Camping.
Mara Provincial Park's sandy beach sits on the north shore of Lake Simcoe with a 2026 operating season from May 8 through September 7. Three kilometres southeast, McRae Point Provincial Park carries more than 200 RV campsites in two campgrounds and a 1.2 km nature trail along the same shoreline.
Two operating provincial parks within a single lower-tier township is uncommon for Simcoe County.
The brief.
Both parks operate seasonally — Mara from May 8 through September 7, 2026, and McRae Point on a comparable Ontario Parks–run season — and both run reservations through the Ontario Parks reservation system. McRae Point's site mix favours large and extra-large RV equipment with pull-through sites and a registration office that stocks novelty ice cream, firewood, and ice.
The 1.2 km nature trail at McRae Point runs along the lake; small-vessel boat launching is available from the park. Mara is the smaller of the two and is best known locally for its beach; the park is about 15 minutes' drive from Orillia for restocking and amenities.
Lake Simcoe water is warmest in July and August; spring and shoulder-season camping is cooler and quieter.
2. places.
- 01
Mara Provincial Park
Lake Simcoe north-shore park in Ramara; sandy beach; 2026 season May 8 to September 7; ~3 km northwest of McRae Point.
- 02
McRae Point Provincial Park
200+ RV campsites across two campgrounds; pull-through sites for large equipment; 1.2 km nature trail; small-vessel boat launch; ~15 minutes from Orillia.
Today's read.
Cold but firm — winter-ready conditions · light winds · clean air.