Conestogo Lake

Camping

Campsites: Conestogo Lake Park offers 96 serviced and 72 unserviced campsites on the lake as well as on the Conestogo River. The lower park by the river is a radio-free area. Up to six people are permitted per campsite. Check-in is after 2 p.m. and checkout is before noon.

Group camping: Four group campsites are available for supervised youth groups or large gatherings. Contact park staff to make a reservation.

Seasonal sites: Please contact the park directly to inquire about seasonal site availability. 

Alcohol and Cannabis: Alcohol is permitted only on registered campsites. Cannabis is permitted on campsites and in open spaces. Smoking of cannabis is not permitted near playgrounds or in the beach area. A total alcohol and cannabis ban is in effect on the Victoria Day and Labour Day weekends (Thursday at noon to Tuesday at noon).

Radio free area: Lower Park

Book a site online or call 1-877-558-GRCA (4722)

Please read our Camping Reservation Policy.

Canoeing

You can rent canoes at the gatehouse. They may be reserved in advance for an additional fee. Rentals are available beginning mid-May seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the last boat out at 4 p.m. Rentals are not available after Labour Day. Click for fees. 

Canoe rentals may be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. 

Boating

Conestogo Lake is ideal for sailing, power boating and water skiing. Fully equipped boats can be rented at the gatehouse for half or full days. A credit card number or cash deposit is required, along with a valid boating and driver's licence. Boats can be reserved in advance for an additional fee. Click for fees. 

In the "no wake" area, vessels can't be operated over 10 km/h (6 mph) within 100 feet of shore.

The water level in the reservoir can vary, so please check at the gatehouse for hazard areas after Labour Day, when the level is normally lower.

Motorboats are available beginning May 11, seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the last boat out at 1:30 p.m. 

Boat rentals may be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

Sailing 

Conestogo Lake is a great place for sailing. It is home to the Conestogo Sailing Club.

Fishing

Please note: (April 26, 2019) - The Lower Park is currently closed due to high flows. Access is restricted until flows return to more seasonal levels. For more information, please see Service Disruptions.

Fishing is excellent from shore or from a boat. You can try your luck at pike, perch, walleye, crappie and smallmouth bass in the reservoir. The Conestogo River below the dam has brown trout, smallmouth bass, pike, catfish and the occasional walleye. If you are fortunate enough to catch a walleye, please release it and inform park staff. Worms are available at the gatehouse and concession stand.

Hiking

The Picnic Shelter Trail passes through the park's wooded areas and takes about 20 minutes to walk. The map in the park brochure shows the trails.

Avid hikers might want to visit some of the regional trails outside of the park.

Cycling

Cyclists can enjoy themselves on park roads. Please obey the rules of the road and, for your safety, wear a helmet.

Swimming

There is a large, sandy beach on Conestogo Lake. The beach is not patrolled, so parents or guardians must keep a close watch on their children at all times.

A life jacket loaner program is available. Use of the life jackets is free with a small, refundable deposit. Ask for information at the gatehouse.

Learn more about beach conditions.

Picnicking

Picnic tables and some charcoal barbeques are located throughout the park. Day-use visitors may use barbecues for cooking purposes in designated picnic areas. Never leave barbecues unattended, and please use extreme caution.

Events and activities

Programs for children and families are available including nature hunts, crafts, games, film nights, campfires and an annual fishing derby. Event listings are posted around the park or check our Events Calendar.

Hunting

There is a controlled hunting program during the open season on 930 hectares of conservation land. Please see our Hunting pages for information.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is not permitted on GRCA lands at this time.

Gatehouse

This is the location of the community bulletin board, pay telephone, firewood sales, canoe and boat rentals and lost and found. It is the place to go to get further information about the park and report any problems or concerns.

Group facilities

A small picnic shelter is available for family or corporate events. Washrooms are nearby. Contact park staff for reservations. More information is available on our Group Facilities page. 

Washrooms

There are two main washrooms with flush toilets and showers. Vault toilets are located throughout the park.

Concession stand 

The concession stand sells fast food, bagged ice and worms. It is open weekends and holidays from noon to 7 p.m. 

Playgrounds and sports fields

There is a play area for children, a sand volleyball court, sports fields and horseshoe pits.

Boat launch

A concrete boat launch provides access to Conestogo Lake. Click for fees. 

Waste and recycling

Blue box bins and garbage containers are placed throughout the park. Blue box items include boxboard, paper, plastics, foil, glass, cans, drinking boxes and milk cartons. A dumping station for RVs is located near the back of the main washroom.

Dog policy

Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash no longer than two metres and under control at all times. Dogs are not allowed on the beach or in the swimming area. Please clean up after your dog. Dog owners can be fined if these regulations are not followed.

Nearby services

• Grocery, hardware, LCBO, gas stations and drug stores can be found in Drayton.

• Medical services are available at Listowel Memorial Hospital, 255 Elizabeth St. E., Listowel.

• Visit the Wellington County website for more information about the area.