The best family campgrounds in Quebec

Summer is now well settled in, and the time has come to plan your little tribe's vacation. Below are eight campground suggestions located all over the province where you can pitch your tent and go on an adventure, without having to get back in the car.

1) Kiamika Regional Park, Laurentides

Pretend you are Robinson Crusoe and go family camping on your own desert island. At the heart of the vast Kiamika reservoir, the regional park of the same name has fifty wild campsites located on islands, peninsulas and in beautiful small coves. It is ideal to go canoe-camping over the weekend with more or less difficult routes that can be planned according to your young paddlers' ambition.

Rate: $35/tent/night. Boat rentals are available in both neighbouring outfitters.
reservoirkiamika.org

2) Parc de l’île Melville, Mauricie

Offering a decent compromise between nature and city, the campground located on Melville Island is a mere 2 minutes away from downtown Shawinigan and offers a nice introduction to camping for the little ones. They will be able to enjoy their first campfire and a night under the stars, and less adventurous parents will be reassured by the nearby urban services available. On-site bonuses: a swimming pool, an adventure course, boat rentals and hiking trails in the forest.

Rates: starting at $25/tent.
http://www.ilemelville.com/en/home_3.html

3) Vallée Bras du Nord, Québec

After a nice canoe ride down the Bras-du-Nord River or a hike on Des Falaises trail, the valley's three campgrounds, De la Vallée, Etsanha and Shannahan, turn out to be excellent base camps to start an adventure the next day. The facilities are minimal (dry toilets, no shower, no electricity) but they all offer a privileged view of the river or the surrounding mountains.

Rate: starting at $24/tent. Dogs are permitted.
valleebrasdunord.com

4) Parc national du Lac-Temiscouata, Bas-Saint-Laurent

Once again this year, Témiscouata Lake is making the headlines with the implementation of a new campground in the heart of its national park. With or without services, all 66 campsites border Grand-Lac-Touladi Lake in the Saint-Juste sector. Family activities and entertainment are planned throughout the summer to let the whole family discover the Park's historical and natural secrets. Open from July 22 to September 4.

Rate: starting at $29.50/night.
sepaq.com/pq/tem

5) Parc de Gros Cap, Îles de la Madeleine

Waking up to the sound of waves and cooking your eggs while facing the ocean is truly priceless. Try the experience at De Gros Cap campground, perched at the top of a fantastic promontory. Approximately 60 rustic campsites and tent platforms are located near the ocean. Don't skimp on the pegs when pitching your tent, the wind is very strong! Sea kayaking, kite-surfing, trimaran and on-site swimming are available.

Rate: starting at $24/night.
http://www.parcdegroscap.ca/en/home.php

6) Baie-des-Sables tourist resort, Eastern Townships

With its beach, new mountain bike trails, sailing school and aerial circuit, Baie-des-Sables is among the most beautiful family destinations in the Eastern Townships. Close to Lac-Mégantic, its campground containing 340 campsites (partially rustic, 2 or 3 services) is transformed into a tent village where young campers will be making their best summer memories.

Rate: starting at $33/night.
baiedessables.com

7) Lac 31 miles Campground, Outaouais

For those whose eco-friendly habits never take a break, here is a campground that will live up to their principles. Opened last year, the Lac 31 Milles Campground features 40 rustic campsites with eco-friendly infrastructures that use solar energy and promote recycling. On-site bonuses: swimming in one of the most beautiful lakes in Quebec, relaxing on the beach and hiking.

Rate: $20/tent/night.
sage31-miles.ca

8) Les Palissades de Charlevoix

Located in Charlevoix's backcountry, the Palissade's wild campground includes 20 campsites and allows you to sleep directly at the foot of the cliffs. It is therefore useless to take the car to reach the Via Ferrata's starting point or the zip line, which are both accessible on foot. On the campsite, there is no water or electricity, but you are given access to the reception building, its barbecue, and even to the spa and sauna!

Rate: starting at $34/night.
aventurex.net/palissades