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.

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

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

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

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.

Canoeing

The lake is suitable for non-motorized boats. 

Fishing

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

Hiking

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

Cycling 

Cyclists can enjoy themselves on 10 kilometres of trails as well as the conservation area 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.

Please note we are currently not offering the life jacket loaner program. 

Learn more about beach conditions. 

Events and activities

There are no events scheduled at this time.

Picnicking

Picnic tables are scattered throughout the conservation area. For cooking purposes, day-use visitors may use barbecues in designated picnic areas. Never leave barbecues unattended, and please use extreme caution. 

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.

• Please note that winter programming is subject to change, based on weather conditions. In addition, the conservation areas 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 Conservation Area and Activities Status page for current ice fishing, skiing and snowshoeing conditions, and our winter programs page for more information on winter activities.
  • The conservation area has 14 kilometers of multi-use trails which are groomed and track-set for classic skiing, as conditions permit.
  • Ski and snowshoe rentals are available when conditions permit. Check the Pinehurst Lake fee page for rental fees. 

Gatehouse

This is the location of the community bulletin board, pay telephone and lost and found. It is the place to go to get further information about the conservation area and report any problems or concerns.

Group facilities

There are three picnic shelters available for weddings, family reunions, corporate picnics and other events. 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 conservation area.

Concession stand

Due to changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the food concession stand will remain closed this season.

Playgrounds and sports fields

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

Waste and recycling

Garbage containers are located throughout the conservation area and will be emptied as frequently as possible, however people are reminded to visit responsibly and if garbage bins are full, to take their waste with them and dispose of it at home. Recycling bins are located in the campgrounds and at the dumping station. Please use the bins, as there is no collection from the campsites.

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 conservation area) or Cambridge (north of the conservation area).
• Medical services are available at the Willett Urgent Care Centre, 238 Grand River Street North, Paris and Cambridge Memorial Hospital, 700 Coronation Boulevard, Cambridge.
• Visit the Brant County Tourism and Waterloo Region Tourism websites for more information about the area.