General FAQs
What if we have an emergency?
Call 911
– Give them our address
156 Sandaraska Road
Pontypool Ontario
Main intersection Hwy #115 and Porter Road
– Your campsite #
– Then get neighbours and friends to get any staff member. We are there to help in any way. (eg: we will help direction emergency vehicles directly to your site)
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Campers can check in any time after 2 pm. If you arrive and the office is closed, you can contact the park superintendent using the phone in the box outside the office door and they will be happy to direct you! Check out is 11 am. Please no late check outs.
Do you have different rates for high and low season? Are their peak times to camp and low peak times to camp?
Yes, we have low season, high season, and holiday rates. You can find more information here for standard sites and here for equestrian sites.
Are reservations needed?
To be guaranteed a site you are best to book online. Please avoid walk-ins as we might not be able to accommodate you.
How do I make a reservation?
Reservations are made on line and payment is due at the time of booking. To camp with us you must be 25 years of age or with your parents. There is a $6.00 reservation fee applied to all reservations which is non-refundable. You will receive a confirmation number via email. If you did not receive a confirmation, then you are not registered. Please bring your confirmation with you when checking in.
What if I need to cancel my reservation?
Please call or email us to cancel your reservation. The cancellation policy is found here: https://sandaraskapark.ca/park-policies/
Are there quiet hours in effect?
Yes, to maintain a peaceful and quiet family camping experience quiet time is between 11pm and 9am. During this time voices are low and outdoor radios and TVs are OFF.
Can I bring my dog?
Only two dogs are permitted on a site at any given time. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, cleaned up after and please do not leave you dog unattended and/or barking.
Is there restrictions for kids and teenagers?
Yes all bicycles must be put away at dusk and all children must be on their site or in the company of a parent by 10 pm.
Is there a swimming pool or water?
Yes we have a beautiful new heated salt water swimming pool. Our pool is unsupervised. All children 12 and under must be accompanied by someone 16 years of age or older. No one is permitted to swim alone when there is no lifeguard. Proper swimming attire only. There are adult only swim times posted at the pool.
Are there paths for riding a bicycle?
Yes we have 200 acres of trails to ride your bicycle on Sandaraska Park property, but you must purchase a pass to ride the trails on Ganaraska property. Some are throughout the park and some are in the woods.
What happens if a family member gets into trouble in the park?
Sandaraska Park takes great pride in offering a safe, secure and friendly park. Any theft or vandalism warrants automatic eviction.
Are drinking alcohol and smoking permitted?
Alcohol is only permitted on the campsite. Do not walk around the park with alcohol. Excessive drinking or profane language will not be tolerated. If you choose to partake in the smoking of marijuana, please do it in the privacy of your own site and be considerate of the people around you.
What if friends or family want to visit?
Anyone entering the campground must register at the office on arrival. All campers are responsible for visitors and their conducts. Please ask at the office for fees. Daily guests must check out by 11p.m.
Can I drink the water?
Yes, our water is safe to drink anywhere in the park.
Can I wash my vehicle at the park?
For all transient campers; please do not wash cars, campers, trailers etc. due to the fact we are on a well.
What is the speed limit in the park?
15 km/hour for the safety of all.
Where do I put my recycling and garbage?
We take great pride in keeping our park clean. As of Jan 1, 2017, The City of Kawartha Lakes now only takes clear plastic bags for kitchen waste garbage with less than 20% recycling in it. At our entrance, we have recycling bins for your needs. If you have too much recycling in your bag, then please take it home with you. Our dumpster is for kitchen waste only.
What if I forgot something?
No problem. If we don’t stock it in our campground there is a small town less than ten minutes away that can accommodate most needs.
Are the campsites secluded?
Although we are nestled in the trees and surrounded by forest, you will see other campers and trailers around you.
What is the amperage for my trailer?
The majority of our campsites have new 30 amp. service. Please check when you are reserving your site as some sites have no service.
Is there extra parking?
Yes, all of our campsites can accommodate two cars.
Can I store my trailer?
Sorry we do not have storage facilities for anyone other than the residents with a seasonal site.
Are we on a septic system?
Yes. Please use one-ply toilet paper. Flushing anything else will clog the septic system. Example: Please do not flush tampons, paper towels, baby wipes, Kleenex, gold fish, kids or any bulky things down the toilet.
Are the showers coin operated?
No. Please keep your showers to a minimum as we are on a well and septic system.
Are we allowed to bring fireworks?
No. Fireworks, BB guns, air rifles and sling shots are not permitted.
Are their trails for motorized vehicles?
Motorized vehicles are not permitted to be ridden inside the park, but we constructed new trails spring 2021 within the park boundaries. You can find the trail map here. There is a back lot you can launch your motorized vehicles from that has access right into the Ganaraska trails (just make sure you purchase your trail pass from the GRCA website first).
Are ATV’s, Dirt Bikes or Gold Carts etc. permitted in the park?
Golf carts are permitted to seasonal residents only, but you must register your cart before driving it in the park (it is free to register your cart, but there is a fine for not registering it). The closest Ganaraska parking lot for riding is 1.5 km up the road or you can launch from our back lot. ATVs, dirt bikes, etc are not permitted to be ridden in the park. Find our trail map here.
Can we bring our own firewood?
Please do not travel with wood. We do not allow outside wood to be brought in. This includes milled lumber and cut offs and construction or industry wood. Please read a very important section online at www.inspection.gc.ca
Can we have a campfire?
Each site has a campfire ring. Please do not relocate them. Campfires are permitted as long as they are attended at all times. Campfires must never be left unattended and must be completely extinguished with water when unattended. Please keep your fire low.
Equine FAQs
Do you have hay available to buy?
No, we do not supply hay.
Do you offer horseback riding?
No, horses are privately owned.
Do you offer guided tours?
No, we do not.
What do I need to bring for my horse?
Everything other than water and a wheel barrel.
Do we need a permit to go into the Ganaraska Forest?
Yes, everyone going into the forest is permitted to get a forest pass. They can be purchased at our store or the Ganaraska Forest Centre.
Am I responsible to clean up my site and horse pens when I leave?
Yes, campsites must be left clean. The camper is responsible to clean all straw, hay and manure from the pens and dispose of it in the designated areas. We have designated spots for manure for clean up near your site and a pile of sand for replacement. Please do not through your manure in the woods or bury it in the sand in your pen. Campers not leaving their campsites clean will be charged a fee if our staff has to do the clean up.