Porters Lake Provincial Park image

Porters Lake Provincial Park

Tourist attraction State park

😐 This park was kind of a deception. Explained below, plus 3 stars for park cleanliness and beautiful location; less 2 stars for lack of other maintenance and privacy. There were only 2 staff that was mostly focused on cleaning due to COVID-19. And cleanliness was this park 2 stars (1 more because it... People often mention park, water, site, lake, sites, beautiful, boat, privacy, staff, area,


Address

1160 W Porters Lake Rd, West Porters Lake, NS B3E 1L4, Canada

Website

parks.novascotia.ca

Contact

+1 902-827-2250

Rating on Google Maps

4.30 (370 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 8 am to 11 pm
  • Saturday: 8 am to 11 pm
  • Sunday: (Christmas Eve), 8 am to 11 pm, Hours might differ
  • Monday: (Christmas Day), 8 am to 11 pm, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: (Boxing Day), 8 am to 11 pm, Hours might differ
  • Wednesday: 8 am to 11 pm
  • Thursday: 8 am to 11 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: park (16) water (11) site (9) lake (8) sites (8) beautiful (7) boat (7) privacy (6) staff (6) area (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 Ricardo F. 3 years ago on Google
    This park was kind of a deception. Explained below, plus 3 stars for park cleanliness and beautiful location; less 2 stars for lack of other maintenance and privacy. There were only 2 staff that was mostly focused on cleaning due to COVID-19. And cleanliness was this park 2 stars (1 more because it is a beautiful place). But due to staff shortage, there were no check in (anyone could enter the reserved area) meaning no staff on main office. The firewood distribution was also awkward as you only have a bad opened shelter (70% of the wood was wet), wood was not divided by bundles, it was piled up but, still you'd pay for bundles leaving the money on an envelope (probably because staff shortage). There were no trash on main toilet stations (appart from bins on the inside) and no trash division where there were bins. Other than that the park is beautiful, with good opened areas around the big Porters Lake so you can practice water sports. But, I'm a sea guy so, still lake waters is not my type, especially seeing the small red moss underwater. Also, small tiny trails through woods, mostly through traffic routes (not that nice with your kids and people not respecting speed limit of 15km/h). The privacy is not that nice because it's not an actual forest (trees are not that tall) and people tend to be loud until late evening (we went on a night, Fri to Sat so, lots of people starting the weekend). Loop A: zero privacy as there are only serviced spots for RV's. Loop B: is where we stayed (site 19) and it has a better privacy. Loop C: a good privacy too and the best views due to mostly walk in sites.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 mei mei S. 2 years ago on Google
    We did not have time to explore the whole lake, we were just stay at the boat launching area and have so much fun in the lake. We were a bit surprised that the lake water was a bit salty, not 100% fresh water. There were little fish swimming around, glad that boat launching area was not muddy, good place to launch small boat, kayak, canoe or Sea-Doo. The mosquitoes were quite bad there, even in the broad day light. Remember to bring some mosquitoes repellent.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Krista W. 2 years ago on Google
    Love this campground. It is great for not only camping, but many other day uses as well. It has a boat launch so you can bring your boat for a day on one of Nova Scotia’s largest and most magnificent lakes for a day of recreation, fun, fishing, or other water sports. There is a picnic area for day visitors with areas next to the water. Lots of amenities, good washroom facilities. They have fantastic walk-in sites right on the water. Very few campsites with power though, so that may be its only drawback. Beautiful spot, and we even found some Lady Slippers along one of the wilderness trails.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Seanne M. 2 years ago on Google
    Porters Lake Provincial campground has been a favourite go to for years. Even though we have a trailer, we enjoy the walk-in sites with our tent every now and then. The crater size pot holes need to be addressed.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Joseph D. 8 months ago on Google
    The good- spacious sites, cellphone/data access, the Lake, scenery, proximity to grocery stores etc. Restrooms, showers adequate. Close to Halifax. Not so good- Gravel roads within the park are terrible, full of potholes, needs regrading, the restrooms could use a facelift. Security, upon entering park, sign warning campers to lock up valuables. Rather concerning, park needs more security with a manned entry gate. Generator hours too restrictive for unserviced sites. Dump Station was marginally operable. This park is in dire need of a makeover and update.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nick F. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful spot, little path to water access and very clean lot when we arrived. $5 per bundle of wood.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 T P. 1 year ago on Google
    The park allowed campers to change their campsite even though they paid for a different site. We showed up and they said there might be someone in our site and to go look and see. We had to take the site the other people had booked as we would have had to wait for them to take down three tents etc etc. Park staff should have cleared this up prior to allowing the site to be double booked. The park staff didnt even check the site prior to our check in and there was a dire still burning and nothing was cleaned up...not very good service when charging $29 to camp. Other than that, the park is big...lots of walk in sites which are a little more secluded. Lots of access to water amd open areas. Would camp here again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 M 1 year ago on Google
    Nice spacious site, but gnats were very bad. Beautiful sunset. Could maintain toilets better. They were pretty gross, as far as camp toilets go.

  • 1/5 Jessica 6 months ago on Google
    You can either pay a 9$ reservation fee to book online otherwise you need to make a reservation over their phone (even though there’s someone sitting in the office) and you need exact change to make this reservation. It seems like the only purpose of someone being in their office is to tell you you’re going the wrong way when you exit through their entrance (which is right next to the exit) because their exit has a giant pothole/puddle/lake in front of it. Maybe they can use the 9$ reservation fee to fix the potholes 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

  • 5/5 Morgan M. 8 months ago on Google
    Such a beautiful park ! Always enjoy my time here. :)

  • 5/5 Amanda P. 8 months ago on Google
    I love it here so much. The sites are nice, the lake is beautiful, probably one of my most favorite provincial camp grounds within hrm.

  • 4/5 Krista T. 7 months ago on Google
    This is a beautiful park but it is not as clean or as well maintained as some of its provincial park counter parts. Outhouses are not always cleaned or restocked. But who can complain about the view!

  • 4/5 Curtis S. 8 months ago on Google
    Great price for full service needs. However your only on site with power and water. Your black tank can be flushed at the designated area. Digital access to lots. Public showers and washrooms

  • 5/5 Jenn T. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to walk the dog. Paved roadway and forest trails with access to Porters Lake for a little cool-down dip, as well as covered picnic areas, restrooms and boat launch. Campground area does not allow public access but is open for walking during the off-season. People also cross-country ski through the park during the off season. Free parking.

  • 5/5 Sara-Lynn D. 1 year ago on Google
    We camped for two nights at site 30, and we loved it! Great view, clean bathrooms, a little windy.. but oh well lol

  • 5/5 Chris B. 1 year ago on Google
    Great campground! Most lots have plenty of privacy and the comfort station is close to most. Despite the size of the lake the brush helped break the wind really well

  • 3/5 Ashley G. 2 years ago on Google
    Camping spots are private and lovely for tenting. Drinking water from their taps is not drinkable. Bring your own... Lake is nice but not tested for algae... swim at your own risk.

  • 4/5 Jeff L. 1 year ago on Google
    Recommend wearing footwear into the water when swimming or playing. Sharp shells and rocks. Very basic amenities, public day use boat launch, though shallow and prone to stealing licence plates. A few hiking trails, which unofficially double for skiing in the winter.

  • 4/5 Emma M. 2 years ago on Google
    Very private sites and beautiful views. We had a walk in campsite on the lake and it was great! There is no playgrounds or anything for kids but there are shower houses and outhouses!

  • 4/5 Kevin Y. 2 years ago on Google
    We stay at the park a couple times a year. Always enjoy our time there. Clean and well maintained. They also have my favourite type of fire pit.

  • 5/5 Alacia B. 1 year ago on Google
    We had the best family weekend spent alot time fishing an swimming.. they need to update the maps as they are not correct anymore an maybe label the hiking trail so it is easily found


Call +1 902-827-2250 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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