April 30, 2026 

For Immediate Release 

Camping opens at UTRCA's Conservation Areas 

Camping season is set to begin at the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA)'s three Conservation Areas (CAs)! Fanshawe CA in London, along with Wildwood CA in St. Marys and Pittock CA in Woodstock, will officially open for the camping season at 8 a.m. on Friday, May 1 with the season running until Sunday, October 18, 2026. 

"We're ready to launch another busy camping season at our CAs. A majority of our staff from last year have returned and have hit the ground running to prepare for our seasonal and overnight campers. We've added a new trail at Pittock and completed some roadwork and hydro upgrades at Fanshawe. Road work was also completed at Wildwood and a safety boom is in the process of being installed. We're looking forward to seeing campers enjoy these features," says Damian Schofield, Conservation Areas Coordinator. 

Fanshawe CA has a large lake for boating, fishing and sailing, 30 kilometres of trails, recreation programs, canoe and kayak rentals, and more. It also has a splash pad and a swimming pool staffed with lifeguards. 

Pittock CA has 240 campsites including backcountry camping, visitors can take part in a wide range of outdoor adventures. The CA boasts more than five kilometres of hiking and cycling trails, a popular disc golf course and a splash pad and a swimming pool staffed with lifeguards for campers. Visitors can also take part in a rental program that allows them to borrow canoes, kayaks and other sports equipment. 

Campers can enjoy the hiking and biking trails at Wildwood CA, ranging from 1.2 km to 25 km. Park visitors interested in water sports can rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddle board to cruise around the picturesque Wildwood Reservoir. Boating and fishing opportunities are also available. Visitors can swim in the reservoir and campers can also access a swimming pool staffed with lifeguards. 

The following special presentations have been booked for campers to enjoy at all three CAs: 

• Scales Nature Park: Saturday, July 4 

• Speaking of Wildlife: Saturday, July 11 

• Wild Ontario: Saturday, July 18 

• Canadian Raptor Conservancy: Saturday, August 1 

For more information and to book online, visit: 

• fanshaweconservationarea.ca 

• pittockconservationarea.ca 

• wildwoodconservationarea.ca 

Contact information: 

Damian Schofield, Conservation Areas Coordinator 

(519) 451-2800 ext. 312