A quick Instagram search for #GoodCamping will get the creative juices flowing. We have an amazing community of Karma Campervan users that have found amazing spots to wake up in their campervan. Trouble is, it really comes down to what you’re looking for, how willing you are to work for your view and how “off the beaten path” you decide to trek. We’ve been to a few sweet, Instagram-worthy spots and we’ll be the first to tell you it’s well worth the work.
BEST FREE BOONDOCKING FULL
Long answer – Western Canada is full of amazing hideaways and hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Where do you recommend we find sweet, remote and Instagram-worthy places to camp overnight? Please exercise caution and leave no trace.Īlternatively, there are many Alberta and BC Provincial campgrounds that are super nice and offer all the amenities you need.Ĭamping fees start at under $30 and you can reserve ahead. Note: these maps may be dated – please check the main Alberta PLUZs website for more recent maps. Southwest of Calgary off highway 22, in Kananaskis Country
BEST FREE BOONDOCKING FOR FREE
Here you’ll find maps, information and guides on where to camp for free and legally in Alberta, including the well known and expansive Bighorn Country Backcountry Public Land use zone just east of Banff and Jasper National Park. In Alberta – information on camping on public land can be found on the Government of Alberta Parks and Lands website. Most are outfitted with fire rings and picnic tables. Here, you’ll find access to hundreds of off the beaten path campsites. In BC – access free or low-fee camping spots by visiting the BC Recreation Sites and Trails BC website. Is it legal to free camp in other parts of Alberta and BC?Įach province has their own camping legislations and Associations which govern camping activities. Secluded hideaway you find and no one asks you to leave (see below for resources)ĭo NOT overnight park in the townsites of Banff and Jasper.Some commercial parking lots (but we recommend you ask for permission first).Road-side rest stops that many truckers also use to stop overnight.Here’s a list of places in Canadian National Parks where you might be able to overnight park:
However, these are unserviced and there’s a chance you may get asked to leave (but super unlikely) or even fined (it’s happened to a few of our Guests). There are areas of the National Park that that you can park a campervan overnight without anyone bothering you – so long as you don’t build a fire pit and “set up camp”. They’re very nice, actually, and quite affordable starting at under $30/night. These are operated by Parks Canada, have dedicated sites and services such as electricity, water and washrooms. According to Parks Canada, RVs, campers, tents and the like are only allowed to set up camp in designated campsites and campgrounds. Is it legal to camp anywhere in National Parks like Banff or Jasper National Park? AND – those sweet, remote, locals-only secret spots are called “secret” for a reason – BUT they are possible to find and we’ll tell you how.
The simple answer is – you CAN dry camp, or free camp, or boondock at many places in the Canadian Rockies. It’s an age old question and, quite honestly, the million dollar question. But there are a few things you need to know about unreserved free camping in Western Canada. Which is totally cool! And we’re down for that. We get it! You’re renting a campervan for the freedom and enjoyment of living off the grid, getting to travel to remote locations without hook ups… to live the proper #vanlife. We get asked all the time: “Where do you recommend we camp for free in Canadian National Parks? Do we need to stay in campsites? We’re looking for the coolest, most remote locations.