Ferris Provincial Park Campground

Introduction

Provincial Campground

474 County Rd. 8
Campbellford, ON
K0L 1L0

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What You'll Like : Pedestrian suspension bridge over the Trent River Gorge Selection of wooded and open car and RV campsites Over 10 km of trails through forest and riverside settings Spectacular lookout over Ranney Falls Spring woodland wildflowers along Drumlin Trail Beautiful fall colours and vistas

Ferris offers car camping on over 150 sites in two campground loops (Valleyview and Bedrock). These sites can accommodate equipment ranging from tents only to large trailers.

Valleyview Loop is set atop a forested drumlin, with some campsites providing a view across the Trent River Valley. The Bedrock Loop has some electrical campsites and is just a short walk to the playground and day-use picnic areas.

Size: 198.30 ha Year established: 1971 Park Classification: Recreational

Amenities

Amenities and Services

Barrier Free
All three comfort stations offer barrier-free access. The trail from the day-use parking lot to the suspension bridge is also barrier-free.

Boat Launch
A boat launch, located in the south day-use area, provides access to the Trent River.

Comfort Station(s)
Three comfort stations are conveniently located in Ferris’ campgrounds. The comfort station in the Valleyview Loop has showers.

Day Use
Visit Ferris for the day and enjoy the trails and scenic views of the Trent River. Picnic areas are available in the north and south sections of the park along the river. The south picnic area has a playground.

Flush Toilets
Flush toilets are available in the three comfort stations in the campgrounds.

Picnic Shelters
There is one picnic shelter in the park which is located by the north day-use area. The shelter is available for exclusive rental but if not rented is available on a first-come first-served basis. Please contact the park to reserve: 705 653-3575.

Rentals
The picnic shelter is available for exclusive day-use rental. Please contact the park to reserve: 705 653-3575.

Facilities

Facilities

Biking
There are no dedicated bike trails but the roadways provide some nice cycling with interesting views throughout the park.

Birding
Ferris hosts a selection of breeding birds typical of forest and old fields.

Boating
Boating is possible downstream along the Trent River with a boat launch facility available in the park.

Canoeing
It is possible to launch a canoe at the south end of the park, downstream from the falls and gorge. It is recommended that exploration be limited downstream from the park to avoid the falls and dam.

Fishing
It is possible to fish from shore at the south end of the park or by boat along the Trent River.

Hiking
Drumlin Trail System - 3 interconnecting looped trails: Blue 1.2 km (1.0 hour); White 2.5 km (2 hours) and Red 2.5 km (2.5 hours), moderate
The Drumlin Trail System takes you through mature mixed forest, by small wetlands and along seasonal creeks that have developed on two elongate hills called drumlins. These drumlins were formed thousands of years ago by glaciers, and largely left as woodlots by European settlers. The spring wildflowers can be spectacular in spring.

The Blue and White Trails take you near areas where the Ferris family’s sugar houses, shingle mill, granary and sheep pens once stood. The Red Trail goes around the back of the second drumlin, taking you past the old W. Cock Brickyard. Little physical evidence remains of these pioneering enterprises but their legacy as the forerunners of today’s vibrant local communities is not forgotten.

Ranney Falls Trail - 1 km (0.5 hours), loop, easy, level

This trail follows the original roadway to Ferris Provincial Park before looping back along the river, where there are magnificent views of the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge and Ranney Falls. The gorge edge habitat supports different vegetation from the rest of the park, including the regionally rare Chinquapin Oak. Look for its unique saw-tooth shape on trees along the trail or on fallen leaves underfoot. The trail finishes by passing through a restful picnic area, perfect for lunch, or a short break.

River Gorge Trail - 3.5 km (2 hours), loop, easy, parts can be wet in the spring. (Yellow markers)
This trail offers magnificent views of the Trent River gorge from the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge, before continuing downstream past the old Ferris Quarry and onto the legendary “sheep wash”, now a picnic area. The trail continues south, following the river’s edge for more fantastic views of the Trent River. On your way back upstream the trail travels through meadows and past Ferris’s unique stone fences, some of which have recently been rebuilt.

Natural Heritage Education
The Friends of Ferris offer a number of interpretive and recreational activities during the park’s operating season. For more information visit: www.friendsofferris.ca.

Swimming
The presence of a dam upstream with strong currents prevents swimming at the park but an indoor pool and outdoor natural swimming opportunities are available just a short distance away.

Winter Activities
Two separate 5 km cross-country ski and snowshoe trails give you three options for each trail. Starting at the Main Gate both trails will eventually take you to the Suspension Bridge. Trails are maintained by the Friends of Ferris Park.

Nearby

Nearby Attractions and Services

Rules

Campground Rules and Regulations

Avoid animal encounters by ensuring that you pack your food, cooler, and any kitchen gear that might have food smells into your car at the end of each day.
Be a courteous camper; know the park rules, be respectful of other campers and leave your campsite the way you would like to find it.
Plan for all occasions. Unfortunately the weather doesn’t always cooperate at Ontario Parks. Make sure you have suitable clothing for warm, cool and wet weather. Pack cards and games for rainy days.
Leave what you find. Ontario Parks are special places that we are protecting for future generations. Leave rocks, plants and other objects as you find them. Do not collect firewood from around your campsite.
Ask if you’re not sure. Park staff are happy to answer your questions and provide whatever assistance they can.

Contact

Contact Info

Website: www.ontarioparks.com/park/ferris/camping

Email: rob.cunningham@ontario.ca

Phone: 705-653-3575

1-888-668-7275 (toll-free)

2017 Operating Dates
Park / Campground Usage (day use, camping, etc.)
May 12, 2017 to October 10, 2017

Facebook: Friends-Of-Ferris-Provincial-Park-138273219576405