Water's Edge Campground: A Hidden Gem in Gros Morne - Whales & Trails!

Kim Martinez
Jun 21
3 min read

Updated: Jun 29

The Journey In: A Test of Nerves

Our second stop on the Travel Well Live Well Tour of Newfoundland brought us to Water's Edge Campground in Bonne Bay—but getting there was an adventure in itself. After cruising on reliable Highway 430, then we turned off to Highway 431, notorious for being steep, narrow, and pothole-riddled. (This is Newfoundland, after all!)

I'd done my research in February, but reality hit differently. Mixed reviews warned of tight turns and crumbling edges, while others reassured, "Just take it slow." No large Class A rigs in campground photos? Not comforting. Still, the owner insisted we'd make it—and they were right.

The verdict? Yes, it's narrow, twisty, and steep (especially downhill), but Manny handled our 44ft Class A like a pro. The reward? An amazing waterfront site that made every white-knuckle moment worth it.

Water's Edge Campground:

**Looking back at the RV in Campground from the walk out peninsula**

The Campground: Worth Every Bump

Pulled in facing the harbor, we were greeted with a view that exceeded all expectations. The friendly owner even gifted us a dozen fresh eggs after a brief waterline repair delay—now that's service!

Details:

- Site Type: Serviced (electric & water only - no sewer hookup)

- RV Compatibility: Our 44ft Class A fit with careful maneuvering

- Rate: $40/night CAD

- Book Here: Water's Edge Campground (https://watersedgegrosmorne.com)

- Nearby Towns: Woody Point (walkable), Trout River (15 min)

- Amenities: Camp store, grill café, adventure tours (kayaking, Zodiac excursions), and plenty of whale-watching chairs facing the harbor

- Services: No pump-out service available, no WiFi, limited cell signal

- Wildlife Spotting: Minke whales—right from our RV window!

Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (+ a bonus star!)

We stayed three nights but wished for four—just enough time to tackle the Green Gardens Trail.

Electric Charging:

For those who have Electric Charging cars, there was a beautiful view, charging stop on the way to Trout River! They don't even have a grocery store in Rocky Point or Trout River - but they have a Tesla charging station!

Hiking Highlights & Newfoundland Weather Prep

Gros Morne's trails are legendary. We tackled:

- Tablelands Trail (full review here: https://www.travelwelllive.com/post/hiking-the-tablelands-in-gros-morne-national-park-a-tale-of-two-perspectives

- Trout River Pond Trail: https://www.travelwelllive.com/post/trout-river-pond-trail-when-small-ponds-aren-t-so-small

Missed but highly recommended: Green Gardens Trail.

For a full list of hikes with difficulty ratings, time estimates, and detailed descriptions, check Parks Canada's official site (https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nl/grosmorne/activ/experiences/randonnee-hiking).

Essential Newfoundland Hiking Gear:

Newfoundland weather is famously unpredictable! One moment you're hiking in t-shirts and hiking pants under brilliant sunshine, the next minute clouds roll in and temperatures drop dramatically. Always pack:

- Warm vest (essential!)

- Rain jacket

- Layering options for rapid temperature changes

Pro tip: I rely on AllTrails app for maps, reviews, and saved lists.

Sunrise

At 4:30 AM, I witnessed the most captivating sunrise of my life—gold and crimson bleeding over the water. Then, Minke whales stole the show, gliding through the harbor channel. Too mesmerized to grab my camera, I just stared.

Later, Manny and I were kicking back after a day of hiking and from our RV couch, we spotted a whale breaching and rolling—finally snagging a photo! Another appeared as we drove into Woody Point.

Minke whale taken from inside our RV dash

Whale Watching Details:

- Best Viewing: Anytime of day—whales were active throughout our stay

- Prime Spots: Campground chairs facing the harbor or right from your RV dashboard

- Species: Minke whales most common in June, but Fin whales also spotted

- Fun Fact: The harbor is over 450 feet deep—perfect whale habitat!

Newfoundland's magic? Confirmed.

Minke Whale

Cat's Corner: Wind, Rain, and Disgruntled Kitties

Night 1: Happy campers! The cats explored a sprawling tunnel system (weighted down for wind resistance). Bandit being the youngest especially appreciated the extra tunnels.

Night 2: Storm mode. Heavy rain and gales forced a retreat—even with Manny's truck as a windbreak, the tunnels were no match.

Night 3: Compromise. A smaller tunnel setup left the cats unimpressed. Sorry, guys—blame Newfoundland weather. Even older Twix turned up her nose and complained about the other two cats in her way.

Final Thoughts

Leaving was bittersweet, but the exit road was easier than the entrance. Would we return? Absolutely. Water's Edge is a must-stay in Gros Morne—where rugged access leads to unforgettable rewards.