This is a summary prepared for the convenience of anyone who plans to visit a provincial park in Nova Scotia. Please consult the complete copy of the Parks Act and Regulations for all purposes of interpreting and applying the law. These laws are subject to change at any time and are available online at https://novascotia.ca/natr/parks/acts-regs.asp
The Parks Act and Regulations are enforced at all times. Those who fail to comply will be asked to leave the park and could face further penalties.
No alcohol or cannabis are permitted at camping parks from opening date to July 3. After this time, alcohol and smoking (including cannabis) are permitted on rented campsites only. Mid-season changes to this policy may occur if local issues arise.
Alcohol and smoking (including cannabis) are not permitted in day-use parks.
- Campers must have a camping permit and must camp in designated sites.
- A camping permit includes up to 6 people unless part of one family.
- One vehicle is included in the camping permit, fees apply for additional vehicles.
- A camping permit may be issued for up to 14 nights at the same campsite.
- A camping permit expires if a campsite is unoccupied for 48 hours.
- A camping permit is issued to an adult (19 years and older) who is staying at the campsite.
- One person may reserve several campsites, but each site must be registered in the name of the person who will pick up the camping permit and stay at the campsite.
- Reservations cannot be reassigned from one person to another person at the time of arrival. If a name change is required, call 1-888-544-3434. A reservation change fee will be applied.
Check in time is 2:00 pm.
Checkout for all parks is 1:00 pm.
- Wash dishes at a dishwashing station or at your campsite.
- Do not wash dishes at water taps or in the sinks at comfort stations.
- Dispose of dishwater at a dishwashing station, when provided, or in a comfort station toilet, vault toilet, or RV dump station.
- Do not dispose of dishwater at water taps or campsites.
- Dogs must be kept under control at all times, on a leash no longer than 2.5 metres (6 feet), including at swimming areas.
- Owners must make sure that their dog does not make excessive noise or disturb other park users.
- Owners must clean up their dog’s poop and place it in a garbage container. In the off-season, owners must remove their dog’s waste from the park.
- Dogs and other pets are not permitted in public structures at the park or in any area designated as pet free. Service animals are permitted in these areas. Public structures include comfort stations, vault toilets, cooking shelters, change houses, and administrative and program buildings.
Recreational use of drones is prohibited within provincial parks for the following reasons:
- the safety of park staff and park operations
- public safety and privacy
- the protection of wildlife
- the safety of Natural Resources and Renewables helicopter pilots and crew
Non-recreational users must apply for a Permit for the use of Provincial Property for Film Production Work for TV, Film or Commercials or a permit issued by the local district office.
Apply for a permit at a local Department of Natural Resources and Renewables office to operate a drone for the following purposes:
- commercial photography and videography
- monitoring for scientific research
- training
- marketing/promotions
- TV/film/commercial
- advertised events
- other purposes at the discretion of the department
Firearms are not permitted within the park.
Effective May 16, 2024 daily burn restrictions apply to campfires in provincial parks.
Campfires are not permitted between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. because that is often when the risk of wildfires is greatest.
It is important to check before you light a campfire. Campers can check daily burn restrictions via the BurnSafe map or by calling 1-855-564-2876 (BURN). You can also check with parks staff.
Fires are allowed following the BurnSafe NS map within campsite grills only. If the site you reserve does not have a grill, you cannot have a fire.
Campfires are never allowed in day-use parks or beaches.
Firewood can be purchased at camping parks.
Moving firewood, even just a few kilometres, can spread invasive insects and diseases to our forests. Help protect our forests and:
- Don’t bring wood from outside sources
- Leave un-used wood for the next camper
- Never take wood back home
Park visitors are prohibited from setting off fireworks in provincial parks.
Fishing is permitted with a Nova Scotia sport fishing licence. Please check fishing regulations. Visit the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture for more information
- Practice waste sorting and recycling in accordance with provincial and municipal regulations. The required steps will be posted at the park.
- Propane canisters and cylinders: never put these in the garbage.
Hunting and/or trapping is not permitted in the Park.
Quiet time is 10:30 pm to sunrise.
- Generators may be used between 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
- If you require power outside of these hours, please book a campsite with electrical service.
Advertising or operating a business within the park requires a special permit.
You are allowed up to three pieces of shelter equipment, space permitting.
Showers are for registered campers only.
Speed limit within the park is 15 km/h.
- A camping permit includes one vehicle. An extra vehicle requires a separate permit.
- Off-highway vehicles and unlicensed vehicles may not be operated within the park.
- Visitors may enter the park up to 10:00 pm.
- Visitors must leave by 10:30 pm.
- Access by vehicle may be limited to only those who are registered campers. Visitors to a provincial camping park may drive their vehicle through a campground only with permission of the park attendant.
- If you are not a registered camper, you may picnic in the day-use area only.