Rondeau Provincial Park
Rondeau Provincial Park
3.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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3.5
126 reviews
Excellent
39
Very good
38
Average
27
Poor
13
Terrible
9
David in Canada
London, Canada185 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
We visited today March 4 2021 after reading and watching an excellent Ontario Parks official Twitter post which promotes the 2021 Spring waterfowl migration... except we very quickly discovered that it was historic footage because there was absolutely none of the reported birding activity and the lake to the West of the park road is still frozen enough to support ice fishing huts.
What was even more bizarre when asking for birding information at the park office was being told "I don't know about that, I just work here"... not going to win any park employee of the day/week/year with that response eh!
Anyway, we learnt our lesson the hard way, nice enough location for good level walks, even the trails not improved for wheelchair access could be visited with assistance, DEFINITELY check out the details of anything the park has posted online though, seems as if promotion is more important than fact.
What was even more bizarre when asking for birding information at the park office was being told "I don't know about that, I just work here"... not going to win any park employee of the day/week/year with that response eh!
Anyway, we learnt our lesson the hard way, nice enough location for good level walks, even the trails not improved for wheelchair access could be visited with assistance, DEFINITELY check out the details of anything the park has posted online though, seems as if promotion is more important than fact.
Written March 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt Mills
London, Canada434 contributions
May 2021 • Family
This place was beautiful!
Our neighbours lent us their cottage for the weekend - it sits on Lakeshore (the Lake Erie side) and despite the park being closed for overnight camping, there was still wonderful things to do during the day.
The beach was nice and clean, but water is chilly (although we still managed some “cold dips”).
The hiking trails are many and nature is plentiful in this park. We saw many types of turtles, frogs, toads, snakes and a vast array of birds during our time.
By far, the highlight for me and my son was the fusing!
On the Bay side, there are many locations to fish - right from shore (although we would’ve loved a boat, canoe or kayak). There is a main dock at the launch, but we had some real success fishing along the Marsh Trail. My son even caught his PB Bass (and released it) as night was falling. A 7 lb whopper!
We got into so many varieties of fish; Largemouth Bass, Pike, Bowfin (looks like a snakehead), Rock Bass and there are even Longnose Gar in some of the Marsh areas.
A really unique and beautiful spot.
Happy Camping :)
Our neighbours lent us their cottage for the weekend - it sits on Lakeshore (the Lake Erie side) and despite the park being closed for overnight camping, there was still wonderful things to do during the day.
The beach was nice and clean, but water is chilly (although we still managed some “cold dips”).
The hiking trails are many and nature is plentiful in this park. We saw many types of turtles, frogs, toads, snakes and a vast array of birds during our time.
By far, the highlight for me and my son was the fusing!
On the Bay side, there are many locations to fish - right from shore (although we would’ve loved a boat, canoe or kayak). There is a main dock at the launch, but we had some real success fishing along the Marsh Trail. My son even caught his PB Bass (and released it) as night was falling. A 7 lb whopper!
We got into so many varieties of fish; Largemouth Bass, Pike, Bowfin (looks like a snakehead), Rock Bass and there are even Longnose Gar in some of the Marsh areas.
A really unique and beautiful spot.
Happy Camping :)
Written May 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Blue_treetop
Vaughan, Canada28 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Wayyyy too many mosquitoes! We spent the entire trip swatting mosquitoes away. I have over 40 mosquitoes bites from just 3 days and that is with a lot, a lot of bug spray, mosquito repellent coils and candles. We couldn’t even stay up late at the campfire because there was so many mosquitoes. We had to head into our tent early just to get away from them as soon as it turned dark. The campsite was big but uneven. No trees for shade or to put up our hammock. The beach was barely a beach. The water was dirty/brown colour. There was no where to lay down on the sand. The park has more of a small town vibe than camping/in the wilderness vibe. There are a lot of cottages. Also a lot of small frogs on the road. And the dead bodies of frogs all over the road from being run over. No activities. You can’t rent canoes, kayaks, the only thing to do was to bike. The hiking trails are very small and short. Not scenic at all. The only good thing is that it is prime location to watch the sunrise and sunset. Sunrise on the lake. Sunset on the bay. Except when we went, it was cloudy.
Written July 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ExpectTheBest
8 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
If you are looking for a somewhat quiet place Rondeau might not be it. Of a 7 day stay, the first 2 were marred by a group of 10 males (late teens to early 20s) who were loud and could not speak a complete sentence without peppering with the F word. The next two involved people from 3 sites congregating on one site (may 15-20 people) for an all day gathering that was loud and ran late into the night. Last, a similar group and size gathered for an all day event and played music, loudly, until a warden told them to be quieter. Ten minutes after the warden left the loud talk and music resumed. At close to 11pm all became quiet. In all cases, as soon as the groups saw a patrol vehicle coming…all went quiet and resumed after it passed. Unless you are willing to call the warden often, maybe pick another park.
Written August 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LTiNGEY
London, Canada1 contribution
Aug 2021
The camp sites are not private at all. Very little space in between sites.If you don't mind watching your 3-4 other neighbours go about their daily camping routine than this will work for you.
NOT a Dog friendly beach.
There is one dog beach out of 11 beaches. Its the furthest on the point, rocky and dangerous undertow waves.
Save yourself and your money and skip this park.
NOT a Dog friendly beach.
There is one dog beach out of 11 beaches. Its the furthest on the point, rocky and dangerous undertow waves.
Save yourself and your money and skip this park.
Written August 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J S
Windsor, Canada200 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
We are avid campers and have been camping for years. This was our 2nd trip to Rondeau, our 1st was during covid, so that left our expectations high.
I am undecided if it is a park issue, or just an issue with the people who were there this time, as while I have read many posts recently on unfortunate behaviours of others at provincial parks, we have never experienced such behaviours in all of our years of camping.
We had a large pull through site, which unfortunately had the firepit right beside the water tap. Due to this, we had a regular stream of people, and were able to observe people washing their hands, their dishes, their vegetables, at the tap. As most SHOULD know, this is a no-no (check out Ontario Parks dot ca, parks blog, water taps).
Also, being on a large site, we had people walk right on through like it was no big deal. Would you randomly walk through someone's back yard? Just lack of common courtesy... (check out Ontario Parks dot ca, parks blog, rv-etiquette).
And finally, the people across from us were dumping everything in to the bushes at their site- leftover coffee, grease from the grill grease trap, all dirty dish water- I was flabbergasted! (FYI- Ontario Parks dot ca, parks blog, washing dishes)
We have been to 14+ other parks, and have never experienced such lack of respect for others and for nature, and such a lack of common courtesy and common sense.
Again, I am not sure yet if it is attributed to the park and possible lack of enforcement/education, or if we just had bad luck with the type of campers around us.
I think Ontario Parks should add in a check list like Canada parks has, when you check in, you are provided a list of basic rules like the ones I linked above, and the person checking you in reads them to you and you have to sign off on them. Because I supposed there is a possibility some people just are not aware. But this would educate them right on arrival, and hopefully save our parks from being damaged, and save the sites from unwelcome animal visitors.
And hopefully this review will also educate others. Respect other campers, and the nature/animals around you. Pack it in, pack it out, keep our parks clean.
I am undecided if it is a park issue, or just an issue with the people who were there this time, as while I have read many posts recently on unfortunate behaviours of others at provincial parks, we have never experienced such behaviours in all of our years of camping.
We had a large pull through site, which unfortunately had the firepit right beside the water tap. Due to this, we had a regular stream of people, and were able to observe people washing their hands, their dishes, their vegetables, at the tap. As most SHOULD know, this is a no-no (check out Ontario Parks dot ca, parks blog, water taps).
Also, being on a large site, we had people walk right on through like it was no big deal. Would you randomly walk through someone's back yard? Just lack of common courtesy... (check out Ontario Parks dot ca, parks blog, rv-etiquette).
And finally, the people across from us were dumping everything in to the bushes at their site- leftover coffee, grease from the grill grease trap, all dirty dish water- I was flabbergasted! (FYI- Ontario Parks dot ca, parks blog, washing dishes)
We have been to 14+ other parks, and have never experienced such lack of respect for others and for nature, and such a lack of common courtesy and common sense.
Again, I am not sure yet if it is attributed to the park and possible lack of enforcement/education, or if we just had bad luck with the type of campers around us.
I think Ontario Parks should add in a check list like Canada parks has, when you check in, you are provided a list of basic rules like the ones I linked above, and the person checking you in reads them to you and you have to sign off on them. Because I supposed there is a possibility some people just are not aware. But this would educate them right on arrival, and hopefully save our parks from being damaged, and save the sites from unwelcome animal visitors.
And hopefully this review will also educate others. Respect other campers, and the nature/animals around you. Pack it in, pack it out, keep our parks clean.
Written August 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy P
1 contribution
May 2023 • Couples
Absolutely beautiful park but they don't enforce rules. We are a mature couple who love provincial parks for the respect to nature, meeting people and relaxing after stressful work weeks. The park allowed 15 people on one site with two tents beside us. We notified them and the park only drove by and looked. I've emailed several times to ask if they are not enforcing rules anymore as we will start going to private places, and have not received a response. This is why I am writing the review. I'm disappointed and sad and hope this isn't the new "norm".
Written June 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nomad13142887635
1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Family
Once upon a time the Government felt it was good to have a place that Tax payers could visit and have many options once they got to Rondeau park. The park beach was clean as well as the Bay side. There even was a Pier one could fish from and jump into the bay and swim. That’s ALL changed. The beach is not groomed like Erieau, dead fish are left on beach because that’s what nature did and the Bay side is discussing. Piles of weeds at the shore and the Pier was taken apart years ago. When asked if could put in a sand Volleyball court they wouldn’t even respond to such a nature destroying suggestion. Parks are NOT for people is the mantra guest hear now.
Written August 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wade M
St. Catharines, Canada11 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
Our first time to Rondeau PP. My wife and I really enjoyed the park. Great park for sun rises and sun sets. Very good hiking trails and if you like biking this could be the best PP for biking. Not mountain biking. The park has some good camp sites but some not great ones. We were on site 60 perfect. None of them are private like in other PP. Here is a list of some of the better sites 43,51,57,60,202,203,204,205,224 and 237. Absolutely an amazing beach from 2 - 10. Dog beach is not good. Too many rocks and drops off too fast. With all the kms of beach you would think they could give up a section of sandy area beach and make it leash free for the dogs. It is a very busy park on the weekend and it is loud but we found it did quite down at night. We will be back in the spring for the birds. Staff development was very friendly and has clean washrooms everywhere.
Written September 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leslie W
Tecumseh, Canada7 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
We opted to skip the camping & go for the day to visit friends on their site. We ended up spending most of the day at the beach which was enjoyable. The waters were shallow enough for throwing the football around & ideal for paddleboarding. The beach was alright, good enough for kids to play in the sand or to throw a towel down & suntan. Their site was okay, though not very private. They said the raccoons had been a major issue at nighttime, waking them several times & creating quite a ruckus. They were nervous leaving the tent for washroom trips which made me feel some relief that we skipped the camping experience. It made for an enjoyable day, but overall the campground isn't anything uber exciting. If you're looking for a getaway & a change of scenery & don't have any grand expectations, this will do!
Written December 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fallon U
Windsor, Canada
Do dogs require rabies shots in Ontario provincial campground parks
Written June 11, 2022
We were there today (March 4 2021) LTE connectivity (on Telus) is non-existent to intermittent at best in the southern end of the park but improves as you return to the north end and gateway community.
Written March 5, 2021
Where is the best place/ beach area for a good swimmer to swim?
Written June 11, 2020
I would think a good swimmer should be OK if they chose the right beach access as some points get high winds coming off Lake Erie which could make swimming difficult.
Written March 5, 2021
Should we bring our kayak? Is there good areas to explore?
Written August 29, 2018
Yes! Rondeau Bay is perfect for kayak
Written May 24, 2019
It is about $6 or $7 at the front entrance.
Written July 25, 2018
I have not seen bikes for rent when i have been there, however there are villages close to the park (Morpeth, Ridgetown) that may have bike rentals.
It is a wonderful park for biking. We always bring our bikes with us, and use them exclusively, rather than drive.
Written May 30, 2018
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