Brent Campground

Overview

Tucked on Cedar Lake at the park’s quiet north end, Brent Campground is the place you pick when you want fewer neighbors and more sky. It’s small, low-key, and blissfully off‑grid—no cell service, minimal bustle, and the kind of stars that make you linger at the shoreline.

Campsites & Layout

There are 30 non‑electrical sites, several right on the water and many with real privacy. Expect a mix: some open lakeside pads that trade shade for views, and tucked‑in sites along the road that feel sheltered. If you’re picky about placement, recent notes suggest: sites 2–6 are exposed waterfront; 7–13 are more private and inland; 14–23 sit near the main beachfront/boat launch; the east end (24–25, 28–29) offers quiet waterfront with decent separation.

Facilities (what you do—and don’t—get)

Brent is intentionally simple. You’ll find vault/compost toilets, seasonal drinking‑water taps, and firewood available via the Brent Office once you’re in. There’s a boat launch for Cedar Lake and a small beach, but this isn’t a marquee swimming spot compared to bigger campgrounds. No electricity, no showers or laundry, and no cell signal—plan accordingly.

Roofed Cabins (rustic and historic)

Two rentable cabins add a unique twist:

• Deputy Ranger Cabin (#764): a cozy one‑room log cabin for two with propane heat, solar lights, BBQ, and a propane stovetop/fridge.
• Brent Cabin (#763): sleeps up to ten with four bedrooms, a woodstove and stone fireplace, propane stove/fridge, and solar lights.

Neither has running water, electricity, or indoor bathrooms; vault toilets and campground water are a short walk away. No pets or smoking at the cabins, and no pitching tents beside them. Key pickup is at the Brent Permit Office just off Highway 17; late arrivals are accommodated.

Getting There

From Highway 17 near Deux‑Rivières, Brent Road runs about 40 km of gravel to Cedar Lake. It’s slow, winding, and can be rough with potholes and loose stone; after heavy rain, expect occasional water across the road. Drive unhurried, and don’t cut it close with daylight.

Things to Do

• Paddle right from camp—Cedar Lake is a launchpad for classic backcountry canoe routes, with rentals available on‑site through an outfitter.
• Walk the Brent Historic Site and poke around the remnants of the old rail yard area.
• Hike Brent Crater Trail and Lookout along the access road to see a bona fide meteorite impact landscape.
• Stretch your legs on the short Limestone Trail in the campground area—home to a rare limestone cliff for this park.

Wildlife & Night Sky

Moose and black bears wander this corner of the park—keep a clean site and store food properly. On clear nights, the stargazing is outstanding thanks to the remoteness and lack of lights.

Best Time to Visit

The 2025 operating season runs April 25 to October 26. Aim for weekdays for maximum quiet. Mornings bring glassy water for paddling; evenings deliver the best light (and the stars). Avoid heavy‑rain days if your vehicle dislikes rough gravel, and bring serious bug repellent in peak mosquito season.