Big Bend Conservation Area

OUR CONSERVATION AREAS REMAIN OPEN FOR DAY USE TO THE PUBLIC WITH LIMITED SERVICES/FACILITIES:

We are currently in the Orange-Restrict level of Ontario’s COVID-19 Response Framework.

Gathering limits for organized public and private events and social gatherings held in private residences, backyards, or parks:
– 10 people indoors
– 25 people outdoors

• TRAIL ETIQUETTE:
  – schedule your trail use to avoid times of high use, conservation areas are generally open from 9 a.m. until sunset 7 days a week.
  – maintain your social distance of minimum 2 metres
  – no group interaction
  – maximum outdoor social gatherings 25 people
  – single file activity only
  – wear a mask outdoors if you cannot social distance 2 metres
  – when passing people, step as far to the side as possible and pass on the left
  – expect and respect other users
  – keep all pets on a leash and pick up after your pet
  – remove all your litter and pet litter from the conservation area – there are no garbage cans on site
  – abide by all Conservation Area Regulations

ALL PUBLIC WASHROOMS IN CONSERVATION AREAS ARE CLOSED:
Please note that our public washrooms at Longwoods Road, Big Bend, C.M. Wilson and Sharon Creek Conservation Areas are NOT currently open.

THERE IS NO DRINKING WATER 

SEE CAMPGROUND OPENING UPDATE – ISSUED JULY 15, 2020

LTVCA – Partial Opening of Campgrounds – LTVCA seasonal (trailer) campgrounds to remain closed May Long Weekend partially opening on May 22, 2020

On May 14, 2020 Premier Ford announced provincial guidance regarding the first phase of opening seasonal campgrounds. The press release allows “…, private parks, campgrounds, marinas, golf courses and businesses that board animals may allow boarders to visit, care or, or ride their animals beginning Saturday.”

The LTVCA is currently working to be well-positioned to follow public health advice to maintain physical distancing, implement workplace safety guidance and limit gatherings in our seasonal campgrounds. At the earliest, LTVCA seasonal campgrounds (C.M. Wilson and Big Bend Conservation Areas) will be opened to allow campers to visit and care for trailers starting on Friday, May 22, 2020.  Overnight and recreational use of campgrounds will not be permitted. Washrooms, laundry facilities, dumping stations and recreational facilities will not be open.

The LTVCA will be following instructions provided by the government of Canada, Province of Ontario and local officials regarding opening campgrounds as we continue to address this pandemic.

Payment for seasonal camping can be made by sending an email request to admin@ltvca.ca. Payment will be arranged through electronic means. Should the camping season be further reduced, accommodations will be made or proportional refunds will be provided to campers. Please note, do not send credit card information to the LTVCA by email,

When this first phase of camping proceeds, campers will be required to practice social distancing and follow rules set out by the LTVCA to address the spread of COVID-19.

For further information please contact: bigbend@ltvca.ca or call: (519) 264-1500

Camping reservations open for the 2020 season on March 2, 2020 at 9:00 am.

Boat launch not open at this time.  Please check back frequently for updates. 

LTVCA Conservation Area Regulations

LTVCA Conservation Area and Camping Rules

Features
An archaeological site located here was shared by hunting and gathering Native people over 3,000 years ago.

Also located here are a boat launch (access closed December to spring) to the Thames River which is a Canadian Heritage River, Memorial Forest, picnic shelter with tables and open space for sports and games.  Areas for hiking, and fishing for yellow perch and pickerel.

Group and Family Camping:  Campground open Victoria Day to Thanksgiving.  No reservations are necessary, but fees are collected on a regular basis.  River access sites are now available for those wanting a back country feel, with great views of the historic Thames River. For camping fees click here.  There are approximately 26 sites – 6 with hydro and water and 4 with hydro, and the rest are unserviced.  Campsites and a serviced washroom building with showers are open Victoria Day Weekend in May to mid-October.  There is NO dumping station.

The park is open for day use from 8 a.m. to sunset year-round.

Boat Ramp Access Closed December – Spring

For information contact bigbend@ltvca.ca or call 519-264-1500.

Enforcement:

Area closed for day use after dark

Patrols are made by LTVCA and Municipal Enforcement Unit staff (MEU) on a regular basis

These fees help us maintain the Conservation Area and provide upgrades to facilities

LTVCA administration office phone (519) 354-7310 or ltvca.ca

Download brochure for Big Bend Conservation Area

This 16 hectare property was acquired by the Lower Thames Conservation Authority in 1964. Immediately north of the conservation area, a 20 hectare field also owned by the LTVCA, is leased out on an annual basis as agricultural land.

Check out this video clip of Big Bend Conservation Area.  

No Hunting. 

Conservation Areas are NOT off-leash dog parks. ALL DOGS AND PETS MUST BE LEASHED. UNLEASHED PETS ARE A FINEABLE OFFENCE. CLEAN-UP AFTER YOUR PET! Section 10.-(2) and (3) Under the Conservation Authorities Act.

Directions
The address for Big Bend Conservation Area is 21239 Big Bend Road. It is located on the Thames River, just east of the Village of Wardsville, in the Municipality of Southwest Middlesex. Follow Middlesex County Road 2 east from Wardsville, and take Big Bend Road 3 km south.

Coordinates
Lat/Long 42.644, -81.705 UTM 442235, 4721535

General Inquiries: info@ltvca.ca

Natural Features
Yellow perch and pickerel are found in the Thames River. Big Bend is an effective use of floodplain lands along the Thames River. Carolinian Life Zone tree species are found here along one of the largest meanders of the Thames River.

Address
21239 Big Bend Road
Southwest-Middlesex
Ontario


Canada

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