Tag: camping

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Camping Showdown

Ontario Parks vs. Glamping vs. Cabinscape Kawartha Quarry Campground

Which Camping Experience is Right for You?

Looking to escape into nature, but not sure what kind of experience is right for you? Whether you’re a rugged traditionalist, a luxury seeker, or someone who wants the best of both worlds, Ontario offers a wide range of outdoor getaways.

From classic Ontario Provincial Parks camping, to high-end glamping, to Cabinscape’s private Kawartha Quarry campground, we’re breaking down the pros, cons, and key differences so you can choose the perfect wilderness escape!

Option 1: Traditional Camping at Ontario Provincial Parks

Best for: DIY campers, budget-conscious travelers, nature lovers who enjoy roughing it

Ontario’s Provincial Parks are beloved for their natural beauty, expansive hiking trails, and accessible pricing. With over 100 parks to choose from, it’s a go-to option for those who don’t mind packing their own gear!

If you’re well-equipped, plan months ahead, and don’t mind sharing space with fellow campers, Ontario Parks offer affordable escapes into the wild.

TIP: If you’re eyeing a stay at a popular park like Balsam Lake Provincial Park, be sure to book well in advance; spots often sell out quickly in peak season!

Option 2: High-End Glamping Resorts

Best for: Luxury travelers, couples’ getaways, special occasions

Glamping resorts across Ontario, like Whispering Springs, Fronterra, or Alabaster Acres, offer ultra-comfy setups like king beds, stylish interiors, and even room service in the woods.

If you’re looking to escape into nature without sacrificing any comfort, glamping resorts offer a luxurious way to unwind. Perfect for romantic getaways or special occasions, these stays come with hotel-style amenities; just expect to pay a premium!

Option 3: Cabinscape Kawartha Quarry

Best for: Adventurers who want the great outdoors with more privacy and less hassle, first-time campers, young families, couples, and small groups

Cabinscape’s Kawartha Quarry campground offers a unique hybrid: all the beauty of camping minus crowds, chaos, and hauling/purchasing your own gear. It’s a wilderness experience with thoughtfully placed campsites and convenient amenities making it perfect for anyone seeking a balance or comfort and seclusion.

This isn’t glamping with chandeliers or a tent in a packed campground; it’s real nature, simplified for people who want the outdoor experience without all the hassle.

Cabinscape offers a comfort-meets-wilderness escape, just steps away from some of Ontario’s most beautiful landscapes.



What Kind of Camper Are You?
Still unsure? Here’s a quick comparison:


Final Thoughts: What Kind of Escape Are You Craving?

If you’re chasing that traditional, rugged camping adventure and don’t mind the crowds, planning far in advance, or purchasing/hauling your own gear, Ontario Parks might be your ideal pick.

If you’re after a pampered escape with all the luxuries of a boutique hotel, glamping resorts are worth the splurge.

But if you’re craving nature, convenience, and simplicity – without needing to invest in camping gear or sacrifice comfort- Cabinscape Kawartha Quarry campground might be your perfect match.

Ready to Experience the Best of Both Worlds?

Skip the stress, skip the set-up, and just show up to nature.

Book your Cabinscape Kawartha Quarry campsite now and get ready to enjoy lakeside mornings, shared private beach access, and a fully prepped site – all without lifting a tent pole!

BOOK YOUR CAMPING ESCAPE NOW

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Your Early-Spring Outdoor Bucket List

Spring Awakening: Your Essential Guide to Early-Season Outdoor Adventures

As we emerge from the grip of winter, the shoulder season is upon us! This is your guide to embracing the wild wonders of nature during these transitional months, packed with exciting activities to keep you outdoors and loving every muddy minute of it.

EXPLORE OUTDOORS

Early Spring hiking offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature as we transition into a season of renewal.

Our Guide to the Best Hiking Trails will help you plan your route.

From there, enhance your outdoor adventure by including a scavenger hunt, perfect for families and solo hikers alike. Enjoy observing the emergence of new plant life and listening to the melodies of the forest. Kids will love playing “Eye Spy”, discovering the sights and sounds of the wilderness. While adults may enjoy a slower pace, turning their hike into a mindful meditation surrounded by the tranquility of the forest.

Don’t forget to gear up the muddy, wet and occasionally icy terrain with waterproof boots!

Jumping in puddles is optional (but definitely encouraged!)



TRY COLD PLUNGING

As the lakes begin their spring thaw, consider adding cold plunging to your outdoor activity list.

Beyond the exhilarating rush, cold plunging offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental health, such as improved circulation, heightened alertness, enhanced mood and lower anxiety levels.

Our waterfront cabins are the perfect location to practice plunging, with the lake just steps from your door.

Be sure to exercise caution whenever cold plunging and always go with a buddy!




ENJOY MAPLE SYRUP SEASON

March & Early April is Maple Season in Ontario. Celebrate the sweetest season of all with a visit to the Sugar Shack to check out how sap is collected and produced into the sticky, sweet deliciousness we all know and love. With all four of our regions featuring nearby Maple activities, this is one experience you won’t want to miss out on.

For more inspiration be sure to check out our detailed Maple Season Guide.

LOOK UP AT THE STARS

With temperatures becoming less frigid, early Spring is an excellent time to bundle up and head outside gaze up at the stars. With several celestial events on the horizon this season you won’t want to miss out on the awe-inducing beauty of staring up at the night sky!

Get out of the city and head to one of our remote cabin locations which provide the perfect, unobstructed backdrop for viewing the stars and constellations.

Upcoming celestial events include:

For more details check out our Guide to Star Gazing in Ontario

CREATE A CABIN CRAFT

Let nature spark your creativity! When weather conditions aren’t ideal consider an indoor craft inspired by the great outdoors.

Cabin crafts are for adventurers of all ages and can include:

  • Colouring, drawing & sketching
  • Fibre arts such as knitting and crochet
  • Needlepoint & embroidery
  • Painting

Kids (and kids at heart) will love creating a Leaf Collage. During a hike collect fallen leaves of varying kinds and bring them back to the cabin. Spend time arranging the leaves into a collage and use a glue stick to stick them to your paper of choice. The perfect souvenir to take home from your trip!

EXPLORE LOCAL-WONDERS

Early spring is a great time to explore the local wonders of the region, visit small towns, farms, provinicial parks and partake in unique activities.

Fan Favourite:
The Wolf Centre in Haliburton Forest. This self-guided experience offers educational exhibits on wolf behaviour and ecology. Be sure to visit the observatory where you may even catch an exciting glimpse of the forest’s Wolf Pack!

Local tourism sites are a great resource when planning the perfect, early-spring getaway. Each of our four regions, Lanark, Calabogie, Haliburton and Kawartha offer a wide range of local experiences and activities for you to enjoy.




Grab your boots and your sense of adventure, because the shoulder season is calling! Embrace the mud, the challenges and most importantly embrace the beauty of early spring in all it’s untamed glory.

Ready to turn your early spring daydreams into reality? Our cozy cabins offer the perfect sanctuary to reconnect with the great outdoors. Reserve your time in nature and let the rejuvenating magic of early spring unfold around you.

EXPLORE OUR CABINS

Blog by: Rachel Naish & Photo Credits: Zach Washburn, Sarah Vander Zaag, Vanessa Moniz