Known as a hidden gem for day trippers and RV campers alike, Mikisew Provincial Park is a must-see park for those in between Toronto and North Bay. Located a short drive west of the town of South River, Mikisew Provincial Park is found on the shores of Eagle Lake and it has everything you need for fun and adventure. Long before the area became a park, Algonquin natives were the first inhabitants of the Mikisew Park area. In 1881, Henry Tough and William Thornton Smyth took up settlement in the area and through the years, several sawmills have been on the lake. You can even still see logs in the water at the south end of the lake!
In present day the park is well known for being a family friendly destination that has impressive recreational and camping activities. You can relax with family and friends at one of the three beaches, boat or paddle around the small islands on Eagle Lake or hike through stunning hardwood forest. Another great feature at Mikisew Provincial Park is the leash free dog park and beach. This area is perfect for mans best friend and attracts campers with pets from all over. If you are looking for more fun there are many sports you can participate in too, including disc golf, volleyball, basketball and horseshoes.
There are two campgrounds at Mikisew Provincial Park that are highly regarded. There are over 450 sites for you to choose from that include many sites that have electrical hookups. Both campgrounds also include amenities such as flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities. Peak season at Mikisew Provincial Park runs from May until September.
Mikisew Provincial Park is located in the southern part of Ontario around 46 miles (75km) south of North Bay. The park has one entry and exit point that is accessible via Eagle Lake Road that also allows you to access the campground.
Although Mikisew Provincial Park feels like it is in the middle of nowhere there are many towns located close by that feature services, specialized amenities and places where you can stock up on supplies. These towns include South River (around nine miles away or 15 kms), Sundridge (around 10 miles or 17 kms) and Trout Creek (around 19 miles or 31 kms away).
Accessing the park should be very straightforward as the access road to the park is located right off Eagle Lake Road. The roads in and around the park are in very good condition and you should have no trouble navigating them. The campground road is known to be very wide and easy for larger RV's to use. If you plan on visiting the park during the winter time make sure you call the park in advance to confirm that you will have road access as snowfall levels can be high.
There is plenty of parking available at Mikisew Provincial Park.
The Hardwoods Campground is the smallest of the two campgrounds at Mikisew Provincial Park. The campground is more open than The Pines and features rolling hills in a mature Maple and Oak forest. Campsites at The Hardwoods are a little smaller but will still be comfortable for RV visitors. The campground has a total of 162 sites that are a mixture between primitive and sites that have electrical hookups.
Along with having electrical hookups other amenities in the campground include multiple water collection points, showers, toilets, ADA accessible sites, overflow parking and a dump station. The campground is also pet friendly and you should be able to get cell phone service on all of the major providers within the campground.
Since the campground is a popular summer destination we recommend that you book a reservation in advance before you begin your journey to the park. A few of the sites at The Hardwoods will also feature water views and visitors to the campground also have easy beach access. Camping at Pine Grove Campground is available from May until October.
The Pines Campground is the largest of the two campgrounds at Mikisew Provincial Park. The campground is located in a Red Pine forest and features a soft bed of Pine needles covering the forest floor. Campsites at The Pines can accommodate almost any size of camping from tents to RVs. and features beach access. The campground has a total of 265 sites that includes sites that feature electrical hookups.
Along with having electrical hookups other amenities in the campground include multiple water collection points, showers, toilets, ADA accessible sites, overflow parking and a dump station. The campground is also pet friendly and you should be able to get cell phone service on all of the major providers within the campground.
Since the campground is a popular summer destination we recommend that you book a reservation in advance before you begin your journey to the park. A few of the sites at Pine Grove will also feature water views. Camping at Pine Grove Campground is available from May until October.
Since Mikisew Provincial Park is quite small traveling the campground and trails via bike is a great way to get around. If you have a bike you can quickly and easily explore all the park has to offer, including activities such as the basketball court, horseshoe pit, volleyball court and the pet exercise area. For rental information on bikes at Mikisew Provincial Park check out the park website or call the park office.
Love to hike? If so we think you will love Mikisew Provincial Park. There are four interconnected loops that will take you through the peaceful forests and wetlands found within the park. Most people choose to do a loop or if they are feeling adventurous they combine them all into a great loop that ends up around three and a half miles (5.4km). Before you start hiking make sure you pick up a trail guide at the Park Office for more information on the Parks natural features.
Mikisew Provincial Park is home to two disc golf courses. Experienced disc golfers will love the challenge of the intermediate level 18-hole course that offers a fun, but technical romp through the boreal forest. This new course is complimented by a second, shorter 9-hole course that is great for kids and families. If you don't have your own discs, you are in luck, as there are discs for sale or rent at the Park Office.
There are no public transport options that will take you to Mikisew Provincial Park.
If you are traveling with little explorers during peak season we implore you to check out the Discovery Program as the program is a great way to introduce the next generation to wonders of nature. You can pick up a work book from the park office and use the equipment and materials provided to explore the park and observe the local plants and animals. For more information on the program contact park staff on your arrival to the park.
Boats of all shapes and sizes are permitted on Eagle Lake so you will have a large choice of what watercraft to take out and explore with. There are plenty of shoals and small islands for you to explore that will entertain you and the family for hours. There is a boat launch in the park along with the option for visitors to rent paddle boards. If you are looking to rent a canoe or kayak there are some available from a nearby private outlet.
One of the most popular activities for visitors to Mikisew Provincial Park is to hit the beach and go for a swim. There are three sandy beaches that are great for swimming that you can find along the shoreline of Eagle Lake. All of these beaches at Mikisew Provincial Park are marked with buoys and feature gradual depth drop-offs. If you have a dog we recommend you check out the pet-friendly beach and fenced, leash free area. There are no lifeguards on duty at the park so make sure you swim to your abilities.
