Camping & Hiking · Water Sports · Ontario
Achray Campground Office
A quiet campground on Grand Lake in Algonquin Park's east side, loved as a paddling and hiking base near Barron Canyon and High Falls. Expect heavy spring bugs and no cell service.
Camping & Hiking · Water Sports · Ontario
A quiet campground on Grand Lake in Algonquin Park's east side, loved as a paddling and hiking base near Barron Canyon and High Falls. Expect heavy spring bugs and no cell service.
Achray sits on Grand Lake on the east side of Algonquin Park, a little off the main roads. Reviewers describe it as remote but popular, with sandy beaches, water-facing sites and a peaceful feel. One visitor has been coming for 30 years and still calls it a favourite, and many describe it as a paddler's campground first.
Sites are large with good tree cover for tarps and hammocks, and many sit right on the water with a small private swimming spot. Look at site photos before booking, since some offer little privacy. There are flush toilets and sinks plus outhouses, and staff at the small office are called friendly and helpful. The camp store sells firewood and basics, and canoe and kayak rentals are available right at the office. There is also a waterfront yurt with bunks, a deck and a propane barbecue.
The campground is a base for portaging and day trips. Reviewers hike the Jack Pine trail from the campground, drive to High Falls and the Barron Canyon trail, and paddle Grand Lake. One hiker covered the full trail network of over 20 km in a day, though the stretch from High Falls to Bucholtz Lake was rough. Wildlife sightings include loons, frogs and plenty of chipmunks.
Come prepared. Late-May mosquitoes were close to unbearable for one camper, so bring a bug net and hat. Zebra mussels on the beach mean water shoes are wise, and there's no cell service. It fills up in summer, and one kayaker warned that the paddle-in route and portage can be tricky with a loaded boat. A guest who stayed in the yurt a year ago found it in poor repair.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 209 Google reviews. Details change — confirm hours, prices and bookings with Achray Campground Office directly.