mcrae point provincial park

I like this park for being simple and fairly well-maintained. We camped over the August long weekend with four friends - other couples in the 30 - 40 age range. We were definitely outnumbered by the amount of families with kids. We picked a waterfront site without electricity on the south campground. You can't actually access the water from the sites, but there is a waterfront trail you can get to that I enjoyed walking my dog down. I found that our site was fairly private (no one directly across and good tree cover separating sites to the sides) and the grass, fire pit and tables were all in good order. Maybe because we had no power, I found it to be quiet enough. The washrooms were not too far and the water from the main tap was drinkable, though a bit funny-tasting. The store at the front sells ice and fire wood, which were both useful. The beach was about a 7 minute walk from our camp site. It is true that the lawn in front of the beach was covered in a lot of goose poop, which was unfortunate. But there were enough clear spots near the water to lay down your towel and the beach itself was great - a little rocky right at the shore, then a giant sand bar that's great for playing frisbee or just hanging out in the water. It also has enough trees that shade is easy to find. All in all we had a great time and are looking forward to going back. We found this park to be an "easy" camping trip - relatively close to Toronto, with lots of amenities in the park and nearby.

Got to the park on Friday July 18/2014. Was on the south campground. All the sites were packed with tons of people and kids on each site (max of 6 people per site legislation not listened to). Privacy was little. People and kids were very loud (kids up at 6am screaming I adults up til 5am partying). there are so many people and two washrooms to share on campground which caused lineups all day and night long to brush teeth or go to the washroom. I've never experienced anything like this before-iam an afvid camper. I also brought my Lil Boston terrier with me as there is supposed to be a dog beach.. Well that was also a joke. The dog beach is very small,dirty and right beside a boat launch with tons of people, cars and kids fishing next to your dog, this makes the dog beach unsafe for your pet to swim. Moreover, the trail is also a joke. There's maybe 15 mins of an actual trail, the rest goes through mowed lawns through the north side of campground-not really a trail at all. All in all I have never seen a park so bad, I guess its to close to the city and that's why I call this fake camping. I will never go back here.

The park is small, and the sites are more like back yards that face each other with wide open frontage and absolutely no privacy. You can hear everything your neighbours are saying, and you have to look at them constantly because there isn't a tree or bush to shelter you from them or the sun. There were a few rowdy types during our stay, but the park rangers put the kibosh on it quickly. The beach is absolutely horrific, with virtually no sand but grass instead. There is literally goose crap everywhere you step, and many despicable dog owners just see that as a perfect opportunity to leave their dog crap there too, since the beach is already so full of the stuff. Had fun despite all this, but definitely won't return.

I would have to say that McRae Point is my favorite park to date.When I return I will be camping in the south campground. Here it has better sites...in the north there is no privacy.The beach has plenty of room...with a badminton/volley ball court...horse shoes..playground...One drawback of the beach was the geese, though there was not many.There is a dog friendly beach for the furry ones.The other beef I had was the only showers were in the north camp ground.Trails were nice but bring the bug spray.

We pulled up to our site, on the Friday afternoon. Site 146. At the bottom, cause the sites on this side towards the water slope down, you could walk to the water. There was a bath way right to lake simcoe. Sites 126 to 149 are electric. There is lots of dogs on this side of the park. We have a boxer so dogs do not bother us. Waking up to the water every morning was really a relaxing feeling. My wife and I could sit at the front of our trailer and see the water. The beach, well the swimming area is nice, but I recommend to bring water shoes as there is rocks in the water to walk on. Lake was pretty clear. There isn't really a beach as the water comes up to the edge of the grass. Overall we will return to Mcrea point provincial park as my family and I had a great relaxing time. People are very friendly at this place.

A rather compact provincial park. However, you get a great view of Lake Simcoe and some beautiful sunsets. You can also go for a quiet hike on the Water's Edge Trail along McRae Point

There's two sides to the campgrounds. One more private than the other. I guess it depends on how social you like to be. We stayed at campsite 138 on the private side. Most of the sites there have reasonable privacy but there's lots of sun too. On the other side the trees are old growth and provide more shade. The beach is great for kids as the water was really warm and the water is roped off at about a three foot depth which is over 100 feet from shore. Orrilia is only 10 minutes away so all the modern comforts are only moments away. We rented a fishing boat around the corner at Blue Beacon Marine which was easy and convenient. The water surrounds the campgrounds so the bugs are aplenty, bring bug spray, lots of it. The park is regularly patrolled and we felt safe and looked after. The comfort station is on the big side but since the park isn't that large it wasn't a big deal. All in all a fun time for all.