Ontario Provincial Parks

Sandbanks Provincial Park is one of Ontario’s most iconic and heavily visited provincial parks, located near Picton in the heart of Prince Edward County. Famous for its sweeping sandy beaches and striking dune landscapes, the park protects the world’s largest freshwater baymouth sand dune system, creating a coastal environment that feels unlike anywhere else in the province.

Sandbanks is best known for its beaches, with Outlet Beach, Dunes Beach, and Lakeshore Beach drawing visitors throughout the warmer months. These wide stretches of soft sand and shallow, warm waters are ideal for swimming, wading, and family-friendly beach days. The dunes themselves rise dramatically behind the shoreline, offering a unique and ever-changing landscape shaped by wind and water. Boardwalks and designated access points help protect these sensitive formations while still allowing visitors to enjoy their beauty.

Beyond the shoreline, Sandbanks Provincial Park supports a diverse range of ecosystems, including wetlands, grasslands, and forested areas. These habitats provide important shelter for birds, insects, and plant species, making the park a rewarding destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Several walking and hiking trails, such as the Dunes Trail and Woodland Trail, allow visitors to explore these environments and gain a deeper appreciation of the park’s ecological importance.

Camping is a major draw at Sandbanks, with multiple campgrounds offering sites for tents, trailers, and RVs. Modern amenities such as comfort stations, showers, and a park store make extended stays comfortable and convenient. Due to its popularity, advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak summer months.

Situated close to Picton, Sandbanks Provincial Park is also a perfect base for exploring Prince Edward County’s wineries, beaches, restaurants, and artisan shops. Whether spending the day on the sand, hiking through dune landscapes, or camping under the stars, Sandbanks delivers a memorable outdoor experience that blends natural beauty with classic summer recreation.

General Information

Location

Latitude: 49.758122 Longitude: -92.653490

Camping

Sandbanks Provincial Park is a favorite destination for beach lovers and campers alike. Famous for its stunning sand dunes and beautiful beaches, Sandbanks offers a variety of camping options, making it perfect whether you’re pitching a tent, towing a trailer, or gathering with a group of friends and family.

Car Camping

Sandbanks has over 500 car camping sites spread across five campground areas: Outlet River A & B, Cedars, Richardson’s, and Woodlands. Sites range from tent-only spots to large trailer-friendly locations, with many featuring easy access to water taps, comfort stations, and laundry facilities. Whether you prefer a lively atmosphere close to the beach or a more private, sheltered campsite, you’ll find a spot that suits your camping style.

Outlet River Campgrounds (A & B)

Outlet A is a bustling, popular campground featuring many waterfront sites. Some offer electrical service, perfect for campers who need a little extra power. Sites here are close together, creating a social vibe. Outlet B provides a bit more elbow room and offers some scenic spots along the Outlet River, including a loop with convenient electrical pull-through sites.

Cedars Campground

If you’re looking for a quieter, family-friendly experience, Cedars is a great choice. Campsites here are more sheltered and private, with less traffic than the Outlet areas. Plus, you’re still close to the beach for easy daytime adventures.

Woodlands Campground

Woodlands sits between East and West Lake sectors and offers a mix of shady and sunny sites, all with electrical hookups. Fall campers especially appreciate the sunny spots for a little extra warmth. The campground is just a short walk from swimming areas, boating facilities, and the Visitor Centre.

Richardson’s Campground

Richardson’s features a blend of sunny and shady campsites, with 19 sites offering electrical service. It’s a peaceful setting where you can unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Sandbanks.

Group Camping

Sandbanks also has two group campsites, perfect for larger gatherings of 30 to 50 people. These sites are tent-only and equipped with nearby water taps and vault toilets. While trailers aren’t permitted in the group camping area, you’ll find that Outlet Beach is just about 1 km away, making it a quick and easy trip for a refreshing swim.

Facilities & Recreation

Sandbanks Provincial Park is a busy, operating park known for its extensive beaches, dune systems, and well-developed visitor facilities. Controlled access is in place to help protect the park’s sensitive landscapes and manage high visitation, especially during peak summer months. Barrier-free comfort stations and an accessible one-kilometre loop on the Sandbanks Dunes Trail help ensure the park can be enjoyed by visitors of all abilities, and potable drinking water is available throughout the park.

Day-use activities are a major draw, with three distinct sandy beaches—Outlet Beach, Lakeshore Beach, and Dunes Beach—each offering a different experience. Outlet and Lakeshore beaches feature gradual lake entry that suits families, while Dunes Beach is known for its dramatic sand formations and steeper drop-off into the water. Picnic tables, reservable mini picnic shelters, and emergency phones are located in beach areas, making Sandbanks a popular destination for full-day visits focused on swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing by the lake.

Water-based recreation extends beyond the beaches to Lake Ontario, East Lake, West Lake, and the Outlet River. Boating is permitted with restrictions near swimming areas, and a seasonal boat launch within the park supports smaller boats, while larger launches are available nearby. Canoeing and kayaking are especially popular on the Outlet River, where calm water and marsh habitats make it ideal for beginners. Rentals for canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are available, along with personal flotation devices.

Camping options include traditional tent sites, group camping areas, and two unique cottage rentals that allow for longer or reminding stays in comfort. Campers have access to modern comfort stations with flush toilets and showers, vault privies in additional locations, laundry facilities, a dumping station, and firewood and ice sales. Fishing is common on East and West Lakes, where anglers target bass, northern pike, pickerel, and panfish, following provincial regulations.

An extensive trail system winds through dunes, woodlands, and shoreline areas, offering a variety of hiking experiences that range from short nature walks to longer scenic routes. Pets are permitted in designated areas, including a specific pet-friendly beach section, and playground equipment is available for younger visitors. Park stores and food outlets provide camping supplies, groceries, souvenirs, and prepared meals, supporting both day-use visitors and campers enjoying one of Ontario’s most distinctive beach environments.

Nearby Attractions

Regent Theatre: A historic Edwardian opera house in Picton, the Regent Theatre hosts a variety of live performances and film screenings, enriching the local cultural scene.​

Wellington Rotary Beach: Located in the nearby village of Wellington, this public beach provides a relaxing spot for swimming and picnicking along the shores of Lake Ontario.

Wellington Heritage Museum: Housed in a former Quaker Meeting House, the museum showcases the history of Wellington and Prince Edward County, featuring exhibits on local industries and heritage.

Millennium Trail: A 46-kilometer multi-use trail that stretches across Prince Edward County, ideal for cycling, hiking, and exploring the region’s diverse landscapes.

Helpful Links

The Friends of Sandbanks Park

Nearby Parks

Park Blog