You have to enter a lottery to camp at these Ontario parks this summer

Camping in Greater Sudbury, Ont. is getting a new booking system for the 2026 season. 

The city has introduced a lottery for all three of its municipal campgrounds.

While most campsites are typically booked through the Ontario Parks website, these locations will now require a lottery application: Whitewater Lake Campground (Azilda), Centennial Park Campground (Whitefish), and Ella Lake Campground (Capreol).

The update was shared on the city's website and across its social media platforms

The City of Greater Sudbury has opened the seasonal camping lottery for all three municipal campgrounds:
Whitewater Lake Campground (Azilda)
Centennial Park Campground (Whitefish)
Ella Lake Campground (Capreol)

Submit your lottery form at https://t.co/MPjWs0pgws.
The lottery… pic.twitter.com/uywqYxaFeC

— Greater Sudbury (@GreaterSudbury) March 23, 2026

Entering the lottery is straightforward. Campers can fill out a form with their personal information and rank their preferred campground choices. The Seasonal Camping Lottery Form is available on the city's website.

The 2026 camping season runs from May 15 to Sept. 20, with overnight stays starting at $59. Applications must be submitted by Apr. 7 at 4:30 p.m. to be entered into the draw. 

While the city hasn't cited a specific reason for the change, it’s likely due to the popularity of these sites, which draw large numbers of campers each summer. A lottery system can help give more visitors an equal chance at securing a spot.

Lottery systems for campsites are not new, and many avid campers may already be familiar with the concept. In Ontario, the Grand River Conservation Authority previously held a lottery draw for Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area for the 2025 camping season.