Looking to camp close to home?
Well, Charleston Lake Provincial Park might just be the perfect destination for you!
Located about 150 km from Ottawa, and in the heart of the UNESCO Frontenac Arch Biosphere, this park offers endless outdoor activities to enjoy. Birding, hiking, and paddling are just some ways to explore the amazing biodiversity and beautiful scenery.
Here are five reasons why you should visit Charleston Lake:
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1. A big, beautiful lake
Charleston Lake is a large lake, boasting gorgeous waters and perfect temperatures for swimming.
The lake has a great variety in water depth, providing home for many different fish species like bass and Lake Trout, making it an angler’s heaven.
Within the park there are two sand beaches with roped off swimming areas.
The rentals office offers free PFD rentals so that the whole family can enjoy the water!
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2. All kinds of camping!
Charleston Lake has over 250 campsites available for visitors across three campgrounds. From backcountry sites to new roofed accommodations like the biome yurts, there’s an option for every type of camper!
There is a broad range in the size of the sites available and many have electrical hook-up, offering great opportunities for campers with tents, trailers, and RVs.
Charleston Lake even hosts three semi-private group camping sites that are great for larger groups that want to enjoy the outdoors together.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a more secluded vacation, the Tall Pines Cabin provides the perfect rustic shelter on the opposite side of the lake from the main campgrounds (water access only).
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3. Hiking trails for all levels
Hiking is one of the best ways to explore an area and Charleston Lake has seven trails to choose from.
Trails range from less than 2 km to a little over 10 km. These trails take visitors through terrains like forests, wetlands, and rocky outcrops that provide homes to countless species of flora, fauna, and fungi, both big and small.
The Quiddity Boardwalk takes visitors through a small marshy area that provides terrific opportunity for wildlife viewing.
In the spring, you can hear the lovely songs of breeding songbirds. In the summer, you can often find snakes basking on the boardwalk and frogs submerged just below the water.
The trails are of varying difficulties, with flatter, shorter trails for beginners, and longer, steeper trails for more experienced hikers.
No matter what trail you choose to follow, your chances of seeing or hearing wildlife while hiking in the park are high!
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4. Wildlife viewing
Speaking of wildlife…
Charleston Lake is an important haven for rare species — catching a glimpse of one in their natural habitat can be a magical experience and can spark a lifetime of interest.
Paddling around the lake is great way to see plenty of wildlife like basking turtles, swimming loons, or soaring eagles!
Need help identifying wildlife? Ask the knowledgeable Discovery staff at an Exploration Station — they’re here to help!
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5. Discovery programs
Charleston Lake is home to an impressive diversity of wildlife. From larger mammals like deer, to smaller insects like dragonflies, there is something that everyone will enjoy!
Every year, Discovery staff spend the spring creating new displays for the Discovery Centre related to a specific theme.
Check out the lifelike animal displays, enjoy the interactive exhibits, and speak to a staff member about pretty much anything!
If museums aren’t really your thing, don’t worry! Discovery staff offer daily programs throughout the summer and fall.
From interactive children’s programs, to arts and crafts, to amphitheatre programs, there’s sure to be something for every type of camper.
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Plan your trip to Charleston Lake today!
Throughout the year, park staff work hard to make sure visitors will have the best possible experience while visiting.
Whether you are planning a quick day trip or a longer overnight stay, there is plenty to do at Charleston Lake.
