General Info:
– 2 hours north east of Toronto
– seasonal: open from May – November
– 8 campgrounds
– sandy beach
– canoe rentals available
– 2 hiking trails:
Lookout (2.6 km)
Plantation (4.2 km)
– waterfront sites available
Directions:
https://www.google.ca/maps/dir/Toronto,+ON/Balsam+Lake+Provincial+Park,+2238+Kawartha+Lakes+County+Rd+48,+Kirkfield,+ON+K0M+2B0/@44.2004365,-79.7232493,9z/data=!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x89d4cb90d7c63ba5:0x323555502ab4c477!2m2!1d-79.3831843!2d43.653226!1m5!1m1!1s0x4cd5398a929a41c7:0x48d66a5bcecaed47!2m2!1d-78.8752853!2d44.6359353
The Good Stuff: Rating and Review
Balsam is definitely a well-rounded park. Plenty of campgrounds to suit personal preferences with varying coverage and amenities available. There’s everything from the decked out RV sites with electrical hook-ups and comfort stations (stalls, tiles, flushing toilets, and showers with hot water) and the more removed bare-boned eco-sites that are a beginner’s walk-in dream.
[A good rule of thumb with any campground is to check ahead of time to see whether there are any advisories at the time of booking. Boil advisories for water are not uncommon and these warnings will help ensure a safe trip.]
Like with any park, sites can be hit or miss when it comes to privacy and coverage but the sites farther in-land (off the loops) in each campground section seemed to offer the most space and privacy at Balsam. (My favourites are the 200s along the water, the 400s in Cedar – specifically 400 and 407 – and the upper Maple sites).
The sandy beach that stretches out along on the lakefront is removed enough from the campgrounds to not cause too much noise pollution but definitely fills up during the summer months. With a couple boat launch areas and canoe rentals available, the lake front is well divided up between reservable sites and public spaces.
Recently the park has seen a reorganization of its sites meaning some signs are a bit misleading for the more in-land campgrounds, making navigation a little tricky. But the roads themselves and site numbers are well-maintained and clear. Do enough loops and you’re sure to find your way.
Wood and ice are sold at three different locations throughout the park and The Park Store (located on the west side of the park through a perimeter fence) also sells ice-cream, fuel and other ‘forgotten at home’ camping essentials which is super convenient.
As for hiking, the trail entrances are a bit far from the lake but accessible after a bit of a walk or a lazier drive back up the park entrance road. The trails themselves are well marked, beginner and family friendly and transverse both forested areas and valleys.
This park gets 4/5 stars from me. Balsam is a clean, well-maintained and beautiful park, but its popularity means there’s crowds to contend with during those peak seasons. The beaches fill up quickly and the family-friendly atmosphere isn’t for everyone when you’re seeking a more quiet/peaceful escape. Reserving ahead of time is a must and be prepared to face a hefty RV back-up on your way out if you’re leaving on a Sunday!
She Collects Campsites 