Shetland Campground and Conservation Area
The Shetland Campground and Conservation Area is located at 6632 Bentpath Line, east of Shetland. The park is situated on 14 acres of land and offers a pavilion, parking, washrooms, running water and has 20 serviced and 10 un-serviced lots. The campground opens the long weekend in May and closes the Monday after Thanksgiving Weekend in October. The park is intersected by the Sydenham River and is popular with campers who appreciate the natural heritage features and solitude the outdoors has to offer.
The grounds were purchased in 1936 by a non-profit corporation, known as the Shetland Picnic Corporation. In 1963 the property was donated to the Sydenham Valley Conservation Authority on the condition that the lands would be maintained in perpetuity as a conservation area for the benefit of both the community and the area as a whole. The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority subsequently assumed ownership and by 1991, shared responsibility for the maintenance of the conservation area with the former Township of Euphemia. Today, the Township of Dawn-Euphemia and the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority continue to share the development and maintenance responsibilities.
The existing relationship with the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority ensures that the Shetland Conservation Area will always be a recognized conservation area under the umbrella of the Conservation Authority. This guarantees that the Shetland Conservation Area will have a high level of authenticity and legitimacies as an official conservation area. The Shetland Conservation Area is an established camping area with a high level of solitude which is appreciated by all occasional and seasonal campers. Finally, since the Shetland Conservation Area is within both the Sydenham River ecosystem and the Carolinian ecological zone it offers all visitors an opportunity to learn about the rare and unique species that live throughout the area.
Council recently adopted a Master Plan for the Shetland Conservation Area. The purpose of the Master Plan is to provide a document that will help guide the Township of Dawn-Euphemia and the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority in the management, enhancement and development of the Shetland Conservation Area.
To make reservations for the campground or pavilion contact the municipal office. View the Shetland Campground Fee Schedule. View Campground Rules.
