Big Bend Conservation Area

Location

21239 Big Bend Rd.
Wardsville, Ont.
N0L 2N0

Located on the north shore of Lake Erie in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, at 17978 Erieau Road, Erieau (between Erie Beach and Erieau). From Blenheim take Talbot Trail (Hwy. 3) south. Then take Erieau Road (Kent Rd. 12) south. McGeachy Pond Conservation Area is located on the right hand side of the road before entering Erieau.

Conservation Areas Fee Schedule LTVCA Conservation Area Regulations LTVCA Conservation Area and Camping Rules LTVCA Guidebook LTVCA Events

Features

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.

Big Bend Conservation Area offers group and family camping. 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 open May to November) to the Thames River which is a Canadian Heritage River, Memorial Forest, picnic shelter with tables and open space for sports and games. There are areas for hiking, and fishing for yellow perch and pickerel.

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 or ‘bends’ of the Thames River.

Camping

Campground open Victoria Day to late October. Use ‘Lets Camp’ for online reservations. There are some first come first serve sites for those not reserving online. Fees are collected on a regular basis. These fees help us maintain the conservation area and provide upgrades to facilities. River sites are now available for those wanting a back country feel, with great views of the historic Thames River. Camping Fees We have 48 camp sites in total and a rentable pavilion in our day use area (4 sites 30amp/water, 2 sites 15amp/water, 2 group sites, 10 river sites, 30 sites unserviced). Campsites and a serviced washroom building with showers are open Victoria Day Weekend in May to mid-October. There is NO dumping station.

Ice bags available for purchase through a partnership with the local Strathroy Ice House. Located in front of our bathroom building.

Map

Thames River picnic table

fishing pond campsite

Enforcement

The conservation area is open for day use from sun up to sun down year-round. Patrols are made by LTVCA and Municipal Enforcement Unit staff (MEU) on a regular basis.

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

No Hunting. Hunting is a fineable offence under the Conservation Authorities Act. This includes the illegal placement of tree stands, game cameras, blinds and other structures.

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.