This guide will answer many of the frequently asked questions about camping and facilities at Shady Pines Campgrounds.

Q: What health regulations remain since COVID restrictions have been lifted? 
A: Do not come to camp if you or anyone in your party is feeling ill, has a known or unknown communicable disease. Communicable diseases are diseases that can be spread from one person to another, can cause a large number of people to get sick, and are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. A general liability waiver, which includes the risk of contracting a communicable disease clause, will be required to be signed on behalf of every person who enters our campground. Shady Pines does our best to prevent and control the spread of communicable disease, by remaining diligent on our cleaning practices, providing hand sanitizer for public use, and providing PPE for our staff (personal preference). Frequent hand washing is the best way to avoid getting sick.

Q: What is a serviced site or unserviced site? 
A: We offer both serviced and unserviced sites. Serviced sites include Municipal water and 30 amp hydro. There is a dump station for weekend or short-term stays, pumpout service is an additional charge. Unserviced sites are groomed natural areas for tenting without hydro or water at your site.

Q: Are the sites shaded or open?
A: We have a combination of both shaded/treed and open campsites in the park.

Q: Do I need to make a reservation?
A: Reservations are highly recommended to avoid disappointment upon arrival. We are a family friendly park and sites get booked up early. Call 519-232-4210 to make a reservation.

Q: Do you charge a reservation fee?
A: One night fee is charged to your credit card upon booking to hold your reservation. Have your credit card ready when you call to book. 

Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A:  Read our cancellation policy here

Q: Is there group camping?
A: We have awesome group camping sites, both serviced and unserviced sites are available. Various groups such as: girl guides, boy scouts, church groups, family reunions, friend groups, and RV clubs have camped with us and most return year after year. The campground is large and we’re able to handle several groups at a time.

Q: Are bicycle helmets for kids required at the campground?

A: Yes! Bicycle helmets for children under the age of 18 are REQUIRED when riding bicycles in our park. Young children are also required to wear a bicycle helmet when riding in a child carrier or in a bicycle trailer. It’s the parents’ or guardians’ responsibility to see that their children wear a helmet. It’s the law in Ontario.

Q: Are there noise regulations?
A: Quiet Time is from 11 p.m. to 9 a.m. After 11 pm, kids are to be back on their sites with their parents. Music volume must be very low or turned off. Voices kept to a quiet conversation level. Always be conscious of your noise levels and be considerate of others around you.

Q: Can I have visitors?
A: Yes. All visitors must be registered upon arrival at the campground and clearly display a current visitors pass on their vehicle. Day visitors must leave the park no later than 11 pm. Overnight visitors must be staying in your unit or book their own site. Registered campers are responsible for the conduct of their guests.

Q: Do you have ice and firewood sales on site?
A:  Ice, firewood, bug spray, snacks, and other camping items you might need are available for purchase at the store – the first stop when you arrive at the campground.

Q: Do you have clean washrooms and hot showers?
A: We do! We take pride in our clean and recently renovated washrooms and free hot showers. Please do your part to keep our showers free by not abusing the privilege.

Q: Is there a speed limit in the campground to keep kids and pedestrians safe? 
A: Maximum speed of 10 km/ hr on the grounds. Kids darting out, chasing balls, riding on bicycles, golf carts, pedestrians and pets can appear suddenly. GO SLOW!! 

Q: Can I bring a go-kart, ATV or dirt bike?

A: No. We do not allow motorized vehicles/toys like go-karts, atvs, dirt bikes, or similar, in the campground. An electric golf cart can be brought in with preapproval for use for a mobility-impaired person and may ONLY be driven by that person. Golf cart rules of the campground will apply.

Q: Are pets allowed in the park?
A: Friendly dogs and cats are welcome. Make sure their vaccinations are up to date. Aggressive behavior or excessive barking from dogs will not be tolerated. Your pet must be leashed and secured at ALL times, including when on your site. Dogs may run free only in the dog park. Always clean up after your pet. No pets are permitted in the campground buildings or in the swimming pool enclosures. Do not leave your pet unattended at your site or in your trailer for any length of time.

Q: Are the swimming areas supervised?
A: All areas within the park, including water areas, are to be used at your own risk. Adult supervision is required when children are fishing or around the ponds, lagoon or river. Children under 12 years of age and non-swimmers are not allowed in the pool or pool enclosures unless accompanied by a parent or other responsible person not less than 16 years of age. No lifeguard on duty. If you see lightning or hear thunder, even if in the distance, leave the water areas immediately. Be aware and play safe.

Q: Do you have wi-fi available?
A: Wi-fi is free and is available in the vicinity of the lodge and the pavilion. Bring your laptop or tablet and have a coffee or ice cream while checking email or surfing the web.

Q: Are alcohol and legal recreational drugs allowed?
A: Alcohol is allowed in moderation on your site. No glassware is permitted off your site. Cannabis is legal in Canada; however the smoke from its use may be noxious for other campers and you may be asked to refrain during your stay with us.

Q: Do you have a café on site?
A: No, but we do offer a selection of snacks and fresh gourmet O-Joe coffee (roasted fresh, these small batch coffees are ethically sourced and slow roasted to bring out unique flavours) at the convenience store. You’ll find a well-stocked convenience store with t-shirts, hats and sweatshirts, camp decor; snacks of gelato, ice cream, pop, chips, chocolate bars, a wide assortment of candy; groceries, such as bread, buns, hotdogs, eggs; essentials such as first aid, bug spray, campfire starters and other camping supplies.

Q: Do you have a recreation hall or covered pavilion for group events? 
A: Yes. The main lodge has a large recreation hall with pool table, ping pong, games, books, dvds, puzzles, and tables for cards, etc. There is an open-air covered pavilion for shelter from the elements for group events. A recently renovated Chalet in the Woods features a large hall with wood burning fireplace, kitchen and washrooms. Contact us for rental rates and availability.

Q: Do you have laundry facilities on site?
A:  You will find our coin-operated laundry facility located in the lodge, open 24 hrs during the camping season.

Q: What are check-in and check-out times?
A: Check in time is 2:00 p.m.  | Check out time is 12:00 noon. Late check in or check out times may be prearranged with the office.

Q: What will the weather be like during our stay?
A: Check out the Weather Network for updated weather reports for London, Ontario. Average monthly temperature chart for our area:

MonthAverage HighsAverage LowsAverage Rain Days
May19°c9°c6
June23°c13°c5
July25°c16°c7
August25°c15°c4
September22°c12°c4
October14°c7°c6
Average Temperature Chart for Ailsa Craig/London, Ontario

Q: Are there emergency services available at the campground?

A: The campground has an AED defibrillator and Naloxone kits onsite. In an emergency, call 911. An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, fire department or ambulance. 

After contacting emergency services, notify the campground office. Most of our staff are Red Cross Certified in First Aid and will be able to assist in an emergency until help arrives. Minor cuts, burns and bee stings can be dealt with at the office. If after hours, contact the manager on duty posted on the bulletin board (beside the ice machine) at the main building.

For health-related advice from a Registered Nurse 24/7 call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. Closest hospitals: Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital, 395 Carrie Street, Strathroy or London Health Sciences Centre University Hospital, 339 Windermere Rd, London.