Warsaw Caves Conservation Area

Come join us for a day of outdoor adventure and exploration! We’ve got hiking trails, canoeing, and more – and we’re less than two hours away from the GTA! Spend a few days with us in our campground to thoroughly enjoy everything we have to offer.

LOCATION:

289 Caves Rd, Warsaw, Township of Douro-Dummer, ON K0L 3A0
Latitude 44.461904, Longitude -78.131332

CONTACT:

For more info about this conservation area please contact Otonabee Conservation:

Gatehouse Phone: 705-652-3161 or 1-877-816-7604 (May – October)
During the off-season: 705-745-5791 (ORCA Administrative Office)
warsawcaves@otonabeeconservation.com

GATEHOUSE HOURS:

Our regular season runs from Friday, May 12 – Monday, October 9, 2023.

Sunday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday – Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sundays of Statutory Holiday Weekends 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Check in time: 2:00pm | Check out time: noon

Fees:

Day Use

2023 Fees

  • Day Use Permit, Vehicle (Car) Entry $19.00
  • Day Use Permit, Walk-in / Adult $10.00
  • Day Use Permit, Walk-in / Child $6.00
  • Day Use, Bus Passenger, / Person $3.00
  • Day Use Permit / Bus $82.00
  • Day Use for Picnic Shelter:
    (please reserve in advance)
    $31.00

Pass

Annual Pass to Conservation Areas

  • General $70.00
  • Seniors $55.00

Camping

  • Campsite, Unserviced / Night $49.00
  • Campsite, Unserviced / Week (7 days) $294.00
  • Additional Vehicle at Campsite / Night $19.00
  • Organized Group Campsite Base Fee / Night $31.00
  • Organized Group Campsite / Person / Night $7.00
  • Other Group Campsite Base Fee / Night $31.00
  • Other Group Campsite Minimum Fee / Night
    (allows 4 vehicles & 24 people)
    $196.00
  • Other Group Campsite Additional Vehicle Fee
    (allows up to 6 additional people)
    $49.00

Other Fees

  • Canoe/Kayak Rental / Hour $12.50
  • Canoe/Kayak Rental / Day $50.00
  • Firewood (one bundle, 1 cubic foot) $12.50
  • Snacks, refreshments $various
  • Headlamp, Basic $15.00
  • Headlamp, Premium $25.00

Note: Fees are inclusive of all applicable taxes.

Child is <16 years of age | Adult is 16-64 | Senior is 65+

Admission and parking fees directly support the operation of the park – Thank you! If you are a frequent visitor, you can save money and show your support by purchasing an annual pass. The pass is valid for a year from date of purchase for general admission only; it does not cover camping or other user fees/services.

Vehicle and bus parking fees include admission for all passengers.


ACTIVITIES:

Nestled in the valley of the Indian River, the Warsaw Caves Conservation Area offers a range of recreational opportunities the entire family can enjoy. Our recreational facilities and services include the following.

CAMPING

The Warsaw Caves Conservation Area and Campground has 52 un-serviced sites in a beautiful wooded setting, just 25 minutes outside of Peterborough. Come spend the weekend or bring your family for an extended stay through the week and take in everything the park has to offer. This campground has an accessible comfort station that includes washrooms, showers, laundry room, and a dish wash station.

Please refer to our Campsite Reservation, Cancellation & Refund Rules for details about all camping opportunities (on right under ‘Links of Interest’).

CAVING (SPELUNKING)

The Warsaw Caves Conservation Area takes its name from a series of seven caves found in the park. The caves were formed thousands of years ago at the end of the last ice age.

NEW! Enjoy a virtual tour of the caves with our online Virtual Spelunkers Guide to Warsaw Caves. The Guide features photos, tips for finding your way through the caves, and an audio tour guide to help you navigate underground.

HIKING

We have 15 km of trails that meander through forests and across open limestone plains. From the scenic lookout, you can view the Indian River valley. Along the Lookout Trail you’ll also see potholes and kettles and hear the sounds of the disappearing river. Be sure to download our Park and Hiking Trails Map under Downloads on right, for a self-guided tour of our trails.

CANOEING & KAYAKING

Come spend some time paddling along the Indian River in a canoe or kayak. It’s paddling 101 – flat water, a gentle current, and lots of great scenery and wildlife. Bring your own canoe or kayak.

From our canoe launch, you can paddle downstream to the village of Warsaw. By canoe, it may take approximately two hours out and two hours back, making it a great day trip. Or, you can just amble along the Indian River at your leisure.

Download a copy of the Warsaw Caves Guide to Paddling the Indian River, under Downloads on the right.

PICNIC FACILITIES

The Warsaw Caves CA picnic shelter is located near that beach. It is available on a first-come-first-served basis.

Note: The use of alcohol is not permitted at picnic facilities.

SWIMMING

Enjoy a day on the beach and cool off with a dip in our swimming area on the Indian River.

Note: Swimming area is unsupervised.  Dogs are not allowed on the beach. The use of alcohol is not permitted.

Beach sampling testing results from Peterborough Public Health

FISHING

Fish from the dock at the canoe launch or paddle a canoe down the Indian River. You can fish the length of the Indian River between the canoe launch and the dam in the village of Warsaw. The variety of fish in the river includes perch, sunfish, and smallmouth bass.

All Ontario residents between 18 and 65 years of age require a fishing license to legally fish in Ontario waters. There is an exception to this rule is the license –free period during Ontario Family Fishing Events.

River flows can change throughout the season along the rivers and streams within the Otonabee Region watershed. Anglers need to be aware of the changes because, as flows increase, the waterways can become dangerous.

Note: The Indian River at this location is not suitable for motorized water craft/boats.

  • Camp Site at Warsaw
  • Large Kettle
  • Child in cave