Regulations and Guidelines

Grand River Conservation Areas are special places where people can connect with the outdoors. Many of these areas have important natural heritage features, as well. Because these are unique places, they require unique rules to protect them and their visitors alike.

Our camping regulations and guidelines for visitors are outlined in the sections below. Campers can also check our Camping Reservation Policy.

  • A total alcohol and cannabis ban prohibits the use or consumption of alcohol and cannabis in the conservation areas at all times. Please visit our camping reservation policy page for specific alcohol and cannabis ban dates for each location or check each conservation area page.  
  • When a total ban is not in effect, alcohol may be consumed on a registered campsite only, or according to a Special Occasions Permit at a designated area.
  • Smoking cannabis or tobacco, or vaping, is not permitted in designated swimming areas such as pools, splash pads or on the sand portion of beaches.
  • Smoking cannabis or tobacco, or vaping, is not permitted within 9 metres of any building or 20 metres of a playground.

  • Quiet hours are in effect from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. daily.
  • Excessive noise is not permitted. Please note that audio devices may not be used in radio-free areas at any time.
  • Firearms including air, spring, archery or slingshot equipment are not permitted in the conservation areas outside of designated hunting areas.
  • Fireworks are not permitted in the conservation area.
  • Physical or verbal abuse of conservation area staff or visitors will not be tolerated and may result in criminal charges and/or conditions prohibiting conservation area use.

  • Dogs must be secured on leashes no longer than 2 metres in length at all times.
  • Dogs may not make excessive noise or disturb other visitors.
  • Dogs are not permitted in designated swimming areas including pools, splash pads or on the sand portion of beaches.
  • Stoop and scoop! Please clean up after your dog.

  • All visitors must pay the appropriate fees to enter.
  • Check our conservation area and activity status page for day use visiting hours. 
  • A valid camping permit must be displayed at the campsite. It expires at 12:00 p.m. on the day of departure.
  • No more than two sleeping units and six people are permitted on a campsite.
  • All overnight vehicles must display a valid permit. Additional vehicles over the maximum number permitted on a campsite must use the overflow parking areas.
  • Campsite guests not registered to a campsite may visit during day use hours only.
  • Place garbage and recyclables in provided bins and keep campsites clean.
  • The use of power generators is prohibited.
  • Visit our camping reservation policy page for more information on camping regulations. 

  • Fires are permitted in designated areas only and must be attended to at all times. Fire bans may be enacted at any time. To learn if a fire ban is in effect, ask conservation area staff or check our service disruptions page. 
  • Open fires are not permitted in day use areas. Burning wooden pallets (i.e.: skids), chemically-treated lumber, and lumber with nails is not permitted.
  • Please do not cut, remove, or break branches from trees and shrubs.
  • For water safety tips, including safety around GRCA dams, visit our water safety page.

  • Motorized vehicles are permitted on designated roadways only. Drivers must obey the laws of the Highway Traffic Act.
  • The vehicle speed limit is 25 km/h, unless otherwise posted.
  • The use of ATVs, golf carts, dirt bikes and/or snowmobiles is not permitted.
  • The personal and recreational use of drones (RPAS) is not permitted. Occasionally drones (RPAS) may be noticed in the conservation area, however, their use is regulated and governed by an access or event agreement with GRCA. If you have any questions about drone (RPAS) usage during your visit, please inquire at the gatehouse. If the gatehouse is closed upon your arrival, please contact the park's Superintendent for more information. 
  • Bicycles are not permitted on trails, unless otherwise posted.

For a full list of regulations, consult the Conservation Authorities Act (R.R.O. 1990, REGULATION 106), or ask conservation area staff. As well, additional federal, provincial and municipal regulations may apply. Please note regulations are in place for the safety and enjoyment of all, and to help protect our outdoor spaces. Failure to comply may result in fines and/or eviction without refund.

Contact Us

Grand River Conservation Authority
400 Clyde Road, PO Box 729
Cambridge, ON
N1R 5W6
Phone: 519-621-2761
Toll Free: 1-866-900-4722
grca@grandriver.ca