4 pieces of information are required when booking a seasonal site . 1. Proof of Valid Photo ID 2. Proof of ownership of the trailer you wish to bring in 3. Proof of Insurance of your trailer/site belongings 4. Trailer Unit VIN number ​ -these four items will be confirmed by staff before booking is approved. Click below for a handy checklist! 2020 Seasonal Camper Checklist

There are three ways to reserve a campsite: Go through our online booking service Call toll free to reserve a campsite at Fanshawe, Wildwood or Pittock at 1-866-ONT-CAMP (1-866-668-2267) 8 am to 11 pm, 7 days a week. Come to the park (1424 Clarke Road, London) and book your stay at our registration office.

With the spread of invasive species such as the Asian Long-Horned Beetle and the Emerald Ash Borer threatening our forests, it is important to ensure that you are not transporting wood, and potentially relocating pests. The safest measure you can take is to purchase your firewood at the park's registration building. No skids, palettes, construction materials, manufactured materials are permitted.

During the campground operating season (May 1st to mid October) Fanshawe Conservation Area is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Customer service staff are available at the Gatehouse and can be reached at 519-951-6181 ext 357 for customer service or emergency related matters. Security staff are also always on site daily between the hours of 4 pm and 8 am. ​ Outside of the operating season, there are staff working daily, Monday to Friday, on site at the conservation area. For assistance at this time, staff can be reached by calling the conservation area office at 519-951-6181 ext 367. Please note that the park gates are locked daily when staff end their day and go home. On weekends, subject to staff availability, the gates remained locked.

Firewood, ice, ice cream, worms, and an automated bank machine are available at the Registration Office during posted hours.

While swimming is not permitted in the Fanshawe Reservoir, there is a swimming pool and splash pad available to campground users. The pool area is supervised by lifeguards from the YMCA to ensure that everyone is safe and having fun.

Quiet hours are from 11PM - 8AM daily.

No, all generators are prohibited

If you are camping you can come and go at any time after you have your permits - our front gate is open 24/7.

Yes, you can have guest, but everyone entering the Conservation Area has to pay the $15 entry fee.

Yes, there is a $15 fee per vehicle to come in the park and a $8 fee to come in if you are walking or biking

Fanshawe Conservation Area is open daily from dawn till dusk for day use .

Yes! You can bring your motor boat as long as the motor is LESS THAN 10hp or electric (an additional $15 boat day fee applies).

Yes, you can bring your own watercraft for day use (entry fee applies)

No. We only rent canoes and kayaks.

No, we do not permit swimming in Fanshawe Reservoir as Blue Green Algae is present.

Yes we rent canoes and kayaks and all the required equipment from our camping registration office, more details can be found on the canoe and kayak rental page - call ahead to ensure we are renting them, weather and staff permitting.

Yes, in the day use area we have outdoor BBQs that are first come first serve near the picnic shelters.

No, everyone entering the park has to have a season's pass or pay the daily fee, even if the seasons pass is lost - and we cannot look it up in the system.

Check out is at 12 PM noon

Yes, all water from taps in the park is drinkable unless posted otherwise. All electric sites have water service and there are also taps on the road near the non-electric sites.

At our registration office and front gate we sell ice, firewood, kindling, worms, and power adaptors.

Quiet hours are from 11PM - 8AM daily.

No, we don't rent any tents or camping gear - all gear has to be brought in.

No

We start taking reservations on February 1.

The longest you can stay consecutively is 21 days, if you are planning to stay longer than that contact our registration office.

If you are camping you can come and go at any time after you have your permits - our front gate is open 24/7.

The pool is only open to campers. Pools Hours Attached.

No, the site must be paid in full when it is booked in order for it to be held.

Yes, on any of our electrical sites or non-electric that are big enough you can bring a trailer.

No

Yes, in our registration office we have an ATM that is accessible when our registration office is open from 9-6 during the week and extended hour on weekends.

The pavilions are available during the Fanshawe CA operating season, which is from May 1st to the middle of October. We accept bookings up to one calendar year ahead of the current year. ​

Watson Porter Pavilion – Maximum occupancy is 150 people (seating is at tables and chairs). Please note this figure is set by the Fire Marshall and cannot be exceeded at any time. Everyone must be counted including children, caterers, photographer, DJ, etc. Lakeview Pavilion – Sixty people can be comfortably seated (seating is at picnic tables).

You may book your wedding for any day of the week (upon availability), keeping in mind that we require a 2 day rental (set up on day one, wedding and clean up on day two).

2 days access to the pavilion, from 10 am to 1 am each day, with the first day being used for set up and, if you wish, a rehearsal party Admission for you, your decorators, guests and caterers Tables & chairs (Watson Porter Pavilion) or picnic tables (Lakeview Pavilion) If available, the pavilion can also be rented for the day after your wedding for clean up, for an additional fee

Currently, we do not require insurance. However, we highly recommend that you obtain your own insurance to cover any unforeseen situations that may result in a lawsuit.

Yes, as long as you follow the requirements of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario: You will need to obtain the correct Special Occasion Permit (SOP) from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission using the iAGCO online portal. For a private event, you must apply a minimum of 10 days in advance. Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario You must hire or designate a SmartServe-accredited server who will not be consuming alcohol during the event and who will be present as long as alcohol is available. Wine may be distributed to tables; all other alcohol must be served one drink at a time. The SOP and the SmartServe certificate must be displayed throughout your event, and copies of both documents must be provided to Conservation Area staff in advance. Please note: kegs are not permitted.

Please limit alcohol service and consumption to inside the building. Serving or consuming alcohol outside of the pavilion (including on the patio) is prohibited and will void the Special Occasion Permit.

We do not have on-site catering; you may use any caterer you wish. We DO require three weeks’ notice of all your vendors to ensure that only authorized vendors are permitted access to your wedding.

Yes, but please be aware that the kitchen areas at the Watson Porter Pavilion and at the Lakeview Pavilion are intended for serving previously prepared food – they are not suitable for cooking. You must provide all of your own serving utensils, dishes, linens, etc. You are permitted to bring in your own BBQ to use at either pavilion.

Yes! You can hold a rehearsal and/or dinner during your set up time on the day/evening before your wedding.

Watson Porter Pavilion: Tables and chairs are available for up to 150 people: Indoors: 150 chairs for indoor use only; 20 round tables (60” diameter), 6 rectangular tables (6’ long x 30” wide), 3 rectangular tables (8’ long x 30” wide) Outdoors: 150 white, stackable, patio-style chairs can be used for an outdoor ceremony; picnic tables are available for additional outdoor seating Tables and chairs (except for the picnic tables) are stored in the pavilion storage room for you to set up as desired, and must be returned to the storage room after your wedding. Rental tables and chairs are not permitted. Lakeview Pavilion: Picnic tables are available inside and out; we do not have other tables and chairs for this venue. If you move picnic tables from inside to use outdoors, you are responsible for moving them back inside at the end of the evening as part of your clean up. Rental tables and chairs are not permitted.

Watson Porter Pavilion - A gathering of 100 or fewer can generally be set up with space left for a dance floor; larger parties may need to move or remove tables to make space for dancing. Lakeview Pavilion – Space inside is more limited and, depending on your numbers, you may need to move picnic tables after dinner to make room for a dance floor. The outside patio can easily be set up to accommodate a dance floor without moving tables around after dinner. Please designate people to move tables and chairs as needed, as staff assistance is not provided to move furniture during a wedding.

Watson Porter Pavilion - There are no electrical outlets on or near the patio area but there is an outside outlet on the corner of the pavilion closest to the parking lot. Lakeview Pavilion - There is an outlet on the upper pergola and access to inside outlets. We recommend you use outdoor extension cords. ​

If you need to check something out that does not require you to be let inside the pavilion, you can visit the outdoor space at any time during daylight hours. If you need to access the pavilion, please contact us to set up an appointment. Please note that staff may not always be available, depending on activities elsewhere in the conservation area. We appreciate your understanding! Be prepared to show your licence agreement to front gate staff for proof of a booking or else pay the admission fee to enter the conservation area. Vendors, friends and family members need to be accompanied by the bride or groom to view the premises unless prior special permission is arranged.

Yes, with the following restrictions: Indoors: Candles must be in glass containers taller than the level of the flame (e.g., votive or hurricane holder) and/or placed in the hearth of the fireplace. Citronella candles may not be used indoors. Outdoors: Only tealight candles may be used (citronella or regular). Candles must be in glass containers at least 3” taller than the level of the flame (e.g., votive holder or mason jar). Candles must not be left unattended; in such areas, we suggest using battery-operated “candles.”

Please consider the following when planning your decor: We do not provide staff assistance with decorating. All decorating must be done without damaging the buildings or natural surroundings – for instance, no holes may be made in indoor or outdoor structures including walls, posts, railings or trees. We suggest you tie, wire or tape decorations in a non-permanent manner. No existing conservation area trees, bushes or other plant matter may be cut down or removed; any property grooming will be conducted by UTRCA staff only. Decorations must not be placed higher than the top of the window frames. Decorations must not block or impede access to emergency lights, fire extinguishers and exits, and must not be hung from light fixtures, screens or other components that may become heated. Please provide your own ladders (maximum 10 ft) for decorating. The following restrictions help to prevent accidentally introducing invasive insects, diseases or plants into our conservation area. If you are uncertain, please call us before acquiring the items. Fresh plants/flowers/wood may be used for decorating indoors and for bouquets, as long as they are transported directly into and out of the building and not disposed of on the property. Outdoor decorations may NOT include the following: No fresh or untreated wood that may carry insects (e.g. firewood, cut logs), No seeds, plants, grasses or trees that are not native to the conservation area (e.g., Norway maple branches or keys, purple loosestrife flowers, ornamental grasses, hay or straw bales).

Confetti is not allowed in the conservation area. Alternatively, some varieties of fresh or dried flower petals may be permitted with advance permission. No seeds, grains, paper or other matter may be used.

No, wood burning fires are not allowed in the fireplaces. Candles may be placed in the fireplaces (see above

No, fires are not allowed in the day use area of the conservation area except for the use of BBQs for the purpose of cooking.

No, fireworks are not permitted on the property. Similarly, floating paper lanterns and tiki-torches are not permitted as they pose a fire risk. ​

The pavilions are not equipped with sound systems but you may provide your own music and equipment, as long as you keep the volume at a reasonable level. Live music is permitted with consideration of noise levels. Music is also permitted outside of the pavilions as long as you’re being respectful of other people who may be enjoying the conservation area. At any time, we reserve the right to ask you to turn the music down, move inside the pavilion, or stop the music if we feel it is creating a disturbance for other patrons.

The pavilion will be cleaned prior to your event, including floors, washrooms and kitchen area. The washrooms will be restocked with toilet paper and extra garbage bags will be left in the kitchen. The outdoor area is cleaned on an as-needed basis. Our natural spaces should be considered “as is” – Fanshawe Conservation Area is first and foremost a nature conservation area, so you can anticipate the usual array of bugs, spider webs and dirt of varying kinds. Our staff will cut the grass surrounding the pavilion prior to your wedding; we do not permit you to cut additional areas on your own.

The venue should be left in as-received condition; however, you are not required to sweep or mop. If the kitchen is used it should be wiped down/tidied and garbage/recycling bagged and placed near the door. Tables and chairs must be returned to their designated storage or as they were found. All decorations, personal belongings and rental items must be removed from the indoor and outdoor spaces by the end of the clean-up time. The clean-up time begins immediately after the wedding unless you have rented the pavilion the next day for clean-up. If necessary, costs to clean heavy soil, remove any of your decorations/belongings or repair damage caused during your wedding will be retained from your security/cleaning deposit.

The pavilions are not heated or air conditioned. The Watson Porter Pavilion is equipped with ceiling fans, and doors on both sides may be opened for cross-ventilation. The pavilion has overhead fluorescent lighting and is not on dimmers. The Lakeview Pavilion has large screened windows on one side of the building and a door on the other that may allow for some cross ventilation. Fans or space heaters are permitted at both pavilions.

The entire conservation area is "smoke free" except in designated areas located around the park. Please advise your guests on the appropriate locations to butt out!

Admission fees to the conservation area for the duration of your wedding are included with your venue rental.

Yes, several local taxi companies service the area, as well as Designated Driving Services. We recommend that you provide your guests with information for these services in advance of your wedding day and encourage them to use them.

We prefer that vehicles are not left overnight on the property; however, if necessary we permit it at the risk of the vehicle owner. The UTRCA will not be held responsible for any theft or damage done to a vehicle while parked on the property. Vehicles remaining overnight must be left outside of the pavilion parking lot. Vehicle owners wishing to do this must provide their contact information and licence plate number to UTRCA staff before departing the property, as unauthorized overnight parking is not permitted and tickets may be issued. ​

There are a number of hotels within a 10-20 minute drive.

Yes, the campground is conveniently located on the property. Camping reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance of the wedding, starting in February each year. Reservations are not always required but are recommended especially on long weekends and for electric sites on any weekend during the busy summer months. Quiet hours apply to all campers in the campground. Camping is not permitted in the day use area at any time.

Only the booked areas are reserved for your exclusive use; however, you may take photos in any part of the day use area that is not booked by another group. Please be aware of natural hazards and take precautions, especially around water. A separate booking with staff at the Fanshawe Pioneer Village is required to take photos inside the village.

Fanshawe Conservation Area is open to the public from dawn to dusk every day of the week in our operating season. You are welcome to visit the conservation area with your photographer at any time, and simply pay the per vehicle day rate at the gatehouse. Please keep in mind that the campground is off limits for photos and other areas of the park may be restricted at our discretion, based on current use. A separate booking with staff at the Fanshawe Pioneer Village is required to take photos inside the village.

You may rent a canoe from the campground registration office upon availability on a first come, first served basis, keeping in mind that all rules and regulations will apply. You may also bring your own non-motorized watercraft for photos. Use is at your own risk. PFDs must be present in the boat. ​

Pets are permitted at Fanshawe CA, providing they are on leash at all times and cleaned up after. You must be in control of your pet at all times.

No, horses are not permitted in the Conservation Area.

The pavilions are not open to the public but the conservation area property is open to the public for recreational use from dawn to dusk. The day use area is quite large and people generally respect the wedding groups and keep away from the pavilion areas. You can certainly contact the staff at the front gate if you encounter any problems and a staff member will come by and take care of the situation. Areas of the property not adjacent to those which you have booked may be booked by other groups for concurrent times. ​

Please don’t hesitate to ask! Contact us at 519-951-6181 x367 or kytem@thamesriver.on.ca