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Earl Rowe
Overview
Earl Rowe Provincial Park offers a quintessential Ontario camping experience just a short drive from the Greater Toronto Area. Established in the mid-1960s, this expansive park is centered around a man-made reservoir created by the damming of the Boyne River. It provides a refreshing blend of open meadow landscapes and shaded woodlots, making it a versatile destination for RVers seeking both sun and shelter. The park serves as a vital green corridor in the Alliston region, offering a spacious retreat for those looking to reconnect with nature without venturing too far from urban conveniences.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just west of Alliston, ON, the park is nestled within the scenic Nottawasaga Valley. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rolling hills and rich agricultural land, providing a quiet, pastoral backdrop for your stay. Its proximity to Highway 400 makes it incredibly accessible for travelers heading north or exploring the Simcoe County area. The park's layout is divided into several distinct campgrounds, such as Riverside and Heydon Shore, each offering a unique perspective of the local flora and fauna while maintaining a sense of privacy between sites.
Amenities & Park Features
RVers will find plenty of space here, with hundreds of campsites that can accommodate various rig sizes. While the park focuses on a natural experience, many sites offer 30-amp electrical service to keep your coach powered. One of the most unique features is the acre-sized swimming pool, which provides a supervised alternative to the park’s two reservoir beaches. Standard amenities include well-maintained comfort stations with laundry facilities and showers, as well as a park store for essentials and wood. A sanitation station is conveniently located for RVers to manage their tanks before departure.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor recreation is the primary draw at Earl Rowe. The park features an extensive trail system, including the popular 11-kilometer loop that circles the entire reservoir and offers views of the fish ladder. In the nearby town of Alliston, visitors can explore local boutiques or visit the Gibson Centre for Arts and Culture. For those willing to drive a bit further, the rolling landscapes of the Oak Ridges Moraine provide additional hiking and photography opportunities. During the autumn months, the park is a premier spot for observing the annual salmon run as fish navigate the Boyne River.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal fit for family travelers who appreciate structured activities and safe swimming environments. Because of the generous size of the campsites and the variety of loops, it also suits social groups and those traveling in larger motorhomes or travel trailers. It is best for RVers who prefer a natural provincial park setting over a private resort, valuing large sites and quiet evenings over high-speed internet or full sewer connections. It is a perfect choice for those seeking a weekend escape or a convenient base camp for exploring Simcoe County.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Kirk Holz
I’ve gone camping here twice in the last 14 months (Sep 2023 and June 2024) with my child as well as my father and other family. It’s is a good campground with sites that have power as well as those without (I’ve had both, though never needed the electricity). The beach is nice and there are often many birds to see on the water. The hiking trails were also very good (and my father was able to traverse them well with his hiking poles - including the lookout trail). There are playgrounds, showers, flush toilets, and vaults at the site. The camp shop (when it’s available) has anything one might have forgotten and there is firewood that can be bought. The only note for some of the trails is that one should make sure they bring tick spray. While I did not see any ticks, there are signs warning of areas where they are known to be. My apologies for not having more photos of the trails (they’re mostly photos with people in them)
Jan I.
We had such a great time at this campsite! The whole place was clean, and the washrooms were well-lit and well-maintained.The ground was nice and flat, which made pitching the tent so easy, no awkward lumps or bumps to deal with! It was nice and quiet after 11 pm, so we could just relax and enjoy the night. Each campfire pit had a built-in grill, so you don’t have to bring your own. Plus, there were enough trees between the sites for plenty of privacy. Definitely recommend this spot for a peaceful getaway!
Andy Fyon
Stayed in the northern campsite area. Private campsites. Clean. Access to fallow field area which is nice to watch sunrise and sunsets. Registration staff was friendly and efficient. Traffic noise from local highways is quiet at night. We prefer the forest campsites compared to the riverside campsites because it is more natural. Comfort station was clean. Dump station and fresh water stations were working and clean.
trevor guiden
We had a spectacular weekend camping here. They are pet friendly so our friends dog was able to join us. The additional wood and ice were reasonably priced. The hike to the lookout helped us burn off the big breakfast we had. Afterward, we took a shower where the water was warm and the pressure was solid. We have already started planning our next visit
A L
Earl Rowe park was recommended by the parking officer at Mono Park. It is a provincial park. There are a lot of different parking areas depends where and which trail you want to go. We parked and went on the lookout trail. We found the site not very clear. The sign was nailed on a wood log in the intersection. We couldn’t tell the direction to right or left as the sign arrow points to the going straight. The trail is pretty we see the fall color. They are very nice for pictures. There are up hill slopes to the lookout point. For me, it was disappointing. It is just a flat area with a couple of benches. It is a nice area if for picnic though. The campground is well equipped with washroom and shower rooms. Filing station potable water and sewage dumping station for trailers. Love the beach area. I will come back in summer to see how the beach is.