FAMILY CAMPING Visitor Guide

Transcription

1 FAMILY CAMPING Visitor Guide Issue 12/May 2016 Conservation Areas BRUCEDALE / DURHAM / McBEATH / SAUGEEN BLUFFS

2 Things to See & Do Administration Office 1078 Bruce Rd. 12, P.O. Box 150, Formosa ON N0G 1W0 Tel: Fax: Website: svca.on.ca 361 Victoria St. N., Paisley 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

3 2016 Park Fees (includes HST) Regular Campsites SERVICED CAMPSITES (Hydro and Water) Daily...$41.00 Weekly...$ Monthly...$ Full Season...$1, Prime Full Season...$2, UNSERVICED CAMPSITES Daily...$35.00 Weekly...$ Monthly...$ Full Season...$1, DAY USE AND FACILITY RENTALS Admission/Adult...$4.25 Admission/Child...$2.50 Admission/Vehicle (max.)...$12.00 Picnic Shelter with Hydro...$ (includes admission) Sutherland Activity Centre...$ Canoe Launch/Vehicle Fee...$6.00 Season Day Pass...$30.00 OTHER CAMPING FEES Site Reservation Charge...$12.00 Youth Group Camping/Person/Night...$5.00 Firewood/bag... $7.50 Additional Overnight Vehicle...$12.00 Trailer Storage...$ Seasonal Visitor Fee...$90.00 Horse Campsites SAUGEEN BLUFFS only (All sites are unserviced) Daily... $45.00 (no corrals) Daily...$60.00 (2 corrals) Weekly... $ (no corrals) Weekly...$ (2 corrals) Full Season... $1, (no corrals) Full Season...$2, (2 corrals) Daily Bunkie...$ (2 corrals) Weekly Bunkie...$ (2 corrals) Daily RV...$ (2 corrals) Weekly RV...$ (2 corrals) Extra Guest & horse...$30.00/night 10% discount for OEF Members Saugeen Bluffs Only 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 Brucedale Conservation Area: Durham Conservation Area: Saugeen Bluffs Conservation Area: Please note: If you wish to book a horse campsite please call or

4 Telfer Wegg BRUCEDALE Conservation Area Reserve on line at saugeen.goingtocamp.com or call Administration Office (off season) or check out 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. Swimming 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. Facilities Flush toilets, showers, playground, picnic 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 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: Southampton Hospital:

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6 Telfer Wegg DURHAM Conservation Area Reserve on line at saugeen.goingtocamp.com or call Administration Office (off season) or check out Durham Conservation Area extends over 60 hectares (148 acres) along the beautiful Saugeen River and includes 210 spacious campsites, 95 of which are serviced. Your Friendly Host Barry Skinn Park Superintendent Gatehouse Supplies available at gatehouse include ice and firewood, ice cream, pop and basic camping supplies. Park Activities & Events Park staff organize events throughout the summer months. Ask at the gatehouse for an updated list. 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. 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 $ per day (includes hydro, admission and HST). Emergency Information When calling 911 mention the following: Durham Conservation Area, 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: Hanover Hospital:

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8 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). 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. Office Cell ed.moric@mcintee.ca

9 Things to See & Do 2 Check out the Grey County Waterfall Tour 3 Take the kids to Storybook Park 4 Visit Grey Roots Museum 5 The Hanover Drive In (see below) hanover drivein West Grey westgreychamber.ca Grey County Tourism visitgrey.ca For a List of Local Events Bruce County Tourism explorethebruce.com Tourism Grey Bruce Simcoe brucegreysimcoe.com

10 Camper Tips 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! 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. 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.

11 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.

12 Saugeen Rive B Saugeen Conservation s head office is located in Formosa. A E D F C G A

13 r Watershed Campground Conservation Areas D A B C D Brucedale Durham McBeath Saugeen Bluffs B C Day Use Conservation Areas H A B C D E F G H Allan Park Denny s Dam Durham Kinghurst Saugeen Bluffs Stoney Island Sulphur Spring Varney

14 Welcome Campers! Bluffs 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.

15 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.

16 Telfer Wegg Swimming The Saugeen River is a natural waterway where water quality cannot be guaranteed. Swim at your own risk. FAMILY CAMPING Reserve on line at saugeen.goingtocamp.com or call 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. Recreation Equipment 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: Southampton Hospital:

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18 HORSE CAMPING Reserve by calling Administration Office (off season) 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! Trails 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 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

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20 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

21 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. Services in Paisley & Port Elgin 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 on.ca

22 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, Campfires Equipment - start fire outside of firepit - more than 3 pieces of shelter unless authorized by park staff Firepits are placed on campsites to restrict fires to these locations to reduce the risk of forest fires. 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 Fireworks Firewood Garbage Parking - damage to property - possess or ignite fireworks - importing firewood during ban - litter - failure to park in designated area 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 constitute a fire hazard and disturbs other visitors. (Fireworks approved by Saugeen Conservation for specific holidays may be accepted). To help protect our forests from the introduction of invasive and destructive insect species, bringing your own firewood is prohibited. 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 - allowing pets to be at large - allowing pets to make excessive noise - failure to clean up after pets 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. Excessive Noise Vehicles - use abusive or insulting language - disobey stop signs - exceeding posted speed limits 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.

23 Services in Paisley & Port Elgin

24 EXHIBITS & BUS TOURS FILM PRESENTATIONS FREE ADMISSION BRUCE POWER VISITORS CENTRE OPEN YEAR ROUND Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm plus Saturdays in July and August (closed statutory holidays) LOCATION 3394 Bruce Road 20, west of Highway 21 5 km northwest of Tiverton, ON ph: (519)