Your Complete Guide to RV Camping in Campbellton, New Brunswick (2025)
Welcome to the ultimate RV camping destination in Atlantic Canada, where the pristine Restigouche River meets the majestic Appalachian Mountains. Campbellton, New Brunswick, offers RV enthusiasts an unparalleled gateway to explore one of Canada’s most scenic regions, combining world-class salmon fishing, mountain biking adventures, and authentic Maritime hospitality.
Why 2025 is the Year to Explore Restigouche Country by RV
With New Brunswick’s fully twinned Trans-Canada Highway providing seamless access and upgraded RV facilities throughout the region, 2025 presents the perfect opportunity to discover this hidden gem. The province’s commitment to RV tourism, combined with enhanced campground amenities and year-round accessibility, makes this the ideal time to experience Restigouche country’s natural wonders.
Why Choose Campbellton for Your RV Road Trip
Scenic Restigouche River & Sugarloaf Hills
Campbellton sits dramatically on the shores of Chaleur Bay at the mouth of the world-renowned Restigouche River, famous for its Atlantic salmon fishing. The town’s backyard is dominated by Sugarloaf Provincial Park, offering mountain biking, hiking trails, and camping under a canopy of ancient pines. The combination of river access and mountain adventures creates an unmatched outdoor playground for RV travelers.
Friendly Small-Town Vibe and Easy Highway Access
This charming waterfront city serves as the perfect base camp for northern New Brunswick adventures. Campbellton’s strategic location on both the Trans-Canada Highway and Route 11 provides easy access for RVers traveling from anywhere in Atlantic Canada. The city’s friendly atmosphere, complete with restaurants, shops, and the iconic 8.5-meter stainless steel salmon sculpture “Restigouche Sam,” creates a welcoming environment for visitors.
Getting There & First Impressions
Major Routes: Trans-Canada Highway & Route 11
Campbellton is easily accessible via two major highway systems. The Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) provides a fully twinned, four-lane divided highway experience throughout New Brunswick, making it the first province to achieve this distinction. Route 11, a 440-kilometer provincial highway, connects Campbellton directly to Moncton and other Maritime destinations.
What RV Campers Love About Arriving in Campbellton
First-time visitors consistently praise the dramatic approach to Campbellton, where the highway descends toward the confluence of the Restigouche River and Chaleur Bay. RV travelers appreciate the wide, well-maintained roads and the immediate sense of arrival at a true outdoor adventure hub. The city’s compact layout means everything from campgrounds to attractions is within easy reach of your RV.
Top 4 RV Campgrounds in Campbellton (2025 Ratings)
Campbellton RV-VR (Adult-Only) – Rating 7.8
This municipal campground offers a peaceful, adults-only environment with a maximum 14-day stay policy. Located adjacent to the Restigouche River Experience Centre, it features 86 full-service sites with 30 and 50-amp hookups. Guests consistently praise the “nice views” of the Restigouche River and the friendly, helpful staff. The campground includes modern amenities like Wi-Fi, showers, laundromat, and dump station.
Key Features:
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Adult-only (18+) environment ensuring tranquility
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Full hookups with pull-through and regular sites
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Pet-friendly with river access
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Proximity to Restigouche River Experience Centre
Sugarloaf Provincial Park Campground – Rating 9.3
Considered the crown jewel of Campbellton camping, this provincial park offers 80 beautifully landscaped sites nestled under a pine canopy. The campground features 8 full-serviced sites, 61 electrical sites (including 5 cabins and 6 Ch-A-lets), and 11 non-serviced sites. Visitors rave about the extensive trail system, including the 4-kilometer Terry Fox Trail that winds around Sugarloaf Mountain7.
Exceptional Amenities:
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Mountain biking trails and cross-country ski loops
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Direct river access for fishing and water activities
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Hiking trails to 305-meter summit with panoramic views
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Tennis courts and playground facilities
Restigouche River Experience Centre – Rating 8.0
This impressive facility offers 229 sites with full services and year-round availability. The campground’s connection to the interpretive center provides unique educational opportunities about the region’s natural and cultural heritage. Guests enjoy boat launches, guided river tours, and on-site fishing license services.
Standout Features:
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Year-round operation with heated facilities
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Professional guided interpretive tours
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Boat launch access for fishing excursions
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Educational exhibits and aquariums on-site
Inch Arran Trailer Park – Rating 7.8
Located in nearby Dalhousie, this riverside campground offers a simple, charming atmosphere that RV travelers describe as a “nice enough little spot”. The park’s proximity to local shops and corner café makes it convenient for those seeking easy access to amenities while maintaining a peaceful riverside setting.
Hidden Gems & Nearby Alternatives
Ponderosa Pines Campground: Rustic Vibe Off the Beaten Path
For those seeking a more secluded experience, Ponderosa Pines offers an environmentally conscious property with forest, lakes, and marsh areas where moose sightings are common. Located near the famous Hopewell Rocks, this family campground provides RV sites with full service, swimming pool, and walking trails.
Mount Kidd RV Park: Big-Rig Friendly Overnight Stop
While located in Alberta, Mount Kidd RV Park serves as an excellent example of big-rig friendly facilities that Campbellton area parks are modeling their services after. Local campgrounds are increasingly accommodating larger RVs with pull-through sites and enhanced utility connections.
Local Attractions & Activities
Restigouche River Salmon Fishing and Bird-Watching
The Restigouche River system offers world-class Atlantic salmon fishing, with fish over 40 pounds caught annually. The river supports between 15,000 and 25,000 salmon runs each year, attracting anglers from around the globe. Bird-watching opportunities abound throughout the region, with guided tours available at nearby conservation areas.
Sugarloaf Bike Park: Summer & Fall Trails
The Sugarloaf Bike Park features New England’s newest lift-assisted mountain biking experience with 3-mile flow trails perfect for intermediate riders. The park operates Friday through Sunday during summer months, offering bike rentals and professional instruction. The 1,050 feet of elevation per lap via the Whiffletree Quad provides excellent vertical training for mountain biking enthusiasts.
Guided Interpretive Tours at Conservation Areas
The region offers numerous guided interpretive experiences focusing on local wildlife, cultural history, and conservation efforts. These tours provide insight into the area’s rich natural heritage and are led by knowledgeable local guides who share stories of the region’s Indigenous and European settlement history.
Practical Planning Tips
Booking Window: Reserve Popular Summer Weekends Early
Summer weekends fill up quickly, especially during salmon festival season and bluegrass events. The prime booking window typically opens in early spring, with popular sites like Sugarloaf Provincial Park requiring reservations well in advance. Many campgrounds offer a “7th night free” promotion during peak season.
Pet-Friendliness & Adult-Only Options
Most Campbellton area campgrounds welcome pets, with designated areas and walking trails. For those seeking a quieter experience, several adult-only options are available, including the municipal Campbellton RV-VR facility. Pet owners should note that some trail systems within provincial parks may have restrictions.
Maximum Stay Rules and Peak-Season Rates
Stay limits vary by facility, with most allowing 14-day maximum stays during peak season. Peak-season rates typically apply from June through September, with shoulder season offering reduced pricing. Seasonal sites are available at select campgrounds for extended stays.
Camper Reviews & Voices
“Quiet Area, Friendly Staff” – What Seasoned RVers Say
Experienced RV travelers consistently praise Campbellton’s peaceful atmosphere and helpful staff. One reviewer noted, “Everything is brand-new. People are super friendly. Sites are maintained and have beautiful crushed rock. The bathrooms are like those found in 4-star hotels”. Another visitor emphasized, “The price was very reasonable at $44.00 per night. The park is city-owned. You will be surprised at the view”.
Real-Life “Drove In” Stories and Memorable Moments
First-time visitors often describe being “beyond expectations” when arriving at Campbellton’s waterfront campgrounds. The combination of river views, mountain backdrops, and well-maintained facilities creates lasting impressions. Many travelers specifically mention the quality of Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and the convenience of having the Restigouche River Experience Centre adjacent to their campsite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Free Camping Spots Near Campbellton?
While designated campgrounds charge fees, New Brunswick offers some crown land camping opportunities in designated areas. However, for RV camping with full services, the municipal and provincial campgrounds provide the best value and amenities.
Can You Rent RVs with Unlimited Mileage Here?
Major RV rental companies like Cruise America offer unlimited mileage options for rentals departing by August 15, 2025. Local rental options may be available through tourism offices, though advance booking is recommended during peak season.
How Many People Can Sleep in Standard RV Sites?
Most RV sites accommodate standard motorhomes and trailers regardless of occupancy, though campgrounds may have specific rules about the number of vehicles per site. Additional tenting may be restricted at some facilities, so check individual campground policies when booking.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Why Campbellton Belongs on Every Maritimes RV Bucket List
Campbellton offers the perfect combination of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and RV-friendly infrastructure that defines the best of Maritime camping. The town’s position as the gateway to Restigouche country, combined with world-class salmon fishing, mountain biking, and scenic drives, creates an unmatched RV destination.
Quick Link Roundup: Book Your Sugarloaf and Restigouche Stays
For Sugarloaf Provincial Park reservations, contact the park directly at (506) 789-2366. Restigouche River Experience Centre campground bookings can be made by calling 1-844-787-3701. Municipal Campbellton RV-VR sites are available through the city’s recreation department.
Share Your Campbellton RV Adventures
We invite you to share your Campbellton RV experiences and help fellow travelers discover this incredible Maritime destination. Whether it’s your first salmon catch, a summit photo from Sugarloaf Mountain, or simply the perfect sunset over Chaleur Bay, your stories help build the community of RV enthusiasts who call Campbellton a must-visit destination.
