Earl Rowe Provincial Park is a visually stunning park located in the middle of south-central Ontario countryside. With its luscious greenery, vast lakes, and scenic valleys created by Boyne River, Earl Rowe is a perfect site to visit for camping and hiking.
Established in 1964, Earl Rowe Provincial Park has 400 campsites, 163 of which are electrical. It covers 312 hectares in the Township of Tosorontio. The park has a Visitor Centre, picnic shelter, boat launch, and canoe and paddle rentals that can be purchased at Park Store. There are two large sandy beaches to go swimming in, or you could use the acre swimming pool for a small fee. Earl Rowe Provincial Park is open from May to mid-October.
Earl Rowe Provincial Park is located along Highway 89, 2 kilometres west of New Tecumseth. The park consists of two RV campgrounds, Riverside and Westside Campground. With its excellent campsites and lakes, Earl Rowe is an incredible place for RV and group camping.
Camping
Earl Rowe is at an exceptional location that is close enough to the urban area, but also secluded enough to provide you a nature setting. It has five campsites, and six different hiking trials that range from 0.5 kilometres to 11 kilometres long. During summertime, these campgrounds get quite crowded, and many campers come in RVs.
Riverside Campground is open from May to October. The four camping areas, Heydon Way, Salmon Run, Rabbit Loop, and Blue Heron provide different camping options. Salmon Run and Rabbit Loop are non-electrical sites, for tents only.
Westside Campground is only open during peak season from June to September. Its four camping areas are Fletcher’s Field, Boyne Meadow, Trillium Woods, and Meadowbrook. These campsites can accommodate equipment ranging from tents to RVs. Facilities like the Resource Centre, boat rentals, swimming, and the Park Store are located conveniently at a short distance. Car camping is available at both Westside and Riverside campgrounds.
Heydon Way camping area features 84 campsites available for tents and RVs. Most campsites are available for reservation. Amenities included here are showers, laundry facilities, vault toilets, water taps, and playground.
Campsites at Fletcher’s Field are electrical, including both tents and RVs. With picnic tables, playground, telephone, amphitheater and parking lots, Fletcher Field has several facilities that offer an easier and pleasant camping experience.
Meadowbrook Camping Area features 42 campsites for both tents and RVs. However, there are no RV hookups. There are two campsites available on first-come first-serve basis, and the rest are open for reservation.
Group camping is available in three non-electrical campsites to accommodate groups from 25 to 100 people. Amenities include comfort station, water taps, laundry facilities located in Heydon Way or Westside Campground.
Hiking
Earl Rowe Park features great hiking trials. Riverside Campground Trail connects both sides of the park, allowing you to experience everything there is to see. Fletcher’s Mill Pond Trail and Little Trail are wonderful trails that take you around the surrounding lakes, and other water bodies including fish ladder and dam.
Rainbow Run Trail is an 11 kilometre trail that takes you around the park to areas like fishing spots, Park Store, Resource Centre, and the swimming pool.
Lookout Trail is a 4 kilometre trail where you can take in the breathtaking view of Earl Rowe and the surrounding lakes.
Resource Trail goes on for 1.5 kilometres and allows you to learn about the natural resources of the park.
Seasonal Activities
With its rivers and wetlands, the park offers you spectacular views and enjoyable wildlife viewing opportunities. Earl Rowe Park has over 100 species of birds, including ruby-throated hummingbird, yellow warbler and purple finch. Other wildlife species commonly seen include rabbits, frogs, squirrels, turtles, beaver, and fox.
The Park Store is a great resource to fulfil your grocery needs, camping supplies, sundry items, Ontario Parks souvenir merchandise and rental items. Other facilities included at the park are comfort stations, picnic shelters, amphitheater, boat launch, fish cleaning station, canoe rentals, swimming pool, and the playground.
Earl Rowe Park offers great picnicking opportunities. Picnic tables are located throughout the park and can be reserved or rented. Campers can share a wonderful meal while viewing the beautiful setting of lakes, forestry, and the campsites.
Contributing Authors: Sharmeen Abedi
