50 Free Places To Camp In Ontario
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Ontario is made for camping.
Ontario’s rugged wilderness and abundant waterways are an invitation to sleep the great outdoors—an invitation we can not resist. And as they say, the best things in life are free. In Ontario, the best place to find free and available camping is on a conservation reserve.
Now, we can’t guarantee they will be as manicured as a private campground or even conveniently located (in fact some are well off the grid), but we can promise that they are totally free. You should also know, these sites generally don’t come with any amenities and Crown land camping policies usually apply. But if you’re after an untouched fishing hole, the serenity of the deep woods or just a thrifty ‘staycation,’ then set your GPS to one of these 50 sites.
Caution:
Before you venture into the backcountry
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You don’t have to go far to reach Ontario’s backcountry. As with any off-the-grid adventure, venturing into the backcounty can be dangerous. Now, factor in changing weather conditions, wildlife, strain, blisters and fatigue. Be prepared.
Rules for backcountry safety:
- Bring reliable communications: The campsites listed below will lead you through areas of spotty-to-no cell coverage. SPOT Satellite GPS Messengers can send emergency responders your GPS coordinates so that you can easily be located in an emergency, even when you are well beyond cellular service. It can also let family and friends know you’re OK when you just want to check in. Better safe than sorry.
- Pack proper gear, wear layers and reflective clothing. Carry survival equipment and know how to use it.
- Know when sunset is, especially when camping in the backcountry.
- Check the weather forecast in advance of departing.
- The backcoutry demands self-sufficiency and self-reliance. Do you have the necessary skills to go it alone? If not, you might consider partnering with someone (a mentor, hiking club, guide, etc) who has backcountry experience.
- Are you hiking into a campsite? Overconfidence rarely serves hikers well. Be realistic about route planning and your fitness.
- Be wildlife aware. Know what to do in an encounter and how to properly store camp provisions that are animal attractants.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Parking? Leave a note with your contact information, emergency contact and expected return.
- New to multi-night hiking? Read our backpacker 101 article.
1. Ahmic Forest And Rock Barrens Conservation Reserve
Parry Sound District
Site overview: This conservation reserve contains 6,081 hectares of crown land and seven recreational camps (land use permits).
Site location: The site is close to the hamlets of Dunchurch and McKellar.
Additional information: Hunting and fishing are major activities within this reserve, with Shanty Lake, Nelson Lake and Ryder Lake offering excellent opportunities for fishing. Hunters in this area tend to focus on waterfowl, whitetail deer, moose and black bear.
2. Raganooter Lake Conservation Reserve
Parry Sound District
Site overview: This site is about 311 hectares in size. You’ll find hilly terrain and sandy soil here, but no camping structures are available.
Site location: This reserve is located about 22 kilometres northwest of the village of Magnetawan and eight kilometres south of the village of Golden Valley.
Additional information: This area is known for hunting, but the waterbodies within the reserve are generally thought of as unsuitable for sport fishing.
3. Big Deer Lake Conservation Reserve
Parry Sound District
Site overview: This reserve is 436 hectares in size. There are recreation camps available in this area.
Site location: This site is located about 15 kilometres northwest of the village of Magnetawan, with its southern boundary about 1.5 kilometres north of Big Deer Lake.
Additional information: A variety of vegetation mixes with unique landforms here, such as spruce forests that grow on sandy hills and bare bedrock.
4. Bear Creek Conservation Reserve
Parry Sound District
Site overview: This reserve is 212 hectares. Access into the reserve is by forest roads, which approach the northern boundary from the east. There are older logging roads within the reserve that serve as trails for ATVs and snowmobiles.
Site location: Bear Creek Conservation Reserve is located a short way south of the town of Kearney. It is bound by Thirty Lake in the east and by Morgan’s Lake in the west.
Additional information: This area is well-known for hunting big game animals, especially moose, as well as hiking, ATVing and fishing.
5. Joly Township Hardwoods Conservation Reserve
Parry Sound District
Site overview: This reserve is 496 hectares in size. There are secondary and tertiary roads that exist in the surrounding area, giving access to the reserve.
Site location: The Joly Township Hardwoods Conservation Reserve is located about 12 kilometres east of the village of South River; about six kilometres west of Algonquin Provincial Park.
Additional information: This area is a traditional, remote setting for big and small game hunting. The border lakes – Deadhorse, Capsell and Long Lakes – are known to provide good angling opportunities for brook trout. There are also snowmobile and ATV trails for recreational use.
6. Ferrie Township Forest Conservation Reserve
Parry Sound District
Site overview: This location is 474 hectares in size. There are recreation camps available.
Site location: You’ll find this reserve about 8.5 kilometres northeast of Dunchurch and about 15 kilometres northwest of Magnetawan.
Additional information: You’ll find white pine, tamarack and treed muskeg here.
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7. Bridge Lake Outwash Plain Forest Conservation Reserve
Parry Sound District
Site overview: This reserve is 149 hectares in size.
Site location: The Bridge Lake Outwash Plain Forest Conservation Reserve is located about 17 kilometres east of Kearney, three kilometres south of the Rain Lake Access Road and about six kilometres west of Algonquin Provincial Park.
Additional information: There are many wilderness-type recreation activities, including big game hunting, hiking and fur harvesting. There are snowmobile and ATV trails in the area, as well as one recreational campsite.
8. Cognashene Lake Conservation Reserve
Parry Sound District
Site overview: This reserve is 2,945 hectares in size and access is by boat or snowmobile. The reserve can be accessed through Georgian Bay.
Site location: The Cognashene Lake Conservation Reserve is located in the municipality of Georgian Bay, about 15 kilometres southwest of the hamlet of MacTier.
Additional information: Activities in the area include hunting, hiking, fishing, boating and canoeing.
9. The Chain Lakes Conservation Reserve
Parry Sound District
Site overview: This reserve is approximately 919 hectares in size. Access to the reserve is limited, but there is a network of trails and old logging roads across the site, and municipal roads approach the site from several locations.
Site location: The Chain Lakes Conservation Reserve is located about 10 kilometres east of Burk’s Falls and 2.5 kilometres west of Sand Lake.
Additional information: This reserve is popular with big game hunters, as well as hikers and fur harvesters. There are ATV and snowmobile trails in the area, including one registered snowmobile trail.
10. Crane Lake Forest Conservation Reserve
Parry Sound District
Site overview: This reserve is 387 hectares in size. Access into the area is generally done by canoe. The shores of Crane, Stonehouse and Speck Lakes provide access into the reserve. Most of the shorelines are steep and heavily wooded, so be prepared.
Site location: The Crane Lake Forest Conservation Reserve is located about 10 kilometres south of Parry Sound; about one kilometre east of Massasauga Provincial Park.
Additional information: This is a great canoeing destination! Hunters venture to this reserve for whitetail deer, moose and black bear, as well as waterfowl and small game. Visitors can gather wild food and appreciate the unspoiled clear night sky.
11. Dutcher Lake Conservation Reserve
Parry Sound District
Site overview: This reserve is 1,952 hectares in size. Orange Valley Road to the north and Highway 518 to the south grant limited access into the reserve. There are snowmobile and ATV trails that may provide access as well.
Site location: The Dutcher Lake Conservation Reserve is located about 21 kilometres northeast of Parry Sound and 10 kilometres southeast of McKellar.
Additional information: Hunting, fishing and snowmobiling are the main endeavours in the reserve, with Dutcher and Shanty Lakes receiving most of the fishing pressure.
12. Eastern Cardwell Forest Conservation Reserve
Parry Sound District
Site overview: This area is 627 hectares in size. There is no direct public road that leads into the reserve, but there are ATV and snowmobile trails that give access. This area is mostly surrounded by privately owned land, so access is very limited.
Site location: The Eastern Cardwell Forest Conservation Reserve lies about 23 kilometres northwest of Huntsville. The reserve is located about half a kilometre north of Muskoka Road 3 (Aspdin Road) and 2.5 kilometres north of Skeleton Lake.
Additional information: Because of the limited access into this reserve, it is known as a diverse area that is relatively undisturbed. Recreational uses including hunting, snowmobiling and ATVing.
13. Freeman Township Sugar Maple Forest Conservation Reserve
Parry Sound District
Site overview: This reserve is 123 hectares in size. No road or trails lead directly into the site, but there are two major roads close enough to use as access points.
Site location: The Freeman Township Sugar Maple Forest Conservation Reserve is located about eight kilometres south of Mactier.
Additional information: Hunters and fishers may need to garner permission from First Nations communities. There are no snowmobile or ATV trails on the reserve.
14. Bray Lake Conservation Reserve
North Bay District/Parry Sound
Site overview: This reserve is 265 hectares in size. Access is limited. There is a snowmobile trail in the winter only. Most of the reserve’s boundary, except for the northern portion, is surrounded by private land.
Site location: The Bray Lake Conservation Reserve is located about 10 kilometres west of Trout Creek and eight kilometres east of Commanda.
Additional information: Hunting, angling, trapping and fishing are some of the area’s common recreational activities. Hardwood forests, rolling terrain and pockets of wetlands characterize this reserve.
15. Bob Lake Conservation Reserve
North Bay District
Site overview: Access to this site is by canoe or floatplane. In the winter, it can be accessed by snowmobile trails, which are not groomed or maintained. The reserve is 2,657 hectares in size.
Site location: Bob Lake Conservation Reserve is located about 30 kilometres southwest of Latchford.
Additional information: This area offers excellent warm water fishing for pike, smallmouth bass and perch.
16. East Lady Evelyn Lake Conservation Reserve
North Bay District
Site overview: This site is 5,612 hectares in size. Access is limited since there are no formal motorized trails or roadways into the site. However, it is easily accessed by canoe or floatplane, or by snowmobile trails in the winter.
Site location: East Lady Evelyn Lake Conservation Reserve is located about 17 kilometres west of Latchford.
Additional information: There are northern pike and walleye fisheries in this reserve.
17. Jim Edwards Lake Conservation Reserve
North Bay District
Site overview: Access into this area is limited, and can only be done by canoe from Lady Evelyn Smoothwater Provincial Park, or by floatplane. There is also access by snowmobiles in the winter. This reserve is a big one: it is 8,656 hectares in size.
Site location: The Jim Edwards Lake Conservation Reserve is located 34 kilometres west of Temagami.
Additional information: Jim Edwards Lake is home to a lake trout and brook trout cold-water fishery. There are also three heritage trails and two cultural heritage sites in the area.
18. Boom Creek Conservation Reserve
North Bay District
Site overview: This reserve is 590 hectares. It can be accessed at the southern portion via the Papineau-Cameron Road.
Site location: It is located about eight kilometres southeast of Mattawa.
Additional information: Boom Creek is a popular hunting destination for both large and small game, as well as upland birds and waterfowl. There is also fishing, photography and bird-watching opportunities for nature-lovers.
19. Boulter-Depot Creek Conservation Reserve
North Bay District
Site overview: The reserve is 2,348 hectares in size, accessed by secondary roads from both Highway 17 and Highway 11. Bluesea Road, south of Bonfield, is the easiest access into the reserve. Numerous other trails will also take you into the area.
Site location: The Boulter-Depot Creek Conservation Reserve is located about 25 kilometres southeast of the city of North Bay.
Additional information: Comprised of sugar maple hardwoods, wetlands and 40 other forests, this reserve is a plethora of life science values. Hunting, snowmobiling and ATVing are common activities.
20. Cliff Lake Conservation Reserve
North Bay District
Site overview: This reserve is 2,947 hectares in size. It can be informally accessed by canoeing, hiking or snowmobiling in.
Site location: The Cliff Lake Conservation Reserve is located east of Highway 11, between Latchford and Temagami.
Additional information: There are several lakes within this reserve, providing excellent fishing and boating opportunities. This area is also known for hiking, picnicking, swimming, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and hunting. There are beautiful forests of old growth white pine, sugar maple and white birch to enjoy.
21. Fish Bay Conservation Reserve
North Bay District
Site overview: This reserve is 411 hectares in size. Most of that is water, such as Fish Bay and South River. It also includes Crown shoreline and Crown land islands. Access is by boat from Wade’s and Chapman’s landings.
Site location: The Fish Bay Conservation Reserve is located south of Lake Nipissing’s South Bay, within the township of Nipissing.
Additional information: The five lodges along Fish Bay’s shoreline service the area’s prime fishing, hunting spots and snowmobile trails.
22. Makobe-Grays Ice Margin Conservation Reserve
Northeast Region/Kirkland Lake District
Site overview: Access into the reserve is by a canoe route from Lady Evelyn Smoothwater Provincial Park. Otherwise, arrangements can be made in Elk Lake to have a floatplane fly you in. There is a network of forestry roads adjacent to the site boundaries, which may also provide access.
Site location: The Makoke-Grays Ice Margin Conservation Reserve is located about 28 kilometres south of the town of Elk Lake.
Additional information: At 903 hectares, this reserve is divided into two sections and linked by the Makobe-Grays Provincial Park.
23. North Yorston Conservation Reserve
Northeast Region/North Bay District
Site overview: This reserve is 13,323 hectares in size. Access to the site is from the west branch of Portelance Road that leads into the Sturgeon River Provincial Park. The only other way into the reserve is by canoe or plane.
Site location: The North Yorston Conservation Reserve is located about 45 kilometres west of Latchford, in the North Bay area.
Additional information: This area offers excellent backcountry hiking and is a major connection between canoe routes. There are four canoe routes, several campsites and 15 portages in total.
24. Pinetorch Lake Conservation Reserve
Northeast Region/North Bay District
Site overview: This site is 3,623 hectares. Access to this area is by canoe or floatplane in the summer and by snowmobile in the winter.
Site location: The Pinetorch Lake Conservation Reserve is located about 38 kilometres west of the town of Temagami.
Additional information: Lace up your hiking boots and roam around. You’ll find scenic cliffs in old growth forest. This area features a protected and challenging wilderness canoe route that connects with two other conservation reserves.
25. Smith Lake Conservation Reserve
Northeast Region/Kirkland Lake District
Site overview: This reserve is 1,649 hectares. Access into the site is by ATV or snowmobile from the forestry road network to the northwest, or by canoe or floatplane.
Site location: The Smith Lake Conservation Reserve is located about 50 kilometres southwest of the town of Elk Lake, at the northwest corner of Lady Evelyn Smoothwater Provincial Park.
Additional information: Smith and Lulu Lakes contain lake trout and brook trout fisheries.
26. Sugar Lake Conservation Reserve
Northeast Region/North Bay District
Site overview: This site is 6,143 hectares in size, with access via canoe, floatplane or by snowmobile in the winter. The site’s boundaries are cultural.
Site location: The Sugar Lake Conservation Reserve is located about 17 kilometres west of Latchford.
Additional information: This area is very remote – there are no roads. Therefore, the reserve offers excellent remote hunting, fishing and camping opportunities.
27. Akonesi Chain of Lakes Complex Conservation Reserve
District of Sudbury
Site overview: This area is 1,469 hectares in size. Access is by water, through the Makami River and Akonesi Creek in the south, and by forest harvest roads via Gogama Unit Road to the northeast boundary. The CNR marks the western boundary of the reserve.
Site location: The Akonesi Chain of Lakes Complex Conservation Reserve is located about 11 kilometres northwest of the town of Gogama.
Additional information: This area is known for fishing and hunting. Lakes within the area contain walleye, northern pike and yellow perch.
28. Friday and Scotia Lakes Conservation Reserve
District of Sudbury
Site overview: This reserve is 1,930 hectares in size and contains two lakes – Friday Lake and Scotia Lake. Friday Lake is accessible by secondary roads from Camp 700 Road. However, there are camping/parking restrictions near Friday Lake’s access point. Scotia Lake is accessible by air or canoe.
Site location: The Friday and Scotia Lakes Conservation Reserve lies approximately 53 kilometres northwest of the city of Greater Sudbury and 33 kilometres east of Spanish River Provincial Park.
Additional information: Friday Lake is a popular destination for hunting, fishing, boating and other water-related activities. Scotia Lake is used for remote tourism, such as fly-in fishing and hunting trips. Prominent canoe routes run through both lakes and grant access to several other lakes in the area.
29. Alm Lake Forest Conservation Reserve
District of Sudbury
Site overview: This site is 752 hectares in size and is accessible by Hydro Line Road, which is situated along the northern boundary of the site.
Site location: The Alm Lake Forest Conservation Reserve is located 50 kilometres southwest of the town of Chapleau.
Additional information: This area is known for hunting, fishing, hiking and ATVing. There are recreation camps in the area.
30. Garson Forest Conservation Reserve
District of Sudbury
Site overview: This reserve is 204 hectares in size. A well-used footpath leads into the reserve from Regional Road 85 (Radar Road).
Site location: The Garson Forest Conservation Reserve is located about 15 kilometres northeast of the city of Greater Sudbury, inside the Garson Township.
Additional information: Hunting, fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and other non-motorized activities are permitted in this reserve.
31. Attlee Central Forest Conservation Reserve
District of Sudbury
Site overview: This location is 286 hectares. Access is by 4×4 vehicles or ATV from Halifax Road.
Site location: The reserve is located about 15 kilometres east of the northern boundary of Killarney Provincial Park, and about 35 kilometres south of the city of Greater Sudbury.
Additional information: There is access to Tyson Lake and Broker Lake within the reserve. This area is known for hunting moose, bear and deer. There are several walking and ATV trails in the area.
32. Gough Outwash Forest Conservation Reserve
District of Sudbury
Site overview: This reserve is 402 hectares in size, and relatively accessible. A road leads to a trail that accesses the site. Water access into the southern boundary is available via Birch Lake.
Site location: The Gough Outwash Forest Conservation Reserve is located 10 kilometres north of Webbwood and 80 kilometres west of Greater Sudbury.
Additional information: Gough Lake is known for lake trout, lake whitefish, walleye, smallmouth bass, pike, yellow perch and lake herring. McLander Creek, located within the reserve, provides brook trout fishing.
33. Eden Township Forest Conservation Reserve
Sudbury District
Site overview: This reserve is 145 hectares in size and is relatively easy to access with a vehicle, ATV or snowmobile, and by a water route through Long Lake.
Site location: You’ll find the Eden Township Forest Conservation Reserve about 15 kilometres southwest of downtown Greater Sudbury.
Additional information: Hunting and fishing are popular activities in this area. Although it is rather lacking in recreational activities, residents of Sudbury frequently use this reserve to escape to nature.
34. Aulneau Interior Conservation Reserve
Kenora District
Site overview: This area is 2,281 hectares. The area is typically reached by floatplane. When water levels are high, you could canoe into Arrow Lake through Miles Bay and Thompson Creek. In the winter, the area is accessible by snowmobile.
Site location: You’ll find Aulneau Interior Conservation Reserve 50 kilometres south of Kenora. It is located in the centre of the Aulneau Peninsula on Lake of the Woods.
Additional information: Anglers flock to Barras and Carstens Lakes to fish. This area is also known for seasonal hunting and snowmobiling in the winter.
35. Campfire River Conservation Reserve
Kenora District
Site overview: This reserve is 4,221 hectares in size and encompasses Paintpot Lake, the portion of Campfire River that joins Paintpot and Salvesen Lakes, and the surrounding terrain. To get there, drive along the east border of the reserve, via the South Pakwash Road, or take a boat along the southwest portion of the reserve that borders Salvesen Lake.
Site location: The Campfire River Conservation Reserve is located about 73 kilometres north of the city of Kenora.
Additional information: This reserve is popular for fishing – pike, walleye and yellow perch are waiting to be caught in Paintpot Lake – as well as hunting for black bear, moose and waterfowl. If you’d rather leave the animals alone, join in the traditional harvesting of wild rice on Paintpot Lake.
36. Dryberry Lake Conservation Reserve
Kenora District
Site overview: The reserve is 21,835 hectares in size, with Dryberry Lake filling half the total area. Graphic Lake Road, albeit in poor condition, is the best route for daytrippers. You can also canoe, ATV or snowmobile in.
Site location: The Dryberry Lake Conservation Reserve is located about 25 kilometres southeast of the city of Kenora and about 20 kilometres north of Sioux Narrows.
Additional information: Dryberry Lake is one of the largest undeveloped lake trout lakes, with a total size of 10,905 hectares and a maximum depth of 105.5 metres. In addition to excellent fishing and canoeing/boating options, rock climbing is a possible activity, with four rock climbing routes identified.
37. Fallingsnow Lake Conservation Reserve
Thunder Bay District
Site overview: This reserve is 854 hectares in size. Follow Highway 595 south through South Gillies. Turn right on Pearson Township Sideroad and head straight for about four kilometres. Stay left at the fork in the road.
Site location: The Fallingsnow Lake Conservation Reserve lies about 45 kilometres southwest of Thunder Bay.
Additional information: This area is great for hiking, boating, bird watching, wildlife viewing, hunting and fishing. Fallingsnow Lake is known for its lake trout population. Hunting in the area is mostly for moose and small game.
38. Greenwood Lake Conservation Reserve
Thunder Bay District
Site overview: This reserve is 811 hectares in size. The Boreal Road system provides access, using highways and gravel roads.
Site location: The Greenwood Lake Conservation Reserve lies 90 kilometres west of Thunder Bay.
Additional information: Hiking, bird watching and wildlife viewing are popular activities on this reserve. Walking trails wind through the majority of the reserve. Hunting is permitted. All fishing must be done at Greenwood Lake, outside of the reserve.
39. Basswood Lake Conservation Reserve
Sault Ste. Marie District
Site overview: This reserve is 149 hectares. This area is easily accessible (there is water access via Basswood Lake). There is no direct road access, but Melwel Road runs close enough to the reserve’s eastern boundary. The Voyageur Hiking Trail can be accessed from Oak Ridge Trail Road or Melwel Road.
Site location: The Basswood Lake Conservation Reserve is located 16 kilometres northeast of the town of Thessalon, in Day Township, near Sault Ste. Marie.
Additional information: Hiking is a major activity in this reserve, as well as hunting, and snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter. There’s a small area of shoreline along the reserve’s northern boundary, which makes a great place to picnic and swim.
40. Byrnes Lake White Birch Conservation Reserve
Sault Ste. Marie District
Site overview: This reserve is 1,569 hectares in size. Primary access is from an ATV/snowmobile trail that originates from Highway 129 and travels north to Crockford’s Marsh. You can also access Bailey Lake via a rough tertiary road, accessible from the Shaw Road and Shellrock Loop Road.
Site location: Travel 65 kilometres east of the city of Sault Ste. Marie and about 10 kilometres north of the town of Thessalon to reach the reserve.
Additional information: This site is usually utilized in the winter when the interior lakes can be accessed by snowmobile. Fishing is a popular activity here, as well as hunting. A lack of maintained hiking trails means hiking and camping within the reserve isn’t as popular. It has been protected due to its wonderful white birch trees that grow on shallow, sandy-till uplands.
41. Echo River Hardwoods Conservation Reserve
Sault Ste. Marie District
Site overview: This reserve is 10,244 hectares in size, and although access is limited, it is known as a spectacular and rugged location that will be well worth the effort. There are trapper’s trails, two ATV trails, and two roads that provide access to portions of the outer lands of the reserve – Mink Creek Road approaches from the south, and Onion Lake Road forms a segment of the northern boundary.
Site location: The Echo River Hardwoods Conservation Reserve is about 35 kilometres east of Sault Ste. Marie.
Additional information: With limited access and rugged terrain, you’ll likely be one of few people camping in this reserve – local knowledge and creativity will help you find a way in. This area isn’t suitable for most big game species that are normally hunted, and a lack of trail system means game retrieval is difficult. This reserve is, however, optimum for the adventure and wilderness seeker – with cliffs, plateaus, rock outcrops, lakes, rivers, creeks and so much more, this area will be attractive for nature photographers, rock climbers, hikers, snowshoers, canoers, kayakers and campers looking to really get off the beaten path.
42. Ballantyne Lake Drumlins Conservation Reserve
Hearst District
Site overview: This reserve is 3,172 hectares. Access into the interior of the reserve is restricted; however, the outer limits can be accessed via the adjacent Mattagami River and a single road.
Site location: Ballantyne Lake Drumlins Conservation Reserve is located 60 kilometres northeast of the town of Kapuskasing.
Additional information: This reserve is a hotspot for canoe enthusiasts, as well as those that like to cast out a fishing line or marvel at linear ice-flow forms.
43. Bennet Lake Esker Kame Complex Conservation Reserve
Hearst District
Site overview: The reserve is 3,488 hectares in size and therefore meets the minimum size requirement to be called a “natural environment park.” Contact the Hearst District natural heritage staff for information about access and maps for the area.
Site location: The Bennet Lake Esker Kame Complex Conservation Reserve is located 43 kilometres northeast of the town of Kapuskasing.
Additional information: This area is used for hunting, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and snowmobiling. There are six lakes within the reserve, which have been stocked with trout since the mid-1980s.
44. Big Spring Lake Bedrock Conservation Reserve
Kirkland Lake District
Site overview: The reserve can be accessed via the Montreal River, hiking in on the available trails or by plane.
Site location: The reserve is about 23 kilometres southeast of the town of Elk Lake.
Additional information: This area is known as a great location for sport hunting, fishing, canoeing, camping and snowmobiling. There is a total of 5 separate forest communities thriving within the 973-hectare reserve.
45. Campus Lake Conservation Reserve
Fort Frances District
Site overview: This reserve is HUGE—it’s around 19,452 hectares! There is no direct road into the reserve, but there are forest roads that approach from the north and south. You can also access the reserve by water or floatplane.
Site location: Campus Lake Conservation Reserve is located about 12 kilometres south of the community of Ignace, and 33 kilometres north of Atikokan. Highway 17 is to the north of the reserve; Highway 11 to the south and Highway 622 to the west.
Additional information: Campers can fish, swim and canoe in the multiple waterways (including Campus, Elsie, Mable and Sandford Lakes, portions of the Turtle River and associated waters). Hunting and fishing are popular activities here. There is an operating tourism lodge on Sandford Lake, accessed via floatplane.
46. The Upper Raft Lake Conservation Reserve
Southcentral Region/Parry Sound District
Site overview: This reserve is 476 hectares in size. Access is via ATV or snowmobile.
Site location: The Upper Raft Lake Conservation Reserve lies about 20 kilometres north of Huntsville.
Additional information: This reserve is a traditional hunting ground for moose, deer and bears. There are also some angling opportunities in the cold-water streams in the area. Around half of the area is classified as wetlands.
47. Eagle Lake Islands Conservation Reserve
Dryden District
Site overview: This reserve is 3,395 hectares in size. Access to the site is by canoe in the summer and snowmobile in the winter.
Site location: The Eagle Lake Island Conservation Reserve is located about 30 kilometres southwest of Dryden and 10 kilometres south of Vermilion Bay.
Additional information: This reserve encompasses most of the nearly 500 islands of Crown land on Eagle Lake. The islands are all accessible by boat, or by snowmobile in the winter. Fishing and hunting are two major activities in the reserve, and there are several private lodges in the area.
48. Fishnet Lake Conservation Reserve
Nipigon District
Site overview: This reserve is 3,503 hectares in size. Access into the area is best achieved by boat or canoe via Santoy Lake.
Site location: The Fishnet Lake Conservation Reserve is about 15 kilometres northeast of Terrace Bay.
Additional information: Hiking, canoeing, hunting and fishing are popular recreational activities in this area. The eastern end of the reserve also contains a well-recognized portage trail, which is part of the Steel River Canoe Loop. This is not the place to rip around on your ATV or snowmobile, as the reserve is heavily monitored for damage.
49. Archambeau Lake Forest Conservation Reserve
District of Algoma
Site overview: This site is 1,234 hectares. It is accessible by foot, via a secondary road adjacent to the northeastern boundary. Also, Plaunt’s Road can be accessed by 4×4, ATV or snowmobile.
Site location: Archambeau Lake Forest Conservation Reserve is about 30 kilometres northeast of the town of Elliot Lake.
Additional information: This area is known for fishing, with three coldwater lakes within the reserve all containing lake trout. It is also known for hunting. The lakes and wetlands within the reserve double as late-winter habitat for moose.
50. Hammell Lake Conservation Reserve
Red Lake District
Site overview: This reserve is 2,182 hectares. 252 hectares have been designated a forest reserve. To reach the reserve from Highway 125, follow the Nungesser Road and turn onto Pine Ridge Road. Then turn south on Mount Jamie Mine Road, which runs close to the reserve. From this road, take the snowmobile trail that runs about 3.25 kilometres to the lakeshore. A 400-metre portage also exists where the Mount Jamie Road intersects a lake east of Hammell Lake and west of Para Lake.
Site location: The Hammell Lake Conservation Reserve is located about 20 kilometres northwest of Red Lake.
Additional information: Hammell Lake provides angling opportunities for lake trout, walleye and northern pike. It is particularly popular for ice fishing in the winter. Hunting is also permitted.
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