ACTIVITIES
Camping
Camp sites: Pinehurst has 230 campsites in four camping areas, of which 166 are serviced with hydro and water. Quiet Hour in the campground is 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. and ALL camping areas are radio-free. Up to six people are permitted per campsite. Check in is after 2 p.m. and check out is before noon.
Reserve a site: Sites can be booked online or by calling toll-free 1-877-558-GRCA (4722).
Maps showing the campground area and location of the campsites can be found by clicking the 'online' link above. Please review our Camping Reservation Policy prior to making your reservation.
Group camping: Three group campsites can be booked directly through conservation area staff for groups, including families and youth groups. These are available by reservation only.
Monthly & seasonal campers: Please call the conservation area directly to reserve your monthly or seasonal site.
Fees: Daily, monthly and seasonal rates are available. Click here for fee information.
Firewood: Firewood can be purchased at the gatehouse.
Alcohol: Alcohol is permitted on registered campsites, except for a total alcohol ban on the Victoria Day and Labour Day long weekends.
Waste: Blue box bins and garbage containers are placed throughout the conservation area. Blue box items include boxboard, paper, plastics, foil, glass, cans, drinking boxes and milk cartons. Garbage bags are provided to campers upon arrival. Please deposit all refuse in the provided bins as there is no collection directly from the campsites. Dumping stations for trailers are located within the campgrounds.
Canoeing
The lake is suitable for non-motorized boats only. Paddle boats and canoes (with lifejackets and paddles) can be rented from the concession stand or at the Gatehouse (with debit card). Boat Concession hours vary based on the operating season. Boat rentals are available on weekends only in May and June starting the May long weekend, 7 days a week in July and August and not available after Labour Day weekend. A boat launch is close to the entrance. Check the fee schedule for boat rental fees.
For more information on canoeing in the Grand River watershed, please click here.
Fishing
There are lots of sunfish, but also largemouth bass, bluegill and black
crappie are found at Pinehurst.
Click here for more information on fishing in the Grand River
watershed.
Hiking
Pinehurst has eight kilometres of nature trails that wind through the hardwood forest in the conservation area and include several looped trails marked in the visitor guide provided upon entry. In addition, the Cambridge to Paris Rail
Trail is ten minutes from the conservation area and the Paris to Brantford Trail is a 20-minute drive.
For more information on Grand River trails please click here.
Cycling
In addition using to the eight kilometres of nature trails, cyclists can cycle on
the paved roads for a total of 13 kilometres of cycling paths within the conservation
area.
Swimming
Pinehurst has a beach which is a popular spot on summer days. The beach is not patrolled, so parents or guardians must keep a close watch on children at all times.
A life-jacket loaner program is available. Use of the life-jackets is free with a small, refundable deposit. Ask at the gatehouse for information.
Picnicking
About 400 picnic tables are scattered throughout the conservation area. Blue box bins and garbage containers are placed throughout the conservation area. Blue box items include boxboard, paper, plastics, foil, glass, cans, drinking boxes and milk cartons. Garbage bags are provided to campers upon
arrival.
Birding
The natural areas within and adjacent to Pinehurst are part of the provincially significant Grand River Valley forests and provide valuable migratory staging habitat for waterfowl and song birds.
The forest interior is vital breeding habitat for area sensitive birds. A total of 114 species of birds have been recorded in this area, and approximately 64 species are confirmed to be breeding. Notable species include bald eagle, cooper's and red-shouldered hawk, Acadian Flycatcher, cerulean warbler, Louisiana waterthrush and red-headed woodpecker.
Please take the time to any rare or unusual species to the GRCA so that we can keep our bird check list up-to-date.
Winter Activities
Open for ice fishing, snowshoeing and skating on the lake during the winter when the conditions allow. Snowshoe equipment rentals are available, as are a change area, warming hut and washrooms. Snow shoes cost $11 to rent and are available without a reservation on weekends only. Cross-country ski trails are no longer maintained and skis are no longer available to rent. Winter hours are Wednesday to Sunday 8 a.m. to 4:30 .pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
For more information on winter sports at all GRCA conservation areas, visit our
Winter Activities page.
Check current conditions in the Winter Activity Updates section of our Newsroom during winter
months.
FACILITIES
Gatehouse
This is the location of the community bulletin board, pay telephone and lost and found. It is the place to go to report any concerns or problems, to purchase firewood or ice, or get further information about the conservation
area.
Group facilities
There are three picnic shelters available to group events such as weddings, family reunions or corporate picnics. The Clarence Sutor Pavilion is popular for weddings. Built in 1960, it has an excellent view of the conservation area and accommodates 150 people. A washroom with a flush toilet is nearby. Two shelters can both accommodate about 100 people and have washrooms nearby.
Please click here to view pictures and read more about these and other group rental facilities in our conservation areas or call conservation area staff directly.
Washrooms
Along with the several vault type toilets which are located throughout the conservation area, there is a main washroom at the serviced campground equipped with flush toilets and coin-operated showers.
Concession
A concession booth operates Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. during May and June starting the May long weekend. In July and August, it is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., but hours are subject to change. Generally it offers french fries, onion rings, ice cream and refreshments.
Sports and fun
The conservation area offers a beach volleyball net, a playground and a play field.
Boat Launch
A gravel launch is available.
OTHER
Events calendar
Many conservation areas and nature centres host special events and family fun. Click
for our online events
calendar.
Dog Policy
Pets are allowed in the conservation area, but not in the swimming area and they must be kept on a 2-metre leash
and controlled at all times. 'Stoop and Scoop' applies. This rule will
be enforced.
Tourism/Services
The nearest hospital emergency room is at Willet Hospital, 238 Grand River St. N, Paris (limited hours) or Cambridge Memorial Hospital, 700 Coronation Blvd., Cambridge.
Visiting the Pinehurst area:
- FWR Dickson Wilderness Area: 5 minutes from the conservation area
- Access to Grand River - 5 minutes from conservation area
- Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead - 15 minutes from conservation area
- City of Cambridge (20 minute drive)
- Over 30 Factory Outlets
- Farmers Market - Cambridge
- Restaurants
- Town of Paris (10 minute drive)
- Mary Maxim (craft supply)
- John M. Hall Linens, Paris
- Specialty Shopping
- Golf
- Restaurants
- Paris Fair - Labour Day weekend
- Village of St. George (15 min. drive) - antique shops
- Apple Harvest Festival
|