Otonabee grounds open for camping season

Otonabee Conservation’s three campgrounds are now open. These include Lakefield Campground, Beavermead Campground and Warsaw Caves Conservation Area.

This is the first year Otonabee Conservation is operating the Lakefield Campground, which is owned by Selwyn Township.

Lakefield’s 12-acre (4.9-hectare) campground will feature a variety of day-use opportunities, including canoe and kayak rentals for paddling on Lake Katchewanooka.

Beavermead Campground, paddlers can access Meade Creek and paddle out into Little Lake and along the Otonabee River into downtown Peterborough.

“As always, we are happy to promote activities in nature, which boost mental health, relieve stress and provide opportunities for families and friends to enjoy and appreciate the outdoors,” stated Jessie James, manager of conservation lands at Otonabee Conservation. “Starting this year, we are particularly looking forward to welcoming campers at Lakefield Campground, in partnership with Selwyn Township.”

Otonabee Conservation took over the Lakefield campground after Selwyn Township council approved the change last year.

Council had decided in 2020 the agreement with the private operator would not be automatically renewed, and made the decision in 2022 to go with Otonabee Conservation.

Under the agreement, winter storage of a trailer, deck and shed will be permitted on trailer sites. The 138-site campground occupies part of the 23-acre (9.3-hectare) Lakefield Park on Hague Point and had since 1996 been operated by a private operator under an agreement. A highlight of the agreement is that the existing footprint of the campground will remain the same with the exception of the elimination of camping in the overflow area and the elimination of site 18 through attrition, The Examiner reported in 2022.

While many seasonal trailer sites will remain as they are, another section with 45 trailer sites will transition to use by travellers for shorter periods. The tent camping area will remain as it is.

The campgrounds at Warsaw Caves Conservation Area, located near the village of Warsaw in Douro-Dummer Township, bring about 30,000 people to the area each year. The site includes hiking trails, a river beach with canoe rentals and the famous Warsaw Caves system to explore.

The adult walk-in fee is $9. Child walk-in fees are $4.50. The day-use vehicle fee is $18. Visit otonabeeconservation.com/campingoutdoor-recreation for more information.

‘‘ As always, we are happy to promote activities in nature, which boost mental health, relieve stress and provide opportunities for families and friends to enjoy and appreciate the outdoors.

JESSIE JAMES O TO NA BEE CONSERVATION