Posted On: Tuesday, July 189, 2025
Golf BruceGreySimcoe Marketing Coordinator Steve Harron at Pike Lake campsite.
By Steve Harron
Golf BruceGreySimcoe
When it comes to recreational pursuits, golf is definitely number one for me.
But in recent years, there has been another pastime competing for my attention.
It all began when my wife Paula talked me into the idea of buying a travel trailer. She was highly motivated to try this form of camping. I was lukewarm at best.
But after 3 1/2 years of camping, it’s running a very close second to golf. And that often puts me in an awkward position where I have to choose between one or the other.
But I have found a solution: It’s called Pike Lake Golf Centre.
The family-owned resort between Mount Forest and Harriston is primarily made up of seasonal and permanent residents, however they do offer 19 campsites for travel trailers or RVs.
These sites, offering 30-amp hydro service and water hook-ups, are all on the lake. And they run parallel to the 7th hole of the 9-hole Lake course. So as soon as we pulled in with our 20-foot trailer I knew I was in my happy place.
The picturesque setting put us close to where we could do our favourite things: paddle boarding, swimming, biking and, of course, golfing.
Pike Lake is situated on a mile-long spring-fed lake and has a sandy beach and swimming area, which includes inflatable water features.
The resort also offers an outdoor heated swimming pool, tennis and pickleball courts, a recreation centre, beach volleyball courts, horseshoe pitch, baseball diamond, fishing dock, laundromat and a public washroom and showers.
And if you don’t happen to be the owner of a travel trailer there are three other options: two lakefront bunkies near the trailer campsites, a selection of on-site trailer rentals and a 20-room motel that offers oversized rooms complete with microwaves and mini-fridges.
The golfing options are the previously mentioned Lake course, with green fee walking rates of $32.50 on weekdays and $36.50 on weekends and the Links course with walking rates of $68.75 ($78 on the weekend).
The 3,172-yard Lake course offers plenty of challenge. Much of the difficulty comes from navigating the hilly terrain and fairways lined with mature hardwood trees. And then there’s the 9th hole, a beautiful but demanding par 3 with a pond on the right side near the green, which is elevated. It plays 212 yards from the back tees (162 from the whites). Yes, it’s a bit of a beast and generally considered the toughest par 3 on the property.
The Links course, one of my favourites, is a blend of links-style and parkland holes. The variety of holes is one reason I like it so much. I also appreciate the mostly-generous fairways and the beautifully designed risk/reward holes.
It plays 6,223 yards from the tips but you have seven different tee options (the front tees take the yardage down to 3,208 yards).
Both courses were in superb condition when I played them in late June.
The Cowen family bought the 500-acre property in 1961 and at the time it included a 9-hole golf course with no irrigation and a rundown clubhouse with sinking floors.
Since then it has evolved into one of Ontario’s largest family-owned and operated campground and mobile home parks.
The growth has been remarkable and you can see why - it’s a piece of paradise for both golfers and non-golfers. If you haven’t already been there I would highly recommend you plan a visit.
https://pikelake.com/