April 25, 2019 – Fanshawe (London), Wildwood (St. Marys), Pittock (Woodstock) Conservation Areas officially open on Wednesday, May 1 at 8:00 am. The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority employs more than 70 full time and seasonal staff at these beautiful parks to provide wonderful outdoor recreational opportunities close to home.
Conservation Areas are a great option for all of your outdoor adventures. Whether you enjoy backcountry hiking or trailer camping, join us for a day, a week, or the whole season. Adventure close to home awaits you! We have the longest mountain biking loops in the region, amazing lakes for boating, great fishing opportunities, and awesome hiking trails, all in a beautiful natural setting. Visitors also enjoy evening campfires, cooking outdoors, swimming, or simply relaxing in nature.
A Seasons Pass gives access to all three Conservation Areas all season long. Gift cards and e-gift cards are also available! Load a card with money and use it to pay for firewood, ice, canoe rentals, front gate access, and more.
Fanshawe Conservation Area
563 campsites
Swimming pool and splash pad in campground
Large lake for boating, sailing and fishing
Modern washrooms and laundry facilities
30 km of hiking and biking trails
Summer recreation programs
Beautiful day use area with pavilions – great for special events!
Canoe and kayak rentals
Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters TackleShare program – fishing gear for everyone!
New for 2019:
Smoke-free Conservation Area initiative continues – Smoking is now permitted only on a registered campsite or in a designated area. Smoke-free overnight sites have been designated for those who want to camp without having anyone smoking on adjacent sites.
New campground picnic shelter – We have secured funding to build a new campground picnic shelter! Thanks go to the Campers Association for their fundraising!
New kayaks – We are purchasing 2 new touring kayaks and 2 new fishing kayaks from London’s Nova Craft Canoe. The kayaks will be available to rent for half or full days this season.
Contact: Steven Musclow, Superintendent, Fanshawe Conservation Area
Wildwood Conservation Area
431 campsites
Large lake for swimming, boating, sailing and fishing
Modern washrooms and laundry facilities
Canoe and kayak rentals
Fat bike rentals
30 km of biking and hiking trails
Summer recreation programs
Peaceful day use area
Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters TackleShare program – fishing gear for everyone!
New for 2019:
Accessible canoe/kayak boat launch and dock coming in June!
Contact: Paul Switzer, Superintendent, Wildwood Conservation Area
Pittock Conservation Area
2019 marks the beginning of a new partnership with the City of Woodstock giving free day use access to the north and south sides of Pittock Conservation Area! Access to the reservoir for small crafts such as canoe and kayaks will also be free. Motorboats will be required to purchase a permit and launch within the campground as in the past. This new agreement will open up a large public park and give the people free access to paddle on the water which is very exciting.
The next phase of this partnership is to link the north and south shores by creating a pedestrian walkway over Pittock Dam. Work is currently underway to make this happen as soon as possible.
Great day use area for special events
248 campsites
Picturesque and private group camping facilities
Large lake for boating, sailing and fishing
Modern washrooms and laundry facilities
5 km of hiking and biking trails
Swimming pool in campground
Summer recreation programs
Children’s splash pad
National rated 18 hole disc golf course
Rental program including canoes, kayaks, shelter and sporting equipment
Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters TackleShare program – fishing gear for everyone!
New for 2019:
Partnership with the City of Woodstock for free day use admission
Backcountry campsite
Walk-in campsites
Contact: Justin Skrypnyk, Superintendent, Pittock Conservation Area