Camping at Parc national de la Mauricie: A Love-Hate Story
- adriana hamelin
- Sep 3, 2025
- 3 min read
We just came back from a camping trip with friends and family, and this time we decided to try Parc national de la Mauricie. Technically, it was my second time there (if you’re the kind of person who remembers childhood trips really well). But in many ways, it felt like a first.
And like any camping trip, it left me torn between the magic of nature and the endless chores that come with it.
The Positives (and Negatives) of Parc de la Mauricie
No reception. If you’re waiting for important calls, this is not your place. But being cellphone-free for four nights, surrounded by trees, lakes, and fun activities, was actually refreshing.
Wi-Fi in a few designated spots Just enough to check in if you really need it.
The drive. It takes about 45 minutes just to get in or out of the park. And there are no grocery stores close by, so planning ahead is essential.
In short: once you’re in, you’re really in.
My Love-Hate Relationship with Camping
Camping is not just about those cozy nights around the fire. It’s also about:
Two days of planning and prepping gear and meals.
Packing food into a mix of electric fridge + old-school cooler.
Setting up the campsite once you arrive.
Packing up everything when it’s over.
Then, at home: cleaning, drying, and re-packing all the gear neatly for next time.
It’s a whole process. You almost need a vacation after your camping vacation.
Our Camping Journey
We’ve camped in different ways over the years:
Canoe camping (minimalist and adventurous).
Car camping with the bare basics.
Renting different RVs.
And now… towing our own 13' trailer.
Each year, we add new gear, refine our setup, and prepare for all possibilities. We have so much stuff now that when friends without experience come with us, we can set them up with our spare equipment. My parents were actually impressed by how professional our setup looked.
What We Did at Parc de la Mauricie
We camped at Wapizagonke (no electricity). If we return, I’d probably try the campground near Lac Édouard instead—it has electricity, and honestly, it makes life easier.
At Wapizagonke, you can carry your kayak, canoe, or SUP down a path to the water. There isn’t a beach area, but it’s still a beautiful spot.
Hiking
We kept it simple with kids in the group and chose the Sentier Les Cascades. It was short, fun, and just right. There are natural pools where kids can splash and climb rocks (though slippery, so caution needed). Two parking areas made it easy to fit both cars and trailers. Pro tip: pack swimsuits and lunch.
SUP & Beach Day
The highlight of our trip was loading four SUPs into the truck bed and driving 30 minutes to Lac Édouard. By late August, the crowds were gone, so we had space to spread out. Some of us paddled, others played racquet games, built sandcastles, or just relaxed. It was the perfect summer day.
Little Extras
S’mores by the fire—always a win.
Chopping and stacking firewood feels like an activity in itself.
Fetching water, prepping meals, washing dishes—all constant parts of the rhythm of camping.
Stopping at Vides bouteilles to snap a picture on the giant red chair (a fun roadside quirk).
The Weather Lesson
Camping has taught me one hard lesson: it’s always colder at night and in the morning than you expect.
We almost didn’t bring heaters and extra blankets. Once, I even left the sleeping bags at home, thinking hats, socks, and clothes would be enough. It wasn’t, we ended up having to buy blankets to keep from freezing. Lesson learned: never underestimate the cold.
Final Thoughts
Camping at Parc national de la Mauricie was both beautiful and challenging. The hikes, lakes, and paddleboarding days were unforgettable. The lack of reception pushed us to disconnect. The setup, teardown, and constant chores? Not so much fun.
But maybe that’s what camping is all about: balancing the love and the hate, the magic and the work. And when you look back, the campfire stories, the kids’ laughter, and the quiet mornings in nature always win.
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