Wide Open Wilderness Family Campground

Wide Open Wilderness is one of the best campgrounds in Nova Scotia if you are looking for a Family campground this is it. Very large lots nestled in mature treed lots with a great mix of seasonal scampers that are always willing to help you set up and invite you to a warm fire. I have been coming to this hidden gem for years and will be back every year. Love the new owners who took the time to come to my site and see if I was settled ok. Hats off I am counting down the days I can come back.
8 years ago (24-03-2018)

Upon arriving at this campground it appeared to be a clean and friendly place to take children. We arrived on a Monday and got everything set up- we were tenting. The lady at the store was very friendly ( NOT BRENDA) during check in and when the kids went to get candy/ice cream etc. We did some biking and really enjoyed our first night at WOW campground. Tuesday morning we got up and the kids wanted to walk down to the store to get some candy and we needed some ice. They returned a few seconds later to report the store wasn't open and a lady (BRENDA) had told them it wouldn't be open today. This was a problem as we only had coolers and we needed some ice. We were told the day before if we needed anything we could find the owners in their trailer and not to hesitate to ask. We waited a couple hours and went back to the store- still not open. We went to the owner's trailer and knocked on the door. NOTHING. We waited a second and knocked again. This time a dog started to bark and we could hear yelling inside the trailer. The man opened the door and walked over to the store to let us buy some ice. (Michael) was very friendly and helpful and said the store would be open later on- great! A few hours later the kids wanted an ice cream, so we gave them some money and they set off to the store to get some ice cream. They returned and reported the store was not open. 2:00 in the afternoon and not open in the middle of a 30 degree day. We saw Michael fixing something in one of the washrooms so we went over to ask him. He then told us the store was open. Back down we go and the door was locked so we went back and told him this. He said he'd come down and get us what we needed. He said he wasn't sure where 'Brenda' was but that she should be in the store, maybe she was out cleaning one of the cottages he said. The whole walk down to the store with 2 adults and 5 children he is shouting BRENDA, BRENDA, BRENDA trying to find her. She is no where to be found. He runs and checks his trailer and then comes back to open the door so we can get ice and ice cream. He opens the door and there is BRENDA sitting in the corner in the dark. She says she told the kids that the store wasn't going to be open today and that she needed a break. Michael says we need ice and the kids want an ice cream- not an unreasonable request I don't think. She sharply replies that we can have ice but she is NOT doing ice cream today. He says that's fine that he will do it. She says GO AHEAD- DO EVERYTHING LIKE YOU ALWAYS DO. We, along with the 5 children just stood there- a very awkward situation. Brenda stormed out and Michael was left to try to figure out how to scoop ice cream. The store remained closed for the remainder of the day and that night. We packed up and left early Wednesday morning. This completely ruined our experience as well as the experience for the children. We will NEVER be back and have told everyone we know of our experience. I feel badly for Michael, as Brenda clearly doesn't like children- or her husband!
8 years ago (27-01-2018)

Great atmosphere and good, clean sites. A nice pool but it is typically cold for a maritime pool. The people are super friendly and the whole place is very clean. They tell us There are lots of people and activities on the weekend but quiet during the week. The bathrooms are clean but strangely the women's shower cost $2 and the men's is only $0.50 For the same amount of time. Also the front gate closes at 9 pm which makes it hard it you are sightseeing. Also during the week, it was hit or miss whether the store would be open, which made it hard for buying ice. But those are just small things. My kids loved the place and we would go back in an instant. Good memories.
9 years ago (04-08-2017)

WOW was one of my favourite stays during our East coast RV trip. Wild Willie is pure legend; as friendly and accommodating as they come. Brought over level blocks and personally ensured I had everything I needed for a relaxing stay. Daughter loved the fish/turtle pond. Good location for day tripping to tidal bore rafting.
9 years ago (13-09-2017)

"Well maintained, the staff definitely makes it worth it. They were helpful and friendly. You can borrow movies and washer toss for free. Lots for kids to do. All around good spot to go camping."
9 years ago (15-08-2017)