Kettle Lakes Provincial Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Home to 22 different lakes and surrounded by mixed forests, Kettle Lakes Provincial Park is a must-see RV getaway destination for those visiting north-eastern Ontario. Kettle Lakes Provincial Park has a very unique landscape that was formed after the retreat of an enormous glacier at the end of the last Ice Age around 12,000 years ago. Following the glacier retreat there were half-buried icebergs that melted to form small, deep lakes. Known as kettle lakes, twenty of the 22 lakes in Kettle Lakes Provincial Park are kettles and this is where the park gets its name. Along with the stunning lakes the park also features forests made up of jack pine, balsam fir, red and white pine, and white and black spruce.
The 22 lakes provide park visitors with some great recreation options during their stay. These include multiple lakes that offers you the chance to do some swimming, boating and fishing. Along with the water-based recreation there are miles of biking, hiking and birding opportunities that will keep you entertained during your stay. If you are looking to learn more about the park and surrounding area you can also take part in seasonal interpretive programs and check out the small visitor center.
RV camping is available at two campgrounds within Kettle Lakes Provincial Park with a total of 139 campsites that visitors can call home. While there are no water or sewer hookups, most of the sites do have option of electrical hookups. Peak season at Kettle Lakes Provincial Park runs from May until October.
RV Rentals in Kettle Lakes Provincial Park
Transportation
Driving
Kettle Lakes Provincial Park is located in north-eastern Ontario and is situated around 28 miles east of Timmins. The park has one entry and exit point and the road that services the park is a loop road that allows you to drive around most of the park.
Since the park is within a relatively close distance to Timmins you can visit the small city if you need to access any services, amenities or stock up on supplies. In addition to Timmins there are also a few small towns near the park, including Val Gagné (around 22 miles away or 36 kms). Iroquois Falls (around 23 miles or 37 kms) and Matheson (around 24 miles or 40 kms away).
Accessing the park should be very straightforward as the access road to the park located right off ON-101 to the south or the Trans-Canada Highway to the north. All roads in and around the park are in very good condition and should have no obstructions that would make your journey difficult. The road into the campground (which is located off the loop road that goes around the park) is also kept in very good condition. During the winter the campground is closed, however if you do plan on visiting the park during winter make sure you call the park in advance to confirm that you will have road access as snowfall levels can be high.
Parking
There is plenty of parking available at Kettle Lakes Provincial Park.
Public Transportation
There are no public transport options that will take you to Kettle Lakes Provincial Park.
Campgrounds and parking in Kettle Lakes Provincial Park
Campsites in Kettle Lakes Provincial Park
Reservations camping
The Pines Campground
The Pines Campground is the smaller of the two RV friendly campgrounds that is available for you to stay at Kettle Lakes Provincial Park. The campground is located near the entrance to the park just south of the park office and visitor center. This campground is popular with those who are looking for a more private camping experience away from the hustle and bustle of the busier Island Lake Campground.
There are 21 campsites at Island Lake Campground that can accommodate both long recreation vehicles and tents. Out of these 21, 10 sites do have the ability to hook up and receive 30 amp electricity. You will also find some great amenities at the campground, including water collection points, toilets, showers, laundry facilities, overflow parking and a dump station. The Pines Campground is also pet friendly and Bull Frog Lake is within walking distance.
All sites at The Pines Campground are available to be reserved online or by calling the park. During the winter time the campground does close so you will only be able to stay here during the warmer months.
Island Lake Campground
Island Lake Campground is the largest of the two RV friendly campgrounds that is available for you to stay at Kettle Lakes Provincial Park. The campground is located on the south side of Island Lake and is very popular with visitors during the summer months.
There are 115 campsites at Island Lake Campground that can accommodate both long recreation vehicles and tents. Out of these 115, 78 sites do have the ability to hook up and receive 30 amp electricity. You will also find some great amenities at the campground, including water collection points, toilets, showers, laundry facilities and overflow parking. Another great facet to Island Lake Campground is that it is a pet friendly campground and the beach is within walking distance so you can go for a dip without having to go on a long walk.
All sites at Island Lake Campground are available to be reserved online or by calling the park. During the winter time the campground does close so you will only be able to stay here during the warmer months.
Seasonal activities in Kettle Lakes Provincial Park
Off-Season
Birding
Kettle Lakes Provincial Park is a top birding destination due to the park being a part of the great expanse of the Boreal Forest that covers northern Ontario. The variety of tree species in the park creates a great habitat for many different types of birds, including grouse, warblers, woodpeckers, loons and a variety of waterfowl. Depending on the time of year you will be able to see birds nesting and raising their young before leaving for other adventures.
Hiking
Along with the great bike trails there are also four marked hiking trails located within Kettle Lakes Provincial Park. The trails are fantastic for those who are looking to do some easy to moderate hiking and they will give you the chance to view scenery and landscapes including bogs, lakes and forests. There are six and a half miles of trails in total so if you are pressed for time you might not be able to explore them all. If you are short on time we recommended taking the one hour moderate Kettle Trail. This trail will lead you along an glacial riverbed known as an esker and it also passes bogs that occupy some of the kettle depressions.
Cycling
Kettle Lakes Provincial Park is a must visit destination that is great for riders of all abilities. In total there are eight miles (14 kms) of biking trails that range from easy to moderate levels of difficulty that wind through the forest in the park. Eventually the trails will lead you to the beautiful Slab Lake where we recommend stopping in for a swim before continuing your journey. If you don't have a bike don't stress as they are available for rent at the front gate of the park.
In-Season
Interpretive Programs
Wanting to learn more about the park history, wildlife and the surrounding area? Kettle Lakes Provincial Park is lucky to Natural Heritage Education staff employed who are available to help visitors learn! The park has multiple interpretive programs throughout peak season, including guided hikes, evening programs and children’s programs. We also recommend checking out the Visitor Centre that is open most days in the summer. For more information on specific interpretive program times contact the park office.
Boating
Along with having some of the best places to swim in north-eastern Ontario, the various Kettle Lakes also make for a great boating destination. All boats are allowed on Hughes Lake (including power boats) with canoeing, kayaking and waterskiing being some of the more popular choices for those seeking fun times. Hughes Lake is the only lake at the park that you can use motor boats on and there is a boat ramp available for your convenience. If you don't have a boat then you can hire canoes and lifejackets from the park office.
Swimming
As you could imagine there are plenty of swimming opportunities available to visitors who want to go for a dip at Kettle Lakes Provincial Park. Swimming is allowed in all of the 22 lakes, however there are two main beach areas that we recommend you checking out as you will have more room to enjoy yourself. The beaches are located on Island Lake and Slab Lake with a playground also available for the kids at Slab Lake. Please note that there are no lifeguards on duty at the park so make sure you swim to your abilities.
