Business Details
6 Years
experience
Experience Riverside Resort & Bistro: Campground & Bistro in Elmwood, Ontario
Riverside Resort & Bistro is a family-run campground located on the scenic Styx River in West Grey County, Ontario. Founded by Dave and Paula Shaw in 2020, our property combines a peaceful natural setting with modern amenities including a riverside bistro, corner store, and diverse accommodation options. With decades of combined experience in hospitality and property management, we prioritize creating a welcoming environment for campers, offering renovated facilities, river access, and community-focused events while maintaining strict adherence to safety and environmental standards. 
Services
Camping sites
Bistro dining
Ice cream shop
Accommodations
Live music events
Snowmobile parking
Firewood sales
Picnic areas
River access
Event hosting
Details
- Year established: 2020
Highlights and features
- Family-owned operation with 30+ years combined hospitality experience
- Onsite licensed bistro serving fresh, homemade meals daily
- Scenic riverside location with easy access to local attractions
- Strict noise policies ensuring peaceful camping environment
- Eco-conscious practices including firewood regulations and waste management
What people say
Amazing food
Beautiful setting
Hospitality
Peaceful atmosphere
Great service
Services
Camping sites
Our 2+-acre campground offers riverside sites ideal for tents and small trailers up to 23ft. Features include picnic tables, fire pits, and proximity to the Styx River. We maintain strict quiet hours and enforce pet control policies to ensure a peaceful environment for all guests.
Bistro dining
The onsite licensed bistro serves fresh, homemade meals daily with a menu featuring burgers, fish & chips, wraps, and specialty dishes. Open Wednesday-Sunday 12pm-8pm, offering dine-in, takeout, and catering to snowmobilers and event attendees.
Accommodations
We offer unique lodging options including open-concept bunkies, 2-bedroom riverview suites, and trailers sleeping up to 4 adults and 2 children. All accommodations include access to shared amenities and maintain our commitment to cleanliness and comfort.
People
Dave Shaw
Co-Owner
Co-owner with 33 years' experience as a biomedical technician and extensive property renovation expertise. Oversees campground operations and facility improvements while maintaining technical precision in all maintenance work.
Paula Shaw
Co-Owner
Co-owner with entrepreneurial experience in retail operations and culinary expertise. Manages the licensed bistro's daily operations, menu development, and customer service initiatives while implementing family-friendly hospitality standards.
Questions
What types of camping sites are available?
We offer tent-friendly sites and spaces for small trailers up to 23ft. No 5th wheel trailers permitted. Most sites include picnic tables and fire pits.
Does the campground have water and sewer hookups?
No water hookups or sewage dump stations available. We recommend campers with RVs requiring these amenities contact us directly for alternative arrangements.
What are the quiet hours?
Strict quiet hours are enforced from 11:00pm to 9:00am. No loud music or disturbances permitted at any time to maintain our peaceful environment.
Is alcohol permitted on-site?
Alcohol consumption is allowed within private campsites only. Provincial law prohibits carrying open containers outside designated areas. Glass containers are prohibited entirely.
What cancellation policies apply?
Deposits are non-refundable. Cancellations over 21 days before arrival receive 75% credit. Cancellations within 21 days receive 50% refund, while late cancellations forfeit full payment.
Reviews (7)
Stephen Gammage
Dec 02, 2021
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Great place to stay with a small but cozie rustic bunkie that has a covered front deck and a firepit right beside the river. Perfect for a solo or couples getaway. They also have spots for trailers. The area has very nice scenery as well as the relaxing site by the river located on a quiet road with very little traffc. They catered to our late season needs and they went above and beyond to make sure our needs were looked after. Highly recommend.
Betty Simpson
Nov 10, 2021
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We were just passing by to look at a trailer for sale when we noticed this little gem. The bistro served us a wonderful lunch of amazing hamburgers and fries. We took home some portion sized in house made squash soup and enjoyed it immensely . We took a look around the peaceful riverfront property and met the friendly new owners. Have stopped there twice to enjoy more bistro treats.
Kelly Clark
Sep 22, 2021
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Absolutely wonderful! Large portions delicious food and friendly service. Beautiful location too. The prices are very reasonable and a good variety so everyone should find something they like. .My family has been raving about the fish and chips so that is what we ordered today. They did not disappoint. Would highly recommend. Looking forward to our next visit!
Norma Lisoy
Sep 17, 2021
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We went there last week and camped along the river and also ate at the bistro. The campsite was lovely and peaceful with the water gently running by. The river is very shallow, so safe for older children. Only about ankle deep at one end and waist-deep at the other end. The washrooms were nice and clean and the owners were very accommodating. The food was delicious! The best fish and chips I've ever eaten. Burgers were delicious too! Our friends stayed in the bunkie and it was nicely positioned along the river as well. I'd highly recommend camping/bunking and eating here.
Dean Missikowski
Aug 31, 2021
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Excellent fish n chips. The coleslaw was light and not too vinegary. The cheeseburger was a two-hander, made with a homemade patty nestled between a fluffy brioche style bun. Beautiful setting, among the cedar trees and right next to the river. Definitely a hidden gem, that we're looking forward to visiting again.
Nathan Alexander
Aug 12, 2021
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I'm posting this review as a neighbour who uses the bistro, the campsites look nice but this review is not about the campground as I've never stayed overnight. Five stars for the new owners who're completing renovations as a passion project. Five stars for the community that new owners are organizing. I've lived here for several years and haven't felt much community spirit - not to say it didn't exist - but with ideas like an upcoming community yard sale it seems like the owners are keen to bring everyone locally together. All while inviting vacationers to stay at the camp. I see good things
Gary M.
Jul 20, 2021
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Been visiting Crawford for many years, and recently heard about the new Bistro at the store. Decided to take my parents there for lunch, since we had heard great things about the fish and chips! It certainly didnt disappoint, and the service was excellent. We sat at the tables under the cedar trees. The other menu items look great, and well have to try more when we return!
