Rondeau Provincial Park

Rondeau Provincial Park is a nature reserve in Chatham-Kent, Ontario, built around an 8-kilometer sand spit that extends into Lake Erie. The park features Carolinian forests, sandy beaches, and coastal wetland ecosystems throughout its landscape.

The park was established in 1894 and ranks as Ontario's second oldest protected area in the provincial system. This early designation reflected efforts to preserve natural places from development.

The name comes from French words 'ronde eau' meaning round water, which describes the shape of the sheltered harbor created by the sand peninsula. You can observe how this place draws people who value proximity to the water and forest life.

Camping and beach access are available from April through November, though the park itself remains open year-round. The 11 kilometers of shoreline and multiple hiking trails can be enjoyed during the warmer months or off-season depending on your preferences.

The park contains around 278 private cottages on public land, an arrangement found in only two Ontario provincial parks. This setup reflects a long history of shared use between permanent residents and protected land.

Location: Chatham-Kent

Inception: 1894

Website: https://ontarioparks.com/park/rondeau/fr

GPS coordinates: 42.29667,-81.88944

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:54