Big Bend Conservation Area
PROVINCEWIDE SHUTDOWN
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, a one month long provincewide shutdown is in effect as of Saturday, April 3, at 12:01 a.m. To find out what this means please go to this link:
PROVINCEWIDE STAY-AT-HOME ORDER Effective Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., requiring everyone to remain at home except for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services (including getting vaccinated), for outdoor exercise , or for work that cannot be done remotely. The Stay-at-home order will last for at least 28 days, which is until May 6.
OUR CONSERVATION AREAS REMAIN OPEN FOR DAY USE TO THE PUBLIC WITH LIMITED SERVICES/FACILITIES
Outdoor social gatherings must comply with public health advice on physical distancing of at least 2 metres and have no more than 5 people. Masks are recommended.
- 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 5 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
CAMPGROUNDS will open and operate according to current Health Unit and Provincial Government COVID-19 safety guidelines. For further information please contact: bigbend@ltvca.ca or call: (519) 264-1500
Camping reservations open for the 2021 season on March 1, 2021 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
Chatham-Kent and Lambton Children's Water Festival
Canadian Heritage Rivers
A member of