Brent

Overview

Brent Campground is Algonquin’s quiet outpost on Cedar Lake: small (30 sites), simple, and blissfully remote. If you’re here, you want starry nights, canoe-first mornings, and a dose of history at the old Brent townsite. It’s less developed than the park’s busier drive-in campgrounds, which is exactly its charm.

Getting There

From Highway 17, you’ll turn onto Brent Road and bump along 40 km of gravel—potholes, loose gravel, occasional logging traffic, and the odd beaver-made washout after heavy rain. Plan on driving slowly; it’s roughly an hour back to the highway. Arrive early to sort out firewood or questions at the park office (hours can be limited, especially outside peak summer).

Campground Layout & Site Feel

Two main clusters sit on either side of the historic townsite. Expect a mix of waterfront and inland spots: some open and social, others tucked into the trees. The far east-end sites tend to feel more secluded, with a couple of true hideaways if privacy is your priority. There are also two reservable ranger cabins on the east side if you prefer four walls over a tent.

Facilities & Services

This is a bare-bones setup by design: vault/composting toilets (no flush, no comfort station), drinking-water taps, and no electrical hookups. There’s no cell service. You’ll find a boat launch for Cedar Lake, and motorboats are permitted with restrictions. A small seasonal outpost offers limited resupply, and canoe rentals are available on-site—handy if you’re pushing into the backcountry.

What To Do

• Paddle: Brent is a superb launch point for multi-day canoe routes across Cedar Lake and beyond.
• Explore history: Wander the Brent Historic Site exhibit to understand the former community here.
• Hike nearby: The Brent Crater Lookout along the access road frames a meteorite impact landscape; the Brent Crater Trail loop can be confusing where it meets a diagonal portage—bring the brochure/map.

Beach Reality Check

There is lakeshore access, but it’s not a classic sandy swimming beach. Think boat-friendly shoreline rather than lounging.

Season, Fees & Practicalities

For 2025, Brent operates April 25–October 26. Campsites are around $42.38 per night, including one vehicle; additional vehicles are about $14.13 per night. One vehicle is included with cabins as well. It’s quieter than most drive-in areas—great for solitude if you pick your site carefully.

Best Time to Visit

Aim for shoulder seasons (spring and fall) or midweek in summer for maximum calm. Arrive earlier in the day to handle check-in, wood, and any last-minute needs before the office closes. Clear nights deliver excellent stargazing thanks to the lack of light and cell towers.

Tips for Trails

Pick up the Brent Crater Trail brochure at the office if you can—trailhead boxes can be empty and junctions occasionally under-signed. The loop finishes with a short roadside walk back to the start.

Wildlife & Etiquette

Standard Algonquin rules apply: store food properly and give animals space. With fewer people around, your food discipline matters even more.