Please review the COVID-19 Operations page for updates before visiting Falls Reserve.
A Note About On-Going Construction
A large septic and sewer development project is underway at Falls Reserve Conservation Area. This construction will delay the opening of the campground until June 1, 2022.
The park will be open for limited vehicle access starting April 23rd. Construction will be on-going for several weeks so visitors are asked to use caution and stay out of the construction area.
Vehicle access will be restricted to paved asphalt roadways. The campgrounds are closed to vehicles and pedestrians. Vehicles must also stay off any grass, soil or disturbed areas at the Conservation Area.
Visitors will be welcome to use the day-use area near the Falls, the trails and the fishing pond area. Vehicle parking will be limited to the gravel parking lot by the pond and the paved angle parking area at the day-use area near the Falls.
Prior to April 23rd the park is open for walk-in visitors only.
Stay Safe – pay attention to the information on signs and keep out of all closed areas. Please follow directions from park staff and stay away from all construction related activities.
Park Entry
Starting April 23rd the park gates will be open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm with an entry permit fee of $15 per vehicle.
Entry gates close daily at 6:00 pm sharp. Visitors may remain in the park until 8:00 pm leaving through the exit gate.
The park gatehouse will be staffed on weekends (Saturday and Sunday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm) starting on April 23, 2022. If you visit the park from Monday to Friday, or when the gatehouse is not staffed, please pay the entry permit fee using the self-serve CASH payment option at the gatehouse or by e-Transfer to: payment@frca.on.ca (receipt of your e-Transfer payment is the permit).
We are working to have the washroom in the day-use area near the Falls open daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Fishing at the Pond
We will have the trout pond stocked with rainbow trout ready for the April 23rd trout opener date. Everyone angling in the pond must purchase a pond fishing permit at a fee of $8 per person through the park gatehouse office or payable by e-Transfer to: payment@frca.on.ca (receipt of e-Transfer payment is the permit). Everyone using the pond must adhere to all rules around fishing at the pond. Click the link below to check out this information before visiting the park:
2022 Camping Dates
Due to the construction of the new septic and sewer system at the park, the camping season is expected to be delayed until June 1, 2022. We apologize for the inconvenience this will cause but we’re also excited about this major infrastructure upgrade.
Camping reservations opened on February 1, 2022 and the response has been tremendous. As in past years, reservations will be available on-line and by calling the park.
Please note that the June 1st opening date is subject to change depending on how the construction project progresses. Please check back regularly, we’ll be posting any changes here.
What Makes the Park Special?
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.
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. The construction of an effluent waste water treatment facility to meet current and future sewage treatment needs at the park is currently underway.
Thanks to our 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.
Falls Reserve Conservation Area is located at
80900 Falls Reserve Line in Benmiller.
Click here for Directions
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