Trois-Pistoles Municipal Campsite: a welcoming, wooded stopover just a stone's throw from the town center

In the heat of summer, a campground offering plenty of wooded, shaded sites, a beautiful pool for cooling off, and well-maintained facilities is a welcome addition. Located near the heart of Trois-Pistoles, a short distance from the ferry dock for Les Escoumins, the Trois-Pistoles Municipal Campground is a high-quality destination in the Basques MRC.

The reception building of the Trois-Pistoles municipal campsite. © Marie-France Bornais

The water games at the Trois-Pistoles municipal campsite. © Marie-France Bornais

A few sites reserved for seasonal campers offer a view of the bay.

Some sites reserved for seasonal campers offer views of the bay. © Marie-France Bornais

There is room to maneuver in the loop dedicated to large RVs. © Marie-France Bornais

A kitchen shelter nicknamed "The Umbrella" is located in the section for campers using tents. © Marie-France Bornais

There are several sites that are very suitable for tents. © Marie-France Bornais

The pool is open until 9 p.m. and is supervised by a lifeguard.

The swimming pool is open until 9 p.m. and is supervised by a lifeguard. © Marie-France Bornais

The campground is conveniently located and easy to find from Route 132: it's at the end of Rue du Chanoine-Côté. It's easily accessible if you're coming from the west, by taking Rue Notre-Dame Ouest. It's a welcome stop while traveling... and a beautiful part of the country.

From the moment we arrive at the campsite, the legendary hospitality of the locals is awe-inspiring. The smiling and attentive receptionist ensures check-in goes smoothly and takes the time to kindly answer guests' questions. Everything from the campsite map to the pool wristband and the barrier is explained. By the way, the campsite is monitored 24 hours a day.

Throughout our stay, during the construction holidays, the courtesy and efficiency of the people who work at this campground stood out.

From the reception staff to the maintenance staff and the pool attendant, everyone is friendly and attentive. In fact, the five-star hospitality I just described should be found at every campsite we visit!

A lordly land

The history of this well-established campground dates back to the late 1960s. The website states that the provincial government purchased nearly 4 million square feet of land from the seigneuress of the Jean Rioux line, ^Mrs. Anita Rioux, to create a provincial campground.

In the early 1980s, the campsite was transferred to the Municipality for the symbolic sum of one dollar, and management was entrusted to a non-profit organization, the Basques Hunting and Fishing Association. This association still manages the campsite today. That's a little story worth sharing, in honor of Lord Rioux.

A variety of sites

The former seigneurial land now has 104 sites, which offer all three services (water, 20 A or 30 A electricity, sewers), 56 sites with both services and 22 sites without services.

Sites are grouped into sections or loops, and seasonal campers occupy their own area. Owners of larger RVs will enjoy the "L" loop, called "The Islands." The road is wide and allows for easy parking.

Campers with a tent trailer, small travel trailer, or small RV will enjoy the more private, wooded sites on Loop "E," nicknamed "Les Baptêmes." Wooded tent sites are located in the center of the campground, some of which are accessible on foot, for a more rustic camping experience.

Most of the sites in this campground do not have ocean views, except for a small area occupied by seasonal campers. A lookout has been set up near Loop "D" to enjoy the view of the bay.

Several restrooms are located throughout the various sectors, equipped with free showers and very well maintained. A very practical kitchen shelter, nicknamed "The Umbrella," is located in loop "E."

Trois-Pistoles Municipal Campsite

100, Chanoine-Côté Street

Trois-Pistoles, QC, G0L 4K0

Tel.: 418 851-4515

Reservations: campingtrois-pistoles.com

Open until September 21, 2025.

The pool is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and swim caps are mandatory. Obtain a wristband at the reception desk.

The laundry room is located near the pool.

We must leave our site before 1 p.m. on the day of departure.

There is a curfew and it is respected.

There are plenty of trash and recycling bins on the campsite, and bag dispensers for campers to dispose of their dog's poop responsibly.

To find out the tide schedule: tides.gc.ca

Marie-France Bornais is a journalist and author of five travel guides published by Éditions de l'Homme;
She wrote the bestseller Le Québec en camping , as well as the practical guide Camping 101 ;
His guidebook , Camping in New Brunswick, won a national TMAC award;
She also wrote the travel guide American Escapades: Vermont, New Hampshire, Upstate New York ;
She is a member of the Travel Media Association of Canada;
She regularly presents lectures at book fairs and public libraries.