Silent Lake Provincial Park: family camping adventure near Bancroft

Living in Bancroft has a lot of perks, and the breathtaking scenery and opportunities for fun, family friendly outdoor activities available at places like Silent Lake Provincial Park definitely top the list.  School is out, summer is in, and families are making their vacation plans.  For Bancroft area locals, we don’t need to go far to find some fantastic outdoor fun, so it’s kind of like we get a little extra packed into our summers. 

Silent Lake Provincial Park is located at 1589 Silent Lake Park Road.  It offers both winter and summer camping and day use activities.  One of the nicest things about Silent Lake is that it is often overlooked by the summer crowds that congregate in parks like Algonquin.  It’s quieter, closer to home (staycation, anyone?) and the well-spaced campsites are peaceful and fairly private. Pop by the park for an hour to enjoy a quick swim and a picnic, or stay for the whole day and enjoy the various hiking trails, scenic views and wildlife, or make set up camp and make a weekend out of it. The park even has yurts with electricity and heat if camping in a tent isn't your thing. Whatever your preference, Silent Lake has something for everyone.

The park offers camping for the casual or novice camper as well as for the more adventurous camper.  The Pincer Bay and Shady Ridge campgrounds are located in forested areas and can accommodate tents to large trailers.  The Granite Ridge campground has a small number of electrical campsites, but these fill up fast so reservations are a must.  If you are camping with a larger group, there are a number of double sites, which share one driveway and one fire pit and can accommodate up to twelve people.

Silent Lake also has walk-in campsites in the Pincer Bay campground and in the Granite Ridge campground.  The walk to your campsite from the parking area is no longer than 500 metres.

You can also rent one of ten yurts in the park.  Yurts sleep a maximum of six people.  Inside you’ll find two bunk beds, a small table and chairs, a broom and a dust pan.  All the comforts of home!  Outside, each has a barbecue, a fire pit, and a picnic table.

For more information about Silent Lake Provincial Park, including things to do and amenities, visit their web page on the Ontario Parks website.

Have you ever been to Silent Lake Provincial Park?  Or do you have another favourite spot for outdoor adventures in the Bancroft area?  We’d love to hear about them in the comments!