5 places to go gay camping near Toronto

Gay camping near Toronto proves that gay folks don't just like to take over entire cities and smother them with happiness and love - sometimes, just like everyone else, we like to take it easy and get away. Queers like to pitch a tent as much as the next straight dad or uncle. And sometimes, we like to do it surrounded by bears and other members of the extended family.

Here's a list of the top LGBTQ campgrounds near Toronto.

Cedars (Milgrove)
With 130 partially wooded acres atop the Niagara Escarpment, this LGBT campground is one of the country's largest. I went here last summer, and can tell you it's like a hilarious gay sitcom. So many characters and situations. There's a great outdoor pool and bar, a fantastic restaurant if you need more than hot dogs, a giant barn for weekend dances and cabin rental options for the real queens.

The Point (Vittoria)
This one is billed as a "premiere gay resort for men in Southern Ontario." I have two things to say about this campground. First off, book now. Every weekend pretty much fills up, especially the special event long-weekends like Lumberjack, Übear and Bearforce. Secondly, there's a sling in the forest. This one's for the sexually charged camper.

Rainbown Ridge (Grand Valley)
A campground that truly celebrates diversity, The Ridge has cabins, trailers, hiking trails, and a pool. There's a dance every Saturday night. It's super clean and adorable and campsites include a fire pit. These ones book up fast, but the regular tent camping spots are easier to come by.

Riverside (Tweed)
This one's a bit trickier and exclusive. It's a private, members only, adult gay male campground and RV park. This means you pay $10 upfront for your membership for the entire year and get access to the park. They're located on 96 private acres, and there's gorgeous waterfront access, a waterfront cottage, bunkie cabins, tent zone, a pool ... all that good gay country stuff. Super peaceful and furry.

Stella's Getaway (Burleigh Falls)
This is a women's only camping resort (one time membership fee is $2) just outside Peterborough. Once there, you're only a walk away from Burleigh Falls. You can camp if you like, but the cabins are so rustic and adorable, I'd splurge. There's a restaurant on site and nearby hiking and biking trails. It's run by Vicki and Wendi. Call them up with any questions; they're super friendly.

Photo of Cedars Campground.

by Phil Villeneuve via blogTO