Mara Provincial Park

mara

Ontario Parks
muskoka georgian bay · Ontario · reservable

what to expect

Day Use: Mara Provincial Park is located on the shores of Lake Simcoe and prides itself on having one of the best beaches on the lake. Bring your canoe or kayak to access the lake and the fishing opportunities that Lake Simcoe has to offer. One picnic shelter is available to reserve for larger groups and is located in the day use area just steps away from the beach.

Camping: Mara is a small family friendly park that allows campers to easily walk or bicycle throughout the park. Mara has a range of campsite options that can accommodate equipment ranging from tents to large trailers which are all accessible to the barrier free comfort station with showers.

the basics

flush toiletspet-friendlyaccessible
drive from edmonton
35.3h · 2647 km
drive from calgary
35.5h · 2662 km
drive from vancouver
44.2h · 3316 km

stay options nearby

independent operators within search radius. campsearch may earn a commission on these links — see disclosure.

private campgrounds
camp at a private site

small farms, glamping, off-grid sites listed on Hipcamp near mara.

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hotel nearby
not camping after all?

hotels and inns near mara when plans change.

check booking.com

what to know

updated each morning from provincial parks and Environment Canada.

no fire ban active
Last checked from the provincial fire-ban feed. Check at the gate before you light — conditions change.
pet-friendly
Dogs are allowed on-leash. Pick up after them; some parks have leash-length rules at the trailheads.

what to bring

this list adapts to mara. no showers means a travel towel; the lake means a swimsuit;

common questions about mara

can dogs camp at mara?
Yes. Mara Provincial Park allows dogs on-leash according to operator policy. Confirm specific site-level restrictions with the operator at booking time.
does mara have electric hookups?
No. Mara Provincial Park does not list electric hookups in its amenity profile. Plan for off-grid use.
how far is mara from edmonton?
Mara Provincial Park is 2647 km from Edmonton — approximately a 35.3-hour drive on highway routes.
do you need reservations at mara?
Yes. Mara Provincial Park is operated by Ontario Parks and uses an online reservation system. Book direct via the operator link on this page.
when is the best time to camp at mara?
Peak season at Mara Provincial Park aligns with swimmable months — Jun through Aug. Shoulder months (May, September) offer fewer crowds.

nearby places

within ~100 km of mara.

data last refreshed 2026-05-14 from ontario parks + open sources

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Provincial parks rely on volunteer stewards for trail maintenance, beach clean-ups, and shoulder-season hosting. Most parks run programs through their park association.

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