Campsites at Grand River Conservation Authority parks go quickly

Camp sites are going fast for this coming season at Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) parks.

With the camping season just around the corner, GRCA has been busy accepting bookings since opening its campsite reservation system on March 15.

“More than 3,000 campsite reservations were made within the first hour of the GRCA campsite reservation system opening,” said Cameron Linwood, supervisor of Strategic Communications at Grand River Conservation Authority.

Linwood said some great campsites and days are still available, but the rush to book means availability at all GRCA parks is now limited on popular weekends.

The GRCA campsite reservation system has taken on a new look this year, focused on an improved customer experience.

Visitors are able to set up a new customer profile and explore campsites at GRCA conservation areas.  

The parks are a popular summer vacation destinations and campsite bookings to-date have been consistent with past seasons, Linwood said.

The GRCA is the second largest campground operator in Ontario, providing up to 2,200 campsites throughout the Grand River watershed from May 1 to October 15.

Of the GRCA’s 11 conservation areas, eight offer nightly, monthly, or seasonal camping opportunities. 

Campsite reservations can be made for all eight GRCA conservation areas that offer camping. Limited group site and pavilion bookings will be available by calling the conservation areas directly, beginning May 1.

While the GRCA will be easing many COVID-19 restrictions this year, some operational limitations will remain in place.

“Conservation areas will continue to manage day-use capacity and guests will be asked to follow all local public health guidelines,” Linwood said.

In addition, swimming pools at Brant and Byng Island conservation areas and the splash pad at Elora Gorge Conservation Area will reopen this summer.

“From an afternoon at the beach, to a hike through green forests, canoeing on a pond, or dropping a line to catch a trophy-sized fish, whatever guests are looking for in a camping vacation, they will find it at one of our conservation areas,” Linwood said.

The GRCA's online reservation system provides a 24-hour access until mid-October, when the camping season closes.

Reservations by phone are available by calling 1-877-558-4722, between the hours of 9 am. and 3 pm., seven-days a week.

The GRCA's website also offers a page that shows each conservation area's activity status, with real-time information about whether a conservation area is open or has reached its operating capacity for the day.