HCA Camping Rules and Reguations

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Applies to Valens Lake and Fifty Point

Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance for the reservation period of the April 1 to October 31 at Valens Lake, and April 1 to Thanksgiving at Fifty Point
A non-refundable reservation fee of $13.27 + HST applies to each campsite reservation and is charged at the time of the reservation.
All campsite reservation must be paid in full at the time of booking.
A modification or cancellation to a reservation will incur an additional non-refundable service fee of $8.50 + HST per campsite reservation.
Campers who shorten their stay after arriving during the summer period will be refunded 50% of any unused camper nights, except on long weekends when campers will receive no refund.
If no cancellation is requested, then no refund will be processed.
Cancellations will be accepted until the day prior to the arrival date and must be made during the areas normal camping officer operating hours. If cancelled after 1 PM on the day prior to arrival, a 1-night camping fee will be charged.
At Fifty Point, group site fees are non-refundable. All camper fees are due upon arrival and are based on a per person per night. Alterations can be made within the operating season, but a modification fee applies.

Campers must not deface, remove or damage any property in the Conservation Area. All vegetation and wildlife are not to be disturbed in any way.
Check-in time is 2 PM and Check-out time is 1 PM. At Valens Lake, no check-ins after 8PM.
Visitors must leave the Conservation Area by sunset.
Additional vehicles must be registered at the gate. A maximum of two vehicles allowed on site.
Where space permits, you are allowed up to three pieces of shelter equipment plus one dining shelter/tarp on your campsite. Only one piece of shelter equipment can be a tent trailer, house trailer, motor home, or self-propelled camping unit. A maximum of 6 (six) people are permitted on each site.
Campers must not engage in any activity that is disruptive to fellow campers or day users; please be respectful.
Quiet Time/radio ban is from 10:30 PM – 8 AM, where radios are permitted. Unnecessary noise at any time is prohibited.
Fires are to be built only in fireplaces or spaces provided.
- Valens Lake: Fire pits are provided at each campsite. At group campsites, only community fire circles are available.
- Fifty Point: Fires are not permitted on any campsite. A central community fire ring is available.
At Fifty Point, watercraft requiring a trailer or utility trailers are not permitted on site (arrangements at the gatehouse or marina must be made at additional costs).
Generators are not permitted on unserviced campsites.

Day entry and campers are subject to the Conservation Authorities Act, Ontario Regulation 109/90. This includes, but is not limited to:
- TOTAL ALCOHOL BAN. Possession or consumption may result in evictions and/or charges laid. At Fifty Point, alcohol consumption is permitted only at the restaurant and marina.
- Firearms and fireworks are strictly prohibited.
- The use of all motorized vehicles will be confined to the areas as designated and must conform to the Highway Traffic Act.
- Dogs and other pets must be kept on a leash at all times and are not permitted in the Beach Area. Please clean up after your animal.
Swimming is allowed only in the Beach Area during daylight hours. No Lifeguards on duty – swim at your own risk. Please see posted Beach Regulations.
Refuse and recyclable materials are to be placed in the proper receptacles provided.
The Hamilton Conservation Authority reserves the right to bar entrance or eject any person, or persons whom the Authority deems detrimental to the operation of the Conservation Area.
Additional Conservation Area rules and regulations can be found here.

	Normal No low water conditions exist.
	Level 1 Water users are asked to voluntarily reduce consumption by 10 percent. Precipitation totals are less than 80 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 100 / 70 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.
	Level 2 Water users are asked to voluntarily reduce consumption by 20 percent. Precipitation totals are less than 60 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 70 / 50 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.
	Level 3 There is also potential for economic harm to water takers and/or significant harm to the ecosystem. The Hamilton Water Response Team may ask the province to impose mandatory restrictions on those holding Permits to Take Water. Precipitation totals are less than 40 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 50 / 30 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.

	Normal No flood conditions exist.
	Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
	Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
	Flood Watch Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
	Flood Warning Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.