Ontario Provincial Parks

Marten River Provincial Park is located near the community of Marten River, Ontario, along Highway 11 in northeastern Ontario. The park protects a small but diverse landscape shaped by Canadian Shield geology, forested terrain, and nearby river and lake systems typical of this region.

As an operating provincial park, Marten River Provincial Park provides campground and day-use facilities that support a range of outdoor activities. The surrounding waterways offer opportunities for paddling and angling, while forested areas and short trails support walking and nature observation. The park’s setting reflects the transitional landscape between the Algonquin Highlands and northern boreal forest.

The natural environment supports common northern wildlife species and a mix of coniferous and mixed forest vegetation. Proximity to the Marten River and nearby lakes contributes to the park’s role as a convenient access point for water-based recreation within a managed setting.

Marten River Provincial Park is intended to provide accessible outdoor recreation for travellers and local visitors while maintaining the natural character of the landscape. Its primary function is to offer short-stay camping and day-use opportunities within a protected roadside park environment.

General Information

Location

Marten River Provincial Park is situated near the charming community of Marten River, offering a gateway to the natural wonders of Northern Ontario.

Latitude: 49.6583346 Longitude: -89.40982199

Camping

Located near the community of Marten River in Ontario, Marten River Provincial Park offers a welcoming camping experience amidst the natural beauty of the Temagami region. The park features two main campgrounds—Chicot Campground (Sites 1–114) and Assinika Campground (Sites 115–216)—providing a total of 193 campsites, with 105 offering electrical hookups to accommodate both tent and RV campers.

Car Camping

Both campgrounds offer spacious sites suitable for car and RV camping, with many sites equipped with electrical hookups. Amenities such as freshwater taps, comfort stations with showers, and laundry facilities are conveniently located nearby, ensuring a comfortable stay for all visitors.

Tent Camping

For those preferring a more traditional camping experience, non-electrical campsites are available within both campgrounds. These sites are nestled among the park’s towering pines, providing a serene and natural setting for tent campers.

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Facilities & Recreation

Marten River Provincial Park is a well-serviced, operating park that offers a comfortable mix of camping, day use, and water-based recreation in a scenic northern Ontario setting. A staffed entrance operates during the season, helping manage visitor access while maintaining a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for families, campers, and day visitors.

Water activities are a central part of the park experience. A boat launch provides easy access to Marten River, Bruce Lake, and nearby waterways, making boating, canoeing, and kayaking popular options. The calm waters and varied shoreline are well suited to relaxed paddling, while anglers can fish for species such as walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and perch in accordance with provincial regulations.

Day-use visitors can enjoy a designated area that includes picnic tables, open green space, and access to a sandy swimming beach along the river. The beach offers a pleasant spot for cooling off during warm weather, and nearby amenities make it easy to spend several hours enjoying the park without staying overnight. A playground close to the day-use area adds to the park’s appeal for families with children.

Camping facilities at Marten River Provincial Park are extensive and designed for comfort. Campsites accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs, with both electrical and non-electrical options available. Accessible campsites, barrier-free washrooms, treated drinking water, flush toilets, hot showers, laundry facilities, and an RV dumping station all support longer and more convenient stays.

Hiking opportunities allow visitors to explore the park’s natural and cultural landscape. Trails such as the Transition Trail and the Old Growth Trail pass through forested areas, wetlands, and interpretive sites that highlight the region’s natural history and logging heritage. These easy-to-moderate walks are suitable for a wide range of visitors.

Additional amenities include on-site firewood and ice sales, a park store with camping supplies, snacks, souvenirs, and fishing gear, as well as designated group camping areas for larger gatherings. Pets are welcome throughout the park when kept under control, with a designated pet exercise area and pet-friendly beach available. While winter access is possible for snowshoeing and informal exploration, facilities are not maintained outside the operating season.

Nearby Attractions

Temagami Fire Tower: Located approximately 40 kilometers north of Marten River, the Temagami Fire Tower stands atop Caribou Mountain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding forests and lakes, accessible via a short hike.

Caribou Mountain Lookout: Adjacent to the Temagami Fire Tower, this lookout provides breathtaking vistas of the Temagami region’s rugged landscape, making it a popular spot for photography and sightseeing.

White Bear Forest Trails: Situated near Temagami, these trails wind through one of the last remaining old-growth white pine forests, offering hikers a serene experience amidst towering trees and diverse wildlife.

Red Cedar Lake: Approximately 30 kilometers in length, Red Cedar Lake is a man-made reservoir popular for fishing, boating, and its scenic shoreline, with fish species including walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass.

Lower Redwater Lake: Located near the settlement of Redwater, this freshwater lake serves as the primary outflow for the Marten River, offering opportunities for canoeing and enjoying the tranquil natural surroundings.

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