What’s a (Canadian) summer without a camping trip? Pinery Provincial Park is one of the more popular Provincial Parks in Southern Ontario, and is a great spot to camp with kids.
Pinery Provincial Park is on the southeast shore of Lake Huron. Known for it’s sand dunes and bluffs, it’s beloved by many. In fact, I don’t think I’ve heard anything negative, or even neutral, about the park. Most people rave about it – so we decided we had to see what it was about.
Lake Huron is know to have amazing sunsets – which was enough to draw me there – and the added benefit of the sand dunes was a highlight for the boys.
Pinery is about a 2.5 hour drive for us, although Google maps wasn’t quite accurate. From the GTA, there isn’t a direct route – once you pass Woodstock on the 401, you criss cross across along country back roads, turning left, then right, then left again, maybe stuck behind a tractor going 20km/hr, until you finally reach the shores of Lake Huron. But it’s definitely well worth the drive!!
Entering the park, it’s about a 10km drive from the main gate to the beach. Our campsite (Burley campground) was within walking distance from the beach, and I’d definitely recommend that! After setting up, we walked down to the beach and spent the rest of the afternoon there, and on the sand dunes that are leading up to the beach.






We returned again at dusk to watch the sunset, but were somewhat disappointed in the clouds that interrupted what is supposed to be one of the best sunsets in Ontario. Oh well, still a good evening…

I’d love to return when the boys are older and take advantage of the numerous biking and hiking trails. But regardless of age, it’s definitely a great place to take kids! Whatever age, there’s surely something to interest them.
More information about the park can be found on their website. Reservations can be made here.