Inverhuron & MacGregor Point – Weekend Camping Bus Trip
This August long weekend, swap the KW heat for Lake Huron's sandy shoreline. Inverhuron and MacGregor Point Provincial Parks sit side by side on the Bruce County coast — just about 2 to 2.5 hours northwest of Kitchener-Waterloo — and together they offer one of the best overnight camping experiences in southern Ontario.
Inverhuron Provincial Park
This park is the beach destination. The park protects a stunning stretch of sandy Lake Huron shoreline where the water runs so clear and turquoise that first-time visitors genuinely do a double-take — it looks more Caribbean than Canadian. The beach is wide, the water is calm and shallow with a gentle drop-off, making it perfect for wading, swimming, and paddleboarding. Three well-maintained campgrounds (Lime Kiln, Holmes Bay, and Gunn Point) are tucked into mature forest just a short walk from the water — no need to drive to the beach once you're set up. Behind the shoreline, hiking and biking trails wind through sand dunes, wetlands, and old-growth cedar forest, and the park's diverse habitat supports rare plants and a rich community of woodland birds. But the real showstopper? Inverhuron's sunsets. The beach faces due west over open Lake Huron, and on a clear evening, the sky lights up in ways that make you forget your phone exists (after you take the photo, obviously). The park has a fascinating history too — Indigenous peoples lived here for thousands of years, and a small 19th-century settlement once stood where the campgrounds are today.
MacGregor Point Provincial Park
Just 25 minutes up the coast near Port Elgin, is the nature lover's park. Spanning 7 kilometres of Lake Huron coastline, MacGregor Point is one of the most ecologically diverse parks in the region. The landscape shifts from coastal wetlands and cattail marshes to silver maple swamps, fens, bogs, and dense forest — all connected by a network of well-maintained trails. Over 200 species of birds have been spotted here, and the park sits on a major spring and fall migration route, making it a destination for birders from across the province. Keep your eyes open and you might spot carnivorous plants growing in the wetlands, or the rare dwarf lake iris and elusive spotted turtle that emerge in warmer months. MacGregor Point runs a full summer Discovery Program with guided shoreline walks, kids' programming, evening campfire talks, and live animal presentations — perfect if you're camping with family or just want to learn more about the ecosystems around you. The park offers three large camping areas (Algonquin, Nipissing, and Huron) with a mix of electric and non-electric sites, plus year-round yurts and cabins for those who want a roof overhead. Radio-free camping is available in Huron Campground if you really want to disconnect.
Why take the bus?
Getting to these parks from KW usually means a long drive on Highway 21, juggling directions, and dealing with parking logistics once you arrive. With Parkbus, you skip all of that. We handle the transportation so you can start your weekend the moment you step on the bus — no navigating, no fuel stops, no stress. It's especially great for groups who want to travel together without coordinating multiple vehicles, solo travellers who don't have access to a car, or anyone who'd simply rather show up relaxed and ready to camp instead of tired from driving.
Book your campsite now
Both Inverhuron and MacGregor Point are among the most popular camping destinations on Lake Huron, and August weekends book up fast. Ontario Parks opens reservations 5 months before your arrival date at 7:00 AM ET — which means for this August 14 trip, your booking window opens March 14, 2026 at 7:00 AM. Don't sleep on it. Set an alarm, have your account ready, and book the moment it opens. Reserve your campsite at reservations.ontarioparks.ca.
Don't Own Camping Gear? No Worries
Through Parkbus, you get 15% off all camping gear rentals from Thames Valley Outfitters, a London-based outfitter that delivers everything you need right to your door — tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp stoves, chairs, cookware, coolers, headlamps, the works. They offer full camping packages for 2, 4, or 6 people, so you can literally go from zero gear to fully equipped in one order. Here's how it works with Parkbus:
- Browse and book your gear at Thames Valley Outfitters (use your Parkbus discount code at checkout).
- We load your gear onto the bus before departure.
- You camp like you've been doing this for years.
No storage, no investment, no excuses. Camping should be for everyone, and now it is.
👉 Browse gear at Thames Valley Outfitters
Pickup Locations
What makes Inverhuron Provincial Park special?
Inverhuron sits on one of the nicest sandy beaches in southern Ontario. The water is shallow with a gentle drop-off — perfect for wading and swimming — and the clear, turquoise Lake Huron shoreline has a genuinely tropical feel. The park is also known for its sand dunes, diverse wildlife habitat, and some of the most spectacular sunsets you'll see anywhere in Ontario. There are hiking and biking trails that wind through forests, wetlands, and along the rocky shoreline, plus great fishing right from shore.
What about MacGregor Point Provincial Park?
MacGregor Point occupies 7 km of Lake Huron coastline and is one of the most ecologically diverse parks in the region. It's a birder's paradise — over 200 species have been spotted here — and the park's trails take you through silver maple swamps, cattail marshes, fens, and coastal forest. The park runs a full Discovery Program in summer with guided walks, kids' programs, and evening campfire talks. There's a beautiful beach, great cycling trails, and even carnivorous plants growing in the wetlands if you know where to look.
How far is the bus ride from Kitchener-Waterloo?
The ride is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours depending on the park, which means you'll be setting up camp well before dinner. Sit back, relax, and let us handle the driving — no GPS, no highway stress, no fighting over directions.
Where do I book my campsite?
You'll need to book your own campsite directly through the Ontario Parks reservation system at reservations.ontarioparks.ca. Both Inverhuron and MacGregor Point are extremely popular in August, so don't wait.
⚠️ Important: Book your campsite NOW.
Ontario Parks opens reservations 5 months in advance of your arrival date, starting at 7:00 AM ET. For an August 14 arrival, your booking window opens on March 14, 2026 at 7:00 AM ET. These are peak-summer weekends at two of Lake Huron's most popular parks — sites will go fast. Set your alarm, have your Ontario Parks account ready, and book the moment the window opens. If you miss it, check back regularly — cancellations do happen, especially in the two weeks before a trip.
What kind of campsites are available?
At Inverhuron: Three campgrounds (Lime Kiln, Holmes Bay, and Gunn Point) offer well-separated, treed sites with level surfaces. Electrical hookups are available at some sites. Comfort stations with flush toilets, showers, and laundry are conveniently located. There's also a camp cabin option that sleeps five.
At MacGregor Point: Three camping areas (Algonquin, Nipissing, and Huron) with a mix of electric and non-electric sites. The park also offers year-round yurts and cabins if you want a roof over your head. Radio-free camping is available in Huron Campground for those who really want to unplug.
What should I bring?
Standard camping gear: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, camp stove, cookware, food, water, sunscreen, bug spray, and swimwear. Firewood is available for purchase at the park stores. Both parks have drinking water, showers, and laundry facilities on-site.
What if I don't own camping gear?
No problem at all. Through Parkbus, you get 15% off all camping gear rentals from Thames Valley Outfitters — an outfitter that delivers everything you need right to your door: tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp stoves, chairs, cookware, coolers, headlamps, the works. They offer full camping packages for 2, 4, or 6 people, so you can go from zero gear to fully equipped in one order.
Here's how it works with Parkbus:
- Browse and book your gear at Thames Valley Outfitters (use your Parkbus discount code at checkout).
- We load your gear onto the bus before departure.
- You camp like you've been doing this for years.
Is this trip good for beginners?
Absolutely. Both parks are well-maintained, family-friendly, and close to small towns if you need anything. The beaches are calm and shallow, the trails are easy to moderate, and comfort stations are never far from your campsite. If you've been curious about camping but didn't want to deal with the logistics of driving, packing a car, and navigating to the middle of nowhere — this is the trip for you.
What's nearby if I need supplies?
The town of Port Elgin is just minutes from MacGregor Point and offers grocery stores, restaurants, and all essential services. Kincardine is nearby as well. You won't be far from anything you might need.
What activities can I do over the weekend?
Between the two parks, you've got plenty to fill a weekend: swimming and sunbathing on sandy Lake Huron beaches, hiking and biking on forest and shoreline trails, birdwatching (especially at MacGregor Point), fishing from shore, beach volleyball, paddleboarding, kayaking, and simply sitting on the flat rocks at sunset watching the sky light up over the lake. MacGregor Point's summer Discovery Programs may also be running with guided walks, kids' activities, and evening campfire programs.
What's the weather like in mid-August?
Mid-August on Lake Huron is peak summer — expect warm days ideal for swimming and beach time. Evenings can cool down near the water, so bring a layer for after sunset. Always pack rain gear just in case.
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