Conestogo Lake

Campsites:  Conestogo Lake has 37 serviced and 38 unserviced nightly campsites throughout the Maples and Ash campgrounds. There is a comfort station with showers in each campground, along with a trailer dumping station located in the Ash campground. A maximum of six people is permitted per campsite.  Check-in is after 2 p.m. and checkout is before noon.

• Book a site on our online reservation system. 
• Please read our Camping Reservation Policy.

Group camping: 

Conestogo Lake has three non-electric group campsites available. Campsite 500 can accommodate 30 people and Campsites 501 & 502 can accommodate 40 people. Water taps and vault privies are close by, with comfort stations and showers located a short distance away in the Maples or Ash campgrounds. Group campsites can be booked through our online reservation system.

Seasonal camping: Please see our seasonal camping page for information on seasonal sites. 

Alcohol and Cannabis: Alcohol is permitted only on registered campsites. 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).

Conestogo Lake is a great place for canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, power boating and waterskiing. There is easy water access for non-motorized boats into the river below the dam or along the shoreline of the reservoir.  There are two ramps each having two lanes available for motorized boats the launch into the reservoir.

Please note that water level frequently changes in the reservoir, so please check the signage located at the boat launch for hazard areas.

Conestogo Lake is home to the Conestogo Lake Sailing Club. 

Please note that we are no longer offering boat rentals.

The GRCA owns 28 dams in the Grand River watershed and there are over 100 dams owned by others.

While all of our dams on navigable waterways are marked with booms and buoys between May and October, some that are privately owned are not marked and may not be easy to see. 

Dams, both large and small, are danger zones! Make safety a priority.

For more information, please see our Safety around Dams page.

There is a large, sandy beach which is perfect for swimming. Please remember the beach is not patrolled, so parents or guardians must keep a close watch on their children at all times.

Pets are not allowed within the designated swimming area or sand portion of the beach.

We offer lifejackets on loan at the gatehouse for a deposit of $20 which is given back when lifejackets are returned. Lifejackets are for beach users only, not for boaters. 

Learn more about beach conditions.

Fishing is allowed in the river below the dam and in the reservoir. While fishing in the reservoir you may catch perch, walleye, crappie and smallmouth bass. When fishing below the dam you can try your luck at brown trout, smallmouth bass, pike, catfish and the occasional walleye. Check the Ontario Fishing Regulations for seasons and restrictions.

Worms are available for purchase at the gatehouse.

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

The Forest Green Trail is a two kilometre loop and is designed for a quick, easy walk through the woods from the picnic shelter parking lot with a view of the reservoir along the way.

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

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

Birding has become very popular activity at Conestogo Lake where you will find a wide range of birds from cardinals, blue jays, orioles, hawks, osprey, eagles, owls, along with various ducks both above and below the dam.

There is one picnic shelter with electricity for corporate or family gatherings by reservation only. There are also ten unsheltered sites in the lower park available for reservation which include a firepit and picnic tables for smaller groups.  

There are picnic tables throughout the conservation area and small barbecues for cooking in designated areas. Never leave barbecues unattended, and please use extreme caution.

Please check the Events Calendar.

Conestogo Lake is home to the Lake Conestoga Snowmobile Club which operates the OFSC trails through the area. Snowmobiling is only permitted on designated OFSC trail with a valid permit.

This is the location you can purchase permits, ice, firewood and worms.  You will also find a lost and found, community bulletin board with activities and general information posted about the area. If you need any information about the conservation area, or would like to report a problem or concern please see the gate attendant on-duty. A first aid kit and AED is also available at the gatehouse.

There are two comfort stations with showers available in the Ash and Maples Campgrounds. Throughout the conservation area you will also find eight vault privies.

There is one picnic shelter with electricity for corporate or family gatherings by reservation only. There are also ten unsheltered sites in lower park available by reservation which includes a firepit and picnic tables for smaller groups.  

There are picnic tables throughout the conservation area and small barbecues for cooking in designated areas. Never leave barbecues unattended, and please use extreme caution.

Visit our Group Facilities page for more information.

There are two concrete boat launches, each with two lanes for launching your motorized boat into the reservoir.  Non-motorized boats can access the shoreline of the reservoir from a number of locations.

Visit the fees page for launch fees.

There is a playground and volleyball court near the beach, along with a playground, horseshoe pits and sports field/baseball diamond located in the lower park picnic area.

Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash no longer than two metres (6 feet) and under control at all times.  Dogs are not allowed on the sand portion of the beach or in the designated swimming area. Please be respectful of other users and nature when bringing your dog to the conservation area and clean up after your dog. Dog owner violating regulations may receive a fine.

Garbage and recycling containers are located throughout the day-use area. However, people are reminded to visit responsibly and encouraged to reduce their waste or dispose of it at home.

Garbage and recycling bins for campground users is located near group site 501, along the main campground roadway. 

• Grocery, hardware, LCBO, gas stations and drug stores can be found in Drayton.
• Medical services are available at Listowel Memorial Hospital, 255 Elizabeth Street East, Listowel.
• Visit the Wellington County website for more information about the area.

• There are accessible parking spaces at the beach.