Overview
A brief introduction to Charleston Lake Provincial Park
Charleston Lake Provincial Park is located on Charleston Lake near Athens, Ontario, Canada, in the township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands.
The park occupies 23.53 square kilometres (9.08 sq mi) in the Frontenac Axis region, a southern extension of the Canadian Shield. The park's forests and animal life, therefore, include species normally found further north, yet the southern climate allows species more typical for the southern latitude to co-exist with the northern species. The park includes hiking trails, swimming areas and campgrounds.
There are four yurts located in the Shady Ridge Campground; these yurts are not heated and do not have electricity. There is also a rustic cabin which is accessible by water and has lights and a small fridge which are solar-powered.
The lake includes a number of islands and has an irregular shoreline which makes it an interesting location for canoeing and kayaking. Blue Mountain, elevation 194 m (636 ft), is also within the park. The summit was the highest point of the former Leeds County, Ontario. The trail to Blue Mountain has two access points, by water from Huckleberry Hollow, and by land from the intersection of Warburton and Blue Mountain Roads.
Blue Mountain can be reached via Blue Mountain Road from Highway #2. Hikers have permission to cross private land and a well-marked trail leads to the summit with a panoramic 360° view. The trek requires approximately 2 to 2.5 hours on foot or 1.5 hours on bike, although cyclists must carry their bikes in many places where hard granite jets out of the earth below which forms the mountain. A compass may be useful for inexperienced hikers.
This area was the site of a re-introduction program for the peregrine falcon. The park also provides habitat for the rare and harmless black rat snake, which is the largest snake found in Canada.
Read more about Charleston Lake Provincial Park at Wikipedia
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Scan for cancellationsContact Charleston Lake Provincial Park
- Ontario Parks
- Booking site: https://reservations.ontarioparks.ca
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Other nearby parks
Open to camping at other nearby parks? Here are a few other parks you'll find in the vicinity.
Reviews
Camper reviews for Charleston Lake Provincial Park
Great family friendly park
Beautiful park. Pretty campsites. No quality Wifi within the park. 6 quality hiking trails the longest being 10 kilometers. Every hiking trail is unique.and interesting. There are 10 paddle in or hike in, campsites. Charleston lake is great for canoeing and kayaking on and there is a no motorboat area in Running's Bay. There are two nice beaches and one dog beach. The water is shallow and crystal clear. Vault toilets get a thumbs down but the comfort stations have showers and are cleaned regularly. There is an outpost outside of the park called Twist's. They have canoe and kayak rentals available. They also have camping supplies and well priced, dry firewood. They are only about 5 minutes away from the Park. You can also purchased ice cream and hotdogs and hamburgers there. The park itself is bike friendly. There are 3 campgrounds each having their own garbage and recycling stations. There is also one small discovery centre. There is a park store where you can purchase firewood, supplies and tee shirts, caps etc. The cons: poor quality Wifi and if there is a lot of rain the campsites can get quite muddy.
Gem of a Park for all
We have been going to Charleston Lake for many many years, since our kids were small. We are taking our grandchildren now. Lovely Beaches, playground and awesome hiking trails, something for everyone.
Waterway is great for kayak, canoe or paddle board. Biking is around campground only, and roads outside the park do not have a very wide shoulder, not recommended.
Dump and potable water a bit of tight turn to get into, just be aware.
Map
View a map of Charleston Lake Provincial Park
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