About Falls Reserve Conservation Area

Family Day at Falls Reserve

We’re celebrating Family Day at Falls Reserve Conservation Area on February 20, 2023. Enjoy a winter adventure and explore the gorgeous trails.  Ski, hike or snowshoe; tail maps available.

• Join us from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Admission is $15 per vehicle
• Free snowshoe rentals (weather permitting)
• Free hot chocolate and coffee compliments of Tim Horton’s – Highway 8 location in Goderich
• Free popcorn
• Free marshmallows available to roast at the campfire or bring your own hotdogs (roasting forks available)

Falls Reserve Conservation Area is located just west of Benmiller at 80900 Falls Reserve Line.

Questions? Email Jason Moir at jmoir@frca.on.ca

2023 Camping Season 

We appreciate the support of everyone who camped with us in 2022. It was terrific to have a near “normal” season. Planning for 2023 is well underway. The park opens for camping on April 21st and the camping season runs until Oct. 15th.

Camping reservations for 2023 will be available starting at 8:00 am on January 3rd. Make your reservation on-line at: https://maitlandvalley.goingtocamp.com/

Park is Open for Day Use Visitors During the Winter

Although the camping season is over, the park remains open for day use. NEW this year – weather permitting we’re planning to keep the Conservation Area open for vehicle traffic through the fall and early winter. Visitors are welcome to drive into the park for fishing and hiking using our new automatic Pay Here Boxx entry gate.

Park Entry Fees and Information

• The fee is $15 per vehicle per day. The entry fee can be paid by debit or credit card at the automatic Pay Here Boxx entry gate.
• The park is open daily from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm daily.
• The washrooms are closed but there is a portable toilet in place at the fishing pond parking lot located inside the park.
• Parking is permitted in the lot by the pond.
• Parking is also permitted at the entrance parking area but still requires a $5.00 paid parking pass. This payment may be made by cash at the honour pay man located by the gatehouse. Please deposit $5.00 in a provided envelope and write your license plate number and the date on the envelope. Payments may also be made by e-transfer to: payment@frca.on.ca

Park Membership Pass

Are you a frequent visitor to Falls Reserve? A park membership pass provides year-round daily access to the property for one year from the date of purchase. Membership passes are $130.00 and can be purchased on-line at: https://maitlandvalley.goingtocamp.com/store/all or by calling the park at 519-524-6429.

Trespassing

Please note:

• Parking along Falls Reserve Line or on neighbouring lands outside the park and entering the property without a paid pass or entry permit is trespassing.
• Parking in Falls Reserve Conservation Area without a paid pass or entry permit is trespassing.
• Entering the Conservation Area without a paid pass or entry permit is trespassing.

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.

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