Otonabee Conservation will fully open the gates to our Conservation Areas on June 26, 2020, after a delay in the season that was caused by COVID-19. While hiking, walking, and biking have been available at our Conservation Areas during the pandemic, the gates will fully open on Friday allowing access to further amenities such as parking facilities, campsites, beaches, picnic shelters, boat launches, and more, with physical distancing measures in place.
In particular, we are excited to reveal a newly built gatehouse at Warsaw Caves Conservation Area (CA) and a brand new washroom facility at Beavermead Campground, which is owned by the City of Peterborough and operated by Otonabee Conservation. Both new buildings are fully accessible, offering barrier-free access for visitors. Additionally, Beavermead Campground offers four fully accessible campsites with barrier-free picnic tables, a paved surface pad, and close proximity to the new accessible washroom.
Campers wishing to reserve a campsite at Beavermead Campground and Warsaw Caves CA, can do so online at otonabeeconservation.com. Here, campers are offered the convenience of choosing their campsite, selecting their required check-in and check-out dates, and paying online. Campers are asked to utilize our online reservation system to book their sites ahead of time, in order to minimize face-to-face contact at the gatehouse upon arrival, and to ensure a campsite is available for them.
Campground washrooms are open and basic supplies such as firewood and ice are available for sale. Some amenities and services will not be available this year, such as showers, boat rentals, and laundry facilities. Some trails remain closed, such as the Caves Trail at Warsaw Caves CA, where physical distancing cannot be ensured. All closed amenities will be clearly signed.
“Camping will look a little different this year,” Explains Jessie James, Otonabee Conservation’s Manager of Conservation Lands, “But, it is a safe summer staycation option this is close to home for those living in the Peterborough Region. We hope that families will choose to camp with us and enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing, and all the beauty that our watershed has to offer.”
Selwyn Beach CA will also open its gates for the season on Friday. Visitors must follow public health guidelines for physical distancing, not gather with more than ten people, and only with those who are from within their social bubble.
For more information about our Conservation Areas, changes to services and amenities during the pandemic, and FAQs, please visit otonabeeconservation.com.
