensuring entertainment for all ages.

Highlights of the Almaguin Highlands Near Mikisew

Stretching from just north of Muskoka to the western edge of Algonquin Park, the Almaguin Highlands is a scenic region filled with rolling hills, deep forests, clear lakes, and welcoming small towns. It’s a quieter alternative to the busier Muskoka region but offers just as much adventure, charm, and natural beauty—if not more. The area is a paradise for paddlers, hikers, cyclists, and anglers. With many lakes, unspoiled backcountry, and an emerging trail network, the Almaguin Highlands feel like a hidden frontier.

Tip: Make Mikisew your base camp and explore a new corner of Almaguin each day.

Screaming Heads Burk’s Falls

An Almaguin Highlands favourite, Screaming Heads is a surreal sculpture park created by artist Peter Camani. Walk among towering concrete figures and giant hands rising from the ground. You can also browse a souvenir and organic produce shops. Exploring is free, but donations are appreciated.

Eagle Lake Narrows Country Store South River

Just minutes from Mikisew, this rustic store is your go-to for firewood, snacks, gas, and boat rentals. It’s a convenient stop and a slice of Northern Ontario life. This is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset over the narrows, partake in some ice cream and grab a pizza to go.

Crystal Cave Mineral Exhibit & Shop South River

Ensure you schedule a reasonable amount of time, as this is much more than just a gift shop. Crystal Cave offers an immersive, family-friendly experience that showcases rocks, gems, and fossils from around the world. Kids can mine for gems or pan for gold, while adults shop for crystals, jewellery, and minerals. If you’re looking for more, next door, the Artisan Village features a unique collection of local artists and creator-owned retail shops and galleries.

Copperhead Distillery Sundridge

A stop at this award-winning small-batch distillery is a must. Try their locally made spirits—vodka, whisky, rum and moonshine—and enjoy the rustic lounge and retail shop. There is a Taco stand on site, and often, live music makes a visit even better.

Burk’s Falls Welcome Centre

Get oriented here with maps, brochures, and insider tips. Located right off Highway 520, it’s also home to a local business, Pulled Smokehouse & Welcome Centre Canteen, which offers a variety of delicious foods and both cold and hot beverages. You can also browse a gift shop and see the art installations. Take a stroll along the nearby Heritage River Walk and Covered Bridge for a delightful experience.

Magnetawan Eats: Snack Bar & Bear’s Den Food Truck

In the charming village of Magnetawan, you can grab a bite at the vintage-style Magnetawan Snack Bar or the popular Bear’s Den food truck, which serves up burgers, fresh-cut fries, and cottage vibes. Magnetawan is also a gateway to several scenic lakes and a hub for boating.

Cornball Store Magnetawan

Located along Old Nipissing Road, the Cornball Store is a quirky general store and bakery that offers a variety of treats, including ice cream, fresh bread, and local goods. The butter tarts here are a recommended local favourite, and we are happy to sample them, reporting that they are indeed delicious.

Local Farm Stands

As you explore the area, keep an eye out for local farmers’ stands offering fresh produce, honey, and eggs. There’s one just minutes from Mikisew Provincial Park along Eagle Lake Road. Be sure to arrive early for the best selection and bring cash, as these are often self-serve.

Camping at Mikisew Provincial Park puts you at the doorstep of one of Ontario’s best-kept secrets. The Almaguin Highlands region offers an ideal mix of outdoor adventure, quirky attractions, and peaceful exploration. Whether you’re kayaking on Eagle Lake, sipping spirits in Sundridge, or wandering through screaming concrete heads, this is a trip you’ll never forget.

Guest Blogger: Martin Lortz

Martin Lortz is a seasoned explorer, photographer, and writer passionate about outdoor adventure. With his talent for freezing unforgettable moments on camera, he has become a go-to photographer for all things power sports in Ontario. However, Martin’s interests extend far beyond power sports, and he is equally skilled at capturing outdoor activities, including RVing, cycling, paddling, fishing, hiking, and camping. To see more of Martin’s photography, visit www.lortzphoto.com. You can also follow his adventures on www.CreakingOn.com.