Folks have asked for some more details about camping at Rushing River after my first post on Rushing River. Great! Hear are some more details and really hope folks are inspired to visit!
Rushing River: The Park
Rushing River is about 20-25 minutes from the town of Kenora – a very cute and pretty town in the northwest edge of Ontario. The park wraps itself around the western edge of Dogtooth Lake, and has some of the most beautiful camping sites on either edge of the lake. Tall pines and rocky shores along with sandy beaches, are common features.
It has 2 large boat docks, for the boating fans and if you know the lake well, you can be on the lake for hours and can enjoy lunch on many islands. If you don’t like boats, then you can canoe, kayak or paddle-board or just float, on the lake.
There is a point where the lake pours into a smaller lake/river and creates some majestic falls. It’s the drawing card and name sake of this park “Rushing River”.
The park is perfect for families or singles or couples without kids. It is extremely well maintained and they are very good at keeping the park quiet so that everyone can enjoy it. You will find modern showers and also modern bathroom facilities. You will also find outhouses peppered throughout the campground and running potable water.
There is a campground store nearby (about 3 minutes by car outside of the park gates) and a small coffee shop in the park that serves coffee and some light snacks. You can rent canoes at the store and if you forget something “big”, the town of Kenora will have everything you need!
Campgrounds
More about the campgrounds. The campgrounds are divided into about 4 zones. There is a 5th Group Camping zone, but I’ll focus on the individual campsites for now.
I’ve been going here for over a decade, and have stayed in all 4 zones. Of course I have my favourites zones – the north west and south east zones. No matter the zone, I have always enjoyed this park.
There are many sites on the water and why I pick the north west and south east zones – for easy access to the lake. (There are also many sites not on the water, and perfect for campers and RVs). If you are interested in these sites, check out the following sites. While there aren’t the only sites but some of the ones I’ve used.
67, 105, 106, 104, 110, and 225-231
You have sites that are flat and level and perfect for RVs). On other sites you will park on the hill, and then walk all your gear down. Although this may feel like a pain, these are some of the most beautiful sites! My friends and I gripe each time about the haul down the hill. The minute we are done and sipping a nice wine, and staring at the lake, the griping is over!!!!!!
The Lake
The lake is the drawing card. I will have more to say about the lake, but for this post, I will share some of the highlights.
If you want to have a relaxing paddle or just float slowly down the lake, this lake is for you. The Dogtooth Lake is the centre of this park, literally. Some folks jet ski, others bring their motorboats and head out for some fishing. Others spend their day at the beach, where its shallow and go for a swim.I like to paddle-board up and down the lake. There are a few sites where you can access the lake right from your site.
Whatever water sport is a fit for you, chances are you can enjoy it on this lake.
Hiking
Rushing River also has 4 hiking trails near by. I’ve attached a copy of the trails map, courtesy of Ontario Parks. All various lengths. Some are short and one that can last a few hours but has some beautiful scenery. All of the trails are accessible from the park and all have parking lots near by.
The Area
Rushing River is located in an area that features other campgrounds, and towns. There is a lot to explore. If you leave the park and go south, you will head down to places like Nestor Falls and Sioux Narrows. Perfect afternoon trips and lots to see. If you go down to the US border, you will be able to visit Fort Frances. From there, you can cross the border and spend time at the International Falls.
If You Decide to Go
Like many campsites today, you can reserve online. One hint: this park is very popular in the summer and if you want to get a lake side site, you will have to book it 6 months in advance. If you don’t care about a water site, then you can book those a few weeks or a few days ahead (with the exception on long weekends).
