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12 campgrounds and RV Parks near Portugal Cove-St. Philip's, NL. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
12 campgrounds
1447 campsites
3 RVs available for delivery
From $20/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $39,146/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Best campgrounds near Portugal Cove-St. Philip's, NL
Marine Park Jellystone
Pouch Cove, NL (19 km away)
$$$$$
(450 sites)
+10
Butter Pot Provincial Park
Holyrood, NL (26 km away)
$$$$$
(175 sites)
+6
Crowhill RV Park
Brigus, NL (29 km away)
$$$$$
(98 sites)
+4
The Oldmill RV Park
Avondale, NL (31 km away)
$$$$$
(75 sites)
+2
Roache's Line RV Park
Newfoundland and Labrador (31 km away)
$$$$$
(60 sites)
+6
Blue Fin RV Trailer Park
Holyrood, NL (44 km away)
$$$$$
(98 sites)
+6
La Manche Provincial Park
Newfoundland and Labrador (46 km away)
$$$$$
(83 sites)
+8
Bellevue Beach Campground
Newfoundland and Labrador (66 km away)
$$$$$
(116 sites)
+2
Jack's Pond Park
Arnold's Cove, NL (87 km away)
$$$$$
(200 sites)
+4
Sunset RV Park
Newfoundland and Labrador (90 km away)
$$$$$
(40 sites)
+3
Little Pond Park RV Campground
Newfoundland and Labrador (91 km away)
$$$$$
(40 sites)
+5
Trinity Cabins Trailer Park
Newfoundland and Labrador (97 km away)
$$$$$
(12 sites)
+4
Most common amenities
Dump station Playground Tables Toilets Grills Showers Internet Laundry General store Pet friendly
Campgrounds near Portugal Cove-St. Philip's
Portugal Cove-St. Philip's sits on Conception Bay on the northeast Avalon Peninsula, less than 15 minutes' drive from the provincial capital of St. John's. The town is the mainland terminus for the daily Bell Island ferry, which makes it a practical staging point for RV travellers exploring the eastern Avalon while staying close to city services.
Campground supply in the immediate area is a mix of private RV parks and one large provincial park. Marine Park Jellystone in Pouch Cove is the closest full-service resort, a large family park with hundreds of sites and full hookups. Butter Pot Provincial Park, roughly a half-hour south along the Trans-Canada Highway, is one of the most-booked parks in the province and offers 179 forested sites.
Additional options within an easy drive include The Oldmill RV Park in Avondale, Crowhill RV Park near Brigus, and Roache's Line RV Park further west on the Avalon isthmus. Together these give travellers a range of choices from hookup-heavy resorts to quieter, forested provincial sites.
Things to do near Portugal Cove-St. Philip's
The bay itself is the main draw. Ferries run daily to Bell Island for lighthouse walks, sea-cave viewpoints, and the underground mine tour. Cape Spear, Signal Hill, and the East Coast Trail are all within a short drive, offering headland hiking, whale watching in season, and puffin and seabird colonies.
For family-oriented days, Marine Park Jellystone offers a range of on-site recreation for kids. Butter Pot features ponds for swimming, fishing, and paddling, plus a network of hiking trails including the climb to Butter Pot Hill for wide countryside views. Downtown St. John's, with George Street, the Rooms museum, and Quidi Vidi, is roughly 20 minutes away by car.
Camping spots and RV parks near Portugal Cove-St. Philip's, NL
When to visit Portugal Cove-St. Philip's
- spring
March - May
6° / -2°C 116 mmCool and foggy; parks open by Victoria Day weekend.
- summer
June - August
19° / 10°C 90 mmPeak season; book Butter Pot and Marine Park early.
- fall
September - November
11° / 3°C 138 mmWet; post-tropical storm risk; provincial parks close mid-Sept.
- winter
December - February
0° / -8°C 145 mmCold, wet, snowy; most provincial parks closed.
The usable RV window on the Avalon is short. Butter Pot's campground is open from mid-May through mid-September, and most provincial camping parks open for the Victoria Day weekend, with others opening in late May and early June. July and August are the warmest and driest months and the peak booking window; sites at Butter Pot and Marine Park Jellystone fill quickly for summer weekends.
Shoulder seasons carry trade-offs. Late May and June bring longer days but cool nights, black flies inland, and frequent fog on the coast. September stays comparatively mild and quieter, but rain increases and provincial park services wind down by mid-month.
Fall can also bring post-tropical storms. From August to October, Newfoundland can occasionally be hit by Atlantic hurricanes that turn northeast; they usually arrive weakened after crossing cold water but can still bring heavy rain and strong winds. Winter camping is limited to a few private parks that stay open year-round.
How to book campgrounds near Portugal Cove-St. Philip's
Provincial and private parks use different systems. For Butter Pot Provincial Park, campsites are reserved by calling toll-free 1-877-214-CAMP (2267) or online through parksnl.ca. Most sites are reservable, a small portion are first-come first-served, and the reservation window for a given year opens on a set date, usually in late April, after which bookings can be made for any time during that calendar year.
Private parks including Marine Park Jellystone, The Oldmill RV Park, Crowhill RV Park, and Roache's Line RV Park book directly through their own websites or by phone. For July and August weekends, reserve well in advance; seasonal contracts at Marine Park Jellystone often go before spring.
What to expect at Portugal Cove-St. Philip's campgrounds
Hookup levels vary sharply by park. Private parks around Portugal Cove-St. Philip's typically offer water, power, and sewer, plus laundry and Wi-Fi. Butter Pot is different: sites are unserviced with no water, electric, or sewer hookups at the site, though there is a trailer dump station near the park staff cabin, water taps throughout the park, and two accessible comfort stations with showers and laundry.
Expect changeable coastal weather. The coastal location means wind and fog are common, and it is possible to see four seasons in one day. Roads in the area are paved and RV-friendly, but interior park roads at Butter Pot are gravel. Cell coverage is generally good near the highway and thinner on East Coast Trail sections and Bell Island's back roads.
Own an RV? Earn up to $39,146/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Portugal Cove-St. Philip's, NL
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Portugal Cove-St. Philip's?
An RV rental in Portugal Cove-St. Philip's is one of the most affordable ways to explore the Avalon Peninsula. On RVezy, motorhome rentals in the area typically range from about $200 to $350 CAD per night, while travel trailers and fifth wheels often run between $100 and $180 CAD per night. Many hosts offer 10-20% off for weekly or monthly bookings, which adds up quickly on a Newfoundland loop trip. For a cheap RV rental in Portugal Cove-St. Philip's, search shoulder season dates in June or early September, filter by travel trailer, and message hosts about multi-night discounts. Pro tip: booking a trailer plus delivery often beats a drivable motorhome on total cost.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Portugal%20Cove-St.%20Philip%27sWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Portugal Cove-St. Philip's?
Great news: your regular Class 5 driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Portugal Cove-St. Philip's. Newfoundland and Labrador does not require a special motorhome endorsement or commercial license for personal RV use, even for larger Class A and Class C motorhomes you'll find on RVezy. You'll need to be 25 or older, and visitors from outside Canada should bring an International Driving Permit alongside their home license. RVezy verifies your ID right inside the booking flow, so there's no extra paperwork at pickup. First time renting an RV? Hosts in the area walk you through every system at handover, so you'll roll off feeling confident.
gov.nl.ca/motorregistration/drivers/classes-of-licences/Is my RV rental protected if something goes wrong?
Yes, every RVezy booking in Portugal Cove-St. Philip's comes with a built-in renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can hit Route 40 with real peace of mind. During checkout you choose your protection level, and each plan covers accidental damage to the RV during your trip up to the plan limits. Roadside help is one tap away if you get a flat on the way to the Bell Island ferry. Pro tip: pick a higher-tier package for coastal driving where rocky shoulders and foggy conditions are common.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my Portugal Cove-St. Philip's RV rental?
Booking is low-risk: RVezy sets the cancellation policy on every reservation, not individual hosts, so the rules are consistent and fair across every motorhome rental in Portugal Cove-St. Philip's. There is a money-back grace period right after booking, with additional refund options depending on how far out from your trip you cancel. You can review the current policy details and request a cancellation directly from your RVezy dashboard. Pro tip: book early to lock in the best rigs, knowing you have a window to adjust if plans shift.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on my Portugal Cove-St. Philip's RV trip?
Absolutely, pet-friendly RV rentals in Portugal Cove-St. Philip's are easy to find on RVezy. Just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter on the search page and you will see motorhomes and trailers whose owners welcome dogs (and sometimes cats). Newfoundland is genuinely dog-friendly: leashed pups are welcome on the East Coast Trail's Beachy Cove Path and at many spots around St. Philip's Marina. Provincial parks like Pippy Park in nearby St. John's allow leashed pets at campsites. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm pet fees and any breed or size restrictions, and ask whether the RV has easy-clean flooring for sandy paws after a beach day.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Portugal%20Cove-St.%20Philip%27s&PetFriendly=trueCan the RV be delivered to me in Portugal Cove-St. Philip's?
Yes, RV delivery in Portugal Cove-St. Philip's is one of the most popular options on RVezy, especially for travellers flying into St. John's International Airport (YYT), which is only about a 15-minute drive away. Many local hosts will deliver and set up the rig right at your campsite, vacation rental, or a friend's driveway, then walk you through the propane, water, and electrical systems before they leave. That means no white-knuckle first drive on Route 40's hills. Delivery fees are set by each host based on distance and RV size. Pro tip: ask for delivery straight to your campground at Pippy Park or La Manche so you can start your Newfoundland adventure stress-free.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Portugal%20Cove-St.%20Philip%27s&Delivery=trueHow far can I drive on a typical Newfoundland RV trip from Portugal Cove-St. Philip's?
You can cover a lot of ground on an RV road trip from Portugal Cove-St. Philip's. Most hosts include a daily mileage allowance (often 150-250 km per day) with additional kilometres available at a per-km rate, and some listings even offer RV rental with unlimited mileage. Popular drives include Cape Spear (about 35 km, 45 minutes), Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve (about 175 km, 2.5 hours), Trinity on the Bonavista Peninsula (about 260 km, 3 hours), and Gros Morne National Park (about 700 km, 8 to 9 hours one-way). Pro tip: filter for unlimited-mileage listings if you are planning to cross the island to Gros Morne or the Viking Trail.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Portugal%20Cove-St.%20Philip%27sWhere are the best campgrounds near Portugal Cove-St. Philip's?
You are spoiled for choice for RV camping near Portugal Cove-St. Philip's. The closest full-service options include Pippy Park Campground in St. John's (about 15 minutes away, with serviced sites, laundry, and a dump station right in the city) and La Manche Provincial Park (about 50 minutes south, with scenic wooded sites near the East Coast Trail). Butter Pot Provincial Park, about 35 minutes southwest, offers serviced and unserviced sites and is a popular base for families. For a quieter feel, look for private parks along the Conception Bay shoreline. Pro tip: book Pippy Park first if you want a base camp close to the Bell Island ferry and downtown St. John's restaurants.
gov.nl.ca/ecc/parks/When is the best time to visit Portugal Cove-St. Philip's in an RV?
Mid-June through mid-September is the sweet spot for an RV trip in Portugal Cove-St. Philip's. July and August are warmest, with daytime highs around 16-22°C (60-72°F), and humpback whales feed in Conception Bay through August. June brings fewer crowds and the chance to spot icebergs drifting past Bell Island. September delivers crisp air, fall colours along Route 40, and easier campsite availability. Winters are snowy and most private campgrounds close from October through May. Pro tip: aim for late June for the chance to see icebergs, whales, and puffins on a single trip.
climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_1991_2020_e.html?searchType=stnName&txtStationName=st+john%27sI've never driven an RV before. Is Portugal Cove-St. Philip's a good place to start?
It is a great place to start. First time renting an RV? Your Portugal Cove-St. Philip's host will give you a full walkthrough at pickup covering driving, slide-outs, propane, water, and waste systems, and you can message them anytime during the trip. The town itself sits on quiet Route 40 with wide shoulders, and most local campgrounds are an easy 15 to 30 minute drive away on uncongested roads. If you would rather skip driving entirely, choose delivery and the rig arrives fully set up. Pro tip: practice in the campground loop the first afternoon, then build confidence with a short trip out to Cape Spear before tackling longer drives.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat happens if my RV breaks down during my trip?
You are covered. Every RVezy rental in Portugal Cove-St. Philip's includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, so help is always one call away whether you are at the Bell Island ferry terminal or out at Cape St. Mary's. Roadside covers things like flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, and towing to a qualified mechanic. Your host is also your first line of support and usually responds within minutes by message, and RVezy's support team backs you up before, during, and after the trip. Pro tip: save the roadside number to your phone before you leave the driveway, and keep a screenshot in case you hit a cell-service dead zone.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Portugal Cove-St. Philip's RV rental off the island or to the United States?
Yes, with a little planning. Many RVezy hosts in Portugal Cove-St. Philip's allow travel across Newfoundland and Labrador, and over to Nova Scotia via the Marine Atlantic ferry from Argentia or Port aux Basques, opening up the rest of Atlantic Canada. Some hosts also permit trips into the continental US, which depends on the host's approval and insurance, so confirm by messaging directly from the listing. Travel to Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals. Bring your passport and vehicle registration for cross-border drives. Pro tip: book the Argentia ferry months in advance for a one-week loop down through Cape Breton.
marineatlantic.ca/What should I budget for fuel on a Portugal Cove-St. Philip's RV trip?
Fuel is the second-biggest line item after the rental itself, but it is manageable. Expect a Class C motorhome to use about 18-25 L/100 km, while a campervan rental Portugal Cove-St. Philip's travellers love can hit 12-15 L/100 km. Gas prices in Newfoundland and Labrador are regulated by the Public Utilities Board and updated weekly, so you can check the current rate before fuelling up. Fill up in St. John's or Paradise where stations are easy to access; rural Avalon stations can keep shorter hours. Pro tip: plan fuel stops before heading down the Cape Shore on Route 100, since stations are spaced out.
pub.nl.ca/applications/Petroleum/index.phpHow far ahead should I book a campground near Portugal Cove-St. Philip's?
Earlier is better, but you have options. Newfoundland and Labrador provincial parks like La Manche and Butter Pot open reservations in the spring through the official Parks NL reservation system, and prime July and August weekends often fill within days. Private parks such as Pippy Park book up 2 to 3 months ahead for peak summer. For shoulder-season trips in June or September, two to three weeks of lead time is usually plenty. Pro tip: if you strike out, ask your RVezy host about lesser-known spots or arrange delivery to a private property and skip campground booking stress entirely.
reservenlcamping.ca/What are the driving conditions like around Portugal Cove-St. Philip's?
Driving here is straightforward once you know the local quirks. Route 40 (Portugal Cove Road) connects you to St. John's and the Trans-Canada Highway in about 15 minutes on a well-paved, two-lane road with moderate hills down to the ferry terminal. Coastal fog can roll in quickly between June and August, so keep headlights on and slow down on the descent into the cove. Moose are a real hazard at dawn and dusk on Route 40 and the TCH, and the province posts active moose-collision warnings. Winter brings snow, ice, and occasional road closures. Pro tip: avoid driving the steep hill down to the Bell Island ferry queue in dense fog, and never drive after dark on the TCH if you can help it.
gov.nl.ca/ti/highways/What amenities will I find at campgrounds near Portugal Cove-St. Philip's?
Local campgrounds have you well covered. Pippy Park in St. John's offers 30/50-amp electrical, water and sewer hookups, a dump station, hot showers, laundry, and Wi-Fi at many sites. La Manche Provincial Park provides unserviced sites, vault toilets, and a centralized water tap, with a dump station at the park. Butter Pot Provincial Park has serviced sites with electrical hookups, hot showers, and a dump station. Most private parks within 30 minutes of Portugal Cove-St. Philip's have dump stations available to registered guests. Pro tip: arrive with a full freshwater tank if you are heading to La Manche, since central fills can have a line on busy summer afternoons.
gov.nl.ca/ecc/parks/What's included inside a typical RV rental in Portugal Cove-St. Philip's?
You will be impressed by how well-equipped these rigs are. Most RVezy listings in Portugal Cove-St. Philip's come with a full kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, sink), a bathroom with a hot-water shower and toilet, sleeping for 4 to 8 people, a furnace and often air conditioning, fresh and grey water tanks, and shore-power hookups. Many include a TV, Bluetooth stereo, and an outdoor awning. Wi-Fi and generators are common add-ons listed on each profile. Class A and Class C motorhomes have seatbelted travel seats for passengers. Pro tip: filter for listings with a propane furnace and heated tanks if you are travelling in June or September when overnight lows on the Avalon can dip near 5°C (41°F).
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Portugal%20Cove-St.%20Philip%27sWhat add-ons and pickup options should I know about?
Hosts in Portugal Cove-St. Philip's offer lots of ways to customize your trip. Common add-ons include linen and towel packages, camp chairs, kitchen kits, generators, bike racks, and portable Wi-Fi, with fees set per listing and shown right in the booking flow. Pickup is usually at the host's home in Portugal Cove-St. Philip's, Paradise, or nearby St. John's, and many hosts will also deliver to St. John's International Airport (YYT) for fly-in guests. Daily mileage policies range from 150 km per day to unlimited. Pro tip: bundle delivery plus a fully stocked kitchen kit and you can land at YYT, get picked up, and start your Newfoundland adventure within an hour.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Portugal%20Cove-St.%20Philip%27sHow do payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is simple and transparent. When you book your RV rental in Portugal Cove-St. Philip's, RVezy charges your credit card for the trip total through the secure platform; there is no cash or e-transfer to the host. The security deposit is a separate pre-authorization hold placed on your card shortly before pickup and released after the trip once the host confirms the RV came back in good shape. Hold amounts vary by listing and are shown clearly before you book. Pro tip: take date-stamped photos of the rig at pickup and drop-off, including the odometer and tank levels, so any deposit discussion is quick and drama-free.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksAre there any insider tips for visiting Portugal Cove-St. Philip's by RV?
Here is the local secret: park at the Portugal Cove ferry terminal lot and walk on to the Bell Island ferry instead of taking the RV across. The short crossing operated by Provincial Ferry Services costs just a few dollars per person, and you skip the long summer vehicle lineups. Spend the day touring the No. 2 Mine Museum, hiking to the Bell Island Lighthouse, and eating fish and chips before catching the ferry back to your RV at the terminal. The St. Philip's Marina is also a beautiful sunset stop after a Bell Island day. Pro tip: check the official ferry schedule before you go and arrive early at the terminal during peak summer days.
gov.nl.ca/ti/ferryservices/schedules/a-bipc/Nearby cities with campgrounds
St. John's, NLClarenville, NLParadise, NLFlatrock, NLMount Pearl, NLWitless Bay, NLGrand Falls-Windsor, NLPetty Harbour-Maddox Cove, NLGander, NLHarbour Main-Chapel's Cove-Lakeview, NLTorbay, NLWhitbourne, NLBay Roberts, NLPouch Cove, NLNorman's Cove-Long Cove, NLMusgravetown, NLClarenville-Shoal Harbour, NLConception Bay South, NLTrinity Bay North, NLTwillingate, NLMarystown, NLLogy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove, NLAvondale, NLGlovertown, NL