Durham

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.

Off Season Camping Information

Saugeen Bluffs and Durham Conservation Areas can be booked online from February 1st through Thanksgiving. Transient camping opens February 1st, please check back in the New Year! For any and all seasonal inquiries, please email us.

Camping

Camping season runs from the last full weekend in April until Thanksgiving weekend.

Non-serviced sites 98
Water and Power sites 95 (15 and 30 amp)
Group camping
Seasonal sites available

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 items	Fees (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 items	Fees ( including HST)
Adult day use fee	$5.00
Children 5 to 12 years of age day use fee	$3.00
Children under 5 years of age day use fee	$0.00
Per vehicle (maximum) day use fee	$13.50
Day use bus fee	$87.25
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 administration office, 519-364-1255