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Lake Kayaking & Camping on the Kashwakamak Lake
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posted by Vitaliy Deputat
Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones you don’t plan. This past July, I found myself on the shores of Lake Kashwakamak, embarking on a three-day paddling and camping trip that I hadn’t even expected to take.
The whole thing came together by pure luck—a friend of mine had a reservation for a prime lakeside campsite but couldn’t go at the last minute. Instead of letting the spot go to waste, they opened it up to the public. I jumped at the chance!
With all my previous plans to book a site falling through earlier in the year, this opportunity felt like fate. I packed up my gear quickly, eager to experience the beauty and tranquility of this hidden gem in Ontario’s cottage country. Spoiler alert: I had no regrets. This impromptu trip turned out to be one of the best paddling and camping experiences I’ve had in a long time.
Why Lake Kashwakamak?
Kashwakamak Lake (or Kash for short), is located in Ontario’s North Frontenac region, stretches 15 kilometers and is part of the Mississippi River system. Known for its clear waters and forested shores, it’s a popular spot for paddlers, campers, and anglers.
There are 19 designated campsites around the lake, with a mix of both shore-based (accessible by car) and island locations (accessible only by boat).
Pro tip: The island sites are often easier to book since they’re harder to reach—but that only adds to the adventure! You can book your campsite via this link
Facebook Group: Kashwakamak Lake
Distance from Ottawa: 171 km (2.5 hours drive)
Distance from Toronto: 276 km (3 hours drive)
Day 1: A Rainy Arrival and Nighttime Wonders
I arrived at the campsite later than expected, around 10 PM, with the rain lightly tapping on my windshield as I pulled up. With limited daylight left, I wasted no time setting up camp.
After pitching my tent, inflating my mattress, and unrolling my sleeping bag, I decided to take a quick stroll around the site despite the weather.
The rain didn't dampen my excitement—standing on the lake's shore, I was amazed by how clear the water was, even at night.
I could easily see small fish and crayfish moving around in the shallow waters, illuminated by the soft beam of my flashlight. It was a beautiful welcome to what I knew would be an unforgettable trip.
Day 2: A Foggy Morning After the Rain
On a damp and cool day, nothing beats a fresh hot meal to lift your spirits. I pulled out my trusty portable gas stove and quickly whipped up a simple but satisfying breakfast of scrambled eggs with sausage. The sizzle of the pan and the warmth of the food were the perfect contrast to the cool, misty air.
Last but not least, I brewed a fresh cup of hot coffee to kickstart the day. Sitting by the lake with my steaming cup in hand, I took a moment to soak in the peaceful surroundings. The fog, the stillness, and the warmth of the coffee made for a perfect start. Even though I had only just begun my stay, I could already feel that Lake Kashwakamak was going to be a place to remember.
After a warm breakfast and a much-needed cup of coffee, I was ready to hit the water. With anticipation building, I grabbed the bag with my Neris Smart Pro S kayak from the car and started unpacking it. The setup was quick and easy, as always, and within minutes, my kayak was ready to go. I couldn’t wait to paddle out and explore the lake, especially since I had planned a fishing trip for the day.
On my first paddle out, I spent about two hours on the water, casting my line and trying my luck with different fishing techniques. I covered about 2.6 kilometers of the lake, switching between various lures and baits, and even experimented with different depths—but not a single bite. Despite my best efforts, the fish just weren’t biting that day.
I had two goals for this outing: first, to see how well my Neris Smart Pro S kayak performed as a fishing kayak, and second, to test out the lake's reputation as a prime fishing spot.
While I'd heard great things about fishing on Lake Kashwakamak, the recent weather change seemed to have impacted the fish activity.
Still, even though I didn’t catch anything, it was an excellent opportunity to paddle the waters and take in the lake's beauty from a new perspective.
When I returned to camp after a couple of hours on the water, it was time to start cooking—a part of camping that I truly enjoy. There's something special about preparing a meal outdoors, and I love both the process and the reward.
I brought along my portable grill, along with all the groceries I needed for the evening feast. As I unpacked everything and fired up the grill, the magic of outdoor cooking began.
The sizzle of the food and the aroma filling the air made the entire experience even better, adding to the sense of relaxation and enjoyment I was already feeling at Kashwakamak.
As I prepared my meal, the skies began to clear, and the sun finally made its appearance. With the fog lifting, the park revealed itself in all its glory—Lake Kashwakamak was even more stunning than I had imagined, with the sun reflecting off the water and the vibrant greenery surrounding the campsite. It was the perfect backdrop for a relaxing evening by the grill.
But with the good weather came an inevitable visitor: mosquitoes. Here’s a pro tip for anyone planning a camping trip—make sure you bring a mesh tent or set up some form of mosquito protection. It’s a game-changer when it comes to comfort. Having a mesh shelter handy will save you from constant swatting and make the experience much more enjoyable.
After enjoying a fresh and tasty lunch (or perhaps an early dinner), I was ready to get back on the water. This time, I decided to take a leisurely tour around the lake, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere as the day began to wind down. Paddling across the calm waters, I explored a few more of Kashwakamak’s hidden corners before positioning myself perfectly to watch the sunset from the kayak.
As the sun dipped lower, the sky lit up in shades of orange and pink, casting a golden glow across the lake. Sitting there on the water, with nothing but the sounds of nature around me, the moment was simply magnificent. It was the perfect way to end the day, and I felt a deep sense of gratitude for this spontaneous trip that had already given me so much.
Day 3: Better Weather, Still No Fish!
The rain returned during the night, but I was prepared. Before turning in, I had covered my Neris Smart Pro S kayak with a spray deck and the opening cover—both part of the expedition edition we offer with all the kayaks we sell.
Thanks to this extra layer of protection, the kayak stayed completely dry despite the overnight downpour, meaning it was ready for action the next morning.
As I stepped out of my tent at dawn, the weather was noticeably better—cool but clear, with the rain finally behind me. Energized by the fresh morning air and a dry kayak, I was eager to hit the water again and try my luck at fishing. Little did I know, though, that despite the improved weather, the fish still had no interest in biting!
Together with a quick bite to eat, I brewed myself a hot cup of morning coffee using my portable gas stove—my go-to for an efficient and satisfying camp meal. With the coffee warming me up and the skies clearing, I felt refreshed and ready to paddle once more. The lake, calm and inviting in the early morning light, was calling me back for another adventure.
I spent a couple more hours on the water, determined to reel in at least one fish before heading home. I did get one bite—just enough to keep my hopes up—but, unfortunately, I still didn’t land any fish. After my final attempt, I paddled back to shore, knowing it was time to start packing up and preparing for the journey home.
What an adventure! Even though I didn’t catch anything, this three-day trip was full of great memories. From the spontaneous booking to paddling across the fog-covered lake, cooking outdoors, and soaking in the beauty of Lake Kashwakamak, I couldn’t have asked for a better escape. I was so enchanted by this place that I promised myself I’d return—and I did!
Conclusion: Reflections on Lake Kashwakamak
After three days of paddling, camping, and soaking in the beauty of Lake Kashwakamak, I can confidently say this place is absolutely worth visiting. The nature is breathtaking, with its clear waters, peaceful atmosphere, and lush surroundings. It’s the kind of landscape that makes you want to keep coming back for more.
As for amenities, don't expect modern conveniences—this is a true back-to-nature experience. There’s no running water or electricity, but site supervisors do provide some firewood, and each campsite has a simple outhouse, also known as a "thunderbox." It’s camping at its most rustic, which only adds to the charm.
Cell signal at the lake is almost non-existent, and honestly, that’s one of the best things about it. With no signal to distract you, it’s the perfect chance to fully disconnect and enjoy the wilderness. Once you're back on the road, the signal returns, but until then, it’s all about being present in the moment.
And one last pro tip: be sure to bring a mesh tent. The mosquitoes can be relentless, and having a mesh shelter will make your stay much more comfortable.
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