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Cardinal/Ottawa South KOA
Overview
The Cardinal/Ottawa South KOA Holiday is widely recognized as a premier family destination in Eastern Ontario. Known locally as a vibrant hub for recreational activities, this park offers a balanced blend of resort-style amenities and traditional camping charm. As a Holiday-rated KOA, it provides the perfect basecamp for travelers who want to explore the historic St. Lawrence River valley while having plenty of entertainment options right at their doorstep. The park is meticulously maintained, offering a welcoming atmosphere for both short-term stays and extended summer vacations.
Location & Surroundings
Conveniently located just off Highway 401, this park serves as a gateway to the scenic wonders of the St. Lawrence Seaway. The surrounding landscape features a mix of rural farmland and lush woodlands, providing a sense of seclusion despite its proximity to major transit routes. The park is situated in Cardinal, Ontario, placing guests within easy reach of the United States border and only a short drive from the bustling capital city of Ottawa. Its location is ideal for those who enjoy riverfront vistas and the quiet pace of small-town Ontario life.
Amenities & Park Features
The amenities at this location are designed to cater to active travelers and families who enjoy a resort-like environment. The park features high-quality facilities that ensure a comfortable stay for RVers of all types. Key features include:
- Two heated swimming pools and a large, interactive splash pad for all-day water fun.
- Large, level RV sites with full hookups and options for pull-through access to accommodate big rigs.
- A dedicated KampK9 dog park where pets can run off-leash in a safe, fenced environment.
In addition to these highlights, guests can enjoy a pirate-themed playground, a jumping pillow, and a well-curated general store for all their camping essentials.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The area surrounding Cardinal is rich with history and outdoor recreation. A short drive will take you to Upper Canada Village, a world-class living history museum that transports visitors back to the 1860s. Nature enthusiasts often flock to the nearby bird sanctuaries or spend the day fishing and boating on the St. Lawrence River. For families with young children, the whimsical sculptures at Prehistoric World offer a unique afternoon adventure, while history buffs will appreciate the military heritage at Fort Wellington National Historic Site.
Who This Park Is Best For
This KOA is a top choice for families with children who are looking for an action-packed vacation where the kids will never be bored. The wide array of play structures and water features makes it a standout for those traveling with young explorers. It is also an excellent stop for cross-country RVers who need a reliable, high-quality site near the highway with easy big-rig access. If you value a social environment with organized activities and top-tier facilities, this park will perfectly suit your travel style.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Internet
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Sheena Taylor
The grounds are spotless and beautifully maintained. It’s such a great environment for children — there are so many planned activities that our 5- and 6-year-old were busy all day making new friends and having the best time!
Luc Nadon
Very nice camping park. Lots to do for children and calm for parents. Nice large lots. Very clean. - The only thing, they start blowing leaves and other stuff at around 8:15 am. Should wait at least 9:00.....BUT VERY CLEAN PARK
Nicole C
We had a fantastic time here! It is kid friendly and full of activities. Pirate ship playground, splash pad, pool, bouncy pillow. They also have pedal carts, mining of rocks and mini putt (that is extra $) but not expensive at all. Such a great family vibe and safe environment feel. The people at the front desk are always so polite and helpful. I have been to quite a few KOAs and this one is most certainly my favorite. Cabins are beautiful and well maintained and clean. Highly recommend and will be back next year for longer.
Mike Warner (Warcrimes77)
Beautiful hidden little campground. Spent a night here, tenting, late July 2025. Swimming pool, mini golf, panning for gems, bouncing bubbles, gocart type peddle bikes. Lots of things for families. Place was pretty empty, so extremely quiet. I was the only tent camper, so I had the entire tent area to myself. If you like to party this isn't the campground for you. If you like a quiet, relaxing experience then look no further.
Marc Lafrance
We’ve heard a lot about this particular KOA in the past. Decided to check it out. You’re greeted with a mini putt, pool, bouncer and park view. Quite exciting for kids when you pull up. Check in was easy, staff were always helpful and kind. Some sites are smaller than others, so we decided to ask to change sites. That wasn’t a problem. Electrical and water on site as well as a picnic table. Many activities are available during the day. Some cost extra fees, like the « go kart » bikes, the VR, the mini putt, the ice cream social. I think these were all relatively well priced. Wood was expensive, though they deliver straight to your site and is what I would consider good quality camping wood (dry and can be split easily for kindling). They had no ice available for purchase, which was a drawback since the closest place to purchase is about 10-15 mins away. Not that big of a deal though. Cabins are available for rent, which is a cool feature if some people aren’t outfitted for camping. Showers are free, bathrooms are clean. Sites are well maintained. Fire pits are also on the small side, but I think it’s to control the size of them. Mind you, it was very pleasant and you could make a decent campfire at night. It was a Disney themed weekend, therefor there were activities throughout the day. Arts and crafts, water slide, bingo, and a movie at night. I can’t say the theme was very apparent, but you could see a little effort was put into it. I would also like to recognize the effort that some of the staff made to speak french. It was great for my kids. All in all, our kids really enjoyed the experience. I’m sure we will return and possibly bring friends. I will mention that my wife and I prefer provincial parks due to bigger sites and more set in nature, so our rating might be lower than others.