5 Tips For Your Gros Morne Camping Trip
With 1,805 square kilometres, nine idyllic small towns, and one unforgettable National Park, Gros Morne is unlike any other place on Earth. A camping trip here is a must-do for any visitor to Newfoundland with a love of the great outdoors.
From the summits of its distinct flat-top mountains, to its winding fjords, diverse wildlife, and towering waterfalls, this World Heritage Site has something for everybody. But it’s important to plan ahead before you set out on your Gros Morne camping adventure. From what to bring to what to see and everything in between, here are our tips for a memorable Gros Morne camping experience.
Book in Advance
As the second largest National Park in Canada, Gros Morne is a popular destination all year round. That means before you arrive for your camping trip, it’s important to make sure you have a spot to stay.
Gros Morne is home to five National Park campgrounds and 240 individual National Park campsites. One of these campgrounds (Green Point) is open year round—offering 30 sites for visitors looking to experience Gros Morne camping in any season.
Booking your campsite in advance is simple. Just visit Parks Canada or call 1-709-458-2417. With a spot to stay secured, you can focus on exploring all the amazing things Gros Morne has to offer.
If You’re Visiting in Winter, Be Prepared!
Winter camping in Gros Morne is an absolutely thrilling experience, but it’s one you need to take special preparations for. As we mentioned earlier, the Green Point Campground is open year round, but the road is not plowed in the winter. This means you’ll have to park, then snowshoe or ski into your campsite. While there is firewood available, it’s also recommended that you bring a portable stove along with you for warmth, as open fires are not permitted in the park. Potable water is also an essential, as water is shut off to Green Point in the winter to prevent frozen pipes.
You’ll also need to make sure you’re dressed for the occasion. That means bundle up with warm, quality equipment and clothing to make sure you’re ready for anything! With the right gear, you’ll be ready to embrace Gros Morne’s winter wonderland.
Actually, No Matter the Season, Be Prepared!
If you want to make the most of your camping trip, it’s important that you’re prepared for anything Mother Nature may bring your way. Make sure you pack the right gear (and make a checklist so you know you’re not forgetting anything!) and become familiar with your equipment before making the trip to Newfoundland and Labrador and Gros Morne aboard a Marine Atlantic ferry.
Some of the best ways to prepare include setting up your tent at home (so you’re not fumbling with instructions for the first time at your campsite) and checking to make sure your gear is in good working order. If you really want to be prepared, you could even do a test run and set up camp in your backyard. This is the perfect way to see if your tent is the right size for you and your fellow campers, as well as to spend a night in your sleeping bag to see just how comfy it is.
Take a Hike!
Don’t worry, when we say take a hike, we mean it in the nicest way! After all, Gros Morne is home to more than 100 km of beautiful hiking trails—ranging from quick strolls to paths that will challenge the most experienced hikers. These trails are clearly marked and are always being revitalized—ensuring visitors have the best experience possible while they’re exploring Gros Morne.
So which trail is our favourite? Well, we love them all, but we definitely have a special place in our hearts for the Western Brook Pond trail. The trail is full of iconic views that will give you chills (and are sure to make for amazing Instagram posts!) and is the perfect length—meaning you’ll have plenty of time to explore even more of Gros Morne.
Be Smart About Your Food
When you’re camping in Gros Morne National Park, grabbing a bite to eat isn’t as simple as taking a walk to the corner store! You’ll need to plan ahead. Consider what you’d like to eat while you’re camping in Gros Morne and how much food you’ll need to feed all your fellow campers. Make a list and be sure to purchase all the food you need before heading into the park.
While you’re visiting, be sure you properly store your food. This means don’t leave it out, or one of Gros Morne’s animal residents might take some for themselves! And when you leave the park, make sure you take all of your waste with you. After all, you want to leave your campsite in great shape for the campers who come along after you.
