Tall Pines Backcountry Cabin – A Beautiful Lakeside View!
Accessible only by canoe or motorboat, this rustic, lakeside cabin is located on the eastern side of the park along the shore of Eastern Waters (see map on page 8). It sleeps 6 people with a bunk bed (queen/double) in the bedroom, and a futon in the living room. It has a deluxe propane barbeque (with a side-burner) on the deck outside. We stress that it’s a rustic experience, with a composting toilet and no running water (potable water is available in the campgrounds, or water from the lake can be boiled – see page 9). Electricity is not available, but there are solar powered ceiling lights. There’s a 16 foot floating dock for your boat.
Yurts – Very Convenient Camping
What’s a yurt? It’s an 8-sided, 16 foot diameter semi-permanent structure mounted on a wooden floor. Our yurts are insulated and have electricity, a heater, and big windows to let in lots of light. Inside, they are furnished with two sets of bunk beds with a double bed on the bottom and a single on top, accommodating 6 people in total. They are equipped with a table and fold-up chairs inside, and a propane barbeque on the outside deck. Wheelchair accessible. Our 4 yurts are located in Shady Ridge Campground, really close to the beach! Dog friendly yurt: Site 315C only ($20 extra / max. 2 dogs)
The Tall Pines Cabin offers a different Charleston Lake experience. It’s worth the beautiful lakeside view!
Required to Bring: bedding, pots & pans, dishes, cutlery & utensils. Cooking is not permitted inside. Pets are not allowed on the campsite. See page 3 for prices.
Dog-day Cicada (adult)
Animal Spotlight:
What’s That Loud Buzzing Sound Up in the Trees?
Most summer visitors to the park will no doubt hear a loud buzzy ‘droning’ sound, broadcasted widely from high up in the trees. Some people say it sounds like a buzzy electric saw. The distinctive ‘buzzy call’ is from the Dog-day Cicada, a type of insect about 3-4 cm in size. Only the adult male Cicadas call, as they try to attract a female mate (for the same reason why male songbirds sing). The distinctive call is typically heard from mid-July into early fall, especially on really hot days. Try an online search of ‘Dog-day Cicada sound’ on your device to hear a recording of its call. This insect’s name is due to the fact that its peak calling occurs during the hot, muggy “dog days of summer”. Though commonly heard, adult Cicadas are infrequently seen as they’re well camouflaged and typically perched up high in a tree.
Identifying a Dog-day Cicada (adult) • • • •
By the male’s distinctive high-pitched whining drone call 3-4 cm long Brown & green markings Large ‘bulging eyes’
Poison Ivy – Avoid the Itch Poison Ivy is quite common in some areas of the park, especially in open areas along the edges of campsites, beaches and trails. The best way to avoid the itchy allergic reaction (caused by oils on the plant) is to learn to identify the plant, so as to not brush up against it. Poison Ivy is a three-leaved plant (shrub, bush or vine). Its three leaflets are usually drooping and somewhat shiny, the middle leaflet has a longer stem than the other two leaflets, and this plant has a woody stem at its base. In the spring the new leaves are a reddish green. In late summer the plant produces a small cluster of white berries. In late August or in the fall the leaves turn orangey before they drop off. If you think you have been in contact with Poison Ivy, wash with soap and water as soon as possible. Unsure of what this plant looks like? Stop by the Discovery Centre and ask one of the Park Naturalists.
4 Ontario Parks I Charleston Lake