Exploring Nagagamisis Provincial Park
It’s the kind of park that makes you feel like you’ve found a secret corner of Northern Ontario.
If you’re looking for an incredible campground tucked away from the usual road trip stops, Nagagamisis Provincial Park is your go-to choice. Tucked along Highway 631, this park is the kind of place that feels like a secret for those who love the outdoors, road trips, and really getting away from it all. It’s cozy, rustic, and absolutely perfect for campers who want that real outdoors vibe without totally roughing it.
Getting There
Nagagamisis is a park that requires planning to reach, which is exactly why it’s so special. Tucked away along Highway 631, this park is ideal for those who love road trips, the outdoors, and getting off the beaten path. It’s not on the way to, well, anything, but making the trip is the exact reason why you should go.
This park is an awesome stop on any Northern Ontario road trip. You have two scenic driving option routes:
From Highway 11 via Hearst – a calm, peaceful drive through the boreal forest that gets you in the outdoorsy mood right away.
From Highway 17 via White River – a scenic drive along the Lake Superior coast with rugged landscapes and endless photo ops.
No matter which route you take, the journey here is just as beautiful as the destination. Keep an eye out for the Black Fox! I saw one while driving down Highway 631, and it was the coolest animal I have ever seen.
Camping at Nagagamisis
Car camping is available at two campgrounds, both of which are conveniently located near showers, a laundromat, and flush toilets. Keep in mind, there are no electrical sites, which makes it feel more rustic and ‘campy’. But the campground gives you the perfect in-between for anyone who wants a true camping vibe without completely going off-grid.
I highly recommend booking a campsite that is right on the water, honestly, they’re jaw-dropping. Imagine falling asleep to the sounds of the lake, waking up to a misty morning over the water, or ending your day with a sunset that paints the sky in every shade of orange and pink. When making a reservation through Ontario Parks, look for the sites in Bedwash Campground located along the water. Each site has its own stairs leading down to your private lakeshore spot!
Outdoor Adventures
The lake’s name in Cree means “lake with fine, sandy shores”, and it truly lives up to that. It’s part of a larger Boreal Forest landscape, so while camping at Nagagmisis, you have endless options for paddling, fishing, or just exploring the shoreline.
Nagagamisis is definitely a big spot for fishing. You can reel in Walleye, Northern Pike, Lake Whitefish, or Yellow Perch. After a successful day of fishing, use the fish cleaning hut nearby, close to the fish smoker.
The best part (in my opinion) is the park’s remote location, the night skies are incredible. Bring a blanket, look up, and you might catch a meteor shower. Or if you’re lucky, a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
The park also has two walking trails:
Shaganash Trail 4 km (2 hours) moderate
This trail follows the shoreline of Park Lake. Interpretive stops along the way explain how Indigenous People used plants and wildlife to survive in this environment.
Time Trail 1.5 km loop (1.5 hours) moderate
Along the trail are signs of the different stages of this land’s development.
Why You Should Go
Nagagamisis Provincial Park is, in itself, the destination. Its remote location and the travel time to get there mean this isn’t a quick overnight stop. It’s an opportunity to unplug, relax, and fully soak in the outdoors. Plan for a long weekend, or add it as an extended highlight on a Northern Ontario road trip. The combination of incredible lakeside campsites, serene forest, and wide-open skies makes it worth every minute of the journey.
