Visitor Guide FAMILY CAMPING - Saugeen Valley Conservation

FAMILY CAMPING
Visitor Guide
Issue 12/May 2016
Conservation Areas
BRUCEDALE / DURHAM / McBEATH / SAUGEEN BLUFFS
www.svca.on.ca
Things to See & Do
Administration Office
1078 Bruce Rd. 12, P.O. Box 150,
Formosa ON N0G 1W0
Tel: 519-367-3040 Fax: 519-367-3041
Email: campinginfo@svca.on.ca
Website: svca.on.ca
361 Victoria St. N., Paisley 519-353-5535
www.cowancanoekayak.com
Production: The Saugeen Conservation
Family Camping Visitor Guide is
designed in-house and printed by Thuro
Web, Durham. All rights reserved. No
reproduction of this publication allowed
without written permission of Saugeen
Conservation.
Cover photo: Steve Mackie
2016 Park Fees (includes HST)
Regular Campsites
Horse Campsites
SERVICED CAMPSITES
SAUGEEN BLUFFS only
(All sites are unserviced)
(Hydro and Water)
Daily..........................................$41.00
Weekly.....................................$246.00
Monthly...................................$800.00
Full Season............................$1,965.00
Prime Full Season.................$2,240.00
Daily................................ $45.00 (no corrals)
Daily...................................$60.00 (2 corrals)
Weekly........................... $270.00 (no corrals)
Weekly..............................$360.00 (2 corrals)
Full Season.................. $1,850.00 (no corrals)
Full Season.....................$2,025.00 (2 corrals)
UNSERVICED CAMPSITES
Daily..........................................$35.00
Weekly.....................................$210.00
Monthly...................................$650.00
Full Season............................$1,455.00
Daily Bunkie.....................$100.00 (2 corrals)
Weekly Bunkie..................$600.00 (2 corrals)
Daily RV............................$125.00 (2 corrals)
Weekly RV........................$750.00 (2 corrals)
DAY USE AND FACILITY RENTALS
Admission/Adult..........................$4.25
Admission/Child..........................$2.50
Admission/Vehicle (max.)..........$12.00
Picnic Shelter with Hydro.......$118.65
(includes admission)
Sutherland Activity Centre......$146.90
Canoe Launch/Vehicle Fee..........$6.00
Season Day Pass........................$30.00
OTHER CAMPING FEES
Extra Guest & horse................... $30.00/night
10% discount for OEF Members
Saugeen Bluffs Only
Site Reservation Charge......................$12.00
Youth Group Camping/Person/Night....$5.00
Firewood/bag....................................... $7.50
Additional Overnight Vehicle...............$12.00
Trailer Storage...................................$190.00
Seasonal Visitor Fee.............................$90.00
Equestrian Day Use Trails.............$8.00/adult
Equestrian Day Use Trails............. $3.00/child
Equestrian Day Use Family Pass..........$20.00
Equestrian Season Trail Pass................$50.00
Damage/Cleaning Fee.........................$75.00
Event Ring Rental........................ $100.00/day
Generator Rental........................$35.00/night
Reservations
www.saugeen.goingtocamp.com Email: campinginfo@svca.on.ca
Brucedale Conservation Area: 519-389-4516
Durham Conservation Area: 519-369-2074
Saugeen Bluffs Conservation Area: 519-353-7206
Please note: If you wish to book a horse campsite please call
519-353-7206 or 519-367-3040
Telfer Wegg
BRUCEDALE
Conservation Area
Reserve on line at saugeen.goingtocamp.com or call 519-389-4516
Administration Office 519-367-3040 (off season) or check out www.svca.on.ca
Located on the Lake Huron shoreline,
Brucedale’s campsites are tucked in
amongst mature cedar woodlands. It has
an informal family atmosphere making
it great for kids. Brucedale has 52 campsites; 46 serviced and 6 unserviced.
Your Friendly Host
Caralynn Kamerman
Park Superintendent
This park is also a great location for
birdwatching. Numerous species travel
along the shoreline to seek habitat and
food as part of their natural migration
route.
Facilities
Swimming
Take the newly constructed boardwalk
to the beach.
Many people enjoy swimming in Lake
Huron. These areas are unsupervised
and, in addition, are natural areas where
water quality cannot be guaranteed.
Park Events
Special events and functions are held
throughout the season. For more information and dates, please contact the
Superintendent, located on site 39.
Gatehouse
The Superintendent, located on site 39,
remains on site for the duration of the
camping season.
Flush toilets, showers, playground, picnic shelter and horseshoes are available.
Some essential supplies are provided at
the office, including firewood and ice.
Emergency Information
When calling 911 mention the following:
Brucedale Conservation Area, 137 Sprucedale Dr., Municipality of Kincardine
- your name and campsite number
- brief description of the emergency
If possible, send someone to the park
entrance to guide emergency vehicles to the
scene. Notify park staff.
Kincardine Hospital: 519-396-3331
Southampton Hospital: 519-797-3230
Telfer Wegg
DURHAM
Conservation Area
Reserve on line at saugeen.goingtocamp.com or call 519-369-2074
Administration Office 519-367-3040 (off season) or check out www.svca.on.ca
Durham Conservation Area extends
over 60 hectares (148 acres) along the
beautiful Saugeen River and includes
210 spacious campsites, 95 of which are
serviced.
Gatehouse
Supplies available at gatehouse include
ice and firewood, ice cream, pop and
basic camping supplies.
Park Activities & Events
Your Friendly Host
Barry Skinn
Park Superintendent
Park staff organize events throughout
the summer months. Ask at the gatehouse for an updated list.
Recreation Equipment
The following items can be obtained at
the gatehouse: horseshoes, basketballs,
volleyballs, badminton, baseball equipment, etc. The Ontario Federation
of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) also
provides free fishing equipment through
the Tackle Share Program. Picnic shelters
are available for rent at $118.65 per day
(includes hydro, admission and HST).
Swimming
Swimming is permitted in unsupervised,
designated areas only. These are natural
areas where water quality cannot be
guaranteed.
Trails
Cedar Ridge Trail, Gunpit Trail and
Riverview Trail offer quiet and scenic
escapes. Visit beautiful McGowan Falls
or walk into the Town of Durham and
visit the shops and attractions.
Emergency Information
When calling 911 mention the following:
Durham Conservation Area, 323198 Durham
Rd. E., Municipality of West Grey
- your name and campsite number
- brief description of the emergency
If possible, send someone to the park
entrance to guide emergency vehicles to the
scene. Notify park staff.
Durham Hospital: 519-369-2340
Hanover Hospital: 519-364-2340
Things to See & Do
1 Allan Park
Conservation Area
With over 161 ha (400 acres) of rolling
forested landscape and the impressive
pond area, Allan Park is a terrific place
to spend an afternoon. This ‘day-use’
area is open year-round. Enjoy a
picnic by the pond, cast a fishing line,
or take a trek back and explore the
vast trail systems on foot, horseback or
mountain bike. During winter months
skiing and snowshowing are popular
activities and the toboggan hill is a
‘must-try’. Try the new equestrian
trails at the Saugeen Bluffs, (there is a
day use fee).
Office 519-369-2128
Cell 519-369-8233
ed.moric@mcintee.ca
Saugeen Country is one of the
most beautiful and scenic locations
in Southern Ontario with a wide
variety of reasonably priced
properties. Give me a call, I’ll
show you around.
Things to See & Do
2 Check out the Grey
County Waterfall Tour
www.visitgrey.ca
3
Take the kids to
Storybook Park
www.storybookpark.com
4 Visit Grey Roots
Museum
www.greyroots.com
5 The Hanover Drive In
(see below)
www.movielinks.ca/ontario/
hanover drivein
For a List of Local Events
West Grey
westgreychamber.ca
Bruce County Tourism
Grey County Tourism
visitgrey.ca
Tourism Grey Bruce Simcoe
explorethebruce.com
brucegreysimcoe.com
Camper Tips
Camping Companions
Although you have just settled in to
your ideal campsite, it’s important
to remember that campgrounds
provide food and shelter for many
different animals. If you have quiet
time during your short stay, see if
you can hear or see some of your
furry (and not so furry), neighbours!
Chipmunks will occasionally
visit. These adventurous little
creatures are always on the lookout for something they can steal
(like a peanut), for later enjoyment.
Watch closely as they load up their
pouches before scooting away to
stash their goods.
Poison Ivy
Nothing ruins a camping adventure
more than getting a healthy dose of
poison ivy. The itching, oozing sores
that accompany a run-in with the
plant can be downright miserable.
Those who have had a reaction to
poison ivy can readily testify – it’s not
fun.
It’s important to know that poison
ivy is a common plant in southern
Ontario. It is commonly associated
with trail areas, forest edges,
waterways, woodlands, and yes,
campsites.
The old adage, ‘leaflets three, leave
them be’ is very true. Stay away from
any plant that has three leaflets. As
a matter of precaution, be sure to
search your campsite area before you
let the kids run about.
Poison ivy contains oils that may
cause an itchy rash and small itchy
blisters. The severity of the rash
usually varies with the sensitivity
of the skin. Reaction to poison ivy
may appear within minutes or days
and can last up to 2 weeks. You
can get poison ivy from physically
touching the plant or from someone
or something that has come in
contact with the plant. If you’ve
been walking through poison ivy,
for example, chances are the oils
will be on your pants and shoes. Be
extra careful taking them off and be
sure to wash everything right away.
Likewise take a bath or shower – just
in case.
If you do get poison ivy, the itch may
be soothed with calamine lotion or
baking soda in water.
Remember too, that once you’ve had
a reaction to poison ivy, you will be
more sensitive to it in the future.
Watch out for those leaflets three!
Happy Camping!
Racoons can quickly become
pests if you have not stored your
food properly. They are clever
and persistent, so be sure that
everything is locked away. The little
bandits have even been known to
start scouting out your site before
dark. Once you’ve encouraged a
visit by leaving food behind, they
may come back for more.
You may come across a small
mammal with a distinctive white
stripe down the back. Remember to
stay calm and back away slowly.
Remember, there’s lots to see and
camping is fun, enjoyable and a real
adventure.
Telfer Wegg
McBEATH
Conservation Area
Accessible by canoe only.
No reservations required.
McBeath offers camping for up to 75 people. Its primitive location adds to
its rustic charm and quiet surroundings. This campground offers simple amenities such as picnic tables, firepits, recycling facilities and vault washrooms.
McBeath is a great stop-over along the Saugeen River’s 100 km canoe route
between Walkerton and the Village of Paisley.
Camping is on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring your own drinking water.
Please respect this natural area for the benefit of all users. A donation box
is on site.
Saugeen Rive
B
Saugeen Conservation’s head
office is located in Formosa.
A
E
F
D
C
A
G
er Watershed
Campground
Conservation Areas
A
B
C
D
D
B
H
C
Brucedale
Durham
McBeath
Saugeen Bluffs
Day Use
Conservation Areas
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Allan Park
Denny’s Dam
Durham
Kinghurst
Saugeen Bluffs
Stoney Island
Sulphur Spring
Varney
Welcome
Campers!
s
f
f
lu
B
WHAT’S
Over the past few months, staff, volunteers, seasonal
campers, the Bruce County Innovation Program
and local businesses have been assisting with the
development of a new and improved Saugeen Bluffs
Conservation Area!
Perhaps one of the biggest changes for Saugeen Bluffs is the
inclusion of Horse Camping.
This is a service that is totally unique for this area, indeed,
southwestern Ontario. The upper campground will now be
the designated location for individuals who wish to camp
with their horse. The response so far has been incredible!
We’re looking forward to the new four-legged visitors to the
park.
The Chesley Saddle Club have been working hard, creating
several kms of beautiful and challenging trails.
A New Activity Centre
At the Sutherland Activity Centre kids and adults alike can
enjoy a game of pool or ping pong. Games and puzzles are
also available. The Centre will be open from 10am to 10pm
in the summer months (July and August), and 10am to 8pm
in May, June and September.
Improved Shower & Washroom Building
Work has been ongoing since March on improvements to the
shower building, including new counters, sinks, fixtures, new
shower lights, additional features, etc.
A New Road Sign
Artist Steve Mackie has been working on a distinctive new
Park Sign at Bruce Rd. #3. The new sign is much brighter
and colourful than the previous one.
A New Store
Paisley Freshmart in Paisley will be running the Bluffs
General Store this year and the selection of items will be
incredible.
Gardens
Thanks to the assistance of the seasonal campers, all the park
gardens have been re-worked and restored.
Under construction.
Telfer Wegg
Swimming
The Saugeen River is a natural waterway where water quality cannot be
guaranteed. Swim at your own risk.
Recreation Equipment
FAMILY CAMPING Reserve on line at
saugeen.goingtocamp.com or call 519-353-7206
Your Friendly Host
Ron Kaufman
Park Superintendant
One of our most popular parks,
Saugeen Bluffs is nestled within a
113 hectare (278 acre) mature maple
bush. For canoe enthusiasts, a number
of quaint sites are located close to
the Saugeen River for convenience
and accessibility. There are up to 200
campsites available.
Gatehouse
Supplies available include ice and
firewood. Equestrian Day Use Riders
please check in at the Gatehouse to
present your insurance and purchase a
riding pass.
The following items can be obtained:
horseshoes, canoes, kayaks and volleyball. The Ontario Federation of
Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) provides
free fishing equipment through the
Tackle Share Program for use by novice fishermen.
Sutherland Activity Centre
The new Centre features a games
room and internet cafe. Hours are
posted. Riders are welcome to hitch
their horse opposite the building.
Emergency Information
When calling 911 mention the following:
-Saugeen Bluffs Conservation Area, 132
Saugeen Bluffs Rd., Municipality of Saugeen
Shores
- your name and campsite number
- brief description of the emergency
If possible, send someone to the park
entrance to guide emergency vehicles to the
scene. Notify park staff.
Chesley Hospital: 519-363-2340
Southampton Hospital: 519-797-3230
HORSE CAMPING Reserve by calling 519-353-7206
Administration Office 519-367-3040 (off season)
www.svca.on.ca
Trails
10% discount for OEF Members
The Bluffs General Store
The park store provides an excellent variety of snacks, beverages, bakery items,
camping supplies, souvenirs and tack.
Best of all, they’ll have the coffee on in
the mornings!
Enjoy a hike on foot to the famous
lookout or through mature woodlands
along the Maple Hollow’s Ridge Trail.
Saugeen Bluffs offers over 16 km
of trails throughout the property
specifically for horse riders. The trails
are set within a mature maple bush
and can be quite rugged.
Horse Camping
Accommodations
Saugeen Bluffs offers both bunkie accommodation and RV’s. Call the park
519-353-7206 or the main office for
more information.
Tips
• Be sure to check the level of
difficulty before setting out
• Trails can be accessed from both
the Equestrian Day Use parking
lot and the horse campground
• Be sure to travel with someone
else or let someone know where
you are going
• Take plenty of water with you as
well as a compact first-aid kit
Trail Etiquette
• Be considerate of nature and
avoid causing erosion. Always
step over water breaks. Tread
gently when trails are wet.
• Be sure you can control your
horse and it has been exposed
to other trail recreational uses
before riding on shared-use trails.
• Be alert and aware of the
presence of other trail
enthusiasts.
• When passing other trail users,
announce your intention and
pass on the left at a safe speed.
• At trailheads or staging areas,
park vehicles and secure horses
in a manner that provides a safe
distance between the horses and
passing traffic.
• Be prepared to let other trail
enthusiasts know what needs to
be done to keep you, the horse
and other trail enthusiasts safe
when you meet on the trail.
• Less experienced horses and
riders should ride behind more
“trail-wise” horses and riders. A
horse that kicks should have a
red ribbon in it’s tail and a green
horse should have a green ribbon.
• Be sure to clean up all manure,
hay etc. from the parking area
and areas used by others. Carry
your trash home with you.
Guidelines for Other Trail
Users
When encountering horses on the
trail·hikers and bike riders yeild to
horses, step to the downhill side of
the trail. Speak to the rider and horse
in a friendly, relaxed tone.
Keep pets under control.
Give Back to Your Trails
Because of the extent of the trail
system, it is impossible for park staff to
maintain. Please do not litter. If you
encounter obstructions on the trail,
dismount and remove debris . If the
obstruction is too large, report it to
park staff.
Consider becoming a sponsor. Download a Sponsor Package at www.svca.
on.ca
Services in Paisley & Port Elgin
Conservation Area Regulations
A complete copy of the Conservation Area Regulations is available at the gatehouse. Violations may result in eviction from park.
Category
Offense
Explanation
Alcoholic Beverages- open container of alcohol in vehicle
- consume alcohol in areas other than
campsite
You are permitted to consume or possess alcohol on a registered campsite
only. Open alcohol is not permitted in the park. There is an alcohol ban in
effect May 19 to 22, 2016.
Campfires
Firepits are placed on campsites to restrict fires to these locations to reduce
the risk of forest fires.
- start fire outside of firepit
Equipment
- more than 3 pieces of shelter
unless authorized by park staff
Campsites could quickly become overburdened if there are no limits on the
number of tents or units on a site.
Camping Permits - failure to vacate campsite upon
permit date
Please register your site before you set up camp. You are required to
remove all property from your campsite by 2:00 pm on the date of your
permit expiry. A maximum of 6 persons permitted per site, unless it is a
family group with unmarried children. All visitors must leave the park by
10:00 pm. No visitors allowed to enter park after 9:00 pm.
Environmental
- damage to property
To maintain the park as a natural setting, the removal or destruction of
natural objects is prohibited. This includes the cutting of live branches. Do
not use dead wood in the surrounding area.
Fireworks
- possess or ignite fireworks
Fireworks constitute a fire hazard and disturbs other visitors. (Fireworks approved by Saugeen Conservation for specific holidays may be accepted).
Firewood
- importing firewood during ban
To help protect our forests from the introduction of invasive and destructive
insect species, bringing your own firewood is prohibited.
Garbage
- litter
Deposit all garbage in receptacles provided. Campsites should be clean
when vacated, this includes pet waste. Please utilize recycling facilities.
Parking
- failure to park in designated area
All vehicles must park in a designated area and display a valid permit. Only
2 vehicles allowed per campsite. Additional vehicle where space permits.
Pets
- allowing pets to be at large
Pets must be kept on a leash not exceeding 2 metres. Pets are not allowed
- allowing pets to make excessive noise to damage a campsite or disturb visitors. Pets are not permitted in beach
- failure to clean up after pets
area. Poop and scoop applies.
Excessive Noise
- use abusive or insulting language
Conservation Area camping parks are designed to provide visitors with
a peaceful, natural experience. Disruptive behaviour, excessive noise or
profanity will not be tolerated.
Vehicles
- disobey stop signs
- exceeding posted speed limits
Obey all signs in the park the same way you do outside the park. Speeding
is not permitted. Be aware of pedestrians, especially children at all times.
Services in Paisley & Port Elgin
EXHIBITS
& BUS TOURS
FILM
PRESENTATIONS
FREE
ADMISSION
BRUCE POWER
VISITORS’
CENTRE
OPEN YEAR ROUND
LOCATION
Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm
plus Saturdays in July and August
(closed statutory holidays)
3394 Bruce Road 20, west of Highway 21
5 km northwest of Tiverton, ON
ph: (519) 361-7777 | www.brucepower.com