Guelph Lake Conservation Area — Attraction in Guelph/Eramosa

The campground was relatively quiet and campers were well spaced, nobody seemed to be on top of anyone else. Site was spacious and well shaded and public showers were free and relatively tidy. Our first weekend at a public park was turning out to be quite pleasant - opposite of what we were told of these types of parks. And then Friday came. We noticed many of the RV's that were there when we arrived were packing up and leaving which seemed odd going into a long weekend. We would learn why very shortly. Friday afternoon saw the surrounding serviced sites filling up with groups of tenters. and while most of these tenters were respecting the six people per site rule, many of them had multiple cars and tents and sound systems and the once peaceful campground began to resemble a tailgate party that wouldn't stop. We shrugged it off and figured 'lesson learned' - not our cup of tea and we don't need to come back again but let's make the most of it. And then Saturday came. The site immediately behind us started with four tents, four cars, and ten people. We thought that they perhaps booked two or three adjoining sites like some of the others but this was not the case - they were all on the one site. Another two cars showed up a short while later and they barely had enough room for all of the cars and tents on their site without having to encroach onto our site without so much as a 'do you mind' or other such nicety. On top of that, they were using their service post to the east of their site and ran an additional two extension cords to the 15a outlets at the post that is intended for the site I was on. I unplugged their extension cords and on our way out of the park for the day I stopped at the gatehouse to tell park staff that the site was well over the mandated capacity and that they are plugging into other peoples hydro service - an issue that they could not have been more indifferent about - having dismissed my complaint as though I had no right to make it in the first place. Further, by that evening half of the showers were 'out of service' as was the flush system at the dump station. We did however manage to shower in our RV in spite of the non-existent water pressure that plagued the park due to the crowds. Not that you would have been able to access a shower had they been working - certain areas of the park resembled the Calais jungle in their lack of order - the place was overrun with people doing as they pleased and the barely college aged staff were ill equipped nor willing to do anything to keep any semblance of order - it was shameful. Back to our new neighbours - tent city, they so considerately hung an unshaded 100+ watt bulb from a rope between two trees to light up the talent show they seemed to be having - apparently oblivious to the fact that it lit up our site like a stadium - even better, it was on the entire night. On the plus side it they weren't stealing our hydro any more and it was a distraction from the laser light show that was all of the flashlights and car headlights that blasted through the night skies into the wee hours. Dogs barked and barked and barked and often ran around unleashed under their owners complete disregard. The noise of conversations competing over other conversations completely drowned out the calls of the birds from the moment the sun went up. OPP cruisers were in and out, as was a fire truck and ambulance - without Mom and Dad around to sort out these problems I suppose they were the only ones park staff could turn to to sort out most of these problems - we know the sensitivity training worked. Too bad really - other than the complete negligence of park staff to vet entrants and keep order, it really is a nice place. I now know why private parks get grief for being as diligent as they are with who they allow in to camp - your neighbours really make all the difference and at places like Guelph Lake you never know what you'll get. We won't be rolling...

Guelph Lake Conservation Area is an oasis of tranquility and natural beauty, situated just a short drive from the bustling city of Guelph, Ontario. From the moment you step foot in Guelph Lake Conservation Area, you are enveloped in a sense of peace and serenity. The lush greenery, picturesque trails, and sparkling lake combine to create a breathtaking landscape that is sure to take your breath away..

The trails are well-maintained, and the views are simply breathtaking. You can easily spend an entire day exploring the area and soaking up the natural beauty.

Another notable feature of Guelph Lake Conservation Area is its commitment to environmental sustainability. The conservation area boasts an impressive solar power system, which helps to reduce its carbon footprint and ensure a cleaner, more sustainable future for the area. The area is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including birds, fish, and mammals, making it an ideal location for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.

Overall, Guelph Lake Conservation Area is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature. Its beautiful scenery, diverse recreational activities, and commitment to sustainability make it a standout location that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone fortunate...

So disappointed....as one of the first most beautiful days of the season and you have to know that families will be coming out to enjoy the day. Please do inform as to why the WOMEN's bathrooms were locked allowing access to only the MEN'S bathroom? Mothers needed to use the MEN's facilities for their young children as were the young teenage girls who were in and out of there during the day. Inappropriate!! How could it be that a park that is ready to take your fee to access the park deny you proper bathroom facilities? I don't think an outhouse is a proper bathroom. Having tried twice from the beach to call the front. No one picked up my call and I left a message. Upon leaving the park shortly thereafter. I asked the male attendant on duty who wasn't even aware that the men's bathroom was open. His answer was they were still waiting to get APPROVAL from the Health Inspector. WHAAAA???? Yet laneways and driving access to the private beach on the far side were already blocked off. No approval was needed there. Dogs are not to be on the beach meaning the SAND yet there are dogs on the sand and picnic tables used for picnics are to be on the grass area not in the LAKE. So disappointed with Guelph Lake Conservation... Hardly worth the cost one pays to come in there. Hopefully May 24... Facilities...