The City of Owen Sound is opening online campsite reservations for the Kelso Beach Family Campground starting May 1, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. These sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis for visitors attending two major local summer events.
The campground, located at 200 18th Street West, features approximately 65 unserviced sites nestled under mature pine trees. The area is suitable for tents, small trailers, and recreational vehicles, though it cannot accommodate oversized units. Reservations can be made through the Owen Sound Tourism website.
Camping availability at this location is tied to the Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival and the Salmon Spectacular Fishing Derby. The festival is set for August 21-23, 2026, with campers able to access their sites from August 19 at 4:00 p.m. until August 24 at 11:00 a.m. For those visiting the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association fishing derby, which runs from August 26 through September 7, site access begins on August 26 at 4:00 p.m.
All visitors staying at the Kelso Beach site must first check in and register at the Harrison Park Campground office located at 75 2nd Avenue East before setting up their equipment. The Harrison Park facility itself operates from May 14 to October 12, 2026.
The fishing derby, now in its 35th year, typically attracts over 58,000 visitors to the community. Because of the popularity of these summer events, the City encourages families to secure their bookings early.
