Camping in Gaspésie: our favourite sites for tents, vans and RVs

You don’t need to settle for a boring square of grass beside the highway for your Gaspésie camping trip. Between the sea, mountains and boreal forests, the region is full of cool places that are ready to welcome you with a bit of that “je-ne-sais-quoi” We’ve come up with a list of campgrounds where you can wake up next to the water, mix up some cocktails at sunset or experience your road trip however you imagined it – and however you roll. Here are some sites to start dreaming of, whether you’re camping in a tent, van or RV! 

The Sea Shack – Sainte-Anne-des-Monts

Let’s start our tour of the Gaspésie at the coolest place in the region, the lively, party-friendly Sea Shack, located a dozen mintues from Sainte-Anne-des-Monts. Imagine setting up your tent right in the sand by the ocean. While watching the sunrise in the morning, you may even spot whales! For vanlifers or roadtrippers with vehicles under 21 feet, spots are available in the parking area next to the shore.

With activities like Electro Bingo, crazy karaoke, the Swinging Tikibar, Pub Quiz nights and the Wacky Olympics, your hosts, the “Gentils Festifs” take care of filling your days and nights with fun, plus there are regular concerts by Quebec bands.

The Sea Shack offers activities for everybody, from mini-golf, table tennis, pétanque, pool, and foosball, to beach games and board games, plus a festive cantine for when you’re not up to cooking! You’ll also find a shared kitchen, 24/7 showers and toilets, shelters and free Wi-Fi to make sure you have it all. Even better: pets are welcome! And for those who road trip in the winter, check out the Ski Shack offer!

Gaspésie National Park – Sainte-Anne-des-Monts

Not too far away, you’ll find Gapésie National Park, your playground for day hikes and longer treks. You can reserve wooded sites in the heart of the Chic-Chocs in five campgrounds in the Mont Albert, Mont Jacques-Cartier, Lake Cascapédia and Rivière Sainte-Anne areas. There are RV spaces available too.

Choose between sites with or without services at a variety of distances from the Discovery and Service Centre, depending on how much you want to get away from it all – from a few minutes to 45 minutes by gravel road.

Griffon Adventure  – L’Anse-au-Griffon/Forillon

When you get to L’Anse-au-Griffon at the tip of the peninsula, stop at the Griffon Adventure, a Saintlo Colective campground-hostel beside the sea.

Dry toilets, sanitation facilities and a barbecue are available in a common area to change things up after the day’s adventure, before you get social at the bar. There you can enjoy great local microbrews and cocktails made from locally produced spirits! You’ll adore the friendly, adventuresome vibe.

Forillon National Park – Forillon

Not far from the Griffon Adventure, Forillon National Park is well worth exploring for its cliffs, shoreline, trails and cycling paths!

If you’d like to extend your time in the area in slow travel mode, the Cap-Bon-Ami campground (for tents only) can set you up in the heart of the park, while the Petit-Gaspé campground lets you rough it or take advantage of its services (dumping station, with or without electricity, pull-through campsites, etc.).

Don’t miss beautiful, sandy Penouille beach, the tour of Mont Saint-Alban up to a height of 285 metres, or the Les Graves trail to Land’s End at Cap-Gaspé!

Camping Côte Surprise – Percé

If you visit Percé, it’s clearly to see the big rock, right? Camping Côte Surprise offers sites with direct views of the iconic site. It’s a pretty big place (125 sites), and it has everything you need, whether you’re in a van or tent. Choose whether you prefer to sleep under the tall trees in the shade or under the sun at the edge of the cliff. Either way, you’ll fully experience Percé Rock.

Camping Cime Aventure – Bonaventure

Famous for its yurts, ready-to-camp cabins and cabins for two, the Cime Aventure campground also offers campsites next to the Bonaventure River. They’re not only wooded for more intimacy, they’re also sheltered against rough weather.

If you plan to descend the Malin rapids or paddle the river, this is an excellent spot to plant your tents or park your RV. Some sites have electricity, and they all have a picnic table and a firepit (all the firewood you need for $10 per night). And dog-owners, your little buddy is welcome on a leash!

A little tip: set aside a little time for Bonaventure Beach, one of the most beautiful in the region.

Municipal campground – Carleton-sur-Mer

Carleton-sur-Mer is one of the must-sees when you tour Gaspésie, and it’s little lighthouse is the star of many postcards. Picture yourself camping the night nearby at Camping de Carleton-sur-Mer, surrounded by the water, bathed in sun.

Located on a peninsula that’s almost an island, the wide open land offers a breathtaking view of the bay. Whether you’re in a tent or an RV, you’ll find everything you need to camp in simplicity or luxury.

Dogs are welcome, and there’s even an electric vehicle charger! A free shuttle will take you from the campground to the heart of the village so that you needn’t worry about your car. It can even take you to the national park of Mont-Saint-Joseph for a few hours of hiking pleasure.

If you’re into cycling, then check out the seven kilometres of bike paths connecting Tracadigash Point and the Promenade des Acadiens. It’s a wonderful way to experience the seashore!

Tips to make your camping road trip in Gaspésie a success