Algonquin Adventures / Winter Sites Now Reservable?

**Posted by Steve E** 11/10/2015 11:24 am

I was just following a Facebook thread and noticed someone had mentioned that some of the Ontario Parks (Algonquin included) are now allowing you to reserve sites for winter use. I popped on the Ontario Parks site and noticed Mew now has a section of hydro sites that seem to be reservable. I don't see any official release about this on the Algonquin or Ontario Parks site though...does anyone have any further info on the ability to reserve a winter campsite in Algonquin?

**Posted by token** 11/10/2015 1:46 pm

I honestly doubt it. I just got back from canoe camping on Sec Lake and there is definitely no snow on the ground. I don't think they change the rules until there is snow/ice.

**Posted by Steve E** 11/10/2015 2:09 pm

Sorry I re-read my post and I don't think I wrote what I meant to say lol. Apparently you can now book sites at Mew Lake via the online reservation system for winter dates. In the past you have never been able to actually reserve a site as they are all first-come-first-served. Apparently Ontario Parks has just started doing this at a few parks. I wasn't referring to the winter rules, but I totally see how my post looks like that's what I was asking (sorry bout that!)

**Posted by token** 11/10/2015 3:20 pm

Steve E wrote:
Sorry I re-read my post and I don't think I wrote what I meant to say lol. Apparently you can now book sites at Mew Lake via the online reservation system for winter dates. In the past you have never been able to actually reserve a site as they are all first-come-first-served. Apparently Ontario Parks has just started doing this at a few parks. I wasn't referring to the winter rules, but I totally see how my post looks like that's what I was asking (sorry bout that!)

I actually re read my post after I made it and realised I misread your post, so I am also sorry.
Looking at the reservation site I am surprised at how many sites at Mew are reserved currently. I would of thought there would be less people.

Last edited by token (11/10/2015 3:20 pm)

**Posted by Steve E** 11/10/2015 3:22 pm

No worries Token! One of the things I like about winter camping is going up there and pretty much having your pick of spots. Maybe they'll just leave the hydro sites as ones you can reserve. Winter camping is getting too popular now!

**Posted by MartinG** 11/10/2015 4:19 pm

I have never car camped in the winter. Do people use tent trailers on these Hydro campsites? Are they plowed to provide access to the site.

I had planned on booking a yurt for the family for winter in the wild this year. But, they sold out in a matter of seconds. My son and I could go up in the hot tent but the whole family wouldn't fit. If I could bring the tent trailer it might be worth booking one of these hydro sites (tent trailer has a furnace).

**Posted by Steve E** 11/10/2015 4:46 pm

Yes they plow the sites at Mew Lake (in the hydro site area) all winter so you would be able to bring a trailer in for sure.

**Posted by Rob H** 11/11/2015 1:32 am

Trailers and R.V.'S are quite popular in the Winter and based solely on my rather unscientific observations, the nicer the trailer, the less people spend outside.
Martin take the trailer and enjoy.
Not to totally hijack the thread and I know it is against the regs to forage firewood in the developed campground but is there any reason I could not take the sled and head out into the airfield and bring back some standing dead fall to fuel the fire?

**Posted by token** 11/11/2015 12:21 pm

Rob H wrote:
Trailers and R.V.'S are quite popular in the Winter and based solely on my rather unscientific observations, the nicer the trailer, the less people spend outside.
Martin take the trailer and enjoy.
Not to totally hijack the thread and I know it is against the regs to forage firewood in the developed campground but is there any reason I could not take the sled and head out into the airfield and bring back some standing dead fall to fuel the fire?

I asked a warden a similar question when camped in the Rock Lake Camp ground this past spring.. I had my canoe with me and asked if I could canoe out onto Rock Lake and harvest some dead wood for burning as if I was at an interior site and paddle it back to the camp ground to burn. He told me in theory that it is acceptable but his issue was with other people seeing me do it. One person sees me burning dead fall and then they figure they can grab it from around the camp ground area, then someone else does the same because of the last person etc. Basically go for it but try to not let anyone see you do it.

**Posted by Steve E** 11/11/2015 12:31 pm

I've often wondered this as well....thanks for the info