Jay Lake Campground & RV Park

Reviewer: Not provided on Fri 30 May 2014 rated 3 out of 10.

Overall the park is OK. The seasonal campers are wonderful people, and we all get along. However the owners are bullies and change the rules to whatever suits them. The previous review from the owners about the grass cutting fee is laughable! we all were given the "rules" back in October and it clearly stated, that you will be charged $125 if the owners have to cut your lawn." We had to give a $300 deposit for the hydro meters, yet they still haven't been installed, and we don't even know if we get to see our hydro bills. Are we to go on good faith when they tell us our bill is a certain amount?

Positives: Quiet park, and close to Minden. You do see the owners cleaning the bathrooms all the time. There are a few things that could just improve the overall look of the park. Paint the buildings, any colour other than that awful brown, write on the welcome board, make us feel like you are happy your campers are there for the weekend, plan social activities for the weekends. Just simple little things. Come around and talk to your seasonal campers, just even a simple hi, how was your week? It would mean a lot. Instead of just flying by on the golf cart, and avoiding contact with us.

Negatives: Pool is still not open, looks like they are tearing the deck up. The weekend was hot and perfect for swimming but sadly there was no pool. The rec hall and other buildings need a fresh coat of paint. The toys in the park for the kids are all broken, and damaged. The lake is ok, saw a board on the beach that someone pulled out that was covered in rusty nails. Luckily no one stepped on it while in the lake. The new owners have included a winter storage fee, which has never been included before. last year on the long weekend, the owners decided to cut down trees, and do all sorts of "yard work" and it was annoying to our weekend. They have all week to do this type of work and they choose to do this when we are all up there, its like they want to you to see they are doing work.

Reviewer: Not provided on Mon 26 May 2014 rated 10 out of 10.

Regarding the comments about the shipping containers sitting out front, they are sitting there because the equipment in them was put away in winter storage and now we are bringing everything out. I can assure you that they will not be there permanently, it is just taking longer than intended to unpack them due to equipment malfunctions and weather conditions. Yes, we did have a rope across the driveway to ensure that there was no one in the park without our permission when we were closed. It stayed up until we officially opened on the weekend of May 16, 2014. This was there for everyone’s safety due to the fact that we can’t have non-seasonal people in the park before it officially opens due to insurance regulations. The official opening weekend was May 16, 2014 and everyone had running water. We did allow our seasonal campers to come in on May 2, 2014 when there was no water, but every person was notified that there was no water at this time due to the lines being frozen thanks to the heavy winter that was endured. But, we did take extra measures to ensure that water was supplied to the washrooms so they had flushing toilets, running sinks as well as showers with hot water. We cannot control the weather and there was nothing we could do about it, however I will say again, we were not officially open until May 16, 2014 and by this time all essential amenities including water, hydro and sewer were on and working. Yes, there are 15 empty lots but I will say that when we took over the park last year there were 20 empty spots, so we are actually up in numbers. We don’t understand when people say that they have been bullied into staying into the park, they paid their fees of their own free will and no one was forced into anything. As for the new rule of not being able to sell your trailers in the park, it is to make it fair for everyone. When someone is selling a $20,000 trailer for $40,000 because of the location it is in, it is not fair to the new buyer especially when they have to go get insurance for it and the insurance company won’t cover it for $40,000 due to the fact that it is actually only worth $20,000. Also, we did not feel comfortable taking commission off of units when we had no prior history to that unit. Overall, we are not interested in selling used trailers for commission or otherwise. Metal sheds are actually allowed on sites, there is no rule against it and as for having to muzzle any dog over 12 inches high when off the site, it is for safety reasons. We understand that you may have the nicest most gentle dog in the world (believe us, we had a 180 pound Rottweiler which was a gentle giant) but there are kids in the park that do not know how to approach dogs and we take this precaution because we would rather be safe than sorry, I will also say, that this is not our rule, it is a rule of the Ontario Camping Association as well as most of our other rules. We do not take any pleasure in enforcing rules but it is necessary due to the fact that we are running a business and in doing so we must make the park a safe and enjoyable place for everyone in it. We have had a few disgruntled customers that have spread several unsavoury rumours about the park due to the fact that they were asked to leave because they could not follow the rules of the park. Also, they were asked to leave because the sites that they were on are undergoing redevelopment to improve the infrastructure of the park. Due to having to cut your own grass, no one has ever been charged for not cutting their grass and we also supply a new lawn mower for everyone’s use that is fueled and ready to go as we do not want to disturb anyone’s privacy on their sites. (I.e. Flower gardens, chair locations, dining tents, etc.) Rakes, shovels, and other tools are readily available for anyone’s use and they are more than welcome to come and use them. Our intentions are not to charge anyone for grass cutting.
Our rates are exceptionally low compared to the surrounding seasonal parks such as the provincial parks. Most campgrounds in the surrounding area and elsewhere are charging a winter storage fee and our fee is a lot less than some. All our seasonal campers were given the options of taking their trailer off and storing it elsewhere but they found that we were cheaper than storage facilities. As for the Hydro meter deposit, it is only a deposit and they are only billed for their actual usage. We cover all of the other administration expenses unlike other parks. The Hydro meters are a step that we are taking to help our environment so everyone is more aware of the power they are using and hopefully will cut back in an effective way in an effort to help us with this feat.
We worked exceptionally hard last year to make this park an enjoyable place from doing a lot of extra work to enhance the infrastructure of the park right down to financially backing the activities that went on in the park. As business owners we continue to strive to enhance the park and make it an enjoyable place for everyone, seasonals and weekenders alike. We have an open door policy and all of our campers are aware of this and are encouraged to come and speak with us about any issues that may arise. Last year we spent hours addressing issues that our campers brought forward to us and we tried our best to work closely with them to resolve the issue so that everyone was happy in the end.
We welcome each and every person into our park with open arms and our main goal is to see you and your family enjoying your days off at the lake.

Reviewer: Not provided on Mon 26 May 2014 rated 6 out of 10.

You have reviews on this park from May 16th and May 26th 2014. Obviously were written by the owner. I assumed this review section was for campers who camped at the park?

Reviewer: Not provided on Fri 16 May 2014 rated 10 out of 10.

Jays lake is a very well run camping and RV park.
The sites are not close together and offer a lot of privacy.

Heated clean pool. Children have to be supervised at all times.
It's the rule and any responsible parents have absolutely no problem with this. And of course no food at the pool. This is a common rule in any park.

Lakefront lots are beautiful.
Nature trails on property provide an added bonus.
Wildlife on Jay's Lake is abundant.
There are fish in the lake..not large fish for the sporting adult but the fish provide fun for children to catch.
Park is quiet by 11:00 each evening..which is much appreciated by families with children.
Convienent garbage disposal at entrance to park. Which we love...who wants huge garbage trucks going to the back of the park ..where children are playing. We are lucky we aren't all given a card and don't have to make trips to the dump ourselves.
We are seasonal campers with an RV and we appreciated the beautiful park. The water lines froze in low lying areas but the owners had the water running by the opening day.
Activities provided at the rec hall..free wifi. .karaoke on the weekends. Sometimes movies to be watched on the weekends at the rec hall. Horseshoe tournaments if you would like to take part in. Free use of paddle boats at the beach. Equipment provided if you need to do any grass cutting. Fire wood available and delivered to each site. Holding tanks cleaned promptly once a week. Low speed limit for the safety all of us. You can spend your time here by keeping busy with all the recreational activities offered or have a quit peaceful holiday on you own. Clean hot shower facilties for campers.

Positives: Heated clean pool.
Very accommodating owners who are friendly and helpful. The wildlife include:Mallard Ducks, turtles, Blue Herron, Loons, frogs, water snakes, chipmunks, humming birds, and just about every bird available for the bird watchers,beaver, and too many more to list!

Negatives: That I have to leave in October!
Unfortunately there is a clique of loud people who think they can do what they want...but it's small group who Steve and Shirley are able to control. Unfortunately. .There is alway one of these groups in every park...but the very large number of wonderful campers make up for it. There are Gladys Cravens and Abner. ..but you just ignore them. ..lol

Reviewer: Not provided on Mon 16 Sep 2013 rated 1 out of 10.

The pond has not been stocked with fish in years. It is not very deep and is full of weeds, biting insects, leaches and water snakes.

As for cost you better have deep pockets when dealing with the new owners. Before the winter storage was included in the seasonal fee now its $400 plus HST also they are charging $300 deposit on the Hydro meter , plus charging for Hydro used. If you now want to sell your trailer it has to be removed from the site. You lose thousands of dollars with this new rule.

The only real amenity is a swimming pool. There is a dated rec hall that has seen better days. There are a couple of old arcade games and old tables and chairs in there. No store, no laundromat, a couple of public washrooms and that's it. They do have free WI-fi but where you can get it is very limited and it's very slow.

I found the new owners to be confrontational and threatening at times. They make people feel they they are disposable and it is a "privilege" to be there.

Reviewer: Not provided on Thu 29 Aug 2013 rated 10 out of 10.

We have been at Jay Lake for 7 years. It is the most relaxing and wonderful park! We love being there as seasonal campers. I have NEVER seen such beautiful sites, and I have travelled all over Ontario for years! We refer to our site as a "little piece of paradise" but that can be said by many of the campers! We are very fortunate to have Shirley and Steve at the helm, running the park, and making splendid improvements. We look forward to many years at our little getaway!!

Positives: the NEW owners are so busy making improvements, updating the website, the pool, the park, and creating a wonderful place for all of us to enjoy!!

Negatives: I have to leave sometimes to go to work!!! haha!

Reviewer: Not provided on Wed 28 Aug 2013 rated 10 out of 10.

This RV park is just perfect. Private lake, lots of wildlife, fully serviced. We had free wifi and firewood delivered. The pool was exceptionally clean and very large (plus heated)

Positives: The new owners are very friendly and welcoming.

Reviewer: Not provided on Sat 27 Jul 2013 rated 10 out of 10.

WE HAVE NEW OWNERS, OH YA !
We have been seasonal here for 3 yrs, my wife, kids and i have always loved the park, but that had more to do with the other families in the park than the people who ran it.... But now, since the park has changed hands everyone seems to be in a better mood ! it's like A wieght has been lifted ! people are getting together and taking part in group activities, instead of just sitting inside and ducking the dreaded golf cart....

Reviewer: Not provided on Fri 05 Jul 2013 rated 10 out of 10.

My husband and I bought our trailer at Jay Lake 3 years ago. The owners at the time were very aggressive and confrontational.

This year we have new owners, Steve and Shirley and THEY ARE WONDERFUL They have been working very hard cleaning up the mess that the previous owners left them.

I would recommend this park.

Positives: Seeing children playing at the park and the beach is amazing because this would have never happened with the previous owners. We are looking forward to many great years at this wonderful, beautiful park.

Reviewer: Not provided on Sat 29 Jun 2013 rated 1 out of 10.

We have been seasonal here for 3 years with no problems. Right next to beach with our grass being cut when beach done as it was was for previous person on this site (15) years. One of the reasons we came as able to relax. Today I arrive and find long grass and weeds but beach is cut. New owners tell me they are no longer cutting grass as one of new rules that we haven't even been shown. Offered to pay for grass cutting and new owner's wife said "tell her to pull her trailer off" and he said "Iwish everyone would pull off" Not a good start. Person who was in front of me in office is pulling his trailer off as I type this review. No idea why but not surprised with attitudes like that. I have always recommended Jay Lake but not any more.

Positives: Beautiful and quiet setting with great people in other seasonal trailers.

Negatives: New owners attitudes. They have not even been responding to emails from some of us to welcome them and with questions. Apparently have new rules but not told anyone.

Reviewer: Not provided on Thu 30 Aug 2012 rated 2 out of 10.

This Park is in a great area,Minden is close by and Haliburton not too far either

Negatives: We stayed at this park 2 years ago and really loved our stay,it was quiet and very relaxing,however this past labour day we had booked for 3 nights,we stayed our first night everything was good,second night we had let the owners know my sis and her husband were passing by and were going to come into the park and visit for just a couple hours while we have a bon fire as they wanted to see us since we had just gotten married the weekend before,we were told by the owners NO we couldnt have any visitors, and if we wanted to visit with them then go down the road to the donut shop,who the heck are these people to tell us we cant have visitors we are a paying customer !! they also stated they didnt need anymore people in the park, but did have vacante campsites,but i bet if my sis would have wanted to rent the vacante spot it would have been no problem , they do have a sign at the front entrance saying visitors to pay 7 dollars..ok so we would have paid for our 2 guests whats the problem....we thought this was very rude of the owners, and to think 3 years ago I was a resident of haliburton for quite a few years and would recommened this park...but not anymore We will not recommened this park to anyone unless of course there were new owners !!!

Reviewer: Not provided on Sat 25 Aug 2012 rated 3 out of 10.

For such a pretty park, it seemed deadly quiet. Hosts around, but nobody doing anything...nice pool, but no one in the lake, no activities going on,

Negatives: Fowl smel near pool disturbed time there and had to leave.

Reviewer: Not provided on Fri 20 Jul 2012 rated 10 out of 10.

I came for a week end and stayed a week and rebooked
the owner work hard and take no trouble so everyone is safe to ride bikes and leave your things by the clean pool
I will keep my eyes open for the right trailer or spot to be a seasonal

Positives: clean , rules to keep it clean and safe , welcome dogs . great pool and kids get pool time to play .

Reviewer: Not provided on Thu 28 Jun 2012 rated 6 out of 10.

I love coming camping to jay Lake I have been coming here for the past 3 years, I like being able to fish off the dock with my grandchildren and swimming in the pool, it's a great location and I look forward TO COMING HERE THIS JULY 1 2014 IF I CAN GET A SPOT CAMPING IN THE TENT IN THE WOODS.

Positives: People are friendly, like the pool, and fishing on the dock

Negatives: Bathroom could be a little cleaner

Reviewer: Not provided on Thu 01 Sep 2011 rated 1 out of 10.

Wish we would have read all the reviews before going there. So many of the comments here focus on the rudeness of the owners. We have never met more confrontational, antagonistic, and rude people in all of our years camping. We stayed one night because after three hours the owners had showed their true colours and they are in no way pretty. What an absolutely disturbing visit. A minor misunderstanding about having a guest have dinner with us (he wasn't even allowed past the gate) became a huge deal that was handled very unprofessionally. We ended up driving to his place in Haliburton to have dinner and returned late at night and were gone by 9 a.m the next day. Needless to say, all who hear of their conduct are equally appalled and surprised at their visitor policy. It is baffling how two people in the hospitality business could have so little clue as to how to deal with people. You cannot reason with these owners because they are unreasonable. Stay away unless you want to be verbally abused.

Positives: Could be a nice place to stay. The sites are small but it is a picturesque setting

Negatives: The owners are absolutely RUDE.

Reviewer: Not provided on Sun 28 Aug 2011 rated 10 out of 10.

The owners were helpful when we were looking for the area wolf den and spent time ensuring what we needed
quiet

Positives: very clean bathrooms and pool

Reviewer: Not provided on Sat 20 Aug 2011 rated 8 out of 10.

A great stay with lovely landscaping. My only disappointment was that there were no trout in the lake. We chose this park because the website said that they stocked the lake with trout every year. I love to fish so we came here so that my kids come swim, my wife could walk/relax and I could fish/relax. I was the unlucky one. I talked to some other people there and they said that the lake had not been stocked for a few year and that they were also disappointed about this. My suggestion - put the trout in and the people will come!!!!! Even more people that is. Thank you Jay Lake. When we come next year (and we will) I am looking forward to catching trout in the lake. If not, I guess my family will have to find somewhere else so that we can still be together in the same place but doing different things:)

Positives: Clean and well maintained.

Everyone was very friendly.

Negatives: No trout in lake only tiny fish. Shame as it is a lovely clean lake.

Reviewer: Not provided on Mon 01 Aug 2011 rated 5 out of 10.

This campground has the potential to be one of the nicest in the province, and we have camped for many years, all across Ontario, Quebec and some of the Maritimes. It is in sought after Haliburton, with easy road access, lovely large sites, mature trees, trails, and has some unique ammenities which should appeal to most camping families and groups.The pool is well maintained, the washrooms and rec hall are usually clean and tidy first thing, but as the day wears on, or on busy long weekends, staff time is diminished and then conditions seem to slide.
Several long weekends proved to have rowdy groups come into the park, and the rules were broken right and left-inconsistent management and inappropriate behaviour on the part of the owners seems to be an underlying theme to the reviews on this park, and it is certainly the reason why we pulled out. Repeatedly we saw the owners lambaste campers publicly, and children were made to feel uncomfortable when playing poolside. The electric and water sytem through the park is aging, and therefore proving to be unreliable. Without an influx of repairs to improve conditions, I fear campers will "live and learn" and slowly depart . Campers all need to be able to wash, have water and a consistent supply of electricity. A sad commentary which is a crying shame! This park is a diamond in the rough- but needs new jewellers to make it shine again!

Positives: Scenic, peaceful for the most part, lovely location, regular seasonal campers are friendly, and welcoming.

Negatives: Owners attitude is generally self serving, and runs hot and cold. Have been rude and obnoxious to young and old alike.

Reviewer: Not provided on Wed 29 Jun 2011 rated 10 out of 10.

The owners work hard to keep everything really clean and are proud owners , they do not take any problem people , groups or bullies to kids so the stick rules make you really safe
Great family campers go there
we wanted to stay longer

Positives: clean bathrooms
lots of healthy frog life
lots of rabbits
no driving around so kids are free to bike safety

Reviewer: Not provided on Tue 07 Sep 2010 rated 1 out of 10.

Negatives: Smells like septic all the time. Honey wagon seen driving throughout the park on a Monday to collect sewage.
Have to pay for showers and when you put money in, no water comes out! When you mention to the owners that there is no water, they say it's fine, no problem!
$5 for a bucket of wood (10 small pieces)
Male owner dumpster diving sorting garbage then riding around touching everything in the park with the same gloves! YUK!

Reviewer: Not provided on Mon 23 Aug 2010 rated 9 out of 10.

I have enjoyed my stay at Jay Lake every year and I intend on visiting again this summer and bringing friends too. I am impressed w/ how welcomed I was and all the activities planned on log weekend. I am an early bird, so bathroom got cleaned while I was waking and remained that way all weekend. The pool is well maintained and children safety comes first. I witnessed the owner taking steps to make sure it was safe when neglugent parent abandon their children to others to care for them . I enjoy the family surroundings and my sons enjoyed paddle boats and fishing. I truly had a great experience and would love to share it with you as well

Positives: Friendly staff
Clean pool
Privacy as required
Lots of activities (country style)
lots of land to adventure in

Reviewer: Not provided on Sun 01 Aug 2010 rated 1 out of 10.

Campers beware!

Positives: Property location is great with easy access to Minden and the Gull River.

Negatives: Washrooms filthy on a Saturday of a long-weekend so by the Monday, you didn't want to go near them. Seasonal campers great with friendly, positive attitudes, invites to campfires. Female host was yelling at the kids. Not kid friendly at all. Rec hall supposedly open all night but campers get yelled at for using it by female host.
Lake small with good frogging, no fishing. Ecoli levels must be through the roof as it is not tested and there is goose poop ALL over the beach, dock and rafts. Not kept clean at all. No warning posted for campers that lake is not tested for bacteria levels.
Park smells like septic often and water pressure terrible even though you have to pay for showers. Common complaint.
What few amenities there are, the kids are afraid to use because of the attitude of the park owners.

Reviewer: Not provided on Sat 22 May 2010 rated 1 out of 10.

we were seasonal campers here and spent most of last summer with little or no water. the female owner is VERY RUDE and not were always harassing the children. the septic bed was leaching onto sites where people had sites. we have since pulled out to a more friendly campgroud. would not send anyone here to stay.

Negatives: rude owners, lack of things to do for the children, the beach area was always covered in goose poop.

Reviewer: Not provided on Sat 15 May 2010 rated 1 out of 10.

Before my girlfriend, her son, and I visited Jay Lake, we spoke to the owner on the phone and he sounded very friendly and told us the weather was beautiful and if it did rain there would be a games room we could hang out in. When we arrived, the weather was very cold, windy, and rainy. He told us we had to pay upfront in cash for the long weekend. He took our cash, and minutes later was driving a golf cart making comments about how much whiskey he just drank. After discovering the empty, boring games room with dart boards, which he didn't tell us we had to bring our own darts, and pool table that costs money, we found the showers cost money as well. We just went back to the site and suffered the weather. The child got sick and we had to leave the next morning. We asked if we could get any of our money back because we paid for three nights and only stayed one, and he told us he can't control the weather, and he wouldn't give us any money. He was really unfriendly about it.

Positives: The drive home.

Negatives: Staff. Looks like they live there and just want your money. Owners were even having a personal yard sale.

Reviewer: Not provided on Sun 12 Jul 2009 rated 3 out of 10.

OK property

Positives: Our camp site was a very good size and very nice.

Negatives: The staff were very rude and not very polite what so ever. Deffinetly not a place to bring children the staff are not nice to kids. All they want is your money and then treat you like dirt and get you out as quick as they can. Would not recommend this place at all. We also did not like the idea of having to pay for showers.

Reviewer: Not provided on Sun 24 May 2009 rated 1 out of 10.

The property is beautiful, or was when we left in 2009, we were in this park for over 20 years as seasonal, our kids grew up here. Unfortunately when the new owners bought the park the experience went down hill from there. Never felt welcome nor did our visitors. Each week there seemed to be a new rule, we were afraid to leave our site as we didn't want to deal with the rudeness of the owners.Not a good feeling. After listing our trailer for sale we felt we had no choice in taking an offer as we were basically threatened by the owner that if we didn't take the offer we may have to pull our trailer. They took a 10% commission, thought they were working in our best interest. Not very smart if they worked for us they would have made more money. I also suspect that they collected the seasonal fee from us and the buyers, we had already paid for the season. So we took our money any ran.I wouldn't say the owners are very trustworthy, you never know were you stand.

Positives: Met lots of great friends

Negatives: The owners, Don't kid yourself when you are told that it is just like a cottage.The owners want total control and do not listen to reason and are very rude.

Reviewer: Not provided on Thu 01 Jan 2009 rated 6 out of 10.

Nice quiet park that needs a few more bathrooms. There is only one flush toilet. Pool and sites are very nice. Needs to be a little more pet friendly and also female host needs to be a little more friendly. Would go back.

Reviewer: Not provided on Sun 25 May 2008 rated 1 out of 10.

We too left the trailer park in 2008 after being seasonal campers for approximately 17 yrs.Prior to the current ownership, the residents of Jay Lake were like one big family. It was a happy, warm environment I was happy to raise my children in.They have met lifetime friends during our time there. The intro of the current owners destroyed our family, one member at a time. They have no integrity,little compassion, so sense of family values. Money and power seem to be the only motivating factors for these individuals. Their inappropriate conduct and behaviour became intolerable. We thought we would be there to introduce our grandchildren to the joy of the Jay Lake we knew and loved. That ended with the current regime.I would recommend you run, not walk, to the closest alternate campground you can find.

Positives: The Haliburton highlands, Kawartha Dairy close by

Negatives: Inappropriate conduct of female host, particularly towards children in what is supposed to be a family campground, lack of access to sanitary lake. No acceptable fishing on premises. Questionable practices surrounding water and sewage systems. Notable absence of family friendly environment