Long Point closes all campgrounds for the first time due to flooding
Campgrounds are set to reopen by July 29
For the first time ever, Long Point Provincial Park has closed all four of its campgrounds due to flooding.
Ontario Parks staff closed Cottonwood campground on Sunday after weekend rainfall flooded several sites and roadways. The water levels at the park on the northwest shore of Lake Erie near Port Rowan, Ont., are between five and 10 inches high.
Park Superintendent Jeff Pickersgill said Long Point has never closed a campground since it opened back in 1922.
"So far in 2019, we are experiencing more extreme flooding event as than normal and more campground closures here at the park than normal," he said.
Campers on 50 occupied sites were forced to vacate the park. They were either reimbursed or relocated to another provincial park.
"People have been very understanding based on conditions," said Pickersgill.
Three other Long Point campgrounds — Firefly, Monarch and Turtle Dunes — closed back in May after high water levels also caused flooding.
The day-use and beach areas are still open to the public.
Park staff hope to reopen the campgrounds by July 29.
On the ground:
Due to recent rainfall and localized flooding, all campground areas are now closed to the public. <br><br>Cottonwood Campground which was previously open, is now closed until July 29th. <br><br>The park remains open for Day-use. <a href="https://t.co/pGA9qp4BC5">pic.twitter.com/pGA9qp4BC5</a>
—@LongPointPP
