Camping Update - August 2022 

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After much deliberation, the Torrance Barrens Working Group, in partnership with Ontario Parks, has designated six tent campsites in the Torrance Barrens.

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• Visitors are permitted to hike to a designated campsite to pitch a tent and stay overnight at the Torrance Barrens.

• For the remainder of Summer 2022, designated campsites at the Torrance Barrens are accessible on a first come, first serve basis and are free of charge. Prior to Summer 2023, Ontario Parks will institute a permit system similar to Algonquin Provincial Park, under which visitors will need to reserve their campsite ahead of time and pay a fee to obtain a camping permit.  

• The designated campsites are backcountry sites. Visitors must carry in all supplies (e.g. water) and carry out all garbage.  ​

• Camping and fire-making are now officially banned throughout the Torrance Barrens except at the six designated tent campsites. This ban will be actively enforced by Ontario Parks.

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The purpose of designating official campsites was to concentrate disturbances associated with camping to a finite number of locations in the Torrance Barrens. The number and location of the designated campsites were chosen in consideration of ecological values (e.g. species-at-risk), as well as other recreational uses at the Barrens, including hiking and stargazing.

As always, we ask visitors – including campers – to respect the Torrance Barrens by leaving no trace, minimizing light pollution and noise, and respecting the natural environment.

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A map showing the location of the six designated campsites is forthcoming.

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