Iles De La Madeleine Camping: The Seven Best Campgrounds For Views, Fun & Adventure!

Wandering our World is reader supported! If you purchase anything through a link on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Last updated on October 8, 2022 by Wandering our World

Lying towards the south of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Iles de la Madeleine offers wide stretches of wonderful sandy beaches and sandstone cliffs, alongside water sport opportunities like surfing, kayaking, and scuba diving. With that the case, it’s little surprise that camping in Iles de la Madeleine is becoming more and more popular each year.

An Iles de la Madeleine camping adventure can be either by RV or tent as there are plenty of sits that accommodate both. So what are you waiting for!

We know this place like the back of our hand, so to save you time we’ve put together our favorite Iles de la Madeleine campgrounds below.

All seven will bring you incredible views, adventure and lots of fun.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/olrat

Iles De La Madeleine Camping: Our Seven Favorite Campgrounds

1. Camping Parc de Gros Cap

Are you looking forward to kayaking the islands this summer? If so, Camping Parc de Gros Cap may just be the best place for you. Located on Cap aux Meules Island, here you will hear the waves and taste the ocean air directly from your campsite.

There’s 132 campsites to choose from, many with panoramic sea views, and all with access to a beach that’s located just a stone throw’s away. Alongside a shared washroom and toilet facilities, around half the campsites have electricity hook ups, while there’s several drinking water stations situated around the campground too.

They also have RV sites with sewer, water and electric hookups, as well as ready to camp units.

Top Reasons to Stay at Camping Parc de Gros Cap

  • Stunning sunset and sunrise views
  • Easily accessible beach for water sports and swimming
  • Relaxing atmosphere in nature
  • Exceptional stargazing opportunities

Why you will love Camping Parc de Gros Cap

This campground is clean, well looked after and the surroundings are beautiful. You will wake up beside the beach with panoramic views of the ocean, and can spend an entire day kayaking, using a stand up paddleboard, or looking out for marine wildlife.

If you have kids they will love the activities this campground often holds, like sand castle making workshops!

What’s Close to Parc de Gros Cap

With the sea on your doorstep, you can spend time at the beach or even go clam fishing which is possible within walking distance of the camground.

À l’abri de la Tempête, a famous local brewery, is also just a ten minute drive from the campground.

Rates: From $29 per night

Address: 74 Chem. du Camping, L’Étang-du-Nord, QC G4T 3P2

Website

Photo via Unsplash+

2. Chalets Camping des Sillons

Located in Havre aux Maisons Island on Dune du Sud Beach, this campground is situated in one of most beautiful and picturesque spots on the archipelago.

They have over 120 campsites with gravelled parking, some of which are right next to the beach. The sites have electricity hook ups and direct access to the beach – which is 22km long and perfect for walking, picnicking and more!

There’s also a security guard on-site at night so you can always feel safe. Other amenities include a community space with free Wifi, a small kitchen, an on-site restaurant, and a mini golf course!

Top Reasons to Stay at Chalets Camping des Sillons

  • Mini golf
  • Picnic table and fire pit on each site 
  • Great facilities
  • Pets are allowed

Why you will love Chalets Camping des Sillons

The campsite has good facilities and is in a great location for outdoor adventures. With shared kitchen facilities and an on-site restaurant you can have a full camping adventure in nature if you wish!

What’s Close By

Enjoy walking the ‘Chemin des Montants’ road and take in gorgeous sea views, or head to the other side of the campground where you can marvel at the red sand cliffs.

The 22km long Dune du Sud Beach which is backed by red sand cliffs is within walking distance of the campground too. Make sure you stop by the creperie, Le Gaboteux, and pick up some lunch!

 Rates: From $28

Address: 436 Chemin Dune-du-Sud, C.P. 2211 Havre-aux-Maisons, Québec, G4T 5P4

Website

Photo via Unsplash+

3. Camping La Salicorne

This campground is located in the vibrant and colourful village of Grande-Entrée; at the eastern end of Iles de la Madeleine.

As it’s situated on a hill you can enjoy panoramic sea views from both sides. There’s 20 campsites in total, most have water and electricity hook ups, and some also have sewer hook ups.

This pet friendly campground also has an on-site restaurant and bar; so you don’t have to wander far for good food.

Top Reasons to Stay at La Salicorne

  • Bike rental
  • The campground offers excursions
  • Boats available for rent

Why you will love La Salicorne

You can take part in many activities and excursions organized by the campground, like digging for clams!

The views are also exceptional, and as you can hire bikes you can ride the island enjoying them. You can also easily get to the village of Grande-Entrée where there’s places to eat and other amenities.

What’s Close By

Bassin Est Beach is the nearest beach. It’s a very beautiful beach perfect for long walks and seal spotting.

There’s some great food options nearby as well. Head to Resto Pub Halabolina for an authentic local cuisine experience.

Rates: From $29

Address: 377 QC-199, Grande-Entrée, QC G4T 7A5

Website

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/welcomia

4. Camping Barachois

This campground offers 125 sites with great WiFi on stunning Cap aux Meules Island. You will experience peace and solace away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life here.

This unique campground has spacious campsites by a lake, some in shaded forest, and some directly on the seafront. It’s a gorgeous part of the island which has everything a nature lover would want.

The facilities are clean and modern, there are sites with and without hookups, and there’s even a small shop and some play areas for children.

Top Reasons to Stay at Camping Barachois

  • Big playground 
  • RVs over 35 feet allowed 
  • Pet friendly
  • Wonderful sunsets

Why you will love Camping Barachois

You can hear the sounds of the waves from some of the campsites, while others are in lovely wooded or lake surroundings. It’s almost impossible not to have a good campsite.

This campground is also known for being a family friendly place where it’s easy for children to make friends. They also have a community hall where events are held and where guests can socialise and make friends. This is a fantastic Iles de la Madeleine camping option.

What’s Close By

There’s lots of hiking trails to enjoy. While De L’Hôpital Beach, which is a great beach for swimming, is only 2kms away.

The nearby Quai 360 is worth visiting too. This is a fantastic restaurant with delicious French-Canadian cuisine.

Rates: – From $27

Address: 87 Chemin du Rivage, Fatima, QC G4T 2A1

Website

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/naumoid

5. Camping Motel Pluvier des Iles

The campground is run by very friendly owners on Cap aux Meules Island, and has 155 campsites. Some of those offer a rustic camping experience, while others have electricity and water hookups.

There’s some fantastic facilities on site, like a swimming pool, children’s play area and good shower and washroom facilities.

Located amongst trees and with the sea close by, as well as many hiking trails, this campground is a great base for any Iles de la Madeleine camping adventure.

Top Reasons to Stay at Camping Motel Pluvier des Iles

  • Outdoor pool
  • Shared kitchen on-site and convenience store
  • Playground equipped for children

Why You Will Love Camping Motel Pluvier des Iles

Kids will love this place for the space, pool and playgrounds. There’s also a beach just a 5-10 minute walk away.

This campground is known as being one of the friendliest in the region, and the owners are happy to help with any requests you may have.

What’s Close By

La Martinique Beach is around 1km away and is a long beach perfect for walking. It also has shallow and quite calm water, making it a great beach for children.

There also some great places to eat seafood nearby, like Restaurant La Table Des Roy and Chez Renard. The bar/restaurant Les Pas Perdus often has evening entertainment too, such as live music.

Rates: From $30 per night.

Address: 37 Chem. du Radar, L’Étang-du-Nord, QC G4T 3L7, Canada

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Apicha Thumvisead

6. Camping Belle Plage

You will enjoy beautiful views of the sea here and can choose from over 90 campsites – many with hook ups – and six ready-to-camp mini trailers

This campground has great shared facilities, children’s play areas and is set right beside a fine sandy beach. That means you get wonderful sea views all day.

Top Reasons to Stay at Camping Belle Plage

  • Great shared facilities
  • Exceptional seaside views
  • Stargazing opportunities

Why You Will Love Camping Belle Plage

You will wake up to the sound of waves and an amazing sunrise, in a place that feels close to nature with campsites right beside the beach.

However this campground is still close to town so there’s plenty of places to stock up and grab a bite to eat.

What’s Close By

There are many ice cream shops and restaurants close by. The gift shop Chez Charley Marchand De Cadeaux is a great place to grab a souvenir from the island too.

Of course there’s beaches to enjoy, including Du Bassin Beach which is known for being a great place for evening walks.

Rates: From $30

Address: 959 Chem. de la Grave, Îles de la Madeleine, QC G4T 5B3, Canada

Website

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Anatolly_Gleb

7. Stations Deli

Although not a campground, this shop/restaurant/gas station has 30 spots for RV parking, can accommodate larger RVS, and has some of the cheapest RV parking on the islands.

Facilities are limited but there is free WiFi, potable water and a dumb station. Plus the Deli itself also serves food and has many items for sale.

The location is also very good, as you’re only a few minutes drive away from the beach as well as restaurants and bars.

Top Reasons to Stay at Stations Deli

  • Very affordable RV parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Good location

Why You Will Love Stations Deli

The RV parking is affordable. It’s in a great location to explore the rest of the region and there’s dining options close by too.

What’s Close By

La Martinique Beach is just around the corner – it’s a great family friendly beach. If you are bored of RV food then grab a bite at nearby Au p’tit Capitaine, or enjoy one of the many pubs and bars that are situated only 5-10 minutes drive away.

Rates: From $22 per night

Address: 1401 Chem. de la Vernière, L’Étang-du-Nord, QC G4T 3G1

Website

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/welcomia

Backcountry Camping At Iles De lLa Madeleine & In Canada

DISCLAIMER: Below we give general advice, but we always recommend staying in an official campsite. If you choose to go backcountry camping/dispersed camping, then make sure you do so with someone who already knows the area where you’re planning on camping for your own safety.

Wild camping, also known as backcountry camping, is generally tolerated in Canada. Although there are certain areas you are prohibited from camping in. Rather you must stay in a designated campsite. These include:

  • National Parks
  • Cities
  • Provincial Parks

It’s worth mentioning that rangers and conservation officers do patrol regularly and will hand out hefty fines to people wild camping in these prohibited areas.

Sometimes it is possible to purchase a ‘backcountry’ camping permit. That would then allow you to camp in a park outside of a campground. Not all parks offer them – and they’re not widely advertised. If there’s somewhere you wish to camp, then get in contact with local authorities to see if these are available.

As for where you are allowed to camp, Canadian residents can camp for free on Crown Land – which is publicly owned land. Thankfully 89% of land in Canada is classed as ‘Crown Land’. However much of that is still off limits – National Parks, for example, are also Crown Land.

In general: If land is publicly owned, it’s not one of the prohibited areas that we listed above, and you are far from settlements – you’re likely to be on Crown Land that can be camped on for free. However, keep an eye on local maps for confirmation, and obey any signs that say camping is prohibited

There are rules for free camping on Crown Land, however:

  • You may camp in the same place for 21 days only in one calendar year.
  • After 21 days you must move to a place at least 100m away if you wish to continue camping.
  • While free for citizens and Canadian residents, non-residents must obtain a permit to wild camp on Crown Land.



Author

  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.