Place · 0 mi away
Overview
Set around km 30.6–30.8 on Highway 60, Mew Lake is the park’s all‑season workhorse: 131 car‑camping sites, about half with electricity, plus a sandy beach and a small on‑site store. If you want an easy base close to classic Highway 60 hikes and lakes, this is one of the most convenient places to land.
Why Camp Here
- Flexibility: it’s open January through December, and you can reserve any time of year.
- Options: electrical and non‑electrical sites, plus a designated radio‑free and dog‑free west loop (sites 95–131) for a quieter vibe.
- Roofed stays: six yurts and four rustic cabins operate year‑round—great for shoulder‑season comfort.
What You’ll Find
A central comfort station has flush toilets, hot showers, and laundry. Most sites are standard car‑camp pads, with average privacy; some by the lake run smaller. There’s a beach on Mew Lake for swims and lounging, and a pet recreation area with a pet beach on the east side of the lake. The on‑site store covers basics (snacks, supplies), while the nearby Lake of Two Rivers Store expands your options May–Thanksgiving with groceries and bike rentals.
Roofed Accommodation Details
Yurts sleep six and are heated with electricity; cabins sleep five with propane heat and multiple outlets. Both include an outdoor picnic table, fire pit, and a seasonal BBQ (available May 1 to Thanksgiving). Standard check‑in/out is 4 pm/10 am, with a 2‑night minimum (3 on long weekends). Bring your own bedding and cookware.
Wildlife & Atmosphere
Expect regular highway hum—choose your site accordingly. That said, this corridor shines for wildlife: trip reports from this area regularly note moose, plus fox, beaver, and grouse. Clear fall nights can deliver solid stargazing when conditions cooperate.
Nearby Trails & Rentals
The Bat Lake Trail is just up the road, and classic canoe rentals are available at The Portage Store (Canoe Lake) and the Opeongo Store (Lake Opeongo), with a water taxi on Opeongo for deeper backcountry access. Bike rentals are handy at Lake of Two Rivers Store in season.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring–Fall: Weekdays are calmer; book early for peak fall color. Early and late in the day are best for wildlife sightings along the Highway 60 corridor.
- Winter: A quieter scene with first‑come, first‑served options in addition to reservations—great for hot‑tenting or a cozy yurt/cabin stay.
Heads‑Up
Road noise is real at roadside sites, and crowding happens in peak season. Vault toilets can be pungent, and there have been occasional maintenance and water‑supply hiccups. Pick your site carefully and you’ll still get a convenient base with easy access to trails and lakes.
Pros
- Open year‑round with plenty of electrical sites
- Radio‑ and dog‑free loop for a quieter stay
- Yurts and rustic cabins available year‑round
Cons
- Highway 60 noise is noticeable at some sites
- Lakeside and popular areas can feel crowded
- Outhouses can smell and occasional maintenance hiccups
Tips
- Book the west loop (sites 95–131) for radio‑ and dog‑free quiet.
- If highway noise bugs you, avoid roadside and choose interior sites.
- Yurts/cabins include seasonal BBQs only from May 1 to Thanksgiving.
- Bring your own bedding and cookware for yurts and cabins.
- For wildlife, plan dawn or dusk drives and walks along the Highway 60 corridor.
