Want to get into camping but not sure where to start? The first thing you need to decide is whether you want to go frontcountry, backcountry, or glamping, and this blog will help you find which camping is best for you!

FRONTCOUNTRY CAMPING

If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty to start the perfect fire, but you’d rather not have to dig a hole when you need to go to the bathroom, frontcountry camping is for you. “Roughing it” to you means sleeping on an air mattress and cooking on a portable grill. You can handle the bugs and the heat, but you never want to be far from running water.

What is frontcountry camping?

Most frontcountry campsites can be accessed by car and have designated spaces that can be booked ahead of time. They are equipped with modern washroom facilities that may not be the cleanest, but hey - it’s a toilet! Campers typically set up tents with cots or pads to sleep on, but bringing a trailer or RV is considered frontcountry camping as well. As a popular activity for families with children, there may be a playground, water park, and even a general store nearby, so you’re comfortably close to civilization.

What to pack for frontcountry camping:

• Biodegradable soap. You *could* go the weekend without a real shower, but why would you when there’s eco-friendly soap?
• Bug spray. You may only be outside for a couple days, but you’ll be scratching mosquito bites long after your return if you don’t take precautions.
• Portable Stoves. That grilled cheese sandwich is not going to make itself.
• Flashlight & extra batteries. The last thing you want to do is get lost looking for the bathroom late at night - bring a flashlight or headlight and always remember extra batteries.
• Coffee and coffee maker. You promised your partner you wouldn’t drive into town for Tims.
• Comfy camp chairs. From Lazy Boy to Lazy Bear. Nothing beats a Kuma Lazy Bear chair.
• Cooler. No need for warm drinks or snacks. (What's in your Pelican?)

Best park for frontcountry camping: Algonquin Park

BACKCOUNTRY CAMPER

If you were raised by wolves and can do any job with a pocket knife, you should try backcountry camping. Catching and cooking your own food isn’t new to you, and you’re happiest where the cell towers can’t reach you. Backcountry campers like to live life “off-road” and will probably survive the zombie apocalypse thanks to their resourcefulness and survival skills.

What is backcountry camping?

Backcountry camping means hoisting your 30-pound backpack up, tightening your hiking boots, and venturing out into the wilderness. With no running water, shelter, or even a set destination in mind, you’re fending for yourself out there, likely in a tent or hammock sleeping bag beneath the stars.

What to pack for backcountry camping:

• Map & compass. Preferably waterproof. No service means you better be good with directions.
• Trowel (Or shovel) This is your bathroom.
• Water purifier/filter. No Brita’s out here - that murky puddle is about to quench your thirst and re-hydrate your dinner.
• Bear Spray. The bugs are the least of your concerns when you’re off-grid.
• Fishing rod and reels & Knives - Experience farm to tent dining by catching, cleaning, and cooking wild fish straight from the source.
• First Aid Kit. On top of being an expert navigator, a campfire chef, a sanitation specialist, AND a bear fighter, you have to be a doctor too.

Best park for backcountry camping: Killarney Provincial Park

GLAMPING CAMPER

For an escape from daily life without forgoing any daily comforts such as a bed, Netflix, or a blow dryer - glamping is the option for you. Be really hip by renting a yurt or an airstream, and enjoy a stress-free trip with cold drinks, gourmet meals, and bocce ball tournaments. 

What is Glamping?

Glamp-sites can be accessed by car, maybe only minutes away from your home, and will probably have a designated parking spot. There are washrooms with functioning (and clean!) toilets, sinks, and showers, and there is likely even electricity, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning on site. Many glampers like to decorate their site with string lights, patio furniture, and flowers for a more luxurious camping experience.

What to pack for Glamping:

• Cooler cup. No lid needed - the only hike we’re doing is from the drink fridge to the campfire.
• Heated camp chair. Pack light? Never heard of her. Bring all the comforts of home to the great outdoors.
• Sunscreen. Your days are likely to be filled with floating in the water or being one with nature just steps from your cabin.
• Corkscrew/Bottle opener. These will be the most used tools in your belt and should be the first item you pack.
• Sunglasses. Your cutest pair - this IS glamping of course.

Best park for Glamping: Bartlett Lodge in Algonquin Park

Glamping in Northern Ontario

Stop by our store and we can help you pack for your next camping adventure, no matter the camping style you choose. We don’t judge.