Guide
Big Gull Lake Camping Guide 2026
25 island campsites, accessible only by canoe or kayak. Here's everything you need to plan your trip.
Overview
Big Gull Lake's 30+ islands are home to 25 designated campsites managed by North Frontenac Parklands. Every site is watercraft-access only — no road access, no RVs, no motorhome hookups. Just you, a canoe, and the Canadian Shield.
The campgrounds operate from May 1 through October 31. No reservations are taken — sites are first-come, first-served. Each site has a fire pit, and most have a basic pit privy. There are no running water facilities.
Permits and Fees
- Daily camping permit: $25 per site per night
- Maximum occupancy: 6 people per site
- Maximum stay: 14 consecutive nights
- No road permit required for Big Gull Lake (unlike some other North Frontenac lakes)
Permits can be purchased at the North Frontenac Municipal Office in Plevna, at Camp's Bay Marina on the east end of the lake, or online through the Township of North Frontenac.
Rules
- Fires in designated fire pits only — check for fire bans before you go
- Pack out all garbage (no waste facilities on islands)
- No cutting of live trees or vegetation
- Quiet hours after 11 PM
- Dogs must be leashed and waste removed
- No glass bottles on campsites
What to Bring
Since every site is watercraft-access only, you need to be self-sufficient:
- Tent, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads
- Camp stove and fuel (don't rely solely on campfires)
- Water purification system or enough drinking water
- Dry bags for gear protection during paddling
- Bug spray and sunscreen
- Headlamp or lantern
- First aid kit
- Rope for hanging food (bears are present in the area)
- Fishing rod and Ontario fishing license
Getting There
Launch from the Helen Lane boat launch (1044 Helen Lane) on the east end or the Thompson Road launch on the west end. Both are free, Township-maintained launches with parking. No road permit is required.
If you're staying at Island View Retreat, you can launch directly from the property's dock using the 2 canoes and 2 kayaks included with your stay.
Best Campsites
The most popular sites are on the larger islands in the east basin, where you get shelter from prevailing west winds and access to deeper water for swimming and fishing. Arrive early on weekends (especially long weekends) — the best sites fill by mid-morning.
For more solitude, paddle west into Little Gull Lake. The sites there are smaller but far less visited, with excellent largemouth bass fishing in the surrounding weed beds.
Combining Camping and Cottage
Many of our guests at Island View Retreat use the cottage as a base camp and do overnight island camping trips as part of their week. You get the best of both worlds — hot showers and a real bed when you want them, and wilderness camping when you want that too.