In the months ahead, there will be more campsites and ways to camp at Camping des Chutes-de-la-Rouge in Grenville-sur-la-Rouge.
On April 12, Grenville-sur-la-Rouge council approved spending up to $1,500,000 to add 50 new campsites on the south side of the campground and 20 yurt shelters on the north side.
Yurts, which are octagon or round cabin-like structures that usually have canvas or wood covering, are a popular alternative for campers without trailers, who do not want to rough it in a tent. Campground yurts usually have bunks, a table, and chairs inside, along with electricity. They have become common and popular in recent years in provincial and national parks.
In 2021, the municipality took over the direct management of the campground, which is located on both sides of Route 148, beside where Rivière Rouge enters the Ottawa River. The loan of $1,500,000 authorized by council, combined with grant funding the municipality has already received, totals a $2.1 million investment in the campground. Other upgrades include a new reception building, improvements to roads, and to the water system.
The south side of the campground is popular for its large, natural sand beach on the Ottawa River. The more rugged north side is located beside rapids deep in the Rouge valley.
The addition of more campsites and yurts will be partially complete by the end of the 2022 camping season and completely ready for the 2023 season.
“We’re at the start,” Mayor Tom Arnold said.
