Hiking Mew Lake Campground - panoramic view tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
--°C
Loading...
See forecast →

Hiking in Mew Lake Campground: trails, map and practical info

Algonquin Park, Almaguin Highlands, Muskoka and Parry Sound • Ontario

4.6 Appreciated by 42 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 19/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Elevation
20 ft

Explore Algonquin Park's premier campground base in Ontario's Almaguin Highlands, where 20 m elevation and accessible terrain suit all abilities. Track and Tower Trail delivers sweeping forest vistas, while the Old Railway route offers year-round hiking through Canadian Shield wilderness—perfect for families seeking balance between comfort and immersion.

Recommended for :

Ready to explore Mew Lake Campground? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

Oh no! We don't have any photos 😢

This trail hasn't been captured yet. Be the first to share your adventure!

Trail description

Campground Facilities

Mew Lake Campground is well set up for an extended stay. The campground offers modern camping amenities and comfortable heated yurts, both available year-round for those seeking to experience Algonquin across all four seasons.

The sites themselves are laid out with privacy in mind — the natural forest cover is largely preserved between sites, so you're not staring at your neighbours across a cleared field. Many sites have direct or near-direct access to the lake, and the mix of shade and open space means you can usually find a site that suits your preference. The overall layout keeps you feeling like you're in the woods rather than a parking lot with trees.

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
See price
Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
ON-60, Unorganized South Nipissing District, ON K0J 2M0, Canada
GPS coordinates
45.5759896, -78.5129028
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The mew lake campground is located in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario. To get to the start of the trails, drive into the park and follow the signs to the campground. Once you are in the campground, follow the signs to the trailhead.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
45.5759896, -78.5129028
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.6
21 Reviews
D
David
Mar 8, 2026
My stay at Mew Lake was memorable, with abundant wildlife including songbirds and opportunities to observe deer throughout the day. The evening campfire experience under a starlit sky was particularly special, offering the perfect setting for nature enthusiasts and those seeking peaceful moments in the wilderness surrounded by natural beauty.
M
Marcus
Feb 15, 2026
Stayed at Mew Lake for five nights and had an incredible wildlife experience. Spotted moose, deer, wolves, and even a black bear foraging for blueberries near the Old Railway Trail. The campground facilities are well-maintained with clean washrooms and showers. Sites 83-94 offer the best lakefront privacy away from Highway 60 traffic noise. Great base camp for exploring Algonquin's hiking trails, though the lake itself is quite small for canoeing.
D
David
Feb 14, 2026
Mew Lake delivered an unforgettable camping experience surrounded by abundant wildlife and natural tranquility. The evening campfire under a starlit sky was particularly memorable, with songbirds providing a constant natural soundtrack and opportunities to observe deer throughout the grounds. This destination perfectly captures the essence of wilderness camping for nature enthusiasts.
R
Robert
Dec 20, 2025
Winter camping at Mew Lake was a unique experience with excellent snow conditions for snowshoeing and skating at the comfort station rink. The campground is much quieter in winter with fewer crowds. However, water taps are drained for winter so come prepared. Firewood is expensive at $6.50 per bag and often wet birch that's difficult to light. Despite these issues, the peaceful winter atmosphere and access to winter trails made it worthwhile.
R
Robert
Dec 10, 2025
Mew Lake offers a solid camping experience with good access to natural attractions and reasonable facilities. The location provides decent opportunities for wildlife observation and relaxation, though visitors should be aware of parking fees and entry costs. Overall, it's a worthwhile destination for those seeking a balanced outdoor experience in Algonquin Park.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
20.00
No
No
Mew Lake Campground has a minimal elevation gain of 20 meters, making it accessible for hikers of all fitness levels. This gentle terrain is ideal for families and those seeking a leisurely outdoor experience.
Mew Lake Campground is open from sunrise to sunset. Plan your visit accordingly and ensure you complete your activities before dark.
Mew Lake Campground is located within Algonquin Provincial Park, which requires park entry fees and may require reservations for camping. Contact Algonquin Park directly or visit their official website for current reservation policies and fees.
Mew Lake Campground is accessed by driving into Algonquin Provincial Park and following signs to the campground, then to the trailhead. Check park conditions and access restrictions before your visit, as seasonal closures or maintenance may affect availability.
Didn't find your answer?
Free 1 pages

The Essential Hiking Checklist

Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

Download the free checklist
Top 10 best hiking in Algonquin Park, Almaguin Highlands, Muskoka and Parry Sound
Our ranking based on hiker reviews

Hiking near Barrie

146 trails to explore ~161 km away

View trails
Did you spot an error?

We work hard to provide the most up-to-date and error-free data possible. If something seems incorrect, let us know!

Update : June 2026