It is that time of the year to start planning our 2024 camping adventures. As we go through the various locations, there is one site we will never visit again. Last June we booked a campsite at Highland Pines, Belwood Lake, Ontario. We knew we were expecting rain. We have camped in rainy weather many times. The heavy rain came overnight. When we awoke the following morning and stepped outside, we were met with a huge puddle of water past our ankles. All the other campsite near us were in the same situation. Most campsites we stayed in the past, the water would drain away within a couple hours. NOT HERE. By late morning, eventhough the sun was shining hot there was no reduction in the pool of water. It wasn’t draining at all. We mentioned this to the camp office and they said someone would come by to see. Noone showed up. That night the additional rain increased the water level and still no drainage. We again contacted the office and they said again someone will be around. Not being able to use the site we decide to explore the countryside.
Returning back to the campsite we noticed the water had somewhat receded but it left a few puddles and a lot of muck. No part of site was usable. Contacting the office, a third time, they finally sent someone. We were informed that nothing could be done as it was too late in the day and the maintenance staff had gone home. I informed him we original called 2 days ago and this is the best you can do.
On the third day the sun shone bright and hot from the start of day and more water receded but still a lot of muck. So, we day tripped again. Upon return the ground was still very soggy and mucky. The next day we were able to actually use our site, eventhough it was still very soggy by layer the ground with drop sheets.
On the first we actually able to use our site and not daytrip, we were met with another problem. We noticed the site was near the maintenance yard and we listened to maintenance vehicles zooming back and forth, along with construction equipment, not mention all the crows crowing around the garbage some 60 feet away. Oh! did I mention there were also numerous golf carts whizzing past. It was like being in the city, next to an express highway.
We decided to walk around the campground and see what it was like. Upon arriving at one of the 3 pools, we discovered it was not in use and would not open for a couple more days—something the staff forgot to mention when they said we can use any of the 3 pools. We were informed the next nearest pool was a 20-minute walk, or a 5-minute drive and there was also the beach we could use. The beach was a joke—our backyard was bigger—20 people and it was packed. And no parking except 15-minute walk uphill over rough ungraded roads.
We also noticed the other campsites further away from the noise were 90% empty. All of them dry and well drained, yet we were stuck in a campsite full of water and muck—and noise. When asked the staff why we were not offered another site they had no reply but we can move now if want—Yeah! Sure but no thanks--we are leaving the tomorrow!! We also cancelled our return visit to this location later than summer.
We came to get away from the city noise and we had none it. It was a waste of our time and money. STAY AWAY! You will not miss it. We are giving it a rating of 1/5—and that’s being generous!! There are many other great locations nearby who actually...
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