A family camping trip is always an exciting vacation to plan, and a quick Google search can reveal seemingly endless options.
But not all travel destinations really work well for kids, either because of a general lack of kid-friendly activities or amenities or because the options they do have don’t appeal to a particular child’s preferences.
Sifting through thousands of reviews on aggregated websites takes time that most busy parents simply don’t have.
Luckily, we’ve rounded up highlights of some great campgrounds near Montreal, all of which offer ample kid-friendly activities and places that are truly kid-friendly, because they’re designed with little campers in mind!
READ MORE: 20+ Camping Tips and Tricks for Responsible Travelers
What to look for at family camps
For families with young children, the best camping spots strike a delicate balance between practicality and fun.
These key factors can make the difference between a boring family camping experience and a truly memorable experience that you will cherish for a lifetime:
- EASY ACCESS- Parents will appreciate campgrounds located within walking distance of a major city like Montreal. This facilitates quick installation without tiring little travelers.
- ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN– Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas, open spaces, and structured activities like nature walks, bike trails, or supervised programs. These attractions help keep children interested and allow them to fully enjoy the outdoors safely.
- AMENITIES AVAILABLE- These provisions can often make or break the family camping experience. Clean bathrooms and accessible facilities are a big help, especially when camping with kids.
READ MORE: The 4 Best Family Camping Spots in California
The best places to camp with kids near Montreal
1. South KOA Trip
You may recognize the Camps of America name: KOA is among the most popular outdoor destinations in North America, with more than 500 locations offering a wide range of camping experiences.
Your closest camping option near Montreal is the South KOA Journey. Located just a 30-minute drive from the city center, it gives kids that “get away from it all” feeling without turning the trip into a long drive that tests their patience.
You can reach RV sites with 30/50 amp service and full hookups, or stay in camping cabins. Both offer the option to enjoy a private campfire experience to make s’mores.
If you prefer to pitch tents, individual campsites help little ones immerse themselves in outdoor adventure.
One thing that makes this place especially convenient for families is their 24/7 laundry room. There is also a pool to enjoy, along with children’s activities such as a playground, splash pad, skateboard ramps, table tennis, and a pickleball court.
It is arguably among the best places to camp with kids near Montreal.
KEY FEATURES
● Clean, professionally managed sites
● Flexible camping options
● No membership required
● Easy to use booking app
READ MORE: What is Glamping? A guide to luxury camping
2. Camping Choisy
Camping Choisy is located in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region of Montérégie, about an hour’s drive from downtown Montreal.
It is a great option for families who do not have their own equipment because they offer camping-ready units, including log cabins that sleep up to 6 people. Each cabin has convenient amenities such as a refrigerator and microwave.
During the peak summer camping season, a minimum stay of one week is required. But it’s a great option for an off-season weekend trip, with a more flexible two-night minimum.
If you opt for the trailer option, it is also ideal for weekend stays. It simplifies camping and makes it a more enhanced experience, with greater comfort for a group of 6 people.
Many activities at this campground revolve around family fun, including a heated swimming pool and mini golf. There is also a convenience store on site and a restaurant nearby.
Children will especially enjoy riding the little train around the campsite, while adults can spend quieter moments watching movies, board games and books.
KEY FEATURES
● Well-maintained grounds
● All-inclusive rate
● Cabins and trailers ready for camping
● Activities for all ages.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Camping Tents for Families
3. Camping des Voltigeurs
Located just a few minutes from downtown Drummondville and about an hour from Montreal, Camping des Voltigeurs is a lush green oasis near the banks of the Saint-François River.
This campground offers 14 ready-to-camp sites. For a more traditional camping experience, there are also five different areas where you can pitch a tent, with amenities like water and electricity available in some areas.
Picnic tables and community fire pits make it easy to socialize with other parents while your kids make friends in the summer. There is also a dedicated RV space for larger vehicles, with bathrooms and shower areas nearby.
Children can enjoy access to a heated pool, with lifeguards on duty. They also offer plenty of play areas with slides and swings to help little kids burn off energy, while older kids can try out the volleyball, basketball, and soccer areas.
Families can rent bikes for free and ride the river trail together. There’s also a free scavenger hunt-style trail, where you can discover local birds using clues and a map, which is a fun way to explore the campground while learning about nature!
KEY FEATURES
● Clean and highly rated site along the river
● Accommodation ready for camping
● Lifeguard on duty
● Excellent cycling options
READ MORE: Wadi Rum Desert Camping and Camel Ride in Jordan
4. Oka National Park
Another option located less than an hour’s drive from downtown Montreal, Parc National d’Oka, is one of the area’s top family camping destinations.
It’s ideal for those looking for a safe beach getaway, with 7 miles of shallow sandy shoreline and lifeguards on duty. Children can play all day while their parents enjoy peace of mind.
Beyond the beach, families can explore easy trails that offer opportunities to spot turtles and birds, especially along the La Grande Baie boardwalk. Flat cycling trails are suitable for all ages, and teenagers are likely to enjoy them the most.
Additional kid-friendly options like ping-pong tables, climbing walls, and soccer areas offer even more ways for families to stay active.
One of the highlights of this national park is how close the camping area is to the coast. There is also a community center and restaurant nearby.
Accommodation options here range from compact 4-person cabins to traditional tents located just steps from the beach. Ready-to-camp tents are also available, each featuring heating, sleeping quarters and a spacious living area.
KEY FEATURES
● Wide shallow beach
● Outdoor trails for families
● Bicycle terrain in good condition
● Camping near water
READ MORE: List of US National Parks by State (An Epic Guide to “America’s Best Idea”)
Parents often worry about how their children will do on an overnight camping trip.
But each of these destinations near Montreal makes it easy, with kid-friendly activities and thoughtful amenities that make life easier for parents (even for first-time campers).
From quick weekend getaways to full-on outdoor adventures, these family-friendly spots near Montreal offer safety, comfort and endless fun for all ages. –by Alex S. Morrison; main image courtesy of KOA
