When are Nova Scotia campsites set to open? What campers should know

A camper trailer and tent surrounded by tall pine trees parked in a deserted campsite in a autumn daytime landscape. (CTV file photo)

Provincial parks are set to start opening across Nova Scotia this Victoria Day weekend.

Most day-use and camping parks open Friday, while the rest will be open by June 5, according to a news release from the Nova Scotia government.

Nova Scotia’s provincial parks attract more than a million visitors annually, with the number of campers increasing each year, according to the province.

“Our provincial parks allow Nova Scotians and visitors from around the world to get outside and enjoy the beautiful nature that defines our province,” said Kim Masland, minister of natural resources, in the release.

The province says there were 103,690 overnight stays at provincial camping parks last year – a nine per cent increase over 2024 and a new record.

Masland says they’re making several improvements to modernize amenities this year.

The 2026-27 provincial budget includes $9.5 million to improve campsites, update washrooms and upgrade roads, parking lots and trails.

“Visitors will see improved amenities and services at parks including Blomidon, Dollar Lake and Martinique Beach,” reads the news release.

The province warns visitors to be vigilant about wildfire prevention, as campfires and smoking aren’t allowed in day-use parks or beaches at any time.

Campfires at campgrounds are only allowed after 2 p.m. and before 8 a.m. when the province’s BurnSafe map is green, or between 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. when the map is yellow. If the map is red, campfires are not allowed.

Violators of the daily burn restrictions can face a $25,000 fine.

Alcohol and cannabis are not permitted at day-use parks.

Campsite reservations can be made online.

Here is a list of provincial camping parks and their opening dates:

May 15

• Blomidon – Canning, Kings County
• Cape Chignecto – Advocate Harbour, Cumberland County
• Ellenwood Lake – Deerfield, Yarmouth County
• Graves Island – East Chester, Lunenburg County
• Porters Lake – Porters Lake, Halifax Regional Municipality
• Rissers Beach – Petite Rivière, Lunenburg County
• Thomas Raddall – Port Joli, Queens County

May 29

• Mira River – Albert Bridge, Cape Breton Regional Municipality

June 5

• Amherst Shore – Amherst Shore, Cumberland County
• Battery – St. Peters, Richmond County
• Boylston – Boylston, Guysborough County
• Caribou-Munroes Island – Caribou, Pictou County
• Dollar Lake – Wyses Corner, Halifax Regional Municipality
• Five Islands – Five Islands, Colchester County
• Laurie – Grand Lake, Halifax Regional Municipality
• Salsman – Country Harbour, Guysborough County
• Smileys – Brooklyn, Hants County
• The Islands – Shelburne, Shelburne County
• Valleyview – Bridgetown, Annapolis County
• Whycocomagh – Whycocomagh, Inverness County

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page