Gorgeous place to catch a sunset!
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Beavermead Campground

4.4
·936 reviews·Peterborough, Canada

A charming campground and park on the Otonabee River, offering a sandy beach, water sports, and family-friendly camping.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
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Gorgeous place to catch a sunset!

Beavermead Campground

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming campground and park on the Otonabee River, offering a sandy beach, water sports, and family-friendly camping.

4.4
(936 reviews)

"A delightful spot to enjoy swimming, camping, and water activities with family and friends."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Free Public Parking

Ample free public parking is available, making it easy for day visitors to access the beach and park amenities.

🛶 Kayak & Canoe Rentals

Rentals are available from 9 am to 6:30 pm daily, offering a fun way to explore the Otonabee River.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Beavermead Beach

Beavermead Beach

Otonabee Riverfront

A delightful sandy beach with gentle slopes, lifeguards, and a roped-off swimming area perfect for families.

Otonabee River Kayaking

Otonabee River Kayaking

River access points

Rent a kayak or canoe and explore the scenic Otonabee River, a popular activity for both campers and day-trippers.

Family Camping

Family Camping

Campground sites

Enjoy a family-friendly camping experience with clean washrooms, campfire spots, and a playground for younger children.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Campsite Early

Beavermead Campground is a popular spot, especially for families and events like truck camper rallies. Booking your campsite in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot, particularly during peak season or for specific events. Instagram+1

Consider Your Activities

Whether you're camping, kayaking, or just enjoying the beach, plan your visit around your interests. Canoe and kayak rentals are available, offering a great way to explore the Otonabee River. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter beach time
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Campfire ambiance
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Get out of the city with this budget-friendly date idea on the water in Peterborough! 🛶 Canoe and Kayak rentals are available at three locations along the river: Beavermead Campground, Lakefield Campground, and Warsaw Caves Conversation Area 🏕️ 📍: Otonabee River, Peterborough 🚗: 1h30 min from Toronto 🕐: Rentals avail. 9am-6:30pm daily 💰: $12.50/hour OR $50/whole day 🎥: @oshinyyyy
datenightyyz
253 likes • 20.1K views

🚗 Free Public Parking

Ample free public parking is available, making it easy for day visitors to access the beach and park amenities. Reddit

🛶 Kayak & Canoe Rentals

Rentals are available from 9 am to 6:30 pm daily, offering a fun way to explore the Otonabee River. Instagram

Long Weekend Camping Trip - My first time camping in our camper van and van tent 🌿 I learned to ride in a kayak and sleep with pawrents in their van 🩷 📍Beavermead Campground, Peterborough, ON, 🇨🇦 #kittycamping #kittyonvacation #kittyincamper #kittyinkayak #kittyinboat #kittyexploring #ontarioparks #beavermeadcampground #peterborough #kittyinnature #campfire #grilledsteak #bonfire #camping #campe...
novahimicat
196 likes • 826 views
(Video excerpt- full story on our website). A Peterborough family, who was living at Beavermead Campground, has relocated after being evicted from their paid site. The Miller family say they can’t find affordable housing or shelter spaces. Visit globalnews.ca/Peterborough for the latest. #homeless #Ptbo #peterboroughontario #homelessness
globalpeterborough
25 likes • 3K views

🤫 Quiet Time After 10 PM

Respect the campground's quiet hours after 10 pm; no music is allowed. [^Review]

🚲 Bring Your Cycles

The evenings and mornings are perfect for cycling around the park and nearby areas. [^Review]

Next adventure on out trip was the annual truck camper rally #canadiantruckcamperownersgroup. It was held again at #beavermeadcampground in peterborough. Over 10 truck campers , 20plus people. It was an awesome time of laughs, food and making friendships. It’s our second rally and will for sure attend many more!! #truckcamperrally2025 #truckcamper @northernlitetruckcampers @lancecamper @nucamprv ...
happydamcampers
18 likes • 267 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Free Public Parking

Ample free public parking is available, making it easy for day visitors to access the beach and park amenities. Reddit

🛶 Kayak & Canoe Rentals

Rentals are available from 9 am to 6:30 pm daily, offering a fun way to explore the Otonabee River. Instagram

🤫 Quiet Time After 10 PM

Respect the campground's quiet hours after 10 pm; no music is allowed. [^Review]

🚲 Bring Your Cycles

The evenings and mornings are perfect for cycling around the park and nearby areas. [^Review]

🐶 Pet-Friendly Park

The campground and park are pet-friendly, so bring your furry friends along for the adventure. [^Review]

What Travellers Say

4.4
(936 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Beavermead Campground is praised as a delightful gem offering a great beach, family-friendly camping, and water activities on the Otonabee River. Visitors appreciate the clean facilities, reasonable prices, and pet-friendly atmosphere. Some minor drawbacks include quiet hours after 10 pm and the need to book campsites in advance due to its popularity.

"Great little beach to stop in for a swim or to spend the day. There’s a large grassed area you can set up with plenty of shade or the beach itself. A easy walk in to the water with a gentle slope. There are lifeguards on duty and a roped area to contain kids from going in too deep. There are kayaks for rent and a good public washroom/change room nearby. Lots of free public parking. A few volleyball courts and soccer fields on opposite ends of the park. Just a really delightful spot to enjoy."

Kelly F

"Nice camping site with super clean washrooms and with small beach site for nice family time. Must visit for happy campers. We did campfire at night. After 10 is quite time. So no music after 10pm. Close to Tim’s and Wendy’s which really helps during those hot days of summer some time. I always carry my cycles for nice cycle time in evenings and mornings. $55 for camping spot"

Pushpinder Singh

"It is open and beautiful area, anyone can do swimming, walking and spent time with their love once, even play some games like football and volleyball. There is small play ground for younger children's."

Bharti Sharma

What People Like

Great beach and swimming
Family-friendly camping
Kayaking and canoeing

What People Dislike

Quiet hours after 10 PM
Popularity requires early booking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Beavermead Campground is approximately a 1 hour and 30-minute drive from Toronto via ON-401 E. Instagram There is also public transportation available, though it may involve transfers. Reddit

Yes, there is plenty of free public parking available at Beavermead Campground, which is convenient for both campers and day visitors. Reddit [^Review]

While the campground is primarily for registered campers, day-use parking is available. For longer overnight parking needs for activities like canoe trips, consider downtown Peterborough parking options. Reddit

Peterborough has a public transit system, and taxis are readily available. Many attractions are also within walking or cycling distance from the campground. [^Review]

While direct public transport to the campground might be limited, you can reach Peterborough via bus or train and then use local transit or taxis to get to the campground. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Beavermead Park itself is generally free to access for day use. However, camping requires booking a campsite, which has a fee (around $55 per spot). [^Review]

The campground operates seasonally. Rental hours for kayaks and canoes are typically from 9 am to 6:30 pm daily. Instagram

Camping spots are reasonably priced, with one review mentioning $55 for a camping spot. [^Review] It's best to check their official website or contact them for current rates. [^Review]

There are quiet hours after 10 pm for campers, meaning no music is allowed. [^Review] Lifeguards are on duty at the beach during designated times. [^Review]

Yes, you can rent canoes and kayaks at Beavermead Campground, as well as at other locations along the Otonabee River. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy swimming at the beach, kayaking or canoeing on the Otonabee River, camping, fishing, playing volleyball or soccer, and relaxing in the grassy areas. [^Review] Instagram

Yes, there is a nice beach with a gentle slope into the water, lifeguards on duty, and a roped-off area for safety. [^Review]

Absolutely! There's a small playground for younger children, and the beach with its gentle slope is very family-friendly. [^Review]

Yes, campfires are permitted, and it's a popular activity for campers to enjoy in the evenings. Remember quiet hours after 10 pm. [^Review]

Yes, there are trails for cycling and walking, making it a great spot for active visitors. [^Review]

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the campground itself doesn't have on-site restaurants, it's conveniently located close to fast-food options like Tim Hortons and Wendy's. [^Review] For more variety, the Lansdowne Place food court is also an option. [^Review]

Yes, campfires are allowed, and many campers bring their own cooking equipment to prepare meals at their sites. [^Review]

Yes, there are large grassy areas perfect for picnics, with plenty of shade available. [^Review]

Peterborough offers a range of dining options, from casual eateries and food courts to local restaurants. [^Review]

Yes, the proximity to fast-food chains suggests that grocery stores are also likely to be within easy reach for stocking up on supplies. [^Review]

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the Otonabee River, the sandy beach, campers enjoying bonfires, and the surrounding natural beauty. Kayaking and canoeing also offer unique photographic perspectives. Instagram+1

The water views and open spaces make it a potentially beautiful spot for sunset photography, especially over the Otonabee River. [^Review]

The annual truck camper rally can provide interesting subjects and a lively atmosphere for photographers. Instagram Community events like the Woodland & the Wilds Promenade also offer unique visual opportunities. Instagram

Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for landscape and portrait photography. Midday can be good for capturing the vibrant beach scene. [^Review]

The natural setting of Beavermead Campground and the Otonabee River likely offers opportunities to photograph local birds and other small wildlife. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Beavermead Campground is a fantastic destination for families. The sandy beach with its gentle slope and lifeguards makes swimming safe and enjoyable for children. [^Review] There's also a small playground to keep younger ones entertained. [^Review] Camping here offers a classic family experience with campfire nights and the opportunity to explore the Otonabee River via kayak or canoe rentals. Instagram+1 [^Review]

Consider bringing bikes for evening rides around the park. [^Review] The proximity to fast-food restaurants also adds a layer of convenience for busy families. [^Review] Remember to check for any specific family-friendly events happening during your visit. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

Beavermead Campground is a budget-friendly option for those looking to enjoy the outdoors without breaking the bank. Camping fees are described as very reasonable, with one mention of $55 per spot. [^Review] The park offers free public parking, which is a significant saving for day-trippers. Reddit [^Review] While kayak and canoe rentals have an hourly fee, they are generally affordable for a few hours of exploration. Instagram

Packing your own food and utilizing the campfire cooking facilities can further reduce costs. [^Review] The availability of free activities like swimming, beach play, and exploring the park makes it an excellent value for money. [^Review]

🐶 Pet Owners

Pet owners will be pleased to know that Beavermead Campground is pet-friendly. [^Review] This means you can bring your dogs along to enjoy the natural surroundings and outdoor activities with you. [^Review] There are walking trails and open spaces where your pets can stretch their legs. [^Review] Ensure you keep your pets leashed and clean up after them to maintain a pleasant environment for all visitors. [^Review]

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Otonabee River

The Otonabee River is a central feature of Beavermead Campground, offering a variety of water-based activities. Canoe and kayak rentals are readily available at the campground and other nearby locations, making it easy to embark on an aquatic adventure. Instagram Paddlers can explore the river's gentle currents, enjoy the scenic waterfront, and discover hidden coves. The river is also a popular spot for fishing, providing a relaxing pastime for visitors. [^Review]

For those who prefer to stay closer to shore, the riverfront boasts a lovely beach area. This sandy stretch is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. Lifeguards are on duty during peak times, and a roped-off area ensures a safe swimming zone for children. [^Review] The easy walk-in access with a gentle slope makes it accessible for all ages and swimming abilities. [^Review]

Camping Experience at Beavermead

Beavermead Campground offers a welcoming environment for campers, whether you're in a tent, RV, or camper van. Reviews highlight the cleanliness of the washrooms and the overall pleasant atmosphere for families. Instagram [^Review] Campsites provide space for campfires, a quintessential part of the camping experience, perfect for evening gatherings and storytelling. [^Review]

It's important to note the campground's quiet hours, which begin after 10 pm, ensuring a peaceful night's sleep for all campers. [^Review] The campground's location also offers convenience, being close to amenities like fast-food restaurants, which can be a lifesaver on hot summer days. [^Review] Many visitors also appreciate the pet-friendly nature of the campground, allowing them to bring their furry companions along. [^Review]

Community and Events

Beavermead Campground is more than just a place to camp; it's a hub for community gatherings and events. The annual truck camper rally, for instance, brings together enthusiasts for a weekend of camaraderie, shared meals, and fun. Instagram These events foster a strong sense of community among visitors. Instagram

Beyond organized rallies, the park also hosts or facilitates community events like the Woodland & the Wilds Promenade, which celebrates local wildlife and greenspaces with interactive activities. Instagram The presence of volleyball courts and soccer fields also encourages informal gatherings and friendly competitions among visitors. [^Review] This vibrant community spirit contributes to the unique charm of Beavermead Campground. Instagram+1

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