Grand Codroy Campground & Codroy Valley: A Perfect First Stop in Newfoundland

Kim Martinez
Jun 17
5 min read

Updated: Jun 29

Quick Stats

- Distance from Port Aux Basques Ferry: Less than 30 minutes

- Cost: $45 CAD/night (full hookups)

- Site Type: 30-amp electric, water, sewer

- WiFi: Recently upgraded, good for basic use

- Cell Service: Excellent T-Mobile on highway, limited at campground

- Facilities: Excellent laundry, bathrooms, showers, free firewood

- Dining: Plan to cook at your RV (limited restaurant options nearby)

- Best For: First/last night in Newfoundland, families with pets

- Reservations: Email form on website

Welcome to Newfoundland

After six hours crossing the Gulf of St. Lawrence, stepping off the Marine Atlantic ferry at Port Aux Basques feels like entering a new world. The transition couldn't be smoother—clear signage guides you from the terminal to the highway, officially welcoming you to Newfoundland. And what a welcome it is.

While Nova Scotia's beauty had charmed us for days, Newfoundland immediately announced itself as something different. This isn't "more of the same"—it's an untamed version of Atlantic Canada, with bigger mountains, water everywhere (ocean, lakes, rivers, countless ponds), and an endless canvas of green. The roads are modern and well-maintained, with gas stations and services scattered along the way, but there's an unmistakable sense of frontier adventure here. You're not on the mainland anymore, where modern conveniences are guaranteed within every 10-mile radius. This open, less-developed landscape is exactly what draws most of us to Newfoundland—and it doesn't disappoint.

After checking into Grand Codroy RV Park, It was nice to spot familiar faces from our ferry crossing and even from Arms of Gold Campground back in Sydney, all making the same pilgrimage to this remarkable island.

Campground Review: Grand Codroy RV Park

Location: Near Port Aux Basques, Newfoundland

Website: Grand Codroy Campground (https://www.grandcodroy.com)

Reservations: Made via email form on their website

The Vibe:

This is the go-to campground for RVers fresh off the ferry. After a long crossing, Grand Codroy feels like a welcoming embrace into Newfoundland. The campground is owner-operated by the Downey family, who've been here nearly 30 years, and the land itself has rich history—originally donated by the family in the 1960s to become a provincial park before reverting to private ownership in the 1990s.

Site Details:

- Spacious sites with plenty of room for larger rigs and towing vehicles

- Easy access right off the highway—no tight turns or tricky maneuvering

- WiFi: Recently upgraded and reliable enough for basic internet needs, plus excellent for WiFi calling when cell service is limited

- Water: Potable (no boil advisory—always check for updates)

Facilities & Amenities:

- Excellent laundry facility with quality washers and dryers

- Clean bathrooms and showers

- Free firewood for evening campfires

- On-site gift/craft store featuring locally made items

- Fresh fishcakes available from the owners (a local treat!)

- Gas station nearby with diesel fuel available

- Classic telephone booth - a charming throwback that adds to the nostalgic atmosphere

Connectivity Notes:

T-Mobile service is excellent along the highway, but drops to about one bar at the campground. The upgraded WiFi compensates well—strong enough for texting and WiFi calling.

Weather Reality Check:

We arrived to sunny skies and upper 50s, but temperatures dropped to the low 40s overnight. With almost no wind, a good sweatshirt kept us comfortable—just pack layers for Newfoundland's variable conditions.

Pros:

✔ Convenient amenities nearby, including Home Hardware (perfect for last-minute RV supplies)

✔ Stunning surroundings—backed by the Grand Codroy River with mountain views

✔ Perfect ferry recovery spot—close enough to be convenient, peaceful enough to decompress

✔ Complete facilities mean you don't need to venture out for basics

Dining Note:

Plan to cook at your RV—restaurant options are limited in the immediate area. The good news? Those locally made fishcakes from the campground store make for an authentic Newfoundland dinner!

A Note on Garbage:

Newfoundland takes recycling seriously—campgrounds require blue and clear bags for waste separation. We weren't fully prepped but solved it with a quick trip to Home Hardware for bags and a small pop-up bin. (Tip: Consider stackable bins for longer stays.)

Cats Corner: Time Zone Troubles & Temperature Adjustments

The cats were thrilled to stretch their legs after the long ferry ride! (Actually I think they did their usual daytime nap and probably didn't notice) but it was their time to go outside. Our site was somewhat open with views from neighboring sites, but the spacious layout meant Twix, Bandit, and Thumper could safely explore and take in all the new sights and scents.

The cooler temperatures had an interesting effect on our feline crew. Twix and Thumper decided the chilly night was perfect for extra cuddle time, sleeping in longer than usual. Bandit, however, had other plans—he appointed himself our 5 AM alarm clock, "chirping" nonstop about a foot from my head until I surrendered and got up. Apparently, time zones don't apply to cat breakfast schedules!

**Bandit singing the song of his people**

They were less than impressed with just the "shortie" cat tunnel and single tent setup due to our late arrival, but they made do. I even felt comfortable leaving the door open with tunnels attached all night—a testament to how secure and peaceful this campground feels.

Exploring the Codroy Valley

Many travelers rush through this area, eager to get deeper into Newfoundland or prep for their ferry departure. But the Codroy Valley deserves a pause—a lush, wetland-rich region with quiet roads and gorgeous scenery.

Must-Do Nearby:

- Scenic Loop Drive (Highways 406 & 407): Follows the Grand Codroy River to where it meets the Gulf of St. Lawrence

- Cape Anguille Lighthouse: A short detour to this picturesque spot with sweeping ocean views

- Holy Trinity Church (1913): A striking Gothic Revival chapel built on an earlier church site

Our Experience:

With just an hour of daylight left, we took the loop drive at a leisurely pace—zero traffic, just us, rolling hills, and one curiously bold fox (the only wildlife we spotted, but what a character!). The lighthouse and river mouth were serene, and the church was a charming historic gem. It's a shame more people don't linger here—this valley is a quiet highlight that perfectly introduces you to Newfoundland's unhurried pace.

**Picture of a Canadian Lynx. place holder for the one we missed!**

Canadian Lynx Strolls By!

Just as we were getting ready to leave the owner stopped by with his camera and asked if we saw the Lynx this morning. He said it strolled right by my site (maybe wanted to show my cats their roots) He had some good pictures. At first we were excited that maybe when we come back we might catch a glimpse - however - he then said that it was the first time in 29 years that he has seen one there. We are going to keep an eye out anyway.

Final Thoughts

Grand Codroy Campground is more than just a convenient stop—it's a peaceful, well-maintained base with friendly owners, complete facilities, and prime location. The excellent laundry facilities, free firewood, local touches like fresh fishcakes, and even that classic telephone booth make it feel like stepping back to a simpler time—a true Newfoundland welcome that perfectly sets the tone for your island adventure.

Pair your stay with a quick exploration of the Codroy Valley, and you've got the perfect first taste of this island's untamed beauty. The Downey family has created something special here—a place where the practical needs of weary travelers meet the authentic charm of Newfoundland hospitality.