I'm travelling from Moncton to the Cabot Trail and back over the course of three days at the end of July. Looking for itinerary help. Hoping to camp 2 or 3 of the nights I am travelling.

Day 1 - Wednesday
Leave Moncton and drive via the Ceilidh Trail to Cheticamp, or TCH to Baddeck, or Ingonish...can't decide which is best. Since we are camping, I would like to stay at the same campground for the first two nights, and maybe hte 3rd too. That night and/or the next, we would like to try to find some local culture in the form of a lobster supper, and/or a ceilidh, local pub, etc....

Day 2 - Thursday
Drive the Cabot Trail - full circle from starting point (depending on decision where to stay Day 1). We might do some very light hiking, but nothing strenuous. I've heard that the Trail is a 2.5 hour drive, but plan for 6-8 with stops.

Day 3 - Friday
Option 1 - Drive to Louisbourg and visit the Fort. Return to campsite that night or stay in Louisbourg.
Option 2 - Relaxing day at Ingonish Beach and maybe stay at the Keltic Lodge.

Day 4 - Drive early to Pictou & Caribou and take the ferry to PEI.

Looking for feedback on itinerary, any input for tent camping, key places to go, and feedback on time to do Louisbourg. I am open to camping at different sites if it's better. Like staying one night in Cheticamp, one night Meat Cove, one night Ingonish...

Thanks...dave

well, i've read decent reviews of the cheticamp campground in the national park.
by inverness, macleods campground gets good reviews, although it can be windy. however, i have e-mailed them on a couple of occassions to inquire about their campsite and my e-mails have basically been ignored so that makes me hesitant to give them my money. http://www.macleods.com/
by baddeck, based on reviews, i've chosen baddeck cabot trail campground. their website is not that great but i've been in touch with them and they have responded promptly and courtiously. also many people on http://www.rv.net/forum/ have talked favorably about them
http://www.baddeckcabottrailcampground.com
this is another one by baddeck that i was considering cause it is right on the lake but i could not find any reviews http://brasdorlakescampground.com/

Not sure if Inverness campground is still open. Check with NS Check-ins at 1-800-565-0000. if yes, definitely stay there for a few nights. You are close to Keltic Inn as well as the entrance to the National Park.

Oops, forgot about a campground in Baddeck on the water. Might be an option for you. Baddeck is central and you can do the trail in one or two days.