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Durham

HomeOutdoors and RecreationOutdoor SpacesDurham
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Durham Conservation Area Photo

Durham

Durham Conservation Area hosts one of three large campgrounds we operate.  It has over 193 spacious sites for seasonal and transient camping. Scenic McGowan Falls is one of the highlights of this beautiful park.

Durham Conservation Area is a short walk to the Town of Durham. Visitors can shop for supplies, visit the art gallery, or dine at one of the restaurants or cafes. You can take in the scenic views along the Saugeen River on your way.  Recreation in the area includes tennis, golf and Stock Car Racing in Varney.
 
There are a wide variety of activities available for both campers and day-users in this park.  Bring your snowshoes or skis in the winter! You can explore the various sights and sounds under the soft cover of white snow.
To book a reservation from the last Friday in April through Thanksgiving Monday, please click here.
 Camping
  • Camping season runs from the last full weekend in April until Thanksgiving weekend.
  • There are 193 spacious campsites for seasonal and transient campers:
    • Non-serviced sites 98
    • Water and Power sites 95 (15 and 30 amp)
    • Group camping
    • Seasonal sites available
  • Reserve your campsite online
  • Campground Map
  • Campground Rules and Regulations
 Location
  • GPS 44.1847,-80.7960
  • Durham Conservation Area is located along the Saugeen River within the town of Durham.  It is east of Highway 6.

Durham Conservation Area Location Map

 Recreational Trails
  • In addition to campsites, there are five recreational trail systems: 
    • Cedar Ridge Trail
    • McManus Trail
    • Gunpit Trail
    • Middle Dam Trail
    • Riverview Trail.
  • Together, the trails are about 4 km in length.
  • The bed of the river and the impressive falls consist of limestone bedrock. There are many areas of bedrock outcropping to explore.
  • Recreational Trail Map
 Fishing
  • Fishing is permitted within season only (follow Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) guidelines).
  • Visit our Fishing page for more information.
 Hunting
  • Hunting is NOT permitted at Durham Conservation Area.
  • Please visit our Hunting page for more information.
 Fees

There is a $5.00 parking fee to access Durham Conservation Area.

Pay Day Use Parking Fees Online:

Pay for single vehicle one day parking at any Saugeen Conservation Area: click here.
Pay for single vehicle annual parking at any Saugeen Conservation Area: click here.

Camping fee schedule
Camping fee schedule itemsFees (Includes HST)
Prime serviced seasonal site $3,089.00
Full serviced seasonal site $2,716.00
Non serviced seasonal site $1,863.00
Monthly full serviced site $970.00
Monthly non serviced site $745.00

Weekly serviced site

$300.00

Weekly non serviced site

$246.00

Daily (overnight) serviced site

$50.00

Daily (overnight) non serviced site

$41.00

Off season daily camping (serviced or non serviced)

$41.00

Reservation fee (non refundable)

$16.20

Cancellation fee/Reservation change fee

$15.00

Youth group camping (person/night)

$7.00

Group camping per night site fee

$110 + $7.00/person

Firewood (bag)

$10.00

Dumping fee

$20.00

Additional overnight vehicle

$13.50

Additional overnight guest (over 12 years of age)

$7.00

Trailer storage (winter)

$250.00

Seasonal vehicle pass/Seasonal visitor fee

$95.00

Overdue accounts/Late payment fee

$75.00 flat fee plus $25.00/week late

Campsite clean up fee

$150.00

 

Public day use fee schedule
Public day use fee itemsFees ( including HST)

Adult day use fee

$4.50

Children 5 to 12 years of age day use fee

$2.75

Children under 5 years of age day use fee

$0.00

Per vehicle (maximum) day use fee

$12.50

Day use season pass

$55.00

Day use bus fee

$78.00

Parking fee (per vehicle per day)

$5.00

Parking fee (per vehicle per season)

$55.00
 Amenities
  • Activity centre
  • Badminton
  • Boat ramp
  • Dump station on-site
  • Firewood available for purchase at the gatehouse
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Horseshoes
  • Mobile pump-out
  • Modern shower and washroom facilities
  • Parking
  • Pavilion
  • Pets allowed (on leash)
  • Playground
  • Scenic falls
  • Swimming - 2 swimming areas with sand beaches and dressing rooms
  • Trails
  • Washrooms are open during camping season only
  • WiFi available at a central location
 History
  • Durham Conservation Area covers over 61 ha (150 acres). This includes over 3 km of Saugeen River frontage.
  • Scenic McGowan Falls (named after Robert McGowan) is one of the highlights of this park.
  • Mr. McGowan rebuilt the river powered flour mill which supplied power to the town.
  • The current dam provides a recreational reservoir upstream for swimming. It also helps in flood control for the town of Durham (controlling ice through the winter and into spring).
  • Durham is a Conservation Area and Managed Forest.

 

For more information:
  • During Camping Season: Call Durham Conservation Area at 519-369-2074

  • During Off Season: please contact the Campground Coordinator at 226-230-2234
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    • Camping
      Toggle Section Camping Menu
      • Reserve a Campsite
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    • Activities and Recreation
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      • Canoeing and Kayaking
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      • Rent a Facility
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1078 Bruce Rd. 12
Box 150
Formosa, Ontario
N0G 1W0

Phone: (519) 364-1255
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