Ferris Provincial Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Spectacular views over Ranney Falls, a suspension bridge for pedestrians to walk on over Trent River Gorge, and amazing fall vistas are some of the features that make Ferris Provincial Park a must-visit RV holiday destination. Located less than 2 km (1.3 miles) south of Campbellford, along Highway 8, Ontario, this 2 sq. km (0.8 sq. mile) provincial park offers amazing RV camping experiences as vacationers get to enjoy hiking on over 10 km (6 miles) of trails that pass through riverside and forest settings, biking on park roadways, bird watching, boating and canoeing, swimming, fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, park programs, and many more.
The gorge edge habitat in the park features resplendent flora, including the incredibly rare Chinquapin Oak. Spring woodland wildflowers are found along the Drumlin Trail System in the park.
Two elongate hills called drumlins that were formed several millennia ago by glaciers are also present in the park.
Facilities available in Ferris Provincial Park include over 150 RV campsites (some of which are equipped with electric hookups), water taps, pit/vault toilets, garbage stations, restrooms with showers, playground, day-use picnic areas, Information Center, boat launch, dump station, and parking lots.
Established in 1962, there is evidence of past occupation of the area by European settlers who left the drumlins in the park as woodlots.
RV Rentals in Ferris Provincial Park
Transportation
Driving
Located less than 2 km (1.3 miles) south of Campbellford, along Highway 8, Ontario, Ferris Provincial Park is a simple drive-in park that is easy to access by RVs, trailers, and other motorized vehicles. Driving within the park is also easy as there are local paved roads that lead to the campgrounds as well as other sites of interest such as Ranney Falls. There are no driving restrictions within the park.
Parking
Ferris Provincial Park features three parking areas all located along, and at very short distances from the shore of Trent River. The major parking lot in the park is located near Ranney Falls. RV campers therefore have few parking options while on vacation at Ferris Provincial Park. Alternatively, campers can park their rigs at their respective campsites. Overnight parking is available.
Public Transportation
There are no direct public transportation services to Ferris Provincial Park.
Campgrounds and parking in Ferris Provincial Park
Campsites in Ferris Provincial Park
Reservations camping
Bedrock Campground
Bedrock Campground in Ferris Provincial Park features 108 pet-friendly campsites available for RVs and tents. 20 campsites in the campground are equipped with electric hookups for RVs. RV length limit in the campground is 32 ft (10 m), however vacationers with larger rigs can call ahead to find out if there is space available. Amenities in the campground include water taps, pit/vault toilets, garbage stations, restrooms, access to the playground, day-use area, and Valleyview Campground.
95 campsites in the campground are available by reservation, while 13 campsites are available on first-come first served basis.
Alternate camping
Valleyview Campground
Valleyview Campground in Ferris Provincial Park features 55 pet-friendly campsites available for RVs and tents. 20 campsites in the campground are equipped with electric hookups for RVs. RV length limit in the campground is 32 ft (10 m), however vacationers with larger rigs can call ahead to find out if there is space available. Amenities in the campground include water taps, pit/vault toilets, garbage stations, restrooms with showers, and trail access to Bedrock Campground. The campground sits atop a forested drumlin, and some of the campsites provide a view across the Trent River Valley.
46 campsites in the campground are available by reservation, while 9 campsites are available on first-come first served basis.
Seasonal activities in Ferris Provincial Park
Off-Season
Park Discovery Program
Ferris Provincial Park offers a Discovery Drop-in program for RV campers to enjoy. The program allows campers and visitors to use special tools and materials to explore, discover the natural features, and observe the flora and fauna in the park.
Cross Country Skiing/Snowshoeing
There are two separate 5 km (3 mile) cross country ski and snowshoe trails available at Ferris Provincial Park offering RV campers options along each trail. Both trails start at the Main Gate and take campers to the Suspension Bridge.
Swimming
Due to the strong currents at Ranney Falls, swimming is prohibited in the upstream end of the park. However an indoor pool and outdoor natural swimming area is available nearby for RV campers to enjoy swimming while on vacation at the park. Lifeguards are available as well as showers and change houses.
In-Season
Boating/Canoeing
Boating and Canoeing opportunities are available at Ferris Provincial Park. Thanks to the boat launch facility available at the park, RV campers are able to boat downstream along the Trent River. Canoe launches at the south end of the park are also common, just downstream from the falls and gorge. All boaters and canoeists are advised to limit their activities to the downstream end of the park in order to avoid the falls and dams.
Birding
Ferris Provincial Park host various breeding birds that are commonly found in forests and old fields. Over 120 species of birds have been identified in the area and some of these include Great Blue Heron, Snow Goose, American Black Duck, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, American Kestrel, Great Horned Owl, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Least Flycatcher, Northern Cardinal etc. Consequently, Ferris Provincial Park is a well-loved destination for RV campers that enjoy bird watching.
Hiking
Ferris Provincial Park features amazing hiking trails for RV campers to enjoy. The Drumlin Trail system consists of three moderately difficult interconnected loop trails that add up to more than 6 km (3.8 miles); Blue, White, and Red. Hiking on the Drumlin Trail System takes campers through mature mixed forest, small wetlands, and season creeks. Each of the three interconnected trails offer interesting hiking experiences for campers.
Ranney Falls Trail, a 1 km (0.6 mile) easy trail offers hikers magnificent views of the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge and Ranney Falls.
River Gorge Trail, a 3.5 km (2.2 mile) easy hiking trail allows campers enjoy beautiful views of the Trent River gorge from the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge.
