Ontario Provincial Parks

Wheatley Provincial Park is an operating provincial park located near Leamington in southwestern Ontario, along the north shore of Lake Erie. The park protects a mix of shoreline, marshes, wetlands, and Carolinian forest within one of the most ecologically diverse regions of the province. Its location at the western end of Lake Erie places it within an important migration corridor for birds and other wildlife.

The park’s wetlands and coastal habitats support a wide variety of bird species, particularly during spring and fall migration. Forested areas and marsh edges also provide habitat for mammals and amphibians adapted to southern Ontario’s warmer climate. Short trail systems pass through woodland and wetland environments, supporting walking, nature observation, and birdwatching.

Wheatley Provincial Park includes developed campgrounds, day-use areas, and access to Lake Erie for fishing and shoreline activities. Facilities are designed to support both overnight stays and day visits while protecting sensitive habitats. Park management focuses on balancing recreational use with the conservation of wetland, forest, and coastal ecosystems unique to this part of Ontario.

General Information

Location

Conveniently situated near Leamington, Wheatley Provincial Park offers easy accessibility, making it a prime destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

Latitude: 49.758122 Longitude: -92.653490

Camping

Wheatley Provincial Park offers a variety of camping options nestled within a beautifully wooded Carolinian forest. The park features four distinct campgrounds—Boosey Creek, Highlands, Middle Creek, and Two Creeks—each catering to different camping preferences.

Car and RV Camping

All four campgrounds accommodate car camping, with a mix of electrical and non-electrical sites suitable for tents and RVs. Highlands Campground, for example, hosts 44 electrical and 31 non-electrical campsites in a more open, less wooded setting. Amenities such as water taps, a comfort station, laundry facilities, and a playground are close by.

Group Camping

For larger gatherings, Wheatley Provincial Park offers two group campsites located in a heavily wooded area, providing a rustic experience. Each site varies in size and can accommodate from 9 to 50 people. These sites are serviced by vault toilets, with water taps and a comfort station with showers located nearby. The beach is within a 1.5 km walk, bicycle ride, or drive.

Radio-Free Camping

Campers seeking a quieter environment can opt for the Boosey Creek Campground, which offers a semi-wilderness experience with non-electrical campsites located throughout a series of camping loops. This heavily treed area is ideally suited for tents and camper vans. Some of the smaller loops only provide vault toilets, but there is a comfort station with showers within easy walking distance. Water taps are located throughout.

Each campsite comes equipped with a picnic table and a fire pit with a grate. Comfort stations with showers and flush toilets are conveniently located in Boosey Creek, Highlands, and Two Creeks Campgrounds. The park store, situated at the registration office, offers camping essentials, souvenirs, ice, firewood, and more.

© King’s Printer for Ontario | Open Ontario Parks PDF

Facilities & Recreation

Wheatley Provincial Park is a welcoming lakeside destination on the north shore of Lake Erie, known for its rare Carolinian forest, calm waterways, and family-friendly amenities. The park offers barrier-free comfort stations with flush toilets and showers, along with accessible areas throughout the campground and day-use spaces, making it easy for visitors of all abilities to enjoy the setting.

Boating on Lake Erie is popular, with access provided through nearby Wheatley Harbour, which has public launch facilities. Within the park, canoeing and kayaking are a highlight, especially along the sheltered 3.2-kilometre paddle loop connecting Boosey Creek and Sugar Creek. Canoe and kayak rentals are available, allowing visitors to explore the quiet estuary channels surrounded by lush forest without needing their own equipment.

Day-use visitors will find picnic areas, playgrounds, and beach access ideal for relaxed outings. A sandy Lake Erie beach offers a refreshing place to swim, while anglers can fish in Boosey Creek and Sugar Creek for species such as perch, pickerel, smelt, and rainbow trout. The park participates in the OFAH TackleShare program, making fishing more accessible for beginners and families.

Camping facilities are extensive and well-serviced, with potable water, a trailer dump and fill station, firewood and ice sales, laundry facilities, and a park store carrying essential supplies. Four campgrounds—Boosey Creek, Highlands, Middle Creek, and Two Creeks—provide a range of tent-friendly sites, from wooded and private to locations close to amenities. Group camping areas are also available for larger gatherings, offering a more rustic experience with nearby vault toilets.

Hiking trails wind through the park’s landlocked creek system and mature Carolinian forest, showcasing unique tree species such as tulip, sassafras, hickory, oak, and black gum. Pets are welcome throughout the park but must be leashed and under control, and public Wi-Fi is available in select areas for those who want to stay connected during their visit.

Nearby Attractions

Hillman Marsh Conservation Area: Located near Leamington, this conservation area features wetlands and walking trails, making it a prime spot for birdwatching and enjoying nature.

Two Creeks Conservation Area: Situated in Wheatley, this area offers 15 kilometers of hiking and biking trails through diverse landscapes, including forests and creeks, and hosts outdoor summer concerts every Sunday during the summer.

Talbot Trail Golf Club: A 9-hole golf course in Wheatley, offering a challenging game amidst scenic surroundings for golf enthusiasts.

Leamington Municipal Marina: Located in Leamington, this marina provides docking facilities and is a gateway for boating adventures on Lake Erie, with amenities for both transient and seasonal boaters.

Nearby Parks

Park Blog