Once upon a May long weekend, we set off on an impromptu trip to Cape Breton, our hearts set on camping the cabot trail. But after a long workweek and a few unsuccessful calls to Cape Breton campsites, we found ourselves making back-up plans.

So, we took a drive up the Eastern Shore with no set destination and no set accommodations. The Eastern shore is the least visited part of our fair province, although the drive alone makes it hard to understand why.

45 minutes into our drive, we stumbled on Murphy’s Campground.  Since we didn’t book in advance, we ended up on a very small plot, just big enough to squeeze the car and our tent onto. Our site was not unique in this, as most sites are small and close together.

This can be a plus if you’re the sociable type, but for others it makes it difficult to feel like you’ve gotten away from it all.

In fact, Murphy’s is one of the more social campgrounds we’ve seen, offering nightly community bonfires with music and free mussels, and the Sailor’s Rest, a lounge in a cabin with complimentary coffee.

Sites cost $25 a night, and wood will run you $5 a bundle.  If you’re feeling thrifty, there are plenty of houses offering $2-$3 bundles all along the road in each direction leading to the grounds.

The staff at Murphy’s Campground are friendly and registration was hassle-free. If you are booking in advance with a few friends, try to get the two plots at the end of the road. They’re a little more secluded from the rest.

Tomorrow on The Local Traveler, take a drive with us a little further up the Eastern Shore for a stop at one of our favourite beaches in the province, and some very neat Nova Scotia highway art.

Location:
308 Murphys Rd
Murphy Cove, Nova Scotia

Season: May 15 – October 15

Website: http://www.murphyscamping.ca/

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