About The Oldmill RV Park
Situated on the beautiful Main Brook Salmon River in Avondale. This little campground nicknamed by my visitors as a “hidden jewel”, come sit by the river and you will be mesmerized by a peace that can not be explained.
The Train Track bed is a 100 feet from the park gate. You can ride your ATV up the old railway bed and see the beautiful scenic route that the Train has once traveled. Or hike down the actual Train Track that has been left as a part of the Avondale Heritage, Take in the beautiful scenery of the river or go for a swim in one of the natural over fall on the river.
Unserviced sites & two overflow areas, day use area with small play beach, picnic tables, fire pits, natural swimming holes along the river, jumping tires and playground. The Oldmill Campground and the country is opened to you, come & enjoy.
Surrounded by Natural Beauty
The old mill land was once the home to the oldest building, ( the mill ) dating back to 1886, and was burnt to the ground in 1995. The land today is a reminder to the old folk from the surrounding area of what the Mill once meant to them, and the impact it had on the men and women of the nearby towns. (Jobs and selling logs to the mill, to make money to feed their families ).
What once was the oldest Heritage site, is now and will be one of the most Natural and environmentally friendly, family adventurous campground. The park has the balance and beauty second to none. The sound of the Main Brook River that runs around three sides of the land would soothe anyones soul. The river has abundances of swimming holes, and three natural water falls on it. There is also a natural drinking well.
Along the river there is a 5 mile hiking trail that is breathtaking with its boldness and freedom of the wilderness. On the front of the park 100 feet away is the railway bed with endless freedom to the open country to do whatever you want. ATV, horseback riding, walking, dirtbiking, hiking, mountain biking, picnics, winter snowshoeing, skiing, skidooing, and sleigh rides.
The adventure of The Oldmill Park is endless and timeless.
Campground Park Map
- Un-Serviced Sites Only at this time
- Dump Station and Water Station available
- Tenting Area c/w Picnic Tables, Fire Pits and garbage cans
- Beach Area with natural swimming hole
- Day use area with picnic tables and fire pits
- Overflow areas
- Playground and games
Campground Services
- 30 each riverside sites un-serviced c/w picnic table and fire pit
- 60 each adjacent sites un-serviced c/w picnic table and fire pit
- Overflow Areas
- 4 Tenting Areas
- Comfort Station with Showers
- Water Fill-up Stations
- Dump Station
- Horseshoe Pit area and Ring-toss Area
- Day Use Area with Fire Pits
- Natural Swimming Holes on the River
- Events for the kids
- Playground/Jumping tires
- Pets on Leash Permitted
- Firewood
- Karaoke in Da’Shed
- Many other attractions in the immediate area including:
- Blueberry picking, Fishing, Whale and Bird watching and Hiking
- Important information and rules (please read before booking)
- Please see Generator Policy on the Park Rules page
- Prices are subject to change, without notice
- Once booked & confirmed your price will be locked in for any existing reservations
- Click here to view the Park Rules
The Story of the Oldmill
Water powered mill of Avondale
The water powered mill of Avondale, Newfoundland, was built in the 1800's by Mr. William Lewis Clarke of Bristol England. It was said that the Kennedys that owned the Grant of land at the time may off had a saw mill there before the Clarks. No proven facts at this time.
Mill destroyed by fire
It was operational until 1892. That year, on the day after St. John's was destroyed by fire, a blaze destroyed both the mill, and the Clarke home.
Mill rebuilt
Mr Clarke rebuilt the mill within the year. He was married to Eliza Percey of Brigus, and their son, Harold Clarke, operated the mill until 1948 when he retired due to ill health.
Mill sold and idled
Harold Clarke later sold the mill to John Power of Avondale, who in turn sold it to John Mason of Avondale in 1953, and for a while it was operated by Leo Mason, the owner's brother. When it was no longer profitable, the mill fell idle and remained so for many years.
Leased to Co-Op
Mr Mason then leased the old mill to the co-operative society in 1983, which made plans to restore it to a tourist attraction. A federal government work project helped restore it, but the lease ended in 1991 and the mill became idle again.
New Owner
In June 1995, Jackie McGrath purchased the land and building from Mr Mason with great plans in mind. Less than a month later, the 145 year old sawmill burned to the ground. The land on which the mill once stood is now being turned into an RV Park and lodge, with an interpretative museum about the mill in its day.
Special Features
Frequently Asked Questions
The nearest stores are located in Avondale: Flynn’s Store, Avondale Gas Bar & Convenience and The Dispensary pharmacy.
4 people per tent in a site. Please note: if you place an extra tent or trailer on your camp site, you will be charged the full $22 nightly rate.
Yes, Pets are welcome, but must be on a leash at all times. YOU MUST SCOOP THE POOP. Tie it in a bag and put it in your garbage can. It is very upsetting for people when they walk in poop and bring it in there trailers. When tying out your pet please don’t let your leash reach other peoples sites. Please remember that the playground area is for the children playing and not a place where you take your PET to do their pee or poop. The rail bed is a wonderful place to walk your PET and it’s just outside the park gate.
Yes in designated Fire Pits only. No open fires, all fires must be contained in designated fire-pits. Attend fires at all times and please NO BURNING TRASH as we do recycle the ash back into the park. Do not allow the fire to get to high in your fire pit. If you bring your own firewood in the park it must be sawed and chopped up. Gas Chain-saws and electric saws not to be used on your site or in the park.