The gates are now open at Otonabee Conservation’s campgrounds.
The first weekend of camping opened this past Friday for visitors at Otonabee Conservation’s two campgrounds, Warsaw Caves Conservation Area (CA) and Beavermead Campground. Both campgrounds were nearly at capacity; Warsaw Caves CA saw 92% of sites booked and Beavermead Campground saw 87% of campsites booked for the opening weekend.
Campsites continue to book up quickly for the weekends of summer. Beavermead Campground site bookings are between 83-88% booked for weekends until the end of July, while Warsaw Caves CA has a few more sites available on weekends with between 73-92% booked. Currently, there is good availability for campsites mid-week at both locations.
While camping is now open, some of Otonabee Conservation’s amenities and services are still not available, due to provincial guidelines. Campground washrooms are open and basic supplies such as firewood and ice are available for sale. Showers and laundry facilities are not yet available, but Otonabee Conservation is working to bring cleaning procedures in line with Provincial health regulations and hope to have them available soon. Boat rentals and picnic shelters are currently not available.
“We have been working closely with Peterborough Public Health to ensure that our visitors are able to safely enjoy the benefits that nature has to offer,” shares Jessie James, Manager of Conservation Lands at Otonabee Conservation, “Our practices and operations are aligned with the latest provincial recommendations; that means some amenities must remain closed at this time, but we are hopeful that we will be able to expand our services soon, so that our visitors can enjoy all we have to offer this year.”
Some trails remain closed, such as the Caves Trail at Warsaw Caves CA, where physical distancing and proper sanitizing cannot be ensured. All closed amenities are clearly signed. Hiking, walking, and biking have always been available at Otonabee Conservation’s properties during the pandemic. The gates are now fully open at all properties, allowing access to seasonal amenities such as parking facilities, beaches, boat launches, and more, with physical distancing measures in place.
Campers wishing to reserve a campsite at Beavermead Campground and Warsaw Caves CA, can do so online. Campers are asked to utilize the online reservation system to book their sites ahead of time, to minimize face-to-face contact at the gatehouse upon arrival, and to ensure a campsite is available for them. For more information about Conservation Areas, changes to services and amenities during the pandemic, and FAQs, please visit otonabeeconservation.com.
For more information contact:
Dan Marinigh | CAO / Secretary-Treasurer
Otonabee Conservation
dmaranigh@otonabeeconservation.com | 705-745-5791 ext. 222