MacKinnon's Campground

5*+++ (if I could give more I would) What a warm welcome we had! Everyone is SO friendly it’s like you’re an old friend coming to visit, we were able to choose our site, number 15, on the lake, although all plots are lake view and gorgeous with fire pits and benches, wash rooms and laundry were incredibly clean and tidy (hot wash was $2.50 and cold $2 with dryer being $2.50 as well)D When we popped in to the shop to grab some items my husband spotted homemade trifle in the fridge, Karen said they had it with their dinner earlier and kindly offered us some, put it in bowls, wrapped up and ready to take back to our RV… it was delicious! Thank you Karen. I also had a great time getting to know the resident dog, Autumn.
Michael is a star, we completely forget any utensils to cook over a fire, when he returned from running errands he drove a grill down to us, asked if there was anything else we needed and nothing was too much hassle. On a side note, the ice cream is also very tasty. We really wish we had booked to stay longer!
You can swim in the lake with all plots providing easy access or you can use the heated pool in season.
You are welcome to join the owners and locals in the rec room/ restaurant area of the office and it has a real communal feel to whole area.
Due to being on a lake, beware you may attract mosquitoes so bring some bug spray / after bite, just in case.

What an incredible place! We booked here due to its location during our trip to Cape Breton, but we didn’t know much about it. It exceeded all our expectations. We couldn’t find something bad to say about our experience if we tried.

Location: Nestled among the hills of Cape Breton along Lake Ainslie, it offers beautiful views from all directions. The overnight campsites that we were on were along the waterfront. We had perhaps the nicest view off our campsite that we’ve ever experienced. It was only a 15 minute drive to the closest town for groceries and other items, and the camp store was also well stocked and reasonably priced if there was anything you needed more immediately.

Owners/Service: The owners of the campground were truly some of the friendliest people we’ve met. Very easy going and always happy to help.

Washrooms/Facilities: the washrooms were always clean and well stocked, particularly on the day we arrived when I think they had just been cleaned! Showers were a little tight, but still very clean.

Store: As mentioned previously, the store was well stocked and you could also purchase ice cream treats here and fire wood. Nice patio for sitting and music playing in the evenings.

Pool: we didn’t make use of the pool, but it was clean and looked inviting :).

Other: There are a couple places to fish off from the campground. Lake Ainslie is apparently a great place for catching fish, and my husband and daughter managed to catch a large mouth bass off the docks.

This was also a great place to see wildlife! We saw a bald eagle and the kids enjoyed the ducks that came to visit our site each morning on the lake :).

Overall it was an amazing experience and we hope to one day return and visit here again!
We would highly recommend!

This place is everything the East Coast hospitality is said to be and more. We didn't get to take in the pool as it wasn't open for the season but the store and gathering area was incredible! Some of the lots are RIGHT on the waterfront but then you're walking a ways to the bathroom. If you get the chance to go in and meet Michael and the crew in the store; do it. They helped us take photos, we all bought matching sweaters and we were sad to leave. It's on Lake Ainslie so the view is wonderful.

Absolutely stunning. We were directly on the water. The pool was also nice to warm up after lake swimming. Facilities were well maintained. The owners are the nicest people. And there were baby ducks everywhere !!! They have laundry machines too. Their store sells pretty much everything you will need and it's not over priced. They also sell yummy iced cream and make you coffee in their quant cafe ! I don't even want to share this review because I want to keep this place a secret! But I am a full supporter of small businesses ! :)

My husband and I travel very often in our camper and of all the campgrounds I have stayed at, this was my favorite. We were parked right on the water, the campground was quiet, and the owner Michael was always around if we had any questions or concerns. I enjoyed an early morning by the lake watching the ducks, and took a refreshing dip in the lake on a hot day. This is the closest campground to the breathtaking Egypt Falls! We highly recommend MacKinnon's Campground for your next adventure to Cape Breton!

We were lucky to get a site on the water. The owners are really great people, very friendly.
We had an issue with another camper letting their dog run loose and my dog is not dog-friendly which made for a stressful situation but the park owner took care of the situation right away.
Laundry room and bathrooms are very clean and well kept.
Great place to stay.

This place is probley one of my favorite places to visit. The owner is super friendly and is willing to do anything he can to help!!! Highly recommend staying here

Beautiful camping!! The lake is simply beautiful and isn't too crowded by boats and all those kind of stuff. So everything was calm! Calm enough to have lots of ducks coming to your campsite which was really cute!
Lots of things to buy too if you ever run our of something or forget to buy something when grocery shopping

Such a cool place and cool people.

We had an awesome stay even through Hurricane Fiona. Michael and his family went out of their way to assure our stay was a great experience. They were there for all our needs. We will be back and highly recommend this wonderful place.

Absolutely awsome place to unwind and relax by the lake or on your deck.

Best atmosphere we have ever had for our 3 children during the summer.

Staff are very welcoming and kind.

The store on site has all the little essentials and good scoopsnof ice cream as well in season.

Grounds are kept nest and tidy.

The pool on site is a hit for young and old and free to guest.

Bathrooms and shower are kept VERY clean.

Excellent place to visit for a night or stay for the week.

Highly recommend. RV's rentals are reasonable and well kept. Beautiful view of Lake Ainslie. Family friendly with pool, lake swimming. The owners are very caring people. Couldn't ask for more!

Absolutely loved this place. The campsite was wonderful right on the water. People there or delightful. You couldn't resist their ice cream cones. Most accommodating. We stayed there two nights; the only campsite at which we stay for two nights in a row. We will go back. Bill and Linda Lane Montpelier , Virginia

The way the campground is situated you can see a sunrise over the water as well as a sunset. Washroom and showers are clean. The Host and Hostess are wonderfully kind and pleasant. Most of the trailers are seasonal. The sites by the water are beautiful. Quiet family camping.

Came up to ride the Cabot Trail and tent camp, motorcycle with popup tent trailer. I had intended to stay just one day but wound up staying for two. Beautiful campsites right on the lake with water, sewer and electric at fantastic rates. The owner Mike Gillis and his family were wonderful hosts, I feel fortunate to have met them and become fast friends. There is a pool, showers and restrooms and and fine little store with wonderful ice cream and complementary coffee.

Faculties are above average and very well kept. People who own and operate this campground are extremely friendly and make you feel like family
Fully recommend staying there. Lake Ainslie is certainly a treasure.

Beautiful site on the edge of a lake. Good facilities and a very pleasant, helpful and friendly owner.

What an amazing little place! Eagles, campfires, icecream and amazing people with guitars!!

We came as out-of-towners and left as locals/ family. Great location for our trip as base camp to explore the trail. Caught a bunch of fish and ate a lot of icecream. Great folks! With a ton of local knowledge.

Great hosts, very accommodating. Clean camping, showers and laundry room. Was decently quiet and calm when we where there.