Charleston Lake Provincial Park
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Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ Charleston Lake
148 Woodvale Rd., Lansdowne, ON, K0E 1L0 (613) 659-2065 No. of Sites (236) 125 non-electrical sites, 111 electrical sites, 3 group sites, 4 Yurts Wheel Chair Accessible Campsites - There are four (sites 219, 221, 357, and 371). The gatehouse, comfort station, and some parts of the Quiddity Hiking Trail that are barrier free. Operating Dates: May 11, 2018 to October 9, 2018 |
Blog Entries: The Gentle Giant Residing At Charleston Lake Park - September 2018
In Search Of Pitch Pines, Porcupines, and Pumpkins
A Flock Of Forest Chickens
Terrain: Rocky lake and forest landscape that is an extension of the Canadian Shield. Ground is a bit muddy for a couple days after it rains in the
Shady Ridge Campground. The Bayside and Shady Ridge Campgrounds are located adjacent to the lake in a mature, wooded setting.
The Meadowlands Campground is located in a younger forest with some partially open sites for those sun seekers.The Shady Ridge
Campground is also very hilly and has campsites on steep slopes so check out your campsite before committing to it. The campsites in
Shady Ridge Campground do not have very good privacy.
Staff: Friendly and professional
Bathrooms: Clean, and in good condition throughout the park. There are 4 comfort stations in the park Each campground has one and
Meadowlands campground has two.
Shower: There are showers at each of the comfort stations; four in all. Each campground has one and Meadowlands campground has two.
Beach : There are two beaches in the park. There is one Day-Use beach by the amphitheatre and an additional beach in the Shady Ridge
Campground. Both beaches are a good size, clean and sandy. Both beaches have change rooms. Parking at the Shady Ridge beach site
can be tricky because this beach doubles as a boat launch and fishemen, canoers, and kayakers all leave their vehicles at this rather small
parking lot.
Out Door Water Faucets - Clean, drinkable water and easy to find throughout the park
Shady Ridge Campground. The Bayside and Shady Ridge Campgrounds are located adjacent to the lake in a mature, wooded setting.
The Meadowlands Campground is located in a younger forest with some partially open sites for those sun seekers.The Shady Ridge
Campground is also very hilly and has campsites on steep slopes so check out your campsite before committing to it. The campsites in
Shady Ridge Campground do not have very good privacy.
Staff: Friendly and professional
Bathrooms: Clean, and in good condition throughout the park. There are 4 comfort stations in the park Each campground has one and
Meadowlands campground has two.
Shower: There are showers at each of the comfort stations; four in all. Each campground has one and Meadowlands campground has two.
Beach : There are two beaches in the park. There is one Day-Use beach by the amphitheatre and an additional beach in the Shady Ridge
Campground. Both beaches are a good size, clean and sandy. Both beaches have change rooms. Parking at the Shady Ridge beach site
can be tricky because this beach doubles as a boat launch and fishemen, canoers, and kayakers all leave their vehicles at this rather small
parking lot.
Out Door Water Faucets - Clean, drinkable water and easy to find throughout the park
Pet Amenities - There is a nice little pet beach and picnic area off to the side of Shady Ridge campground. It is a peaceful and pleasant little spot,
with picnic tables and a place to cook your meal.
Playground - There is a cute little playground between Bayside campground and the amphitheatre. It is not on the water front so you can let your
kids play without worrying about drowning. It is a very nice little play area with rocking spring animals, swings, and a jungle gym with slides attached to it. There are also picnic tables for the adults to sit at.
Park Store - Located in the gatehouse, the Charleston Lake park store offers Ontario Parks’ clothing and souvenirs, firewood and ice.
Boat/Canoe Rentals - Canoes and kayaks are available for rent. Check at the gatehouse for availability.
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Things To Do At Charleston Lake Provincial Park
- Swimming
- Biking
- Fishing (Charleston Lake is widely known as an excellent fishing destination. Anglers fish for Lake Trout, Large and Small Mouth Bass, Northern
Pike, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch and other species of panfish.)
- Boating (Powerboats are permitted on Charleston Lake except for the designated areas in Running’s Bay and Slim Bay. The lake offers excellent
opportunities for fishing, sight seeing, water skiing and other boating activities.)
- Canoeing (Charleston Lake offers many opportunities for paddle sport enthusiasts. Paddlers can explore the lake’s 75 km of shoreline and
numerous bays and coves. Portions of Running’s Bay and Slim Bay are designated motorboat-free which enhances the paddling
opportunities for visitors. The park has two portages available for paddlers. One leads to Killenbeck Lake and the other to Redhorse
Lake. This provides paddlers with an extra challenge and an opportunity to improve on their portaging skills.)
- Kayaking (Sea kayaking has become increasingly popular on Charleston Lake, as it lends well to this type of vessel. Both Killenbeck and
Redhorse are excellent paddling destinations as well so visitors have access to three lakes for paddling.)
- Birding (Charleston Lake offers a variety of excellent birding opportunities for its visitors. Depending on the season, birders have a chance to see
Bald Eagles, Red-Shouldered Hawks, Cerulean Warblers, Yellow-Throated Vireos, and Black-Billed and Yellow-Billed Cuckoos.)
- Visitor Centre (The Discovery Centre at Charleston Lake is home to various displays, events, and is the hub of the Natural Heritage Education
program. During the peak season you can stop by to see a real live Black Rat snake.)
- Natural Heritage Education (During the operating season, Charleston Lake has an excellent Natural Heritage Education program which offers a
variety of interactive programs for all ages. Campers can attend guided hikes, evening programs, campfires,
children’s programs at the Discovery Centre, and special events such as Settler’s Weekend and Star Gazing with
Terrence Dickinson.)
Attractions And Places To Go Near Charleston Lake Provincial Park
Closest City (town) - Lansdowne, Ontario
- 1000 Islands Tower
- Rockport Cruises
- Thousand Island Pleasure Diving
- Thousand Islands Playhouse (live theatre)
- Wiltse Creek Studio
- Shorelines Casino Thousand Island
- Sculpture Park in Gananoque
- Arthur Child Heritage Museum
- Thousand Islands Boat Museum
- Aquatarium at Tall Ships Landing (Aquarium and Discovery Center in Brockville, You can even do a sleep over tour!)
- Brockville Railway Tunnel
- Brockville Ontario Speedway
- 1000 Islands Miniature Golf and Driving Range
- Tall Ships Adventures Center (Segway Tours)
- Swimming
- Biking
- Fishing (Charleston Lake is widely known as an excellent fishing destination. Anglers fish for Lake Trout, Large and Small Mouth Bass, Northern
Pike, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch and other species of panfish.)
- Boating (Powerboats are permitted on Charleston Lake except for the designated areas in Running’s Bay and Slim Bay. The lake offers excellent
opportunities for fishing, sight seeing, water skiing and other boating activities.)
- Canoeing (Charleston Lake offers many opportunities for paddle sport enthusiasts. Paddlers can explore the lake’s 75 km of shoreline and
numerous bays and coves. Portions of Running’s Bay and Slim Bay are designated motorboat-free which enhances the paddling
opportunities for visitors. The park has two portages available for paddlers. One leads to Killenbeck Lake and the other to Redhorse
Lake. This provides paddlers with an extra challenge and an opportunity to improve on their portaging skills.)
- Kayaking (Sea kayaking has become increasingly popular on Charleston Lake, as it lends well to this type of vessel. Both Killenbeck and
Redhorse are excellent paddling destinations as well so visitors have access to three lakes for paddling.)
- Birding (Charleston Lake offers a variety of excellent birding opportunities for its visitors. Depending on the season, birders have a chance to see
Bald Eagles, Red-Shouldered Hawks, Cerulean Warblers, Yellow-Throated Vireos, and Black-Billed and Yellow-Billed Cuckoos.)
- Visitor Centre (The Discovery Centre at Charleston Lake is home to various displays, events, and is the hub of the Natural Heritage Education
program. During the peak season you can stop by to see a real live Black Rat snake.)
- Natural Heritage Education (During the operating season, Charleston Lake has an excellent Natural Heritage Education program which offers a
variety of interactive programs for all ages. Campers can attend guided hikes, evening programs, campfires,
children’s programs at the Discovery Centre, and special events such as Settler’s Weekend and Star Gazing with
Terrence Dickinson.)
Attractions And Places To Go Near Charleston Lake Provincial Park
Closest City (town) - Lansdowne, Ontario
- 1000 Islands Tower
- Rockport Cruises
- Thousand Island Pleasure Diving
- Thousand Islands Playhouse (live theatre)
- Wiltse Creek Studio
- Shorelines Casino Thousand Island
- Sculpture Park in Gananoque
- Arthur Child Heritage Museum
- Thousand Islands Boat Museum
- Aquatarium at Tall Ships Landing (Aquarium and Discovery Center in Brockville, You can even do a sleep over tour!)
- Brockville Railway Tunnel
- Brockville Ontario Speedway
- 1000 Islands Miniature Golf and Driving Range
- Tall Ships Adventures Center (Segway Tours)
Directions:
When coming from the south or the east, take Hwy 401. Follow ON-401 to Reynolds Rd/County Rd 3 in Leeds and the Thousand Islands. Take exit 659 from ON-401 W. Continue on to County Rd 3. Turn right onto Woodvale Rd. Turn left onto Charleston Lake Rd. Charleston Lake Park will be on your right.
When coming from the north or the west, follow Trans-Canada Hwy to Ottawa. Take exit 169 from Trans-Canada Hwy/ON-417 E. Get on Trans-Canada Hwy/ON-7 in Goulbourn. Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/ON-7 and ON-15 S to County Rd 5 in Rideau Lakes. Continue on County Rd 5. Take Lyndhurst Rd and County Rd 3 to Charleston Lake Rd in Leeds and the Thousand Islands. Turn left onto County Rd 5. Turn right to stay on County Rd 5. Turn right onto Washburn Rd. Turn right onto County Rd 42 W. Turn left onto Lyndhurst Rd (signs for County Road 33/Lyndhurst Road). Turn left onto Woodvale Rd. Turn left onto Charleston Lake Rd. Charleston Lake Park will be on your right.
Signs For Directions To Park - They are few and far between but when you do see them, they are easy to see. You don't see too many signs until
you are almost there.