Over the years, finding reliable camping reviews in Ontario has become easier thanks to Cheryl and Ben Coles and their engaging YouTube channel, Camping with the Coles. If you’re planning your next adventure, you’ll want to explore their in-depth park reviews, DIY tips, and gear recommendations. Their extensive experience in camping and RVing provides you with valuable insights, helping you make informed decisions for your outdoor excursions. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or new to the scene, their content is a reliable resource for enhancing your camping experience.
About the Coles
Your go-to resource for Ontario park camping reviews is Cheryl and Ben Coles, a knowledgeable couple with a deep passion for camping. With over 35 years of camping experience and countless adventures under their belts, they’re here to share their knowledge and inspire your next outdoor excursion.
Background and Experience
Experience the Coles’ extensive camping journey, which began with backcountry canoe trips and evolved into front country camping. Their diverse experiences not only reflect their adaptability but also enrich their park reviews, offering insights that stem from years of exploration across Ontario Provincial Parks and national parks.
Their Journey in RV Camping
For the Coles, the adventure took a significant turn in 2010 when they purchased their first travel trailer, a used 2004 Starcraft Travel Star 19CK. This marked the beginning of their RV camping journey, allowing them to explore more destinations and enjoy the comforts of home while on the road.
This transition to RV camping has greatly transformed their camping lifestyle. With a new 2017 Coachmen Freedom Express 254 DSX purchased after Ben’s retirement, they increased their camping frequency, enabling them to travel across both Canada and the USA. Now, they share their insights and experiences through engaging park reviews, helping you find your ideal camping spot.
Our Personal Experience with Cheryl and Ben
We look forward to watching their latest YouTube video each Saturday morning. I regularly post a photo on one of their Facebook posts of us watching them on our home TV or especially in the summer on the indoor or outdoor RV TV.
We were fortunate enough to meet them at Oastler Provincial Park in the summer of 2023. They are just as wonderful in person as they appear in their videos.
Park Review Methodology
Some of the most valuable insights come from the thoughtful methodology used by Camping with the Coles in their park reviews. They employ a process that evaluates parks based on various criteria, including amenities, location, and personal experiences. This ensures that you receive a comprehensive overview, helping you decide which park meets your camping needs.
Review Process
To select parks for review, Cheryl and Ben consider several factors, such as available amenities, proximity to attractions, and their personal camping experiences in each location. They aim to highlight parks that offer diverse environments, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly options, ensuring your camping trip is enjoyable and memorable.
Rating System
Park reviews utilize a detailed rating system that evaluates aspects like cleanliness, accessibility, and the quality of facilities. Each park is assigned a score based on these criteria, providing you with a clear understanding of its overall appeal (an important part of their evaluation process). This system allows you to compare parks more effectively based on shared experiences.
With this rating approach, you can trust that each park is assessed fairly, allowing for an informed decision-making process. Their evaluations consider both quantitative measures and qualitative experiences to ensure you’re receiving a balanced perspective (this ensures that personal biases are minimized in the reviews).
Highlighted Parks
It’s imperative to explore the diverse camping options available in Ontario’s stunning parks. Camping with the Coles has highlighted numerous parks that showcase the beauty and adventure of the Ontario landscape, making it easier for you to decide on your next campsite
Ontario Provincial Parks
Parks such as Wheatley Provincial Park, Inverhuron PP, McRae Point PP, Bass Lake PP, Ferris PP, Presqu’ile PP, and Awenda PP have been thoroughly reviewed in Season 6, offering unique features like breathtaking hiking trails, serene lakes, and abundant wildlife. Each park presents a different experience, from rugged backcountry to family-friendly campgrounds, perfect for all camping styles.
Other Parks
Across the broader spectrum of camping experiences, Camping with the Coles features several national parks and conservation areas, including Point Farms PP, Silver Lake PP, and Parks of the St. Lawrence, along with 2 state parks in New York: Letchworth and Watkins Glen. These locations provide you with stunning scenery and outdoor activities that extend beyond just provincial parks. (Choosing the right park can enhance your adventure experience.)
And as you research deeper into their reviews, you’ll find valuable insights on both the challenges and joys of camping in various environments. The Coles’ experiences showcase the versatility of camping in Ontario, inviting you to explore parks that cater to different interests and comfort levels. (Opting for diverse camping locations can enrich your family adventures.)
Camping Tips and DIY Ideas
For anyone looking to enhance their camping experience, the Coles share valuable tips and clever DIY ideas that can make your trips more enjoyable. Here are some of their top suggestions:
- Plan your camp sites in advance to ensure availability.
- Invest in quality camping gear that suits your family’s needs.
- Practice setting up your RV or tent at home before heading out.
- Engage kids in the camping process to instill their own love for the outdoors.
Perceiving your camping trip as an opportunity for family bonding can create lasting memories.
RV Tips
After years of RV camping experience, the Coles have developed practical tips that can enhance your RV adventures. Regular maintenance of your RV is necessary, so keep an eye on tire pressure and fluid levels. Here are some must-have items and travel advice they recommend:
- Bring a detailed RV checklist for both pre-trip and post-trip evaluations.
- Ensure you have adequate tools for minor repairs on the road.
- Use an app to find RV-friendly campgrounds.
- Invest in a quality GPS designed for RVs to avoid restricted roads.
Knowing your RV model and understanding its specific needs can save you time and stress during your travels.
DIY Modifications
Any RV enthusiast knows that personalization can significantly enhance your camping experience. The Coles have begun on various DIY projects that have improved comfort and functionality in their RV. Whether it’s creating additional storage solutions or upgrading appliances, these modifications can make a clear difference. Here are a few ideas:
- Build custom shelves to maximize storage.
- Install outdoor lighting to create a cozy ambiance.
- Upgrade your mattress for better sleep quality.
- Modify your plumbing for improved efficiency.
Investing time in DIY modifications allows you to tailor your RV to your unique lifestyle and preferences (knowing your limits and skills is key to success in these projects).
Tips from the Coles can inspire you and guide your own DIY projects. Prioritizing ease and functionality in your modifications can yield practical solutions that elevate your camping experience (seeking advice and tutorials will help you tackle these projects effectively).
Gear Reviews
Keep your camping experience seamless by checking out the gear reviews provided by Camping with the Coles. With over 35 years of camping experience, Cheryl and Ben Coles evaluate crucial equipment that can elevate your outdoor adventures. Their reviews cover everything from tents and cooking supplies to safety gear, helping you make informed decisions for your next camping trip.
Essential Camping Gear
To help you gear up for your adventures, the Coles highlight key camping crucials like durable tents and reliable cooking equipment. Their insights into safety gear ensure you have all the tools necessary to enjoy the great outdoors. By tuning into their reviews, you can confidently choose high-quality gear tailored to your camping needs.
RV Accessories
Behind each successful RV camping trip are the right accessories that enhance your overall experience. The Coles discuss various RV products, from portable solar panels to leveling tools, showing how these additions can make your trips more enjoyable and convenient. (Investing in the right accessories is vital for optimal performance and comfort.)
And as they share their personal experiences, you gain valuable insights into how these accessories can transform your RV lifestyle. Whether it’s improving your setup or boosting efficiency, the right items can make all the difference. (Understanding what works best for your RV is key to enhancing your adventures.)
Resources for Campers
Once again, exploring Ontario’s stunning Provincial Parks becomes easier with the right resources at your fingertips. Whether you’re planning your next RV adventure or looking to camp more comfortably, platforms like Camping with the Coles provide invaluable insights on various parks and gear. Their Ontario campground reviews and DIY tips can help you make informed decisions ahead of your trip.
Online Tools
By utilizing online tools such as park reservation sites, interactive campground maps, and community forums, you can streamline your camping experience. These resources offer vital information about park availability and user experiences (consider reviewing multiple sources to ensure you get the best options).
Camping Communities
For many campers, joining a camping community can elevate your outdoor experiences by providing support, advice, and camaraderie among fellow enthusiasts. Engaging with others who share your passion can lead to valuable tips and friendships that enhance your camping adventures.
Indeed, being part of a camping community can open doors to unique opportunities, sharing experiences, and learning from each other. You’ll find groups on social media, local meetups, and forums where like-minded individuals gather to discuss their adventures. These connections can provide tips on less-known parks and the best gear, ultimately enriching your camping experience like Cheryl and Ben have enjoyed over their decades of camping.
Be sure to check out https://campingwiththecoles.ca
Their YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CampingwiththeColes/videos
And on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CampingwiththeColes
Conclusion
The Camping with the Coles channel is your go-to resource for detailed reviews of Ontario parks, providing valuable insights to enhance your camping experience. With their extensive knowledge and personal adventures, you can trust that their videos will help you make informed decisions for your next trip. Dive into their park reviews, gear insights, and DIY tips to ensure every camping adventure is memorable and enjoyable. Let Cheryl and Ben guide you to your next great camping destination!