Kouchibouguac National Park

Kouchibouguac National Park is a Canadian National Park located in the Miramichi area of New Brunswick about 100 km from the city of Moncton. 

Kouchibouguac National Park has 2 campground areas but only the South Kouchibouguac campground is equipped to service RVs. There are:

• 126 fully serviced sites (water, electric, sewer)
• 42 electric only sites
• 115 non-serviced sites

Fees

The daily camping fee for a fully serviced site in the summer is $38.20.

Like all Canadian National Parks, there is an additional day-use charge applicable to each person over the age of 6.  

There is a combined family rate of $15.70 per day. The family rate added to the camping fee would make each night of camping at Kouchibouguac cost about $53.90 for a family in the summer (The fees are less if you travel in the shoulder seasons).

Site Review:

We had site #235. This was a full-service site. 

Some sites are in a wooded setting.

Some sites are more open.

All sites are large and have a reasonably level gravel parking pad. All sites have a fire ring and a picnic table.

The comfort stations are typical with flush toilets and showers. Adjacent to the comfort stations are kitchen shelters.

Campground Amenities:

1. Visitor Centre: where there is a gift shop, some interactive activities and a theatre that features a short film about the history of Kouchibouguac National Park.
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2. Snack Bar: located near the boardwalk to Kellys beach. It serves the typical fare of hot dogs, poutine and beverages. Summer hours are from 9 am to 8 pm.
3. Ryans Equipment Rental: is where you can rent canoes, kayaks and bikes.
4. Ryans Convenience Store and Laundromat: located near the equipment rental and has a small selection of camping supplies.

Activities:

Biking:

Kouchibaouguac National Park has over 60 km of crushed gravel topped bicycle paths that criss-cross and encircle the entirety of the park. 

They travel past peat bogs, saltwater lagoons, and through Acadian woodland. The biking here is a primary activity and is equal parts active and relaxing affording some truly picturesque views.

Swimming/Beach:

Kellys Beach is the main beach area. It is located an easy 2 km from the South Kouchibouguac campground area via the bike path. There is ample parking in the area should you choose to drive.

To access the beach you have to walk the 1 km long boardwalk which takes you across saltwater grass and over a lagoon.

The beach is long and sandy with a gentle slope. There are lifeguards on duty.

Callanders Beach is about 5 km from the campground via the bike path. 

A barrier beach separates this shallow lagoon and narrow salt marsh from the sea, making it an ideal place for kayaking or canoeing. 

Kayak/Canoe:

At  Ryans Landing (where you can rent canoes and kayaks) there is also a dock where you can launch your own equipment. The Kouchibouguac River is gentle and the lagoons are easy to travel. Sea kayaks are not necessary. You can enjoy a paddle with just a recreational kayak.

Hiking:

There are 10 named hiking trails within the park. Most of the trails are 1-1.5 km loops. All of them are relatively flat and rated as ‘Easy’.

Fishing:

A Kouchibouguac National Park Fishing Permit is required to fish in all the waters within the park’s boundary. A daily general fishing permit is approximately $10 CAD. 

Voyageur Canoe Adventure:

With an experienced guide at the helm, 4-9 passengers paddle a replica Voyageur canoe typical of that used by the First Nations and the early settlers out to a sandy barrier island. Here you will encounter a colony of hundreds of grey seals. These seals can be as large as 450kg and more than 2 metres long. They are just as curious about you, as you are about them and will bob, bask and frolic a short distance from the canoe.

• The tour goes once a day at 830 am.
• The tour is in English on Wednesdays and Fridays.
• It is in French on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
• There are no tours Sundays or Mondays.
• The cost is $30-$40 CAD.
• The number for reservations is (506) 876-2443.

You have to make reservations for this tour well in advance. Only a maximum of 45 visitors can be accommodated each week.

Things to Know:

1. You pronounce Kouchibouguac: koo-she-boo-gwack (say that 5 times fast and the fifth time is how it’s supposed to sound).
2. Wood is available for purchase at the registration booth before entering the campground.
3. Dogs are permitted at Kouchibouguac National Park. They are permitted at Callanders Beach but not Kellys Beach or on the boardwalk
4. It is the law in New Brunswick that  ALL cyclists wear a helmet.
5. Cell service is extremely poor within the park. Reception is somewhat better at the Visitor Centre and at the Kelly Beach snack bar area.
6. There is a small convenience store located at Ryans Landing where you can get some basic camping supplies. The nearest town to purchase any other items is approximately 30 km away.

IMO:

Kouchibouguac is not a large park, not compared to Fundy National Park which is New Brunswick’s other national park located about 200 km away, but the campsites are large and well laid out.  Kellys Beach is nice and family-friendly. It was perfect for a beach day.  The biking trails are wide and well-maintained and allow access to all points of interest within the park without having to drive your car. The sunsets are beautiful.

I would definitely recommend Kouchibouguac National Park as a great RV Place to Go!