Cape Breton Highlands National Park Nova Scotia (NS) RV Rentals

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Introduction

Cape Breton Highlands National Park is an excellent spot for RV camping, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Established in 1936, the park spans over 950 square kilometers and is home to a rich cultural heritage, including the Mi’kmaq First Nations and early European settlers. The park’s most famous feature is the Cabot Trail, a scenic drive that winds through the park’s rugged highlands, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The park’s geology is also unique, with ancient rock formations, deep river canyons, and coastal cliffs that have been carved by the forces of nature over millions of years.

The park’s weather is typically mild, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 20°C, but RV renters should be prepared for changing conditions, including rain and fog. It’s essential to pack warm clothing and waterproof gear, especially during the spring and fall months. Additionally, RV renters should be aware of the park’s wildlife, including moose, black bears, and coyotes, and take appropriate precautions to avoid encounters.

RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

RV Rentals in Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Transportation

When it comes to transportation options visitors can access Cape Breton Highlands National Park by private vehicle including RVs. The park has several entrances including the Chéticamp Ingonish and Neil’s Harbour entrances. RV renters should note that there are restrictions on rig sizes with a maximum length of 35 feet and a maximum height of 13.6 feet. Additionally some roads within the park have steep grades and sharp turns so RV renters should exercise caution and follow posted speed limits. Public transportation options are limited so visitors are encouraged to bring their own vehicle or rent one.

RV parking is available in designated areas throughout the park. Overnight parking outside of campsites is not permitted. There are several RV-friendly campsites making it a great option for those who want to explore the park using alternative transportation methods.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers shuttle buses and walking paths for getting around. The shuttle buses run daily during peak season and provide access to popular trails and attractions. The park also features over 25 walking trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes allowing visitors to explore the park at their own pace.

Top Campsites in Cape Breton Highlands National Park

The most popular campsites within or near Cape Breton Highlands National Park that require reservations are

Ingonish Beach Campground

This is the most sought-after campground in the area. It offers 212 sites including 140 RV and trailer sites and is located near a beautiful beach. The campground is pet-friendly and has numerous amenities including showers laundry facilities and a playground. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking swimming and wildlife watching. The campground is open from mid-May to mid-October and RVs and trailers up to 35 feet are permitted.

Broad Cove Campground

Located on the Cabot Trail this campground has 110 sites including 70 RV and trailer sites. It offers stunning ocean views and is surrounded by hiking trails. The campground is pet-friendly and has amenities such as showers laundry facilities and a playground. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking swimming and fishing. The campground is open from mid-May to mid-October and RVs and trailers up to 32 feet are permitted.

Chéticamp Campground

This campground has 168 sites including 135 RV and trailer sites and is located near the Acadian village of Chéticamp. It offers beautiful views of the mountains and the ocean and is surrounded by hiking trails. The campground is pet-friendly and has amenities such as showers laundry facilities and a playground. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking swimming and fishing. The campground is open from mid-May to mid-October and RVs and trailers up to 32 feet are permitted.

Corney Brook Campground

This campground has 20 sites including 10 RV and trailer sites and is located near the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. It offers beautiful views of the river and the mountains and is surrounded by hiking trails. The campground is pet-friendly and has amenities such as showers and picnic tables. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking swimming and fishing. The campground is open from mid-May to mid-October and RVs and trailers up to 27 feet are permitted.

If you’re looking for first-come-first-served campsites in Cape Breton Highlands National Park here are three options

Fishing Cove Campground

This campground has 21 sites and is located near the ocean. It offers beautiful views of the coast and is surrounded by hiking trails. The campground is pet-friendly and has amenities such as picnic tables and fire pits. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking swimming and fishing. The campground is open from mid-May to mid-October.

Mackenzie Mountain Campground

This campground has 18 sites and is located near the mountains. It offers beautiful views of the mountains and is surrounded by hiking trails. The campground is pet-friendly and has amenities such as picnic tables and fire pits. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking wildlife watching and stargazing. The campground is open from mid-May to mid-October.

Neil’s Harbour Campground

This campground has 28 sites and is located near the ocean. It offers beautiful views of the coast and is surrounded by hiking trails. The campground is pet-friendly and has amenities such as picnic tables and fire pits. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking swimming and fishing. The campground is open from mid-May to mid-October.

If the campsites inside Cape Breton Highlands National Park are full there are alternative camping options nearby including

Private Campgrounds

There are several private campgrounds near the park including the Baddeck Cabot Trail Campground and the North River Provincial Park Campground. These campgrounds offer amenities such as showers laundry facilities and Wi-Fi. They also accommodate RVs and trailers of various sizes.

Backcountry Camping

For a more rustic camping experience visitors can try backcountry camping. The park offers several backcountry camping sites including the Fishing Cove Backcountry Site and the Pleasant Bay Backcountry Site. Visitors must obtain a backcountry camping permit and follow park regulations.

The hiking trails in Cape Breton Highlands National Park are world-renowned and attract numerous RV campers every year. The most popular trail is the Skyline Trail which offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean. The trail is a 7.5 km loop and takes around 2-3 hours to complete. For those who prefer a more leisurely hike the Acadian Trail offers a peaceful walk through the forest ending at a secluded beach.

Another popular activity among RV campers is cycling the Cabot Trail which winds through the park and along the coastline. The trail offers stunning views of the ocean mountains and forests. The trail is 300 km long but many campers choose to cycle shorter sections.

Fishing is also a popular activity in the park with numerous lakes and rivers teeming with trout salmon and other fish. The Margaree River is a popular spot for fly fishing while Ingonish Beach is a great place to cast a line from the shore.

Wildlife watching is another popular activity with the park being home to moose black bears bald eagles and numerous other species. The park offers numerous viewing platforms and trails that offer the best opportunities to spot wildlife.

For those who prefer a more adrenaline-fueled activity the park offers white-water rafting on the Margaree River. The river offers Class III and IV rapids making it a thrilling experience for experienced rafters.

For those who prefer a less strenuous outdoor experience Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers numerous alternative activities that are just as enjoyable. One of the most popular is sightseeing with the park being home to numerous scenic lookouts and viewpoints. The park’s famous “Keltic Lodge” offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean while the “Lake O’Law” offers a peaceful and serene setting.

Nature watching is another popular activity with numerous walking trails that offer the opportunity to see the park’s diverse flora and fauna. The “Mica Hill” trail is a popular choice offering stunning views of the park’s hills and forests.

For those looking for an Instagram-worthy photo opportunity the park offers numerous spots that are perfect for capturing the park’s natural beauty. The “Green Cove” on the Cabot Trail is a popular spot with its unique rock formations and crystal-clear waters. The “French Mountain” also offers stunning views of the park and the surrounding coastline.

For those who prefer a more relaxed activity the park offers numerous beaches that are perfect for lounging and swimming. The “Black Brook Beach” is a popular choice with its crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings.

Finally for those who are interested in the park’s history the “Fortress of Louisbourg” is a must-visit. The fortress offers a glimpse into the park’s past with numerous exhibits and tours that offer a fascinating insight into the area’s history.

Season-specific experiences in Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Springtime in Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a magical time of year when the park comes alive with color and wildlife. For RV campers there are plenty of recreational activities to enjoy during this season. One popular activity is hiking the Skyline Trail which offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding hills. This trail is located near the park’s northern entrance and is a moderate hike that takes about 2-3 hours to complete. Another must-see landmark is the Cape Breton Highlands National Park’s famous waterfalls. The most popular waterfall is the Mary Ann Falls which is located near the Ingonish Beach campground. Visitors can take a short hike to the base of the falls and enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool below.

Summer is the most popular time of year to visit Cape Breton Highlands National Park and for good reason. The weather is warm the days are long and there are endless recreational activities to enjoy. One of the most popular summer activities is kayaking or canoeing on the park’s many rivers and lakes. The most popular spot for paddling is the Chéticamp River which offers stunning views of the park’s rugged coastline and abundant wildlife. Another must-see landmark is the historic Fishing Cove which was once a thriving fishing community. Today visitors can explore the remains of the old settlement and learn about the park’s rich cultural history.

Fall is a magical time in Cape Breton Highlands National Park and RV campers flock to the area to take in the stunning fall foliage. One popular activity is hiking the Skyline Trail which offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the surrounding hills. The trail is a moderate 7.5 km loop and the fall colors make it an unforgettable experience. Another must-see is the Cape Breton Miners’ Museum in nearby Glace Bay. Visitors can tour an actual coal mine and learn about the history of coal mining in the area. For those looking to get out on the water a fall whale watching tour is a must. The Bay of Fundy is home to several species of whales including the rare North Atlantic right whale. RV campers can also take advantage of the park’s many golf courses including the Highlands Links which is consistently ranked as one of the top golf courses in Canada. Finally no trip to Cape Breton Highlands National Park would be complete without a visit to the famous Cabot Trail which winds through the park and offers stunning views of the coastline and hills.

Winter in Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a winter wonderland and RV campers can take advantage of the many winter activities the park has to offer. One popular activity is cross-country skiing with over 25 km of groomed trails to explore. The park’s winter landscape is truly breathtaking and skiing is a great way to take it all in. Snowshoeing is another popular winter activity and the park offers several trails that are suitable for all skill levels. For those looking for a more adrenaline-pumping experience snowmobiling is a great option. The park has several designated snowmobile trails that offer stunning views of the winter landscape. RV campers can also take advantage of the park’s many ice fishing spots with several species of fish available to catch. Finally a visit to the nearby Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site is a must. The fort is open year-round and visitors can experience what life was like in the 18th century.

CODE: RVTHEREYET at checkout
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CODE: RVTHEREYET at checkout
(Limited to Spring promotion only)
10% OFF RV Rental*