ALWAYS check Alerts and other information on the official website, as conditions and facility availability are subject to change.
This lovely 2.5 km sandy beach stands out as one of the most beautiful spots along the northern shore of Lake Erie. Visitors can expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere perfect for families, thanks to its exceptional campground. The campground boasts spacious, well-shaded sites that are level, making it easy to set up camp. Plus, there’s an outstanding play area that will keep the kids entertained for hours.
For families looking to make the most of their summer vacation, the campground offers Family-friendly Discovery Drop-ins from July 1st to Labour Day. It’s a fantastic opportunity to engage in fun and educational activities together.
If you have a furry friend with you, don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy the amazing dog beach and pet exercise area. Your four-legged companion will love it just as much as you do.
For those planning to host a large group outing, the group camping area is ideal. It can comfortably accommodate big groups and provides sprawling, private sites for an enjoyable camping experience.
Nature enthusiasts will find this place to be an undiscovered birder’s paradise. During the fall, you can witness the marvels of migration, making it a must-visit destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.
New Camping Rules 2023
New Camping Rules for 2023 (14-night max) – new for 2023 are revised rules about the maximum number of nights you can camp. In this park, if you are camping between July 1 and the Saturday of the Labour Day long weekend, you’ll be restricted to no more than 14-nights at this park. Outside of those dates, it’s still the old 23-night maximum. Ontario Parks promise this will be clear when booking.
Rules for backcountry camping and the roofed accommodation haven’t changed.
Facebook and Website Links
Official website
Official Facebook
Information
Phone #:(519) 874-4691
Main entrance co-ordinates: 42.647130, -80.812941
Address:9 Wilson Lane, Port Burwell, ON, N0J 1T0
Opening seasons: May to October
Activities
Camping & Accommodation
Car Camping: In this lovely area, visitors can enjoy exceptional spring and fall camping thanks to the warmer weather. The park’s three campgrounds are nestled in a mature forest just a short distance from the lake. These campsites are meticulously designed with convenience in mind. They are not only easily accessible but also quite spacious, offering a sense of privacy. Many of these sites even boast a lush grassy cover. In the heart of it all, you’ll find a fantastic recreation area featuring an amphitheater, a children’s playground, volleyball/badminton courts, horseshoe pits, a ball diamond, and a basketball foul shooting court. There’s no shortage of fun here!
Group Camping: For those seeking group camping adventures, the park offers two excellent options. The first can accommodate groups ranging from 20 to 80 people, while the second is suitable for larger groups of 30 to 100 people. When reserving a group campsite, please note that a minimum of 20 people is required. You’ll find the convenience of water taps and flush toilets nearby, ensuring a comfortable stay. Plus, these group sites are strategically located close to the beach and comfort stations, making your group camping experience both enjoyable and convenient.
Hiking, Biking & Paddling
Hiking
Ravine Creek Trail: 🌿 Length: 1 kilometer ⏱ Duration: Approximately 45 minutes 🌟 Difficulty: Easy
Discover the wonders of nature along the Ravine Creek Trail! This enchanting path winds its way through a picturesque ravine and charming woodlot. Along the way, you’ll find eleven informative stops that will help you unravel the secrets of our local geology, the diverse flora, and the fascinating fauna that call this place home. Don’t forget to pick up a self-guided brochure to make your journey even more enriching!
Beach Trail: 🌊 Length: 2 kilometers (round trip) ⏱ Duration: About 1 hour 🌟 Difficulty: Easy
Looking for some beachside bliss? The Beach Trail is just what you need! This delightful trail starts from the campground and leads you to the pristine beach. Along the way, you’ll come across a lookout point that offers breathtaking views of Lake Erie and the sandy shores below. Take a moment to soak in the beauty as you traverse a 20-meter bluff. It’s a scenic adventure that’s both refreshing and rewarding.
Biking
There a no dedicated bike trails.
Paddling
The fact that this park opens onto the waters of Lake Ontario makes it unsuitable for inexperienced paddlers.
Birding
Port Burwell offers one of the most delightful experiences along the Lake Erie shoreline for those interested in spring and fall migration. Visitors will find that the fall migration of hawks, vultures, and eagles is particularly captivating. Additionally, the park provides the perfect opportunity to witness the enchanting journey of Monarch Butterflies, Blue Jays, and dragonflies during their migrations.
In spring, more than 85 species of migratory birds have been observed in this area, and our bird checklist boasts an impressive 232 species. Lake Erie, though a formidable natural barrier, serves as a unique spectacle, concentrating the flow of migrating birds along the shoreline during both the spring and fall seasons.
For bird enthusiasts, Port Burwell is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. It holds a central location between the renowned birding hotspots of Long Point, Rondeau, and Point Pelee, ensuring both the quantity and quality of birding opportunities are excellent.