The idea for the park was spearheaded by Rowe when he was area MP and began with the first land purchase in 1957 and additional farm land before it opened in 1964,[3] the now 312.42 ha (772.0 acres) park was named for former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario William Earl Rowe.[4]
The park features a large man made lake, Earl Rowe Lake, created by damming the Boyne River. The lake provides swimming area for campers.[5]