About Falls Reserve Conservation Area

COVID-19 Information – please check the bottom of this page. If your camping reservation is affected by the provincial stay-at-home order you will receive a full refund. You do not need to contact the park for your refund, it will be processed automatically. The park is open to local day-use visitors. The gate remains closed but local visitors may park at the gate and walk or bike in. The off-season daily permit fee remains in place; $5 per person or $10 per family. Please review the COVID-19 safety information below before visiting Falls Reserve.

Falls Reserve Conservation Area (FRCA) is owned and managed by Maitland Conservation. The Conservation Area is not provincially operated or funded by the province. In addition, the park does not receive direct funding from Maitland Conservation. Falls Reserve operates on a cost recovery basis. What does this mean? This means that every dollar received thought campsite and day-use fees goes directly back into operations, infrastructure and improvements at the park.

Set along the scenic Maitland River, just minutes from Goderich, Falls Reserve is a 230 acre natural outdoor playground. The Conservation Area offers terrific camping experiences: a perfect combination of great family camping in a beautiful natural setting.

Falls Reserve is nearly enclosed by the winding Maitland River. Over thousands of years the river has carved its way through rock, leaving behind a rugged river valley. Wide and shallow, the river cascades over a series of low waterfalls as it flows around the park creating a unique and exciting swimming area for visitors.

The steep slopes of the river valley, particularly from Auburn to Goderich, are well vegetated and provide important wildlife habitat. Some of the Eastern White Cedar trees that cling to the exposed limestone cliffs are over 300 years old. This is likely the only old growth forest remaining in the Maitland watershed.

The lower Maitland River valley is also home to various plant species typically found in the more southern Carolinian zone. Some of these species include Butternut Hickory, Sycamore and Summer Grape. The area is also an important migratory bird route and a terrific spot for bird watching in spring and fall. Watch for Bald Eagles soaring over the Maitland River.

We’re Celebrating Our 50 + 1 Anniversary! 

This year marks 50+1 years of operations at Falls Reserve Conservation Area. It’s a chance to celebrate the many accomplishments at FRCA from the development of hiking trails and campsites on the property to the construction and development of service infrastructure and buildings to enhance camping experiences for visitors. The beauty and natural features of FRCA have been maintained as a place for outdoor experiences that relieve stress, calm the soul and build family memories.

Many FRCA services have changed over the years including recent upgrades of 30 amp electrical services to all campsites in Sycamore Campground and a complete electrical and water connection upgrade to 70 campsites in Maple Campground. Staff members are currently working with an engineering firm and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) on the development of an effluent waste water treatment facility to meet current and future sewage treatment needs at the park.

FRCA staff have worked very hard over the years to keep the park’s existing infrastructure in ideal working condition and aesthetically pleasing with limited financial resources. Due to our many dedicated and supportive park users, FRCA has been able to move forward with these major infrastructure upgrades to sustain current and future operations.

Jason Moir (FRCA Park Superintendent), Barry Skinn (Assistant Superintendent) and park staff look forward to welcoming you to Falls Reserve Conservation Area and providing excellent service in an amazing natural environment.

COVID-19 Information

Due to the on-going pandemic, your visit the Falls Reserve this season will be a little different from past years. Conservation Areas and natural green spaces play an important role in both our physical and mental well-being. We need your help to reduce the spread of COVID-19 so Falls Reserve can stay open and safe for visitors.

Some policies regarding camping and reservations may need to be modified ahead of or during the camping season. We are planning to offer many of our usual services and facilities to visitors, however some restrictions may apply.

Please check the COVID-19 Colour-Code Response Framework prior to your arrival for details on what activities are allowed and which facilities are open.

• COVID-19 Colour Code Response Framework

Please also review our COVID-19 Public Safety Plan for information on procedures in place to help ensure the safety of visitors and staff.

• COVID-19 Public Safety Plan

Prior to Arriving at Falls Reserve

Every visitor must do the Ontario Ministry of Health self-assessment for COVID019. https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/. If you do not pass the assessment, you should not visit this location.

COVID-19 Safety 

The park is open for local day-use visitors. Please stay safe:

• The park gate remains closed at this time. Local visitors are welcome to park near the gate and walk or bike through the park. The off-season daily permit fee will remain in place until the stay-at-home order is lifted: $5 per person or $10 per family.
• Washrooms are currently closed. There are porta potties at the front gate and near the falls in the day-use area.
• Maintain physical distancing, keep at least 2 metres apart from anyone not living in your household.
• Campground areas are closed to visitors.
• Outdoor gatherings are not permitted.
• Respect posted closures for your safety.
• Keep moving – use the trails to move, not gather.
• Shared space – walkers, bikers, runners and bird watchers all use our trails. Say alert!
• Reminder – please visit Conservation Areas that are close to home!

Notes for Campers

• If your camping reservation is affected by the stay-at-home order you will receive a full refund. You do not need to contact the park for your refund, it will be processed automatically.
• A maximum of six (6) people are permitted to occupy a campsite including children and babies. Please note that this requirement is not related to the COVID-19 situation. This is a long standing Conservation Area regulation.
• All campsites are based on single household family occupancy (2 adults and their children under 18-years of age). Each additional adult over 2 adults will be charged a $5.00 nightly rate.
• Stay safe – it is encouraged that only people living at the same address camp together at a single campsite, regardless of the campsite capacity.
• New Changes to Cedar Campground – the number of campsites in the Cedar Campground has been reduced to decrease the pressure on facilities during the pandemic. Cedar has also been designated as a Radio and Audio Equipment Prohibited Camp Area to promote a family friendly camping environment.

For information on the local COVID-19 situation in this area visit the Huron Perth Public Health website at: hpph.ca

Visit the Falls Reserve CA Facebook page