C.M. Wilson Conservation Area - Chatham-Kent, Ontario

Linda M.

A very beautiful park and camping area. The lots are very nice sizes. The common areas - pond, playground, barn, picnic areas - are lovely and kept free of trash. At only $5 for a day visit you absolutely will not find a nicer outing anywhere.

Scarey F.

Decent simple campground. We were able to get out for a short weekend visit. Booking online was okay, I had a couple confusing moments but all worked out. The staff onsite were helpful the two interactions we had and sites were in okay shape.

John S.

Your impression will depend on your expectations. If you are looking for a resort style park with activities, visitor centre, etc. this is not for you. This is a low key park. So low key the gatehouse appears to be unmanned. A pay and display terminal has replaced the attendant. I didn't see any staff all weekend, though it appears someone is cleaning the bathrooms (which are long in the tooth but functional and clean). It appears at one time they had canoe/bike rentals at the boat launch to the beautiful large pond, but again.... no one around to take care of that.

Lots of seasonals here were quiet and almost as invisible as the staff. They seem to prefer staying inside their RVs. Radios/music was always kept low. Good neighbours. All four nights were quiet with the exception of the permanent hum of truck traffic on the nearby highway 401.

As with most Conservation Areas site privacy isn't the greatest but it just isn't busy enough here to even matter. Serviced sites are adequately large with water and 30 amp power pedestals located along the roadway (hint: bring extension cord and long hose). Drainage appears to be poor so watch for slope and grade when selecting a site.

Plenty of picnic tables in day use area. A couple small pavilions for get togethers. Playground with equipment for the kiddos. Soccer net. If you know how to make your own fun there is lots to do. If you need mini-putt, bingo, wifi, etc. Wilson is not for you. Go find a KOA.

Overall I give this park two thumbs up with minor reservations about the lack of staffing. I'm surprised that in the absence of onsite enforcement everyone seems well behaved. It would have been nice to be able to buy wood, ice and snacks at the gatehouse. The abandoned canoe/bike rental a bit of a drag if you don't have your own. But since I like quiet, low key camping the experience was mostly positive. I'd camp here again.

Angus S.

Walked the dogs there today. Lots of fresh air, only saw two other persons. The bush area has a lot of fallen trees and needs a good clean up.
A lot of standing overly mature trees that should be logged. So many old trees are past their best before date and are hollowing out and falling.
Could be a safety hazard for visitors.
Real nice variety of species, though. I think this bush is on the northern edge of Carolinian Forest temp zone.

B E.

Nice place for some quiet time. Only bad thing is, 5$ entrance fee regardless of time you spend. In Michigan annual passes are less than 20$ for parks.

trevor P.

Have been camping here every year for over a decade now. I will continue to as well as recommend this place to anyone.

Erin J.

Our family had a fun time overall at this campground. We stayed at site 89. We have been there before.

This time, the entrance to the site was severely overgrown and scratched my vehicle. The attendant was told and he immediately got his chainsaw to widen it. He also cleaned up the dog poop and drug paraphernalia that was leftover from the last campers and dropped off our firewood.

The pond area is beautiful! We were able to walk all the way around it, and snapped some nice photos. The big playground has fun equipment to play on: a long slide, ropes, tunnel and climbing boulders. The garbage by the pavillion was overflowing. I was disappointed that we were not able to rent a canoe for the pond, as that used to be something you could do there.

The washroom facilities were sufficient. They were cleaned every morning around 8am. The small playground by the washroom could use updating. It also has the squeakiest swing imaginable (think creepy horror movie).

Christa D.

One of the worst camping experiences.
We went camping this past weekend (05-17-2019) and the campground was a swamp. It should NEVER have been opened.
All of the trails were flooded, the sites were soft, mud, and many filled with water.
Many vehicles, campers and trailers had to be removed from their campsites by the campground tractor because once you got in, you weren't getting out.
We left a day early because of the state of the site and park.
I am giving 2 stars because the staff who were working were wonderful. They were very helpful and kind.
The washrooms were very clean, which is very appreciated!
We will not be camping there again.
Shame on Lower Thames Conservation Authority for even opening.