Why Camping After Labor Day Is The Best Dose Of Serenity
Packed campgrounds in the summertime do not mean a relaxing time. I’ve never been a fan of having campsite neighbours who are loud. This is one of the reasons why you should go camping after Labor Day weekend.
For those who don’t live in Canada, Labour Day weekend is the last extended weekend for camping and cottaging before we go back-to-school and back-to-work. Summer is over!
Families descend on provincial parks, conservation areas and other campgrounds for the last few days prior to Labour Day. After that, the campgrounds are like deserted ghost towns.
Having experienced it, I can say that camping after Labor Day is like getting a big dose of peace and serenity. Much needed!
For those who want to take in one last experience before the chill of fall, camping after Labour Day weekend is perfect.
Read on to find out why you should book in early September and what to consider.
Why Camping After Labor Day Weekend Is the Best
While many are getting back into work mode and school, if you’ve got the time to take a week off right after Labor Day, I suggest you do it.
Why is the first full week of September the best for camping?
- There are fewer people in the parks! On the day before Labour Day itself, everybody with school-age kids is packing up and heading home. They want to keep the Labour Day Monday to prepare kids for school and the start of the work week. During our last Labour Day camping experience at Killbear Provincial Park, we camped on the Monday night. There were few other campers in the park. The night was pitch dark because there were fewer fires burning. The site was quiet for the most part. The only exception was wild animals scavenging on the empty campsites.
- One of the key reasons why you should go camping after Labour Day weekend is the weather. The temperature isn’t all that chilly in early September, depending on where your campground is located. For example camp sites near Sault Ste. Marie may be a bit colder overnight than in southern Ontario.
- When camping the first week after Labour Day, you can choose from a better selection of campsites!
- Camping after Labour Day means fewer people. This means you can get better photos if you’re a wildlife or landscape photographer. It also means you can enjoy your time without too much noise and a feeling of being crowded by others.
Best Camping Spots In Ontario
Since we’re in Ontario, we’re going to share some of the best places we’ve camped here.
Considering doing a Labour Day camping weekend in Ontario?
My first tip is to book in advance. Try to get a spot for that weekend and into the first few days afterward. You’ll notice the difference!
To book campsites in Provincial Parks, check out their website. It also contains more information as to when certain parks are open and closed for the season.
Here are some of the best places to camp in Ontario:
Camping At Killbear Provincial Park
Camping At Agawa Bay On Lake Superior
Port Burwell Beach at Port Burwell Provincial Park
Exploring Bruce Peninsula National Park
What To Pack For Early September Camping
While most of the stuff you’ll take with you for your camping experience after Labor Day will be the same as any other time of the year, there are a few things to remember:
- A warm tent: make sure it can handle chillier temperatures. Depending on where you are, you can get chilly temperatures below 10C.
- Ensure your sleeping bag can handle the chill temperatures as well.
- Bring layers of clothing including a jacket.
We once camped in late May, thinking it would be at balmy 10C. It was closer to 0C! BRRR.
Camping After Labor Day: Leave The Drama At Home, Find Serenity
I hope that you try camping in early September – especially if you’ve been stressed out and need a break.
If you have no kids to send to school, enjoy the time in nature.
Next time you want to enjoy a peaceful time outdoors, choose to camp after Labour Day weekend – you may enjoy it more than on any other weekend in the summer.
QUESTION: Have you ever gone camping after Labour Day? What was your experience like?
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I love camping! We can only do it certain times of the year though where I live–the weather is terribly warm 8 months out of the year, so we are very limited. I have always had good experiences with caming and it is a great way for a family to bond!
You are so right about this! Once upon a time, before we had a child in school, we would head to campgrounds or cottage areas the first week after labour day. It was blissful….
I’m soooo not a camper. Ha!
The best days for camping is in the first week after labor day weekend.
Camping Tourist