Cabot Trail Camping: Baddeck Cabot Trail Campground
Are you looking for a great spot to camp while you explore Baddeck (the beginning of the Cabot Trail)?
Then you’re in luck! I just spent a couple of nights here on a road trip around the trail, and I have the details of the Baddeck Cabot Trail Campground for you.
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After living just 3 minutes off the northern section of Cabot Trail for about 4 and a half years, this isn’t the first time I’ve made the trip. But it is the first time I’ve camped in Baddeck.
But it won’t be the last. My dog and I, in our VW Westy ‘Moon Doggie’, really enjoyed spending time here, and will definitely be back.
🏕️ Click here for availability at the Baddeck campground and to Book
The Baddeck Cabot Trail Campground is the perfect spot if you appreciate both nature and comfort. It’s conveniently located just outside town and has a really pleasing blend of scenic beauty and convenient amenities.
It’s easy to find and is the perfect spot for choice for both seasoned campers and first-timers. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in an RV or plan to set up a tent or camper.
Baddeck Cabot Trail Campground
This part of the Cabot Trail is not inside a national park, so there is no park pass that you need to worry about.
If you travel up to the northern part of the trail you’ll be in the Highlands National Park, and you will need a pass.
The campground is open right from May 10th all the way through to October 20th. High season is from June 21 to Sept. 8, and is a bit more expensive.
Available Amenities
Here’s a quick list of the available amenities at the campground, then I’ll get into the nitty gritty of staying at the BCTC:
- Coffee Drinks: For sale in the office starting at 9 am.
- Guest Lounge: For rainy days.
- Electrical Hookups: Available at most sites for RVs and some tent camping sites. There’s one a 50amp tent site. All other tent hookups are 30-amp.
- Water Access: Easy access to water for all camping sites.
- Free Wi-Fi Connectivity: Available throughout most of the campground for guests.
- Cable TV: Offered in the guests lounge.
- Clean Washroom Facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities.
- Laundry Services: On-site laundry facilities are available for guest use.
- Picnic Areas: Equipped with tables and grilling spots.
- Fire Pits: Available at each campsite.
- On-site Store: Stocks camping essentials and snacks in the same building as the office.
- Kayak and Canoe Rentals: For exploring the lake.
- Walking Trail: Easy access to a hike along the lake.
- Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at no extra charge.
- Entertainment Events: Canada Day and Labor Day weekend celebrations.
- RV Dump Stations: Facilities available for your convenience.
- About 10 minutes from Baddeck.
You Can Expect A Warm Welcome!
When you pull in to the Baddeck Cabot Trail Campground, there’s a spot to park across the road from the office. I found the folks working in the office to be really friendly and helpful.
For me, this is a good sign! The fellow who checked me in gave me a choice of sites – I was just looking for an unserviced one for the van. This was during the week, and I had no reservation. There may not have been as many choices on the weekend.
I drove around and looked at 3 green, treed, good-sized sites, then went back to the office and checked in to the one I decided on. I picked the one with no direct neighbours, a quick walk to the washroom and the lake – about CAD $45.
There was also a spigot for drinking water just a few steps away, and there are many of them scattered around. I never saw anyone else at this one.
If I had wanted to use the pool I think I would have driven – it was a bit of a walk. But I preferred the lake.
Campsites with Lots of Conveniences
There are a variety of sites at this Baddeck campground, and they have a total of 175 sites. You can choose from a tent site – unserviced, which is what I had – or RV sites.
RVs are grouped together near the office, and some or rented seasonally by people with decks along their motorhomes, and flower gardens. These all seemed to be large motorhomes.
I did see other vans, campers, and tents in the unserviced section where I was. Each one had a campfire cooking grates and all seemed to have 2 picnic tables.
🔥 Note: It’s important to keep in mind that fire restrictions are strictly followed in Nova Scotia. The office has a sign to keep you informed on whether or not fires are allowed.
Or you can find out yourself by going to the NS Burnsafe website. It’s updated at 2pm every day – no campfires are allowed between 8 am and 2 pm.
Or you can choose from 10 Cabins and 2 Tiny houses. The cabins range from no services to all services, and the prices vary accordingly. The tiny houses have decks, bathrooms, and kitchenettes.
The campground is known for its well-maintained sites and clean facilities, and I can tell you that it’s well-deserved. The washrooms, which had toilets and showers, were spotless.
Plus, the sites were nice and grassy with lots of trees, but the greenery was kept well in control.
The only negative that I noticed in my site were two ‘potholes’. It looked like the campfire cooking grate, which is set in a shallow pit, had been moved a couple of times.
The previous pits weren’t filled in. I recommend having a quick look around your site before backing your vehicle in.
The campsite areas were nice and quiet, until 10 am, when maintenance road an ATV through. At this time of the morning, I had no problem with it.
Electrical and sewer hookup-equipped sites are available and all sites have easy access to water. Most sites have free Wi-Fi access, too, with no password.
Activities for Any Weather
It’s easy to have fun camping in good weather. But the Baddeck Cabot Trail Campground does its part to keep the fun going when it rains, too.
They have a lounge for guests, which is a common area with board games, tea and coffee, and cable TV. There are over 100 DVDs available for free rental, and even a book swap.
And of course, you have access to the heated outdoor pool (mid-June to mid-September) – no lifeguard, though.
And a fully fenced playground for the kids.
There’s a field suitable for soccer, basketball, baseball, and horseshoes, too.
But my favourite is the small private beach by the lake, with the floating deck & Adirondack-style chair for relaxing. Or you can try your hand at fishing.
AND, there are canoes and kayaks down at the lake for rent – it’s a beautiful spot for it!
Plus, on your way down to the lake you’ll pass the starting point for the rough hike along the lake. We ran out of daylight, though, and never got to do the hike – next time!
What To Do In the Baddeck Area
Here’s a list of things to see and do in the area. Contact me if you see something missing that should be added!
Visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site: Explore the museum dedicated to the life and inventions of Alexander Graham Bell, including full-scale replicas and interactive exhibits.
Sail on the Bras d’Or Lake: Take a scenic boat tour on the beautiful Bras d’Or Lake, renowned for its calm waters and stunning surroundings.
Golf at the Bell Bay Golf Club: Enjoy a round of golf at this top-rated course, which offers spectacular views and challenging holes.
Hike the Uisge Ban Falls: Trek to this stunning waterfall located just outside Baddeck. The hike offers a moderate trail through a beautiful forest setting.
Visit Kidston Island: Accessible by a short boat ride, this island has beautiful beaches, a historic lighthouse, and some beautiful picnic areas.
Attend a Baddeck Gathering Ceilidh: Experience local music and dance at these traditional Gaelic social gatherings, held regularly in the community.
Drive around the Shore Drive area and look for signs, or ask at the campground office.
Kayaking and Canoeing: Paddle around the serene waters around Baddeck, perfect for spotting wildlife and enjoying the peaceful landscape.
Shopping in Baddeck Village: Browse local crafts, art, and souvenirs in the pretty Village.
Dining at Local Restaurants: Sample fresh seafood and local dishes at the different eateries around Baddeck. Lobster anyone?
Participate in a Sailing Regatta: If you’re visiting in the summer, catch or participate in the Baddeck Regatta, a week-long sailing competition. This year it takes place from August 4 to August 10 at the Bras d’Or Yacht Club.
Happy Road Tripping!
Read More
🦞 Cabot Trail Campgrounds: Cape Breton Highlands National Park
🏞️ Canada Park Pass to Explore the Cabot Trail
🚵🏻 29 Things to Do On the Cabot Trail: An Epic List for Your Cape Breton Road Trip
