About Us – Smith Camps

About Smith Camps

As a family owned and operated camp, we have watched our own families and those of our returning guests grow over the years.

Ken and Nancy Smith from Bloomington, Illinois fell in love with the area in 1957 after spending their honeymoon at Eisentrout’s Camp. Eisentrouts sold the camp to Ormistons, which is now present day Northern Harbour. During their years as tourists, Ken dreamt of one day owning a resort himself. When Mac Ormiston introduced Ken to Leonard Whiting, owner of Heenan Point, they struck a deal and all 70 acres was purchased by the Smiths for $25,000 in the fall of 1970. Shortly after the land was purchased construction began. Ken attended Sport shows throughout the Midwest US and deposits were placed for cabins that were still under construction. In 1971, the first cabin was rented. The Smith family, with sons Alan and Eric, moved permanently to Canada, in 1973, to run the camp. The Smith’s ran American Plan and housekeeping cabins until Ken passed away in 1977. Nancy and the boys decided to keep the camp running due to their many returning guests and friends. The main lodge continues to be a traditional Canadian lodge with photos, fish, fowl, animal mounts, and many other artifacts. Our “Wall of Fame” full of pictures new and old, depicts guests from 1971-2019 representing 45+ years of the fishing, hunting, and trapping lifestyle the Smith’s have lived.

We have 8 cabins with full kitchens and bathrooms. There are 3 three bedroom cabins with two beds per room and 5 two bedroom cabins with two beds per room, and 1 deluxe three bedroom cabin that is fully handicap accessible with extended living room and two bathrooms. Some of the first families to rent in the early 70’s still return today to the favorite vacation spot of their grandparents or great-grandparents. It’s always exciting to see generation after generation of kids turning into adults and then returning with their families. With four generations of such loyal clientele, the Smiths are happy to welcome back old friends, and meet new customers too. Much thanks to everyone who continues to support us year after year! We’re also welcoming the fourth generation of Smiths with the birth of our granddaughter (Nancy’s great-granddaughter) Daisy to our daughter Karen and her husband John.

The loyalty of our guests comes from trying to make our guests feel like family. The service we strive to give our guests is something we pride ourselves on. Guests get great value for their dollar. We include many amenities so guests do not feel like they are being “nickle and dimed”. Please understand our prime operating season is only 100 hard days. Ontario is a beautiful province, however with that beauty and solitude comes a price. North Western Ontario has some of the highest cost of living and operating expenses in North America. We are no longer able to offer discounts on cabins, guiding, or any other services due to our location and short operating season. See you soon!