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Park Logistics and Planning

What ‘Permit Parking Only 8am-5pm’ Really Means at Ontario Parks (And How to Avoid Getting Ticketed)

Estimated read time 15 min read

Look for the white and green signs displaying “Permit Parking Only 8am-5pm” at your chosen Ontario park entrance—these tell you exactly when you need that vehicle permit hanging from your rearview mirror. During enforcement hours, parking without a valid permit means risking a ticket that’ll cost you way more than the day pass itself. Outside those hours, from 5:01pm until 7:59am the next morning, you can generally park for free, though some parks have seasonal variations you’ll want to confirm before your visit.
The system works simply: purchase your permit online before arriving or grab one at the park …

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Park Logistics and Planning

What You Need to Know Before Your Next KOA Stay: The New Camping Rules

Estimated read time 13 min read

Review your KOA reservation confirmation email within 24 hours of booking to spot the updated quiet hours policy, which now extends from 10 PM to 8 AM at most locations—an hour earlier than before. Check the specific campground’s website before packing, as new pet rules require leashes no longer than six feet and limit two pets per site, with breed restrictions varying by location. Download the KOA app to access your campground’s digital rulebook, where you’ll find site-specific guidelines about generator usage, fire pit regulations, and the expanded list of prohibited items that now includes certain outdoor speakers …

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Guides Park Logistics and Planning Safety and Survival Skills

Can You Bring THCP Products Into Ontario Parks? Here’s What You Need to Know

Estimated read time 12 min read

Planning a camping trip to Ontario Parks and wondering about THCP? You’re not alone—many visitors want clarity before they pack. While you can buy THCp here legally in certain provinces, Ontario Parks follows specific cannabis regulations that apply to all cannabinoids, including this potent newcomer.
Here’s what matters most: THCP falls under the same framework as traditional cannabis products in Ontario. You can possess and consume it in designated areas, but the rules mirror those for THC—meaning you’ll need to respect smoke-free zones, keep products away from minors, …

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Park Logistics and Planning

Need to Cancel Your Park Reservation? Here’s Exactly What to Do

Estimated read time 13 min read

**Cancel your Ontario Parks reservation online through the official reservation system within 72 hours of your arrival date to receive a partial refund minus service fees.** Log into your account, locate your booking confirmation number, and follow the cancellation prompts—it takes less than five minutes when you know where to click.
**Understanding the refund timeline matters more than you think.** Cancellations made 14+ days before arrival typically receive 85% of camping fees back, while last-minute cancellations (within 72 hours) forfeit nearly everything except a small processing credit. I learned this the hard way when a …

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Park Logistics and Planning

Make Every Trail Your Trail: How Ontario Parks Makes Nature Accessible for All

Estimated read time 12 min read

Planning accessible outdoor experiences transforms parks from exclusive spaces into welcoming destinations for everyone. Ontario Parks leads the way in accessibility planning, implementing universal design principles that go beyond basic requirements to create truly inclusive natural spaces.
Whether you’re organizing a family outing with a wheelchair user, seeking sensory-friendly trails, or managing a facility that needs accessibility upgrades, thoughtful planning makes the difference between a challenging experience and an enriching adventure. From barrier-free campgrounds to tactile interpretive panels and accessible beach …

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Park Logistics and Planning

Smart Campers Know These New Rules for Every Camping Style

Estimated read time 14 min read

Discover the perfect camping style to match your outdoor spirit, whether you’re a first-time adventurer Learning to Camp or a seasoned wilderness explorer. From the rugged simplicity of backpacking to the luxurious comfort of glamping, modern camping has evolved far beyond the traditional tent-in-a-field experience. Today’s campers can choose between off-grid backcountry adventures, fully-equipped RV sites, cozy cabin stays, or even suspended tree camping – each offering a unique way to connect with nature while respecting new environmental …

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Park Logistics and Planning

Why You Need Both Park Reservation AND Reservations (Yes, There’s a Difference!)

Estimated read time 7 min read

Making a park “reservation” refers to a single booking, while “reservations” encompasses multiple bookings or the broader system of securing spots. Master stress-free campground reservations by understanding this key distinction when planning your outdoor adventures.
Consider this practical scenario: You might say “I made a reservation for campsite A12,” but you’d use “reservations” when discussing the overall booking process, as in “The park&#…

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Park Logistics and Planning

New Jersey State Parks Just Changed Their Camping Rules (What You Need to Know)

Estimated read time 9 min read

Secure your perfect New Jersey camping spot by booking through the state’s newly streamlined reservation system, which now allows bookings up to 12 months in advance for prime locations like High Point State Park and Wharton State Forest. Plan your wilderness adventure across 40+ state parks and forests, featuring everything from rustic tent sites to full-service RV hookups, with options starting at just $20 per night. The Garden State’s diverse camping landscape offers oceanfront sites along the Jersey Shore, serene Pine Barrens hideaways, and mountainside retreats in the Delaware Water Gap – all accessible through a …

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Park Logistics and Planning

Smart Flight Booking Secrets for Your Ontario Park Adventure

Estimated read time 9 min read

Book your flights to visit Ontario’s top provincial parks at least 3-4 months in advance for peak summer weekends, with Tuesday afternoons typically offering the lowest fares. Set price alerts across multiple booking platforms like Google Flights, Kayak, and Skyscanner to catch sudden fare drops, especially during shoulder seasons (May and September). Clear your browser cookies before each search session, or use incognito mode to prevent dynamic pricing from affecting your rates. Consider booking multi-city …

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Park Logistics and Planning

Get Your Ontario Parks Camping Permit: Everything You Need for a Stress-Free Adventure

Estimated read time 9 min read

Secure your perfect Ontario camping spot by booking your camping permit up to five months in advance through the Ontario Parks Reservation System. From serene backcountry adventures to family-friendly car camping, Ontario’s diverse park system requires specific permits tailored to your outdoor experience. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway at Algonquin Park or a week-long wilderness expedition, understanding permit requirements ensures a smooth, legal, and memorable camping experience. Navigate the permit process easily by choosing between day-use permits for short visits, overnight camping permits for extended stays, or…