Campgrounds and RV parks near Clarenville-Shoal Harbour, NL

Clarenville-Shoal Harbour sits at the neck of the Bonavista Peninsula in eastern Newfoundland, roughly a half-hour drive from the south entrance to Terra Nova National Park, which protects the area where the North Atlantic Ocean meets the island boreal forest. The town works well as an RV base: the Trans-Canada Highway runs through it, and both national-park frontcountry sites and private RV parks lie within easy reach. Inside Terra Nova, Newman Sound Campground is the largest of the park's campgrounds, well situated at the centre of the park, with sites ranging from tent-friendly to those with water, sewer, and electrical hookups, along with oTENTiks. For paddlers and backpackers, the park's primitive backcountry campsites are reached by hike, boat drop-off, or paddle, including Dunphys Pond Backcountry and Dunphys Island Backcountry in Terra Nova National Park. Outside the park, private options add flexibility. Dunrovin Cabins and RV Sites sits on the Bonavista Peninsula toward Trinity, while Kilmory Resort Trailer Park is on the Burin Peninsula side, a short drive off the Trans-Canada Highway.

Terra Nova National Park sites are handled through the Parks Canada Reservation Service. Long-term camping at Newman Sound Campground opens first, bookable only by phone at 1-877-737-3783, followed a couple of days later by all other frontcountry and backcountry reservations, which can be booked online or by phone. Serviced sites at Newman Sound and backcountry permits should be booked as soon as the window opens for peak-summer dates. Backcountry stays at Dunphys Pond Backcountry and Dunphys Island Backcountry require both a park entry pass and a backcountry camping permit, and hikers using the Dunphys Pond trail are asked to register with park staff. Private parks such as Dunrovin Cabins and RV Sites and Kilmory Resort Trailer Park take reservations directly by phone or through their own websites.