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  • Maitland Valley CA Home
  • About Falls Reserve CA
  • Fees
  • Camping
  • Reservations
  • Day Use & Activities

Falls Reserve Conservation Area

About the Park

Set along the scenic Maitland River, just minutes from Goderich, Falls Reserve is a 230-acre natural outdoor playground. The Conservation Area offers terrific camping experiences, a perfect combination of great family camping in a beautiful natural setting.

Falls Reserve is nearly enclosed by the winding Maitland River. Over thousands of years the river has carved its way through rock, leaving behind a rugged river valley. Wide and shallow, the river cascades over a series of low waterfalls as it flows around the park creating a unique and exciting swimming area for visitors.

The steep slopes of the river valley, particularly from Auburn to Goderich, are well vegetated and provide important wildlife habitat. Some of the Eastern White Cedar trees that cling to the exposed limestone cliffs are over 300 years old. This is likely the only old growth forest remaining in the Maitland watershed.

The lower Maitland River valley is also home to various plant species typically found in the more southern Carolinian zone. Some of these species include Butternut Hickory, Sycamore and Summer Grape. The area is also an important migratory bird route and a terrific spot for bird watching in spring and fall. Watch for Bald Eagles soaring over the Maitland River.

Before visiting Falls Reserve we encourage you to review the Park Regulations.

Click here to view the park map
scenic Falls and blue sky with clouds2024

Hours of Operation

Falls Reserve will close for camping on October 12, 2026 at noon. No camping is permitted during the closed camping season.

Day use is permitted for hiking trails and river access during the campground closed season; all other activities are prohibited. Daily vehicle entry is permitted subject to weather conditions, postings, or gate closures. Park washroom facilities are not operational during campground closed season.

Reminder: a day-use permit is required to access the park. Passes may be purchased:

  • at the gatehouse payment kiosk (no refunds on payment kiosk payments). Please display your receipt on your vehicle dashboard.
  • permit dropbox at the gatehouse or
  • by e-transfer

During the campground closed season, grounds and tree maintenance activities will take place on weekdays, Monday through Friday. For public safety, certain areas of the Conservation Area and park roadways may be temporarily closed to visitors.

Visitors must obey all posted signs and barricades on trails or roadways. Do not enter or travel beyond any barricades, gates, or closure notices.

Campground areas of the park are closed to public access during the campground closed season. Entry into and use of campground areas is prohibited throughout this period.


Camping Season Dates
The 2026 camping season closed on October 12th.

Make A Reservation


News

Seasonal Campsites at Falls Reserve Conservation Area

Falls Reserve Conservation Area offers 43 seasonal campsites on spacious, full-service lots. Each site includes:

  • 30-amp electrical service
  • Water and sewer hookups

Seasonal campsites are located in the Maple and Sycamore Campgrounds.

Availability:
Seasonal campsites are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

2027 Seasonal Sites – applications for 2027 seasonal campsites will be accepted starting September 20, 2026. Currently the following site is available:

Maple Campground: 138

Campers interested in a seasonal site for next year should provide a Seasonal Campsite Application to the Park Superintendent. Applications will be accepted on a first-come first- served basis starting September 20th.

2027 Seasonal Campsite Application

For more information, please contact the FRCA Superintendent:
đź“§ Email: jmoir@frca.on.ca
📞 Phone: 519-524-6429

 

Camping Season Ends October 12th

Falls Reserve is now closed for camping. No camping is permitted during the off season.

Day use is permitted for hiking trails and river access during the campground closed season; all other activities are prohibited. Daily vehicle entry is permitted subject to weather conditions, postings, or gate closures. Park washroom facilities are not operational during campground closed season.

Reminder: a day-use permit is required to access the park. Passes may be purchased:

  • at the gatehouse payment kiosk (no refunds on payment kiosk payments). Please display your receipt on your vehicle dashboard.
  • permit dropbox at the gatehouse or
  • by e-transfer

During the campground closed season, grounds and tree maintenance activities will take place on weekdays, Monday through Friday. For public safety, certain areas of the Conservation Area and park roadways may be temporarily closed to visitors.

Visitors must obey all posted signs and barricades on trails or roadways. Do not enter or travel beyond any barricades, gates, or closure notices.

Campground areas of the park are closed to public access during the campground closed season. Entry into and use of campground areas is prohibited throughout this period.

 


Pets

General Pet Information

  • Dogs and cats are welcome in the Conservation Area. They are the only permitted domestic animals allowed at Falls Reserve.
  • As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to prevent or stop nuisance pet behaviour from disturbing other visitors and to comply with all Conservation Area rules. Barking dogs disturb other Conservation Area guests. Dogs disturbing others with nuisance barking will be evicted from the Conservation Area.
  • Be considerate of other visitors. Some people are afraid of, or allergic to dogs. Even the most well-behaved dog or cat can frighten or injure another visitor. Don’t let your dog or cat approach anyone without their permission.

 

Pet Rules

  1. All pets are to be secured by a leash that is 2 metres (6 feet) or less at all times. A pet will be considered “at large” if it is off leash or is on a leash that is more than 2 metres (6 feet) in length.
  2. Make sure your pet stays on marked trails. This reduces the impact on natural habitats and protects wildlife.
  3. No person shall allow their pet to chase or harass wild animals or birds.
  4. No person shall allow their pet to injure, or attempt to injure, a person or other pet.
  5. No person shall allow their dog to bark excessively.
  6. No person shall allow their dog or cat to disturb others (excessive barking or whining, wandering “at large” around the campground, etc.).
  7. Only two pets are allowed per campsite.
  8. Pets shall not be left unattended at any time. This includes at the campsite, in a vehicle, trailer, tent or any other area in the Conservation Area.
  9. Pets are not allowed in park buildings including washroom or shower facilities.
  10. Pets are not permitted to swim or wade in the fishing pond.
  11. Clean up after your pet and only dispose of pet waste in trash receptacles.
  12. Pet owners shall provide adequate and appropriate care, food, water, shelter, exercise, attention and veterinary care as required to meet the pet’s needs.
  13. Any aggressive pet behaviour will result in immediate removal of the Conservation Area.

As a pet owner if you feel you cannot meet these pet rules, we ask that you leave your pet at home or at a boarding facility.


Contact Us

General Inquiries: falls@frca.on.ca

Gatehouse: 519-524-6429

Please note that gatehouse staff may not always be available during gatehouse hours. Please leave a voicemail message and we will return your call.

FRCA Park Patrol: 519-525-6315

Reservations: 519-524-6429 or toll free: 1-877-325-5722

FRCA Superintendent: jmoir@frca.on.ca or 519-524-6429

FRCA Assistant Superintendent: bskinn@frca.on.ca or 519-524-6429


Falls Reserve Conservation Area is located at
80900 Falls Reserve Line in Benmiller.

Click here for Directions

 

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