Bass Lake Provincial Park is located near Orillia in Ontario.

Bass Lake Provincial Park is located only minutes from the city of Orillia. This allows you access to amenities like shopping, movie theatres, gas stations, and a casino. Yet despite this proximity to a developed urban area, Bass Lake is surprisingly natural and reasonably private.

Site Review:

There are 175 sites at Bass Lake Provincial Park in 4 campground areas:

• Hilltop Campground
• Eastside Campground
• Lakeview Campground
• Cedar Campground

We had site #16 in Eastside Campground. Hilltop and Eastside are the only campgrounds to offer electric sites. Overall, the sites are large and most afford reasonable visual privacy. Some sites are very close and could be considered adjoining. It is recommended that you consult the Ontario Parks website for site-specific information.

The sites in the Eastside campground are fairly level. In the Hilltop campground sites seem to have more of a slope. No sites in the entire campground (with the exception of the 6 non-electric sites in the Cedar campground) have water access or views. 

There are 2 comfort stations within the park that have flush toilets and showers. There are additional flush toilets near the picnic shelters in the Day Use area. The rest of the washroom facilities are vault toilets (aka as a privy or an outhouse). The vault toilets at Bass Lake Provincial Park are different than the ones you would typically expect to find at Ontario Parks. These ones are in brick buildings and resemble a trailer toilet with a foot pedal to “flush” it. Odour seems to be minimized with this type of set up. I would still avoid camping near one when you are making your site reservation, but this is by far a better option than the vault toilets currently in use elsewhere.

One should also note that many of the campsites are located close to the park boundary fencing. Road traffic noise is unavoidable. 

Activities:

Bass Lake is a fairly large lake. Many private cottages surround the lake and it does get busy in the summer.

Boating:

There is a boat launch within the park to launch your own watercraft. Boats up to 20ft can be accommodated. There are also docks for temporary mooring.

Canoeing/Kayaking:

You can rent canoes and kayaks from the Park Store that can be retrieved right at the lake. Rates are dependent on the duration of use.

Fishing:

Bass Lake is excellent for both Large and Smallmouth Bass. You can fish right from the boat dock if you want. An Ontario fishing license is required. You cannot obtain one at the park as Ontario Parks do not issue fishing licenses.

Hiking:

 A 2.8 km hiking trail takes you down to the lake, meanders along the shore, through a marshy section, and then through a wooded area.

Biking:

There are no paths specifically for biking, though part of the hiking trail is paved and bicycle friendly. You can also bike on the park roads.

Swimming:

The water of Bass Lake is shallow and clean making it ideal for swimming.

The City of Orillia:

Orillia is a city of about 30,000 people. It is located between Lakes Couchiching and Simcoe. It is arguably a premier recreation destination.

You can take a boat cruise on the Island Princess, or simply enjoy the waterfront park.

Orillia is also home to the Orillia Opera House which maintains a regular schedule of plays, concerts and performances. Click here for more information.

There is also Casino Rama Resort. The Resort offers a complete entertainment experience with over 2,200 slot machines, more than 85 gaming tables, several unique restaurants and a world-class 5,000 seat entertainment centre that features concerts and live performances.

Check out Orillia.ca  for ideas of things to do when you’re in the area.

Things to Know:

1. You will be required to submit a $100 security deposit payable by credit card ONLY if renting any watercraft from the park. Note: Ontario Parks no longer accept American Express.
2. Pets are permitted but they must be under control, on a leash not exceeding 2m at all times and must be cleaned up after. Excessive noise is not tolerated in Ontario Provincial Parks and this includes a barking dog.  A barking dog would fall under a disturb others infraction and you would be fined accordingly.
3. ALL roads in ALL Ontario Parks are classed as provincial highways. This means that ALL regulations that normally apply on public roads also apply to park roads. So while it may seem convenient to load family and friends into the back of your pickup truck for the short drive to the beach be aware that Enforcement staff will stop your vehicle and issue an offense notice. 
4. McRae Point Provincial Park is nearby, located less than 25 km away if you find Bass Lake Provincial Park full and would still like to camp in the Orillia area.
5. There are no lifeguards at Ontario Parks beaches.

IMO:

I liked Bass Lake Provincial Park. It is a nice weekend destination or a road trip stop. I would not plan an extended stay but for a short visit, I would recommend it as an RV Place to Go.