Black River Wilderness Park, a family campground operated by the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, continues to offer visitors a range of outdoor experiences that blend recreation with cultural learning.
Located 90 minutes north of Toronto and just minutes from Casino Rama and Washago, Ontario, the 180-acre park provides opportunities for camping, hiking, and Indigenous cultural engagement in a natural riverside setting.
The park sits along the Black River, where guests can canoe or kayak along routes once used by Indigenous ancestors.
Camping options include tent sites, RV sites, rustic cabins, tipis, and heated yurts, each positioned within the park’s forested landscape.
Tent sites start at $50 per night, while RV sites begin at $70, with 15- or 30-amp service and water hookups available. For visitors seeking more comfort, cabins start at $90, and yurts—equipped with electricity and basic furnishings—start at $125.
Black River Wilderness Park operates from May through Thanksgiving weekend, with reservations available online.
Off-season inquiries can be made by email or phone. Across its 99 camping sites and five islands, the campground features maintained washrooms, showers, picnic tables, a convenience store, and controlled access points for safety.
In addition to its accommodations, the park emphasizes Indigenous education and cultural appreciation. Visitors can participate in activities such as craft-making, Indigenous history sessions, and medicine walks.
The park also hosts a weekly Vendors Market every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., an Indigenous Speaker Series, and a Trading Post and Café that serves coffee, ice cream, and snacks while selling Indigenous-made jewelry, art, and crafts.
For outdoor hospitality business owners, Black River Wilderness Park’s model highlights how cultural integration can enhance guest experiences and create distinctive tourism offerings.
By incorporating educational and community-driven elements, the park demonstrates a growing interest among travelers in authentic cultural connections alongside traditional camping amenities.
This approach may serve as a useful reference for operators seeking to expand their appeal through experiential and Indigenous tourism partnerships.
Featured image by Black River Wilderness Park via blackriverwildernesspark.ca