Camping Rules and Regulations

Camping Rules and Regulations

  • Camping Permits/Agreements are not transferable.
  • Person named as the Camping Permit/Agreement holder must occupy the campsite designated in the permit.
  • Person named as the Camping Permit/Agreement holder is responsible for the conduct of any person(s) occupying the site, including registered occupants, day visitors or overnight guests.
  • Minors (person under 19 years of age) are not permitted to stay overnight unless accompanied by an adult.
  • Check-in time is 2:00pm of the scheduled arrival date, as designated on the permit. Check-out time is 12:00 p.m. noon of the scheduled departure date, as designated on the permit.
  • The permit holder shall, no later than the check-out time on the departure day set out in the permit, vacate the campsite and remove all shelter equipment and other personal property from the campsite.
  • A maximum of six people or a greater number of persons if they are a single family of one or more parents and their children, to occupy a campsite, unless a designated group campsite.
  • A maximum of up to three pieces of shelter equipment plus one dining shelter and a tarp is permitted on a campsite. A maximum of one piece of shelter equipment can be a tent trailer, house trailer, motor home, or self propelled camping unit.
  • A Camping Permit allows for one motor vehicle or no more than two motorcycles to park at the campsite designated in the permit.
  • One additional motor vehicle is permitted overnight at a campsite with the purchase of an Additional Vehicle Permit.
  • Any additional vehicle(s) beyond the allowable limit on a campsite, must be parked in a designated parking area designated (may be subject to applicable fees).
  • Campsites must remain in a clean and sanitary condition at all times.
  • Please return the campsite to its natural condition before you check-out.
  • Possession and consumption of illegal drugs is not permitted.
  • Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages is restricted to campsites. Please drink responsibly.
  • Campfires are only permitted from 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. midnight unless being used for warmth or cooking food.
  • Campfires are only allowed in the firepit provided at the campsite and must maintain appropriate fire distance from other combustibles.
  • Campfires must be no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet (1 metre by 1 metre) in diameter.
  • Campfires must not be left unattended.
  • Campfires must be completely extinguished before leaving the campsite.
  • Starting or maintaining a fire is not permitted if the Campground has posted a notice indicating that there is a fire hazard in the area.
  • Campfires are subject to further restrictions or prohibitions as required by local burning bylaws.
  • All garbage, recyclable materials, and grey water or sewage must be deposited at designated disposal areas.
  • Use of sound systems, media devices, and other loud/amplified equipment is not permitted after 10:00 p.m.
  • Quiet time is in effect from 12:00 a.m. midnight until 8:00 a.m. 
  • No excessive noise is permitted at any time.
  • Campground visitors must leave the campground by 10:00 p.m.
  • Campground visitors must park their vehicle in a designated parking area (if spaces are maximized at the campsite).
  • Domestic animals, other than a dog or cat, are not permitted in the Campground.
  • No person who owns or controls a domestic animal shall, in a Campground, permit the animal to
    1. make excessive noise or disturb other persons;
    2. enter water designated for wading, bathing or swimming or be on the beach adjacent to that water;
    3. enter any waters adjacent to campsites where campers would obtain water for cooking or consumption;
    4. be at large;
    5. damage Campground property or vegetation;
    6. chase or harass wild animals or birds; or
    7. injure, or attempt to injure, a person or other domestic animal.
  • Clauses (b), (c) and (d) from the previous section do not apply to a person who is a holder of a National Identity Card issued by the Canadian Institute for the Blind or equivalent proof of legal blindness or to any other person with a disability as defined in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
  • A maximum of two domestic animals (regardless of size) are permitted on a campsite.
  • Animals are not permitted to enter washrooms, gatehouse building, or any other place as posted.
    • This clause does not apply to a person who is a holder of a National Identity Card issued by the Canadian Institute for the Blind or equivalent proof of legal blindness or to any other person with a disability as defined in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
  • The person in control of a domestic animal shall immediately dispose of excrement from the animal in such manner and at such location that it will not cause a health hazard or public inconvenience. Please clean up after your pets.
  • Motor vehicles must not exceed 20 km/h or the speed posted by an authority as the permitted maximum, whichever is higher.
  • No person shall, in the Campground,
    1. deface, remove or damage any property;
    2. cut, remove, injure or destroy any plants, trees, shrubs, flowers or other growing thing;
    3. remove or destroy any soil or rock;
    4. use discriminatory, harassing, abusive, insulting or threatening language or gestures, make excessive noise or disturb other persons.;
    5. kill, trap, pursue or disturb a wild bird, reptile or animal;
    6. possess or ignite fireworks;
    7. possess, shoot, discharge or use a spring gun, air gun, firearm, slingshot or any archery equipment or any hand weapons;
    8. conduct public events, public performances, public meetings, or bring equipment for public entertainment;
    9. operate a motor vehicle or ride a bicycle, except on a roadway or other place designated by Campground

Transient Specific Rules and Regulations

  • Check-in time is 2:00 p.m. of the scheduled arrival date, as designated on the permit. Check-out time is 12:00 p.m. noon of the scheduled departure date, as designated on the permit.
  • The permit holder shall, no later than the check-out time on the departure day set out in the permit, vacate the campsite and remove all shelter equipment and other personal property from the campsite.
  • Please return the campsite to its natural condition (clean, free of debris, etc.) before check-out.
  • Camping permits will only be issued under the name of the actual campsite occupant.
  • Camping permits will only be issued to persons 19 years of age or older. Proof of age will be required upon check-in. 
  • Failure to show proof of age (19 years of age or older) will result in cancellation of reservation, associated camping fees will be non-refundable.
  • A two (2) night minimum reservation is required on holiday weekends (Friday to Sunday).
  • All campsite reservations are subject to full payment at time of booking. 
  • A maximum of up to three pieces of shelter equipment plus one dining shelter and a tarp is permitted on a campsite. A maximum of one piece of shelter equipment can be a tent trailer, house trailer, motor home, or self-propelled camping unit. 
  • A Camping Permit allows for one motor vehicle or no more than two motorcycles to park at the campsite designated in the permit. Any additional vehicle(s) beyond the allowable limit on a campsite, must be parked in a designated parking area (may be subject to applicable fees).
  • Wastewater/sewage must be properly disposed of at the designated pump out station. Transient campers are responsible for managing the disposal and paying the fee. Any portable equipment used for disposal shall be of a suitable standard to ensure the containment of waste/sewage.

Reservations

  • Reservations will be available starting the 1st of January
  • Reservations can be made as follows:
    • Prior to Opening Day
      • Online: Let's Camp website
      • By phone: Contact the Selwyn Township Municipal Office at 705-292-9507 ext. 243 
      • In-person: At the Selwyn Township Municipal Office (1310 Centre Line, Selwyn Ontario)
    • After Opening Day
      • Online: Let's Camp website
      • By phone: Contact the Lakefield Campground Gatehouse at 705-652-3004
      • In-person: At the Lakefield Campground Gatehouse (65 Hague Boulevard, Lakefield Ontario)

Payments

Payment of camping fees is due at time of booking/reservation.

  • Accepted methods of payments:
    • Prior to Opening Day
      • Online: Let's Camp website
        • Credit card only
      • By phone: Contact the Selwyn Township Municipal Office at 705-292-9507 ext. 243 
        • Credit card only
      • In-person: At the Selwyn Township Municipal Office (1310 Centre Line, Selwyn Ontario)
        • Debit card or cash only
    • After Opening Day
      • Online: Let's Camp website
        • Credit card only
      • By phone: Contact the Lakefield Campground Gatehouse at 705-652-3004
        • Credit card only
      • In-person: At the Lakefield Campground Gatehouse (65 Hague Boulevard, Lakefield Ontario)
        • Credit card, debit card or cash
  • Cheques are not accepted.

  • Campsite reservations can only be modified or cancelled by the original account holder or a pre-authorized designate.
  • Refunds will NOT be given for any of the following reasons including weather (rain, wind, snow, temperature), water quality (beach closures, non-potable water), air quality, wildlife, insects/pests, fire bans, liquor bans, leaving early or where notice is not provided.
  • Refunds may be given when a campsite has been deemed unusable by the Township for any of the following reasons including flooding, poor site conditions, and power disruptions. The reservation holder will be notified within 48 hours of their scheduled arrival date, where practicable. Under these circumstances a reservation can be transferred to a comparable campsite based on availability. If no comparable campsites are available or the reservation holder decides to cancel, a full refund of camping fees will be given.
  • The Lakefield Campground is not obligated to issue a camping permit. Staff may refuse entrance to any person(s) whose conduct is deemed or may be detrimental to the operation of the Campground.

  • Reservations cancelled up to 48 hours (2 days) before 11:00 a.m. of the originally-scheduled arrival date will be fully refunded.
  • Reservations cancelled up to 24 hours (1 day) before 11:00 a.m. of the originally-scheduled arrival date will be charged 1 nights of camping fees, the remaining camping fees will be refunded.
  • Reservations cancelled with less than 24 hours (1 day) before 11:00 a.m. of the originally-scheduled arrival date or no-shows will be charged 2 nights of camping fees, the remaining camping fees will be refunded.

  • The Gatehouse muse be notified or a late arrival.
  • A late arrival is a planned arrival after 11:00 a.m. of the day following your scheduled arrival date. For example, if you’re scheduled to arrive on Friday, the reservation is held until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday.
  • If notice of a late arrival is NOT provided and the camper does not register by 11:00 a.m. the day following the scheduled arrival date, the reservation is considered a “no-show” and the campsite will be released for a new booking.
  • Note: all reservations require an email address.

Seasonal Specific Rules and Regulations

In addition to the general rules and regulations, the following applies specifically to seasonal camping:

  • A completed Seasonal Camping Agreement must be authorized, and all seasonal camping fees paid in full before any person is permitted to occupy a seasonal campsite.  Access will be denied to any seasonal camper who has not paid their fees in full.
  • Campers will be required to sign an attestation to verify that the Rules and Regulations have been read, understood and will be followed and that failure to do so may result in termination of a Camper’s rental.
  • The Township will determine the Camping Period (opening and closing dates).
  • Seasonal occupancy shall be within the specified operation season. No person shall occupancy or make use the campsite other than as specified in the agreement.
  • Seasonal occupancy without an authorized Winter Storage Agreement in place must be vacated and the site left in a clean condition by the end of the normal business hours on the final day of the camping period as specified in the Seasonal Camping Agreement.
  • Seasonal Camping Agreements may be terminated due to changes in the length of the operating season e.g. failure of critical infrastructure (water, sewer, hydro), major infrastructure improvements, labour disruptions, pandemic or other health emergency, natural disaster etc. Where able, a minimum of 14 days notice will be provided. Refunds for unused camping fees will be prepared for that purpose.
  • A Seasonal Camping Agreement allows for up to two motor vehicles or no more than two motorcycles to park at the campsite designated in the permit. A camping-purpose vehicle shall not be permitted as an additional vehicle. Any additional vehicles beyond the allowable limit on a campsite, must be parked in a designated parking area (may be subject to applicable fees).
  • Entry may be refused or any such trailer, unit, vehicle or item of equipment deemed not suitable for the Campground or that is in contravention of the Rules and Regulations and will be required to be removed.
  • Returning seasonal campers must confirm their return annually before November 30th.

  • Only recreational trailers are permitted. The agreement allows for one recreational trailer (camping specific vehicle) per site.
  • Camp Site Coverage (Maximum) 35%.
  • “Park Model Trailers” designed and constructed in conformance with CAN/CSA-Z241 are prohibited.
  • Accessory buildings, structures, fixtures and alterations are not permitted on sites. These include items such as sunrooms, add-ons, landscaping, light fixtures, and hard topped gazebos.
  • Boat and/or utility type trailers are not permitted to be kept/stored on a campsite.
  • One tent for camping may be placed on a campsite. This tent must be stored in the winter in the trailer or shed or taken off site.
  • One dining tent/portable canopy tent is permitted per site (folding type - no hard top type). This tent must be stored in the winter in the trailer or shed or taken off site.
  • Maximum of two access cards per campsite will be issued. Additional parking is available in the designated visitor parking (may be subject to applicable fees).
  • Barrier free access to water, sewer and hydro lines shall be maintained. The trailer owner shall make every attempt to avoid erecting any structures over said services and if required, the trailer owner shall be responsible to provide/maintain such access at their cost.
  • Services and utilities (water, sewer, hydro, electrical panels/boxes etc.) must not be altered in anyway.  Any issues must be reported to the Gatehouse.
  • Grass areas on seasonal sites are to be maintained and cut by seasonal trailer owners.
  • Lawn and passenger vehicle watering is not permitted.

  • Campers are responsible for ensuring that the trailer and related equipment fitted with a water and wastewater system is functioning properly and not discharging wastewater or water. Approved portable holding tanks with proper connections are required.
  • The use of the pump out station is restricted to campers, i.e. members of the general public are not permitted to use the pump out station.
  • Wastewater/sewage must be properly disposed of at the designated pump out station. Options include:
    • Self Managed: Seasonal campers may self-manage the disposal of wastewater. Any portable equipment used for disposal shall be of a suitable standard to ensure the containment of waste and must be disposed on at the designated pump out station.
    • Township or Third Party Managed: Seasonal campers will pay a fee for pump outs to be completed by the Township or by a third party. The fee and process will be established by the Township and communicated to seasonal campers.  

  • Decks are permitted and must comply with the deck specification as noted below.  Permission to install a deck is required and if necessary subject to obtaining a building permit.
    • Decks shall be constructed in accordance with the regulatory provisions of the Ontario Building Code and where necessary subject to a building permit.
    • Decks must be built so it is capable of being moved or relocated manually to another location if required (at the seasonal trailer owner’s expense) and shall not exceed 100% of the length of the main unit, or 10 feet in depth and at an elevation no higher than 24 inches above grade.
    • Decks must be supported on the ground or in a non-permanent fashion, i.e. not affixed to the trailer, and must be capable of being moved or relocated manually to another location if required.
    • No permanent canopies of any kind, extending from the unit, whether or not they cover a deck, are permitted.
    • No deck shall be constructed closer than 10 feet from neighbouring structures.
    • One deck per campsite is permitted.
    • No deck or other landscaping features (walkways, patios etc.) shall be erected unless permission has been granted by the Township and unless same are capable of being removed, if required.
    • When locating the deck or other approved landscaping features, regard shall be given for the location of the underground services. Every attempt shall be made to avoid erecting the deck/feature over said services. The seasonal trailer owner will be required to relocate a deck/landscaping feature, at their expense to access these services.

  • Sheds are permitted. The base of the shed not to exceed 3 feet 7 inches wide, 7 feet long and 7 foot 6 inches high.
  • One shed is allowed per site. 
  • Approval of the location of the shed on each site is required.

  • A waitlist will be created for those interested in a seasonal campsite, or for existing seasonal campers that wish to relocate to another campsite. Seasonal camping will be maintained in the green and yellow areas. Once a seasonal camper moves from the blue area, the site will become a transient site.
  • A Seasonal Campsite Waitlist Form must first be submitted to generate the waiting list.
    • Note: A deposit of $75.00 will be applicable commencing with the 2027 camping season.
  • Existing Seasonal Campers will have first priority on the wait list, based on a lottery system.
    • Note: if an existing seasonal camper wishes to move to another site, the site must accommodate the trailer size to adhere to the maximum trailer coverage.
  • Individuals will remain on the waitlist if they decide not to take an available site.
  • Individuals are asked to inform the Township if they wish to be removed from the list to avoid unneeded check-ins by the Township.
    • Note: A fee of $10.00 will be applicable commencing with the 2027 camping season.

  • The trailer and/or shed and deck are permitted to remain on site for the winter storage period, subject to completion of a signed agreement and fee payment.
  • Permitted storage activities at each site will include winter storage of trailers, a deck, and a shed. No additional items may be stored including camping incidentals such as chairs, tables, canoes unless these items can be stored within the trailer, deck or shed.
  • No motorized boats or boat trailers are permitted to be stored in the Campground during the winter storage period.
  • Site holder is responsible for winterizing their own unit.
  • The Township will not be responsible for maintaining or keeping roads or storage area clear of snow.
  • The site holder will be solely responsible for insurance covering any theft or damage whatsoever while in storage (i.e. snow, wind, fire, malicious damage, etc.) and shall maintain liability insurance.
  • The Township grants permission to the site holder to enter the Campground area during the storage period for the purpose of inspecting the unit. There is no occupancy/use permitted during the winter storage period.
  • If not returning for the upcoming camping season, removal must be coordinated through the Township. Annually, the Township will determine the date in the spring when trailers must be removed by.

  • Seasonal campers  will be issued an invoice to be sent via the email you provide. Payments are due 30 days from date of invoice. 
  • Occupying a site/entry to the Campground is not permitted without full payment of applicable fees and execution of agreements.
  • The applicable Camping Agreement can be completed online. If unable to complete online, a paper copy can be completed and
    • mailed to: Selwyn Township, PO Box 270, Bridgenorth, ON K0L 1H0
    • brought to the Selwyn Township Municipal Office (1310 Centre Line, Selwyn)
    • emailed to: campground@selwyntownship.ca
  • Your payment options are:
    • Online bill payment:
      • Add Selwyn Township as a payee to your online bill payments as a bill payee by searching “Selwyn”.
      • Choose: Acc Rec / Receivables / Invoices / General (nomenclature depends on the bank)
        • Note: ensure you do not choose Property Taxes or Water & Sewer.
      • Add your Customer ID: ABCDE1234 (5 letters, 4 numbers) in the account number section, this is located top left on your invoice.
    • Set up a Virtual Town Hall account via instructions on the Selwyn Township website.
    • Visit the Township office at 1310 Centre Line to make payment in person via cash, cheque or debit (drop box available 24/7)
    • Mail a cheque payable to Township of Selwyn PO Box 270, Bridgenorth, ON K0L 1H0.
      • Note: Add your Customer ID to the memo section.
  • Late Fees: fees not received by the established date are subject to the applicable late fee (2% monthly). If fees remain unpaid the trailer and any accessory items will be deemed to have been abandoned and will be removed from the site by the Township.

  • Agreements cancelled up to 60 days before the scheduled Campground opening date with receive a refund of 75% of the applicable Seasonal Camping fees paid.

The permit holder agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the owners/operators of the campground, their officers or employees, from any and all liability for any property damage, personal injury, or other loss arising out of the use of its facilities. The permit holder agrees to abide by the above Camping Permit Terms and Conditions or otherwise governing use of the property. The Permit holder is responsible for the conduct of all persons using their site.

The Township of Selwyn reserves the right to revoke permits, prohibit entrance or evict anyone contravening any terms stated above or whom the Township of Selwyn deems to be detrimental to the area or a threat to the safety of visitors. The Township of Selwyn staff are authorized to enforce the applicable regulations. No obligation of refunds.

Contact Us

Township of Selwyn

1310 Centre Line
Selwyn, Ontario
Canada K9J 6X5

(705) 292-9507