WELLINGTON COUNTY – Starting next week, the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) will offer camping at six parks, including three within Wellington County.
“Our board is aware that people are excited to be able to explore the outdoors at Grand River Parks this summer,” stated GRCA chair Helen Jowett in a June 30 press release.
“We are pleased to be able to offer more amenities and programs like camping in some of our parks, but activities will still be limited.”
The authority will offer “limited overnight camping” as of July 10 at its Brant, Byng Island, Elora Gorge, Guelph Lake, Pinehurst Lake and Rockwood conservation areas.
Conestogo Lake and Laurel Creek conservation areas will not offer overnight camping in 2020 and anyone who made reservations at the two parks will be contacted directly regarding a refund.
The GRCA’s camping reservation system will reopen on July 6 at 9am for online bookings only.
“While more washrooms will open in campgrounds, there will be no shower facilities or group camping available this year,” stated the GRCA press release.
Officials say visitor should be aware of the following rules:
- the number of daily visitors and camping capacity will be limited;
- staff will conduct increased patrols;
- parking is limited;
- garbage receptacles are now available, but if they are full, visitors should take their waste with them; and
- users of parks located within Wellington County (Belwood Lake, Conestogo Lake, Elora Gorge, Guelph Lake and Rockwood conservation areas) must wear a mask when entering a Grand River Park gatehouses and public washrooms.
Below is an overview of what’s open and closed in Grand River parks this summer:
Open now
- Grand River Parks, with the exception of the Elora Quarry, are now open from 8am to 9pm daily (gatehouses open from 8am to 6pm;
- beaches; and
- some washrooms in day-use areas only.
Opening in July
- the camping reservation system will reopen on July 6 at 9am for online bookings only;
- overnight camping at Brant, Byng Island, Elora Gorge, Guelph Lake, Pinehurst Lake and Rockwood conservation areas will reopen on July 10; and
- some washrooms in overnight camping areas.
Closed for 2020
- Elora Quarry Conservation Area;
- splash pad at Elora Gorge Conservation Area;
- swimming pools at Brant and Byng Island conservation areas;
- overnight camping at Conestogo Lake and Laurel Creek conservation areas;
- all showers and change rooms;
- washrooms in seasonal camping areas;
- all pavilions, picnic shelters and other group facilities;
- all playground equipment;
- all food concession stands;
- group camping;
- the Learn to Fish program;
- the fishing equipment rental program and the life jacket loaner program.
Closed until further notice are boat, canoe and kayak rentals at all conservation areas, and tubing at Elora Gorge Conservation Area. A decision regarding these amenities is anticipated by July 10.
Visitors should check www.grandriver.ca for information about which facilities and services are available before visiting Grand River parks.
