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Wildwood Conservation Area
Overview
Wildwood Conservation Area is a sprawling outdoor destination centered around a massive 3,500-acre reservoir in Southwestern Ontario. Managed by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, this park offers a serene escape for RVers who prioritize nature and recreation. The landscape is characterized by lush woodlots, open meadows, and the expansive water of Wildwood Lake, providing a perfect backdrop for a weekend getaway or an extended seasonal stay for those seeking a tranquil environment.
Location & Surroundings
Located just outside the historic town of St. Marys, ON, the park is easily accessible for travelers coming from London or Kitchener-Waterloo. The surrounding area is quintessential rural Ontario, featuring rolling farmlands and limestone architecture. The park’s proximity to the Thames River and its situation within the Upper Thames River watershed make it a critical ecological site as well as a premier destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the local countryside.
Amenities & Park Features
RV travelers will find over 400 campsites, many of which are equipped with electric and water hookups suitable for various rig sizes. The park provides several key features to enhance the camping experience:
- A dedicated boat launch and docks for easy water access.
- A large swimming beach with designated areas for family activities.
- Clean washroom facilities with modern showers and accessible laundry.
For land-based exploration, the 30-kilometer trail system is a major highlight, encircling the entire reservoir and providing scenic views of the water and surrounding forests.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Beyond the park boundaries, the town of St. Marys offers unique sites like the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and the famous St. Marys Quarry, a popular natural swimming hole. A short drive away is the city of Stratford, known worldwide for the Stratford Festival and its vibrant culinary scene. For those interested in local history, the town's stunning 19th-century limestone buildings provide a picturesque setting for an afternoon stroll or a quiet local meal after a day of hiking.
Who This Park Is Best For
Wildwood Conservation Area is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and active families who want more than just a place to park. It is a fantastic choice for birdwatchers and photographers due to the diverse wildlife population found within the conservation lands. Cyclists and hikers will appreciate the extensive trail network, while boaters and anglers will find the reservoir perfect for a day on the water. It is a peaceful, community-focused park that appeals to those seeking a balance of recreation and natural beauty.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Andrew Vincent
My son and I love visiting Wildwood Conservation Area for day use. We have an annual pass for Upper Thames Conservation Authority. In 2025 the annual pass (which also includes Fanshawe and Pittock) was $150. Peak Season (May to October) vehicle day passes are $16. Off Season (April and November) day passes are $10. I have hiked or cycled all the trails, the Lake Trail is 24km. My son and I enjoy fishing and swimming in the lake. There is a designated swimming area with beach access. There is camping, but we have not taken advantage of that. In the winter, there is no staf, no entry fee, and the parking lot is open and usually plowed. We snow shoe, hike, and ice fish.
Kelsey Lenti
Absolutely gorgeous park, the trails are exceptional with lots of interesting plants, wildlife, and mushrooms. We camped in one the back country sites, you can hike there or take a boat/kayak over. Clean campsite with firewood/fire pit, picnic table, and a clean portapotty. My only complaint is that you can still hear the highway even though you’re in a remote spot but there’s nothing to be done about that 🤷♀️ worth a visit just to hike!!
Will Scott
We went to WildWood for the first time this Labor Day weekend and had a great experience! The staff are nice and knowledgeable and it was great to get a map of the campground too. The trails are enchanting and marked to help out hikers with navigating them, the water and beach are beautiful, the pools have great lifeguards and are maintained well and all amenities are easy to get to and there is plenty of parking. They have a lot of activities for campers such as boating, rentals, volleyball and big fields for sports. They had fun events for the kids too! The only issues we had throughout the trip were that it was quite noisy late at night and not much staff to help negate this, though the bathrooms were kept quite clean, they need to be updated with new fixtures, the playgrounds need to be updated with newer equipment and it would be nice if the staff would be more diligent with keeping the campground and trails clean as there was quite a bit of litter. If these were addressed the trip would have been top notch. All in all though, it was a great trip! We are hoping to camp here again next year. Thank you!
Neil Enhaynes
Went here for a day paddle and it was great. The first part of the lake had motorboat activity but once you get past the bridge it’s quite nice. If you want the quieter waters you have to be willing to share with the motorboats for about an hour. Nice place to explore and spend the day that had an initial mix of campers and boaters but then eventual solitude.
Jan Derrick Fernandez
My visit to Wildwood Conservation Area was fantastic. The trails were well-marked and varied, perfect for both easy walks and challenging hikes. Camping was convenient with clean facilities and ample amenities. Fishing on the serene reservoir was a highlight, and the picnic areas were great for a break. Wildwood is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts; I spotted numerous birds and even a deer. The park staff were friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing the experience. Overall, it's an excellent spot for nature lovers seeking adventure and tranquility. Highly recommended!