Ten places to go camping within an hour of Hamilton

Feel the pull of the great outdoors?

Pack the s'mores, Hamilton is central to many great overnight adventures - all within an hour-long drive of downtown.

Here are 10 places close to the city to go camping:

Valens Lake (1691 Regional 97 Rd., Cambridge)

Just 30 minutes from downtown, Valens Lake campground has 225 sites and is managed by the Hamilton Conservation Authority. Electric and water hookup sites are available. Camping is available year round - by reservation from April to October, and on a first-come, first-served basis from November to March.

• Campsites offer lake views and forested areas, radio free zones, and are alcohol-free. conservationhamilton.ca

Fifty Point (1479 Baseline Rd., Stoney Creek)

On the south shore of Lake Ontario and less than half an hour from the core. It's the place to be for a swim, family camping or a picnic for groups of any size. Fifty Point has 70 fully serviced sites, is part of the Hamilton Conservation Authority and features superb marina facilities. Docking and camping packages are available, with camping open from April to Thanksgiving.

• The comfort station is equipped with individual and accessible showers, washrooms and laundry facilities. conservationhamilton.ca

Byng Conservation Area (4969 County Road 20, Dunnville)

It's 50 minutes from downtown Hamilton. Byng Island has 380 campsites in four main campgrounds and is located along the Grand River toward Lake Erie. The large conservation area also encompasses Carolinian forests, wetlands and creeks, as well as the largest outdoor swimming pool in Canada. There's a premium rate for some unserviced riverfront sites. grandriver.ca

Chiefswood Campground (1037 Highway 54, Ohsweken)

Along the edge of the Grand River on the Six Nations reserve, Chiefswood Park offers tenting, glamping or cabin camping for families. You can be there within 30 minutes.

• Fees start at $50 for an unserviced site. chiefswoodpark.ca

Birley Gates Campground (142 West River Rd., Paris)

Along the banks of the Grand River and less than one hour away. Birley Gates is primarily a tent campground in a park-like setting offering families an oasis away from the city. Sites include a picnic table, fire pit and hydro and water options.

• Fishing, tubing and swimming - all with a view of the Three Sisters bridge pillars. Trailer rentals are available. birleygatescamping.com

Bronte Creek Provincial Park (3201 Upper Middle Rd. W., Oakville)

Hidden in plain sight, it's half an hour from Hamilton. In fact, this provincial park is so close to home you could commute. Four loops of family camping - from tents to large RVs - are located in the north end of the park. Note the Burloak entrance is for day use only.

• The park's giant outdoor pool is closed for the season. ontarioparks.com

Rattlesnake Point (7200 Appleby Line, Milton)

Camping with 10 or more? With just 17 tent sites, this Conservation Halton park is perfect for large groups and within a 45-minute drive. On the edge of the Niagara Escarpment, it has hands-down some of the area's most inspiring views, as well as a range of hiking options. Rock climbing is featured. Camping is available all year but washrooms and showers are closed during the winter.

• Rates range from $119 to $220 per night based on site size, in addition to per-person gate fees and a $10 registration fee. Reservations can be made by contacting vslead@hrca.on.ca or 905-878-5011 ext. 1273.

Kelso (5234 Kelso Rd., Milton)

Sleep beneath the stars and in the shadow of the Escarpment. There are 22 sites at this Conservation Halton park, which facilitates family fun and adventure with access to hiking, boating, swimming, fishing and mountain biking. Open from April to the end of October for groups of 10 or more.

• Like Rattlesnake Point, camping is for groups of 10 or more and rates range from $119 to $220 per night, plus gate fees and registration.Contact vslead@hrca.on.ca or 905-878-5011 ext. 1273 for reservations.

Cedars Campground (1039 5th Concession Rd. W., Hamilton)

Cedars is a proud LGBTQ camping community within 30 minutes of downtown and situated on 130 unspoiled, partially wooded acres atop the Niagara Escarpment.

• Non-serviced tent sites are $23 per person per night and include a fire pit and picnic table. cedarscampground.com

Bingemans (425 Bingemans Centre Dr., Kitchener)

If you've never camped, Bingemans is for those looking to get away while staying close to the action. It's a little less than an hour from Hamilton, and there is something there for everyone, including a giant water park, mini golf, beach volleyball, an indoor playland, Grand River adventures and so much more. You can even order Camping Meal Boxes, if you don't want to cook.

• Tent camping starts at $50 per night on weekdays, and packages are available. bingemans.com

Camping tips:

• Don't bring wood from other areas into any campground. Most sell firewood on site. This helps stop spread insect infestation.

• Don't forget matches or a lighter. Newspaper is also a great campfire starter.

• Put a tarp under your tent.

• Bring insect repellent and sunscreen.

• Remember a first aid kit, duct tape, rope and extra batteries for your flashlight.

• Can't find what you are looking for on this list? Camping In Ontario, also known as the Ontario Private Campground Association (OPCA), is a handy resource. campinginontario.ca

Jennifer Moore is an editorial assistant at The Spectator. jmoore@thespec.com