Cavendish Campground
Campground in PEI National Park with beach access, trails, and amenities. Ideal for exploring the coast.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful beach walks
Cavendish Campground
Best Time
Peaceful beach walks
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Campground in PEI National Park with beach access, trails, and amenities. Ideal for exploring the coast.
"Convenient location for exploring PEI, with beautiful shoreline and amazing waves."
Book RV Sites Early
Pull-thru RV sites are long enough but can be narrow. Book well in advance for the best options. :rv:
Pack for Wind
Be prepared for windy conditions, especially in tent sites. Bring extra stakes and secure your gear. :wind_chime:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cavendish Beach Access
Steps from the campground
Enjoy direct access to the stunning sandy shores of Cavendish Beach for sunbathing, swimming, and sunset strolls.
Prince Edward Island National Park Trails
Throughout the park
Explore scenic bike and hike trails offering breathtaking coastal views and opportunities for nature observation.
Spectacular Sunrises & Sunsets
Beachfront
Witness picturesque sunrises and sunsets over the beautiful shoreline, a truly magical experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Prime Spots
Prepare for Wind & Privacy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book RV Sites Early
Pull-thru RV sites are long enough but can be narrow. Book well in advance for the best options. :rv:
Pack for Wind
Be prepared for windy conditions, especially in tent sites. Bring extra stakes and secure your gear. :wind_chime:
Bring Your Own Firewood
Wood is not always available for purchase at the park. Come prepared with your own firewood. :fire:
Explore Nearby Attractions
Cavendish Campground is a convenient base for exploring Cavendish Beach and other PEI attractions. +1 :map:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book RV Sites Early
Pull-thru RV sites are long enough but can be narrow. Book well in advance for the best options. :rv:
Pack for Wind
Be prepared for windy conditions, especially in tent sites. Bring extra stakes and secure your gear. :wind_chime:
Bring Your Own Firewood
Wood is not always available for purchase at the park. Come prepared with your own firewood. :fire:
Explore Nearby Attractions
Cavendish Campground is a convenient base for exploring Cavendish Beach and other PEI attractions. +1 :map:
Consider oTENTik Stays
For a glamping experience, try an oTENTik for a comfortable camping adventure.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cavendish Campground offers a convenient location within PEI National Park, with direct beach access and scenic trails being major highlights. While many appreciate the park setting and amenities, some reviewers note a lack of privacy and increased wind due to storm damage. Laundry facilities can be heavily used, and poison ivy is present in some areas.
"If you want to explore PEI, this is a convenient location from which to do it. And it’s a national park, so that alone is enough to get you here. From a big rig perspective, pullthru sites are long enough, but narrow. Most of them offer good privacy. Hookups were in good condition, no problems there. We didn’t use bathrooms, but did try to use laundry which is very well used. That has to be a challenge for the park to maintain. If you are in a small rig, you can choose a site closer to beach but you won’t have much privacy. 2019 hurricane really did a number, check out the before and after photos I included, showing the pullthru site we were on. Loved the beach area, such a wonderful park experience."
Constance Mier
"So picturesque sunsets and sunrises here, beautiful shoreline, amazing waves. But be prepared for the fact that there is almost no privacy, just a couple of trees on all sides.
If you book a cabin like we did, make sure to have small grill or stove to prepare some meals, there is no grill on the side."
NM
"Over good spot but you can tell the park took a big hit from the last two storms, not much privacy and higher winds then before. We had to take our tent down and leave two days early cause the site was too windy. There was also no wood to purchase at the park so make sure to come prepared. Bathrooms were overall really clean!"
Gabby Pearson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cavendish Campground is located within Prince Edward Island National Park. From Charlottetown, you can drive approximately 40-50 minutes west. Follow Highway 2 and then Highway 6 towards Cavendish. The campground is well-signed within the national park. +1
Public transport options directly to Cavendish Campground are limited. It is best accessed by car. Visitors often make day trips from Charlottetown, which has more public transport links.
The drive from Nova Scotia involves taking a ferry to PEI and then driving to Cavendish. The journey from the ferry terminal to Cavendish Campground is scenic and takes about 1-1.5 hours.
Yes, Cavendish Campground is surrounded by outstanding bike and hike trails within Prince Edward Island National Park, offering beautiful coastal views.
Yes, Cavendish Campground accommodates RVs. Many sites offer hookups, and while some pull-thru sites can be narrow, they are generally long enough for larger rigs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
As Cavendish Campground is part of Prince Edward Island National Park, you will need a Parks Canada Discovery Pass or pay daily entrance fees to access the park and campground.
Campsites at Cavendish Campground can be booked online through the Parks Canada reservation system. It is highly recommended to book in advance, especially for summer months.
Cavendish Campground typically operates seasonally, usually from late May or early June through to Thanksgiving weekend in October. It's best to check the Parks Canada website for exact dates.
Parks Canada sometimes offers 'Learn-to-Camp' programs at Cavendish Campground, providing gear and support for first-time campers. Check the Parks Canada website for availability.
When booking online, you can often select your preferred campsite based on availability, amenities, and location within the campground.
🎫 🏕️ Onsite Experience
The campground offers restrooms, showers, RV hookups, and fire pits. Laundry facilities are also available but can be heavily used.
Privacy can vary. Some sites offer good privacy with trees, while others are more open, especially those closer to the beach. Recent storms have reduced tree cover in some areas.
Pets are generally allowed in campgrounds and on some beaches within Prince Edward Island National Park, but always check specific park regulations for Cavendish Campground and nearby beaches. Be mindful of poison ivy in some areas.
Some reviews mention noise concerns, particularly after quiet hours. It's advisable to be aware of your surroundings and report any excessive noise to park staff.
Yes, fire pits are available at most campsites. However, ensure you check for any fire bans that may be in effect due to dry conditions. Bringing your own firewood is recommended as it may not be sold at the park.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The campground itself does not have extensive dining facilities. It's recommended to bring your own food and cooking supplies. Nearby Cavendish offers various dining options. +1
The Cavendish area has many dining options, from casual eateries to restaurants. Stoked Bakehouse is a popular spot for pizza, and The Hand Pie Co. offers delicious hand pies. +1
Yes, most campsites have fire pits for cooking. If you book a cabin, you may need to bring your own grill or stove as they may not be provided.
Yes, there are grocery stores and convenience shops in the Cavendish area where you can purchase food and supplies for your camping trip.
Seafood is a highlight in PEI, but you'll also find classic Canadian fare, pizza, and local specialties. Don't miss trying some of the local baked goods. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The Cavendish Beach shoreline offers stunning opportunities for photos, especially during sunrise and sunset. The national park trails also provide scenic backdrops.
While not a primary wildlife viewing area, you might spot shorebirds along the beach. The surrounding national park offers more diverse natural landscapes.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography on Cavendish Beach.
The red sand beaches and dramatic coastal cliffs of Prince Edward Island National Park are iconic. The Confederation Bridge, visible from parts of PEI, is also a significant landmark. +1
Drone usage is subject to Parks Canada regulations. Always check the official Parks Canada website for current rules and restrictions regarding drone operation within national parks before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking an oTENTik for a more comfortable and unique family camping experience. Nearby, the Butterfly House in New Glasgow offers a delightful sensory experience for children. When packing, remember that some areas might have poison ivy, so keep an eye on little ones exploring off-trail.
🚗 RV Travelers
The campground's location within Prince Edward Island National Park provides easy access to scenic drives and the beautiful Cavendish Beach.
While some sites may have reduced privacy due to storm impacts, the overall experience of camping in a national park setting is a significant draw. 🚶♀️ Hikers & Cyclists
+1 These trails offer diverse scenery, from coastal paths with ocean views to woodland routes. Whether you prefer a leisurely bike ride along the coast or a more challenging hike through the park's natural landscapes, there are options for all fitness levels.
The proximity to Cavendish Beach also allows for enjoyable walks along the shore, especially during the quieter morning or evening hours. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at Cavendish Campground
While many sites are designed for privacy with surrounding trees, it's important to note that recent storms have impacted the tree cover in some areas, potentially leading to less privacy and increased wind exposure. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during the summer months, as popular sites fill up quickly.
+1 For those new to camping, Parks Canada sometimes offers 'Learn-to-Camp' programs that can provide a supportive introduction to the activity. When planning your stay, remember to pack accordingly for potential wind and consider bringing your own firewood, as it may not always be available for purchase on-site.
Exploring Cavendish Beach and Beyond
+1 The sunsets and sunrises here are particularly breathtaking, offering incredible photo opportunities. Beyond the beach, the campground is a gateway to the extensive trail system of Prince Edward Island National Park. These trails are ideal for both hiking and biking, providing opportunities to explore the coastal landscapes, dunes, and forests.
Visitors can enjoy scenic routes that showcase the island's natural beauty. The surrounding Cavendish area is also a hub of activity. You can find various attractions, shops, and dining options, making it easy to combine your camping trip with exploring local culture and cuisine.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit