Pinehurst Lake

Camping

Campsites: Pinehurst has 169 campsites serviced with hydro and water and 64 unserviced sites. Quiet hours are from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. All camping areas are radio-free. Up to six people are permitted per campsite. Check-in is after 2 p.m. and checkout is before noon.

Group camping: Three unserviced 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 areas: All sites

Trailers: All trailers to be set up on gravel drive, if available on site.

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

Please read our Camping Reservation Policy.

Canoeing

The lake is suitable for non-motorized boats. Paddleboats, canoes and kayaks (with life jackets and paddles) can be rented at the concession stand. Rentals are available on weekends from the Victoria Day weekend through the end of June. They are available daily in July and August. No rentals after Labour Day. Click for fees. For concession hours, please contact the park directly at 519-442-4721. 

Rentals are subject to closure due to adverse weather conditions. 

Fishing

Pinehurst Lake has sunfish, largemouth bass and black crappie. You must comply with Ontario fishing regulations.

Hiking

The park has 10 kilometres of marked nature trails winding through hardwood forests. The map in the park brochure shows the trails. Outside the park, the Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail is a 10-minute drive from the park.

Cycling 

Cyclists can enjoy themselves on 10 kilometres of trails as well as the park roads. Please obey the rules of the road and, for your safety, wear a helmet.

Swimming

The sandy beach on Pinehurst Lake is a great place to spend a summer afternoon.

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. 

Events and activities

There's a full schedule of nature hikes and other activities throughout the year.

Go to our Events Calendar for more information.

Picnicking

Birding

More than 100 bird species have been recorded in the area, including 64 species confirmed to be breeding. Notable species include bald eagle, Cooper's hawk, Acadian flycatcher, Louisiana waterthrush and the red-head woodpecker. Go to our Birding section for more information.

Winter programs

Pinehurst Lake offers ice fishing, cross-county skiing and snowshoeing.

There is classic cross-country skiing on four kilometres of groomed and trackset trails. There are seven kilometres of showshoeing trails and two kilometres of plowed walking trails. Ski and snowshoe equipment can be rented on weekends and Family Day. The map in the park brochure shows the trails.

Please note that winter programming is subject to change, based on weather conditions. In addition, the parks and/or trails may close from time to time during the operating season, sometimes without notice for safety reasons following a storm, or due to a special event.

Check our winter programs page for more information, including hours of operation and fees.

Gatehouse

This is the location of the community bulletin board, pay telephone and lost and found. Firewood and ice are sold here. It is the place to go to get further information about the park and report any problems or concerns.

Group facilities

There are three picnic shelters available for weddings, family reunions, corporate picnics and other large events. Two wooden shelters can hold 100 people, while the Clarence Sutor Pavilion can accommodate 150. There are washrooms near all three shelters. More information is available on our Group Facilities page.

Washrooms

The main washroom in the serviced campground area and the washrooms at the beach have flush toilets and coin-operated showers. Vault toilets are located throughout the park.

Concession stand

The concession stand offers a selection of fast food and treats. It is open weekends and holidays starting on the Victoria Day weekend. It is open daily in July and August, weather permitting. 

Playgrounds and sports fields

The park has a beach volleyball court, a playground and a playing field suitable for group activities.

Waste and recycling

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 bins as there is no collection directly from the campsites. Dumping stations for trailers are located within the campgrounds.

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 and drug stores can be found in in Paris (south of the park) or Cambridge (north of the park).
• Medical services are available at the Willett Urgent Care Centre, 238 Grand River St. N., Paris and Cambridge Memorial Hospital, 700 Coronation Blvd., Cambridge.
• Visit the Brant County and Waterloo Region tourism websites for more information about the area.