Conservation AreasBRUCEDALE / DURHAM / McBEATH / SAUGEEN BLUFFS

Visitor GuideFAMILY CAMPING

www.svca.on.ca

Issue 12/May 2016

Administration Office1078 Bruce Rd. 12, P.O. Box 150,Formosa ON N0G 1W0Tel: 519-367-3040 Fax: 519-367-3041Email: campinginfo@svca.on.caWebsite: svca.on.ca

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

361 Victoria St. N., Paisley 519-353-5535www.cowancanoekayak.com

Things to See & Do

Regular CampsitesSERVICED CAMPSITES(Hydro and Water)

Daily .........................................$41.00Weekly ....................................$246.00Monthly ..................................$800.00Full Season ...........................$1,965.00Prime Full Season ................$2,240.00

UNSERVICED CAMPSITESDaily .........................................$35.00Weekly ....................................$210.00Monthly ..................................$650.00Full Season ...........................$1,455.00

Horse Campsites SAUGEEN BLUFFS only(All sites are unserviced)

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)

Daily Bunkie ....................$100.00 (2 corrals)Weekly Bunkie .................$600.00 (2 corrals)

Daily RV ...........................$125.00 (2 corrals)Weekly RV .......................$750.00 (2 corrals)

Extra Guest & horse ..................$30.00/night

10% discount for OEF Members

Reservationswww.saugeen.goingtocamp.com Email: campinginfo@svca.on.ca

Brucedale Conservation Area: 519-389-4516

Durham Conservation Area: 519-369-2074

Saugeen Bluffs Conservation Area: 519-353-7206Please note: If you wish to book a horse campsite please call

519-353-7206 or 519-367-3040

2016 Park Fees (includes HST)

Saugeen Bluffs OnlyEquestrian Day Use Trails ............$8.00/adultEquestrian Day Use Trails ............ $3.00/childEquestrian Day Use Family Pass .........$20.00Equestrian Season Trail Pass ...............$50.00Damage/Cleaning Fee ........................$75.00Event Ring Rental .......................$100.00/dayGenerator Rental .......................$35.00/night

DAY USE AND FACILITY RENTALSAdmission/Adult .........................$4.25Admission/Child..........................$2.50Admission/Vehicle (max.) .........$12.00Picnic Shelter with Hydro.......$118.65(includes admission)Sutherland Activity Centre .....$146.90Canoe Launch/Vehicle Fee .........$6.00Season Day Pass .......................$30.00

OTHER CAMPING FEESSite Reservation Charge .....................$12.00Youth Group Camping/Person/Night ...$5.00Firewood/bag ...................................... $7.50Additional Overnight Vehicle ..............$12.00Trailer Storage ..................................$190.00Seasonal Visitor Fee ............................$90.00

BRUCEDALEConservation Area

Your Friendly Host

Caralynn KamermanPark Superintendent

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 camp-sites; 46 serviced and 6 unserviced.

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 migrationroute.

SwimmingMany people enjoy swimming in Lake Huron. These areas are unsupervised and, in addition, are natural areas where water quality cannot be guaranteed.

Park EventsSpecial events and functions are held throughout the season. For more in-formation and dates, please contact the Superintendent, located on site 39.

GatehouseThe Superintendent, located on site 39, remains on site for the duration of the camping season.

FacilitiesFlush toilets, showers, playground, pic-nic shelter and horseshoes are available. Some essential supplies are provided at the office, including firewood and ice.

Take the newly constructed boardwalk to the beach.

Emergency InformationWhen calling 911 mention the following:Brucedale Conservation Area, 137 Spruce-dale Dr., Municipality of Kincardine- your name and campsite number- brief description of the emergencyIf possible, send someone to the park entrance to guide emergency vehicles to the scene. Notify park staff.Kincardine Hospital: 519-396-3331Southampton Hospital: 519-797-3230

Telfer Wegg

Reserve on line at saugeen.goingtocamp.com or call 519-389-4516Administration Office 519-367-3040 (off season) or check out www.svca.on.ca

DURHAMConservation AreaReserve on line at saugeen.goingtocamp.com or call 519-369-2074Administration 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.

GatehouseSupplies available at gatehouse include ice and firewood, ice cream, pop and basic camping supplies.

Park Activities & EventsPark staff organize events throughout the summer months. Ask at the gate-house for an updated list.

SwimmingSwimming is permitted in unsupervised, designated areas only. These are natural areas where water quality cannot be guaranteed.

TrailsCedar 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.

Recreation EquipmentThe following items can be obtained at the gatehouse: horseshoes, basketballs, volleyballs, badminton, baseball equip-ment, 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).

Your Friendly Host

Barry SkinnPark Superintendent

Emergency InformationWhen 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 emergencyIf possible, send someone to the park entrance to guide emergency vehicles to the scene. Notify park staff.Durham Hospital: 519-369-2340Hanover Hospital: 519-364-2340

Telfer Wegg

Office 519-369-2128Cell 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.

1 Allan Park Conservation AreaWith 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).

Things to See & Do

2 Check out the Grey County Waterfall Tour www.visitgrey.ca

3 Take the kids toStorybook Park www.storybookpark.com

4 Visit Grey RootsMuseum www.greyroots.com

5 The Hanover Drive In (see below)www.movielinks.ca/ontario/hanover drivein

Things to See & Do

West Greywestgreychamber.ca

Grey County Tourismvisitgrey.ca

Bruce County Tourismexplorethebruce.com

Tourism Grey Bruce Simcoebrucegreysimcoe.com

For a List of Local Events

Poison IvyNothing 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

Camper Tips

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!

Camping CompanionsAlthough 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 look-out 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.

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.

McBEATHConservation AreaAccessible 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 ame-nities 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.

Telfer Wegg

Saugeen River Watershed

A

C

D

A

B

E

F

G

Saugeen Conservation’s head office is located in Formosa.

Saugeen River Watershed

BA

C

D

H

Brucedale

Durham

McBeath

Saugeen Bluffs

CampgroundConservation Areas

ABCD

Saugeen Bluffs

Stoney Island

Sulphur Spring

Varney

Day UseConservation Areas

Allan Park

Denny’s Dam

Durham

Kinghurst

ABCDEFGH

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.

WelcomeCampers!

WHAT’S

Bluffs

A New Activity CentreAt 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.

A New StorePaisley Freshmart in Paisley will be running the Bluffs General Store this year and the selection of items will be incredible.

Improved Shower & Washroom BuildingWork 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 SignArtist 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.

GardensThanks to the assistance of the seasonal campers, all the park gardens have been re-worked and restored.

Under construction.

Telfer Wegg

Your Friendly Host

Ron KaufmanPark 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.

GatehouseSupplies available include ice and firewood. Equestrian Day Use Riders please check in at the Gatehouse to present your insurance and purchase a riding pass.

Emergency InformationWhen 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 emergencyIf possible, send someone to the park entrance to guide emergency vehicles to the scene. Notify park staff.Chesley Hospital: 519-363-2340Southampton Hospital: 519-797-3230

SwimmingThe Saugeen River is a natural wa-terway where water quality cannot be guaranteed. Swim at your own risk.

Recreation EquipmentThe following items can be obtained: horseshoes, canoes, kayaks and vol-leyball. The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) provides free fishing equipment through the Tackle Share Program for use by nov-ice fishermen.

Sutherland Activity CentreThe new Centre features a games room and internet cafe. Hours are posted. Riders are welcome to hitch their horse opposite the building.

FAMILY CAMPING Reserve on line at saugeen.goingtocamp.com or call 519-353-7206

10% discount for OEF Members

HORSE CAMPING Reserve by calling 519-353-7206Administration Office 519-367-3040 (off season)www.svca.on.ca

The Bluffs General StoreThe park store provides an excellent va-riety of snacks, beverages, bakery items, camping supplies, souvenirs and tack. Best of all, they’ll have the coffee on in the mornings!

TrailsEnjoy 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 AccommodationsSaugeen Bluffs offers both bunkie ac-commodation 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

• 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

Trail Etiquette

Give Back to Your TrailsBecause 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. Down-load a Sponsor Package at www.svca.on.ca

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 UsersWhen 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.

Services in Paisley & Port Elgin

Alcoholic Beverages - open container of alcohol in vehicle - consume alcohol in areas other than campsite

Campfires -startfireoutsideoffirepit

Equipment - more than 3 pieces of shelter unless authorized by park staff

Camping Permits - failure to vacate campsite upon permit date

Environmental - damage to property

Fireworks -possessorignitefireworks

Firewood -importingfirewoodduringban

Garbage - litter

Parking - failure to park in designated area

Pets - allowing pets to be at large - allowing pets to make excessive noise - failure to clean up after pets

Excessive Noise - use abusive or insulting language

Vehicles - disobey stop signs - exceeding posted speed limits

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.

Firepitsareplacedoncampsitestorestrictfirestotheselocationstoreducetheriskofforestfires.

Campsites could quickly become overburdened if there are no limits on the number of tents or units on a site.

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.

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.

Fireworksconstituteafirehazardanddisturbsothervisitors.(Fireworksap-provedbySaugeenConservationforspecificholidaysmaybeaccepted).

To help protect our forests from the introduction of invasive and destructive insectspecies,bringingyourownfirewoodisprohibited.

Deposit all garbage in receptacles provided. Campsites should be clean when vacated, this includes pet waste. Please utilize recycling facilities.

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 must be kept on a leash not exceeding 2 metres. Pets are not allowed to damage a campsite or disturb visitors. Pets are not permitted in beach area. Poop and scoop applies.

Conservation Area camping parks are designed to provide visitors with a peaceful, natural experience. Disruptive behaviour, excessive noise or profanity will not be tolerated.

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.

Conservation Area RegulationsA complete copy of the Conservation Area Regulations is available at the gatehouse. Violations may result in eviction from park.

Category Offense Explanation

Services in Paisley & Port Elgin

BRUCE POWER VISITORS’

CENTRE

OPEN YEAR ROUNDMonday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pmplus Saturdays in July and August (closed statutory holidays)

LOCATION3394 Bruce Road 20, west of Highway 215 km northwest of Tiverton, ONph: (519) 361-7777 | www.brucepower.com

EXHIBITS & BUS TOURS

FILM PRESENTATIONS

FREE ADMISSION