Camping
Camping is one of the best ways to truly experience and appreciate Cape Breton Highlands National Park on the Cabot Trail!
There are six front country, one backcountry and one group campground to choose from, each unique in its own way. Full services (hook-ups, showers) are available from late May to early October. However, camping is available year-round.
Front Country Camping
Chéticamp
The Chéticamp Campground is located in the Rigouèche Valley, approximately 8 km north of the village of Chéticamp, with the mountains on one side and the river on the other. Chéticamp Campground has a lot to offer: 77 unserviced sites (67 with fireplaces); 13 electrical sites with fireplaces; 24 sites with 3-way hookups (15 with fireplaces); wheelchair-accessible sites and washrooms. There are both wooded and open sites, hot showers, playgrounds and kitchen shelters with wood stoves. Firewood is available for purchase, but campfires are only permitted in the designated fireplaces.
The kiosk is staffed from late June to early September. During the off season, you can pay at the nearby Information Centre or by self-registration if the centre is closed. Within walking distance, you will find the outdoor theatre featuring evening nature programs and concerts, the Information Centre with exhibits, slide show and nature bookstore as well as hiking trails.
Corney Brook
Located 15 km from Chéticamp, Corney Brook is a very small, oceanside campground with 20 unserviced sites. There are fireplaces and one washroom building with flush toilets, but there is no potable water on site. There is ocean swimming and hiking nearby. Payment is by self-registration.
Big Intervale
Located at the base of North Mountain 10 km from Cape North, Big Intervale is a small campground on the Aspy River. It has 10 unserviced sites, pit privies and a hiking trail. There is no potable water on site. Payment is by self-registration.
Backcountry Camping
There is only one designated “wilderness” camping area in the park: Fishing Cove. To camp anywhere else in the backcountry, you must check with park wardens; they are the only staff authorized to issue permits for camping in the park outside of a designated area.
Group Camping
Campground Reservations
Cape Breton Highlands National Park is using the National Parks Canada Campground Reservation Service.
Reservations are accepted at Chéticamp Campground and Broad Cove Campgrounds. All other campgrounds assign sites on a first come – first served basis. (Note: Group sites can be reserved by calling 902-224-2306.)
To reserve a campsite from April 17 to September 3, 2012, in the Chéticamp Campground or Broad Cove Campground, please visit the 24-hour Internet service or dial toll free 877-737-3783 (877-RESERVE) (12 hours/day), TTY: 866-787-6221. If you are calling from abroad, the international number can be found at the Parks Canada Campground Reservation Service.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this service, please call 877-737-3783 or email us.
Campground Host Program
People from around the world visit Cape Breton Highlands National Park to relax, experience the great outdoors and learn about our natural heritage. You can join them by volunteering as a host at one of our campgrounds.
Campground hosts greet visitors and provide them with information. They volunteer for four weeks, 5 days per week (including weekends). In return, hosts have free entry to the park for a year, a free campsite while they volunteer and many other benefits.
Campground hosts must provide their own self-contained camping unit (RV, truck camper or tent trailer). For more information, contact us via email or call 902-224-2306.