About Falls Reserve Conservation Area

Please review the COVID-19 Operations page for updates before visiting Falls Reserve.

Camping Season Starts on June 1st

The park will open for camping on June 1, 2022. The camping season runs until October 16, 2022. Camping reservations opened on February 1st and the response has been tremendous. As in past years, reservations are available on-line and by calling the park. Please have a reservation in place before arriving at the park. Check-in is from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm; please do not arrive before 3:00 pm.

The septic and sewer upgrade project at Falls Reserve has been completed. There are still places where we are working to repair the ground cover. Please stay off newly seeded areas.

The park is also open for day-use visitors.  The Falls, trails, fishing pond and washrooms are all open.

Park Entry

Gatehouse hours for June:

Monday to Thursday: 3 pm to 8 pm
Friday and Saturday: 8 am to 10 pm
Sunday: 8 am to 8 pm

A new park entry system has been installed at the entrance to the park. If you arrive outside of gatehouse hours, day-use visitors can pay the $15 entry fee (per vehicle) by credit card or debit at the self-service kiosk. Campers can access the park by using the pin code provided with your on-line campsite reservation confirmation. Please note that we are still working out a few bugs with this system. We appreciate your patience. 

Fishing at the Pond

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 to check out this information before visiting the park: FRCA Stocked Trout Pond

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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