Brent Campground

Brent Campground is a small developed campground on the north side of Algonquin Provincial Park, with about 30 sites beside Cedar Lake. Some campsites have direct water access, and there is a beach and boat launch. It normally operates from mid-May to late October. I'd choose it for a quiet place to camp and paddle; the long drive makes it a poor pick for a quick stop.

From Highway 17 near Deux Rivières, gravel Brent Road runs about 40 kilometres to the campground; this is usually a one-to-two-hour leg. Expect a winding route, washboard sections and narrow bridges, with truck traffic on the first stretch. Take your time: the approach is a substantial part of the trip.

The wooded sites are well separated, and a few sit right by the lake. There are no electrical sites and no restaurant in Brent. The outfitter shop in the settlement has a limited selection of groceries and camping supplies, so bring the food and gear you need. Restrooms are available, but descriptions conflict on whether the toilets are flush; confirm the setup before booking if that matters to you.

Alexander Sherriff camped near Cedar Lake in 1829. Logging brought a settlement here in the 1850s, and by the early 1900s Brent had a school, a church and about 400 residents. The Canadian Northern Railway carried daily passengers to Brent before its service was rerouted and the tracks were removed in 1997. The nearby Brent Historic Walking Trail helps tell that story.