Cyprus Lake Campgrounds
Bruce Peninsula National Park
Located in the heart of Bruce Peninsula National Park, Cyprus Lake Campground is the perfect basecamp for your adventure on the peninsula. The campground’s 232 drive-in unserviced campsites, located along the picturesque inland Cyprus Lake, are split into three sections: Tamaracks, Birches and Poplars. Offering tent, trailer and RV camping (up to 27 ft/8 m - specific sites only), each site is equipped with a picnic table and a firepit. A mix of outhouse and flush style toilets are spread throughout the campground. “The Campground Hub”, which opened in 2020, offers an open air pavilion with shower facilities, indoor washrooms, WiFi hotspot, playground, basketball net, mini soccer field and outdoor theatre.
Notice: Visitors with a valid camping permit can access the Cyprus Lake area trails from their campsite and do not require a day-use reservation. A camping permit is valid from 2 pm on day of arrival until 11 am on day of departure. Access to these areas without a valid camping permit will require a day-use reservation.
How to Make a Reservation
Ready to book your stay with us? Cyprus Lake Campground is a very popular destination and fills up fast. We do not recommend travelling to the park without a reservation. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Two ways to book:
For the best tips about how to prepare for reservation launch days, please visit Parks Canada's Camping 101: What to know before staying the night
Campground map
Cyprus Lake Campground
Know before you show
Fees
Park fees
Please visit the park's fees page.
- Camping at Cyprus Lake Campground includes the following fees:
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- Frontcountry camping per night
- Daily admission fee (included at the time of booking)*
- Reservation fee
- Fire Permit, per night (included at the time of booking)*
- Additional vehicle parking may be applicable per night (maximum one additional spot per site - no exceptions)
*Refunds can be issued on site for valid passholders or if firewood is not required. Inquires will be addressed at bruce-fathomfive@pc.gc.ca.
- Bruce Peninsula National Park Annual Pass:
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- Only valid for Bruce Peninsula National Park
- Can be purchased at the Parks Canada visitor centre and the Cyprus Lake campground office
- Day-use - Covers parking and National Park entry fee
- Camping - Covers National Park entry fee (Campsite fees and advanced booking are still required)
- Reservations still required with valid annual pass
- Parks Canada Discovery Pass
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- This pass includes unlimited admission to over 80 Parks Canada destinations for a full year from month of purchase
- Passes can be purchased online
- Reservations may still be required at some destinations, including for camping and some parking at Bruce Peninsula National Park
Camping rules and etiquette
A few rules
All visitors must sign and agree to adhere to the following rules and etiquette upon check-in. Camping is permitted in designated areas only and requires a valid permit.
- Check-in time:
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- After 2:00 pm
- The reservation holder MUST be present at time of check-in and sign the rules before anyone can access the campsite
- Visitors who would like to arrive at the park earlier may enjoy our first-come, first-serve locations (Singing Sands - Dorcas Bay Road and Visitor Centre - Chi Sin Tib Dek Road, subject to parking availability)
- Check-out time:
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- Before 11:00 am
- Permit expires for all areas of the park at 11:00 am on the day of departure
- After-hour registration:
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- Campers arriving after the Cyprus Lake Office is closed should follow posted instructions on office front doors
- Quiet Hours:
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- 10:00 pm - 7:00 am
- No excessive noise at any time
- Music from electronic devices is prohibited on all trails and day-use areas at all times of the day
- Maximum persons per site:
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- Maximum of 6 persons (including children)
- Maximum vehicles per site:
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- 1 vehicle is included with the campsite reservation.
- Registration is required for a second vehicle permit to be added to campsite reservations. Additional fees apply.
- Maximum of 2 vehicles or 2 motorcycles parked on site with valid permits on display.
- All additional vehicles must register at the office, display a valid permit (fees apply) and park in overflow parking lots.
- Maximum camping units per site:
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- 3 tent structures
- 1 camper van, RV, trailer
- Visiting Hours:
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- End at 10:00 pm
- Valid daily admission and parking permits required to visit any site
- Each site allowed maximum 2 cars in total including visiting vehicles
- Potable water:
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- Drinkable water is available from the water taps throughout the campground
- Unless otherwise posted, all water in the campground is potable
- Please use reusable water bottles
- Campfires:
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- Must be extinguished by midnight
- Permitted in designated fire pits only
- Fires are prohibited at backcountry sites and shorelines
- Refill/ Dumping station:
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- Trailers and RVs with a valid permit can access the dumping station at Cyprus Lake
- Trailers and RVs with a valid permit can access the water refill station at Cyprus Lake. Hoses are provided but not monitored, we recommend bringing and using your own hose
- Trailers, RVs and campers must not dump grey or black water on campsites. Fines or eviction can be imposed
- Alcohol and Cannabis policy:
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- Campers may only consume alcohol on their campsite
- Campers may only consume cannabis or cannabis products on their campsite
- No alcohol or cannabis consumption between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am
- Consumption of alcohol and cannabis prohibited on all long weekends
- Firewood policy:
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- To prevent the spread of invasive species, firewood must be sourced from inside the Northern Bruce Peninsula. This means burn only locally purchased firewood (Wiarton to Tobermory)
- Firewood is available for purchase at Cyprus Lake Campgrounds Office
- Do not collect any wood, sticks or bark off the ground or from trees in the park
- Fireworks and Drones policy:
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- Prohibited in all national parks
- Bare campsite policy:
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- All food/ food related/ scented items must be kept in a hard sided vehicle with the windows rolled up at all times when not being used (items should not be kept in a soft top or bed of a pick-up truck). Examples include: garbage, coolers (empty or full), dishes, drinks, soaps, BBQs (clean or used), pet food or dishes (clean or used), etc.
- Dispose of garbage and recycling in designated area regularly
- Never leave food-related items unattended for any length of time
- Unattended food/ scented items will be collected by campground staff and could result in the camper’s permit being revoked with no refund
- Hunting, harassing, disturbing and possessing (including feeding) wildlife is prohibited
- Pet policy:
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- For your pet’s safety and the safety of wildlife, pets must be kept on leash of a maximum length of 3 metres at all times
- Please be sure to clean up after your pets
- Defacing natural land:
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- Removal, damage or disturbance of any natural, cultural, signs or scientific object is prohibited
- Carving or writing on rocks, signs, trees, furniture or infrastructure is prohibited
- Failure to comply:
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- Parks Canada staff are here to help and may enter your site to remind you of these regulations
- Campers who fail to comply with keeping a clean site, quiet hours and other regulations may be subject to fines and/or have their camping permit revoked without a refund
- The permit holder is responsible for ensuring their campsite is adhering to all rules and is maintained in a satisfactory condition
Access to the Grotto while camping
- Visiting the Grotto and Cyprus Lake trails
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- Campers with a camping permit (valid from 2:00 pm on the day of check-in and until 11:00 am on the day of check-out) can access all the hiking trails including access to the Grotto/ Indian Head Cove
- There is no access to this area of the National Park before or after check-in/check-out without a separate parking reservation
- All campers must hike to the Grotto/Indian Head Cove from their campsite. Camping permits are not valid for Cyprus Lake day-use parking lots (P1)
Access to the park before check-in at 2:00 pm
- Accessing the park early?
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- Prior to the 2:00 pm check-in, campers can enjoy our two first-come, first-serve locations at no extra charge. Present your camping reservation confirmation to staff at those locations and they will supply a temporary parking permit. First-come, first-serve locations include the Parks Canada Visitor Centre and Singing Sands beach area. (Subject to parking availability)
- Campers looking to visit Halfway Log Dump always require a reservation for a 6-hour time slot. Day-use fees will be refunded at time of reservation check-in with proof of camping permit for that day
- Campers looking to access the Cyprus Lake area (including the Grotto and Indian Head Cove) of the park before 2:00 pm should make a separate 4-hour time slot reservation for the day-use parking area. Note: you will not be able to access your campsite until 2:00 pm
- A separate reservation for Cyprus Lake area trails not required after 2:00 pm check-in and up until 11:00 am on day of departure. Campers are required to hike from their campsite and are not permitted to park in the P1 day-use area
After Check-out time at Cyprus Lake Campgrounds at 11:00 am
- Looking to stay later?
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- All camping permits expire at 11:00 am on the day of departure and campers must be out of the Cyprus Lake area at that time
- Campers looking to access any area of the park after 11:00 am on their day of check-out, must purchase day-use and parking permits
- Campers looking to access the Cyprus Lake area (including the Grotto and Indian head Cove) after 11:00 am on their day of check-out, must reserve a 4-hour time slot online
- Campers looking to access Halfway Log Dump area must reserve a 6-hour time slot online
- Campers looking to access our first-come, first-serve locations after 11:00 am on day of departure can purchase day-use and parking permits at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre or Singing Sands beach area (subject to parking availability)
Notice: Cliffs claim lives! Cliff jumping in Bruce Peninsula National Park is extremely dangerous
Activities
- Hiking
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- Visitors with a valid camping permit (after 2:00 pm on day of check-in and up until 11:00 am on day of check-out) can access all the hiking trails in the Cyprus Lake area right from their campsite
- Hiking trail descriptions can be found at the park's hiking page
- Campers with a valid camping permit displayed on their dash can also access the first-come, first-serve hiking and day-use areas, the Parks Canada Visitor Centre and Singing Sands, without any additional fees (subject to parking availability)
- Please note: Campers with a valid camping permit are still required to make a reservation to access the parking lot at Halfway Log Dump. Parking and day-use fees will be refunded upon arrival, with proof of camping pass
- Swimming
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- Cyprus Lake is the best spot for a cool off or swim while camping in Bruce Peninsula National Park. The campground runs right along the lake and is often much calmer and warmer than Lake Huron and Georgian Bay
- There are no lifeguards on duty anywhere in Bruce Peninsula National Park. Swim at your own risk. Please use proper judgement
- Notice: While the waters of Georgian Bay may look inviting, this rocky and unpredictable shoreline has claimed lives. Visitors should come prepared with proper personal protective equipment for swimming (life jackets). The water is rough and the waves make it difficult to exit the water on the slippery rocks. The water is extremely cold, even in the middle of summer, and can cause your body to go into shock. Please use proper judgement when accessing water conditions
- Cliff jumping is extremely dangerous and has claimed lives
- Fishing
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- Fishing is permitted in Cyprus Lake with a valid Ontario fishing license
- Users should follow the Ontario Fishing Regulations on catch and possession limits
- Natural or live bait is not permitted, in order to stop the spread of invasive species
- Canoeing and Kayaking
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- Cyprus Lake is the best spot for canoeing/ kayaking while camping with it’s close proximity to the campground and often calm waters
- There are multiple access points along Cyprus Lake to launch a canoe/ kayak
- Note - campers may drop their canoe/ kayak off closer to launch areas in the campground but are only permitted to park their vehicle on their campsite or overflow parking, not at the launch areas
- At this time, there are no kayak/canoe rentals within Bruce Peninsula National Park
- Motorized vessels are not permitted on Cyprus Lake and Emmett Lake
- Biking
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- Bikes are only permitted on the Multi-use Trail in the Cyprus Lake area of the park
- The Multi-use Trail is a 4.3km gravel trail connecting all sections of the Cyprus Lake Campground
BARE Campsite
Numerous scavengers, including bears live within the boundaries of Bruce Peninsula National Park. We share this landscape with animals that depend on it for their survival. Remember, you are coming into their home. A special effort is being made by park staff and campers to ensure that wildlife attractants are never left unattended in our campground. The BARE Campsite program is in place for your safety, and to help keep the wildlife in our national parks alive and wild.
Animals need to find their own natural food sources, not yours. By feeding an animal or leaving your scented food items unattended, you attract it to roadsides, picnic areas and campgrounds. This is dangerous for you and for the animals.
By camping in a national park, you agree to store all food and scented items in a hard sided vehicle with the windows rolled up.
How to keep a BARE campsite:
- Store all food, scented items and hygiene products in a hard-sided vehicle/trailer/motorhome (not in a tent, tent- trailer or bed of a pick-up truck) when not in use. This includes: coolers (full or empty), BBQs (clean or dirty), bug spray, drinks, dirty dishes/ pots, garbage, pet food/bowls, etc.
- Keep your stove and BBQ clean when not in use. Store them securely (Ensure all cookware is stored away when not on site, even if they are unused or clean)
- The policy applies whenever these items are not in use, at night while you are sleeping or when your site is unattended for any length of time
- When away from your site, you may leave out your camping furniture (e.g. lawn chairs, lanterns, and tents)
If your campsite is not BARE:
- Park staff will be patrolling the campground regularly to ensure that campers have not left anything out at their site that could attract wildlife
- If you come back to your site and items that you had left unattended are missing, look for a written notice left by park staff. It contains further instructions on where your items are being stored
- Campers who fail to comply with the requirements of the BARE Campsite program may have their camping permit cancelled, with no refund and/or face fines
We are the key to the long term survival of our wildlife
When people leave their food out, bears and other animals can lose their fear of humans. Once an animal gets used to human food, they become a risk to public safety and may have to be relocated or destroyed. By keeping a “BARE” campsite, you are playing an important part in keeping the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula’s wildlife wild and visitors safe.
How to properly wash dishes in the campground
What to bring:
- A pot for boiling water
- A camp stove
- Proper fuel for stove
- Collapsible sink/ tub or basin
- Biodegradable soap
- A spatula
- Scrub brush/ wash cloth
- Tea towel or towel for drying
How to clean your dishes
- Fill a pot with water and bring back to your site
- Warm the water over a camp stove - add in additional cold water if the water becomes too hot
- While water is warming - using a spatula, scrap all food residue into a garbage bag or container. Ensure there are no bits of food or food residue left on dishes - this is the most important step to ensure the water is safe for disposal at the end
- Dish washing should always take place at your campsite. Pour warm water into the water basin with some biodegradable camp soap. These soaps are often concentrated so you should only need a few drops
- Put clean and soapy dishes on a clean surface while you wash the rest of the dirty but food residue free dishes
- Once all the dishes are clean but soapy - rinse off dishes over the basin with cool, clean water. Ensure all soapy residue goes into the wash basin
- Dispose of the “grey water” that is free of any food scraps or residue (because you did such a great job of step 3) in your firepit
- Remember to store your garbage properly in a hard-sided vehicle/ trailer/ motorhome, a metal campground food storage locker or dispose of it at the waste facility in the campground
By washing your dishes in an environmentally friendly and animal safe way, you are helping to create a safe environment for wildlife and fellow campers. As Parks lovers, it is our job to keep our natural environment safe for future generations.
Camping basics
Camping for the first time and don’t know where to start? Or maybe it’s been a while and you need a refresher? Parks Canada’s Learn-to Camp program has tools to help you plan a great camping trip.
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