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Camping Not In A Campground

Potty Kit Or Wag Bags

Abandoned Campground Heat Wave Stealth Camping

Since most free camping areas dont have bathroom facilities, youll need to be prepared to properly dispose of your waste. Youll need a small trowel to dig a cathole, TP, and a trash bag to pack your TP out. In some sensitive and higher use areas, youll need to pack your waste out as well, usually by using a WAG bag. Check with the ranger or BLM office to find out about their specific policies.

Our friend Kristen of Bearfoot Theory wrote a great post about doing your business outdoors, which you can check out here.

Private Camping Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine coast is a unique destination, accessible only by ferry or air from the mainland. There are some great private camping options on the Sunshine Coast, plus lots of outdoor adventures to be had.

Sunlund By-The-Sea

Near Lund, B.C. is Sunlund By-The-Sea. This campground is pet-friendly, with big rig access, full hookups, water and WIFI. During COVID times, the campground is only open to self-contained RVs, but usually has restrooms, showers and laundry for camping guests.

Right in the campground, guests can take advantage of hiking and biking trails, the beach and horseshoe pits. Just a short distance away, guests can access downtown Lund for its restaurants, marina, shops, a water taxi and more beach.

Depending on the purpose of your stay, Sunlund has lots of options for rates. If youre just passing by, there are nightly rates, plus competitive rates for monthly and weekly options. The campground opens on April 15 and you can book online for a low-contact check-in.

Willingdon Beach

Willingdon Beach is an RV and tent campground just outside of Powell River, BC. This is a great destination for adventurous campers, as it has amazing hiking trails, fishing options, plus a beach. Nearby amenities include mini-golf, shopping, a recreation complex and the historic townsite of Powell River.

Langdale Heights

This campground sports its own golf course!

Gibsons RV Resort

The resort is RV only and offers full hookups, restrooms, showers, laundry and WIFI.

Dispersed Camping Rules Of The Road

There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It is your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience.

  • Contact the local Forest Service office to see if any restrictions are in place. This includes finding out if campfires and open stoves are permitted in much of the West, drought conditions are severe and no flames of any sort are allowed. Ground tents are occasionally not allowed on federal lands or at rest stops . There is also usually a 14-day limit on staying in the same campsite within a 30-day period.
  • Leave it better than you found it. Pack out everything you brought in, including trash. LEAVE NO TRACE is the official guideline. Brush up on your LNT knowledge.
  • Dispersed camping is allowed in a one-mile perimeter away from campgrounds and 100 feet from any stream.
  • Dont sleep on the side of the road its usually illegal. To prevent resource damage, keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway.
  • Bring plenty of your own water, or have a way to treat it. Just because you found a campsite near a stream or river with seemingly nothing else around doesnt mean the water is safe to drink. Always treat the water you get from natural sources so that you dont have to end your trip early!
  • Be prepared. Bring a good atlas and/or GPS to help you find your way in/out of the woods . Check the weather for rain, which can create mud holes that you cant drive out of.
  • Dispersed camping on the East Coast

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    + Of The Best Campgrounds In The South Okanagan Bc

    British Columbias South Okanagan region is a fantastic place to go camping.

    Not only is the climate remarkably dry and warm, the scenery is gorgeous, featuring many glittering lakes, rugged rock formations, rolling vineyards, bronzed grassland and more.

    And lets be realcamping is super budget friendly, meaning you will have more spare dollars to spend on local food, fruit, wine and beer instead!

    This post features what I believe to be the best places to go camping in the South Okanagan, plus essential information about when to go and essential items to bring. Read on to discover your next favourite campground!

    Provincial Park Campgrounds Vehicle Accessible

    Tent Camping  Shocco Springs

    In 2021, reservations for provincial park campsites can be made up to two months in advance .

    • BCs provincial park campgrounds always feature well spaced, clean and maintained campsites with a fair level of privacy
    • Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring as standard
    • Most campgrounds have firewood to sell the fee varies between parks
    • None of the provincial park campgrounds mentioned here have on-site hookups for RVs
    • Reservations can be made online through Discover Camping or the BC Parks call centre 1 800 689 9025

    Okanagan Lake Provincial Park North Campground

    Okanagan Lake Provincial Park is situated between Okanagan Lake and Highway 97, about five minutes drive north of Summerland.

    Its a fabulous location to be sure, being accessible right from the highway and next to the water. The rugged peaks of Okanagan Mountain Park provide a dramatic backdrop across the lake.

    The North Campground consists of six terraces of camping sites, with each one being a bit lower and closer to the lake. This combined with the fact that all of the sites face the water means that this campground has an excellent level of privacy. Most of the sites have a decent level of shade too.

    The only downside to both Okanagan Lake Provincial Park campgrounds is the noise from the highway. With the North Campground, the lower you go, the quieter it gets. The lower two terraces are the best for this reason.

    Okanagan Lake Provincial Park South Campground

    sxxnitk Provincial Park

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    Fees For Backcountry Camping

    Every national park that allows backcountry camping will require you to obtain a backcountry camping permit, which comes with a fee. This fee is good for the entire duration of your stay. You must obtain these permits at a visitor center. The National Parks Pass does not apply to backcountry camping fees.

    Motor Vehicle Use Maps

    These are large PDFs made available from the Forest Service.

    Many, but not all, of these maps show where dispersed camping is permitted. Roads with dots on either side represent free campsites. Each map has a legend.

    Its best to download them for an easier time viewing, and so you have them with you if bring a computer on the road. I havent tried viewing them on a cell phone, but they are very large and it would be a headache.

    To Print Open the map and find the area you need to print. Go to File, Print, and under Pages to Print, select More Options and Current view. Next under Page Sizing & Handling choose Fit. Select Orientation and then Print.

    Tip Bring up the location in Google Maps too, so you can get more street names and info.

    MVUM National Forests

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    Best Campgrounds Near Vancouver Bc

    Written by Magee WalkerJun 5, 2020

    Surrounded by mountains and the ocean, it’s easy to get the itch to escape into the great outdoors when you’re spending time in Vancouver but it’s a little trickier to find a place to pitch a tent. While there aren’t any campgrounds in the city itself, there are plenty of great options for camping close to Vancouver. We’ve narrowed down the best campgrounds near Vancouver to satisfy your craving for an outdoor adventure.

    All these campsites are located within two hours of the city several can be accessed in just one hour’s drive. The right fit for you depends on where you want to go: you might head up the Sea to Sky Highway towards Squamish, you could catch a ferry to the Sunshine Coast, or you can pack up and go east to the Fraser Valley. Decisions, decisions. . . .

    The campsites on this list offer a wide range of extras and amenities. On the far end of the scale, there are wilderness campsites that require a backcountry hike to access don’t expect any frills here. On the other hand, many of the campgrounds offer RV sites with full hookups, laundry facilities, hot showers and even Wi-Fi. It all depends on the type of experience you’re seeking.

    For best results, always plan ahead, and research your options with our list of the best campgrounds near Vancouver.

    Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues.

    How Can I Be A Good Dispersed Camper

    2 Nights Extreme Cold Stealth Camping In City

    Because dispersed camping is free and typically in more remote areas, there are usually no services such as trash removal or restrooms. In some places, there may be some facilities such as tables, fire rings, and even a pit toilet.

    Whats better than picking up your own trash? Picking up any trash left behind by other campers. Photo by MabelAmber

    Because the areas are free, it is the responsibility of each dispersed camper to leave their campsite exactly or even better than they found it. Learn about how to go to the bathroom in the woods and in areas that cant handle human waste, be sure to use a bucket, your RV bathroom, or a portable toilet. Most importantly, dont dump your waste onto the ground or into any water source.

    Another good dispersed camper trend is to spread the word about how to properly camp on public lands and how to give back to the system. Maybe leave behind some firewood so the next visitor is not tempted to chop down a nearby tree.

    Also Check: Coast To Coast Camping Locations

    What Do I Need To Camp For Free

    Because most free campsites do not have any amenities, youll need to arrive prepared. If youre camping in a remote, wild area lands), in addition to your RV or tent, be sure to bring:

    • Water for drinking and washing
    • Garbage bags
    • Toilet paper and a shovel
    • Camp chairs and a table
    • Permits

    A working knowledge of Leave No Trace principles is essential to camping responsibly in free campsites, including how to dispose of waste properly.

    If youre camping in an area that allows overnight parking, such as a truck stop or Walmart parking lot, you will likely have access to a bathroom and a place to dispose of garbage.

    Pros And Cons Of Dispersed Camping

    When youre dispersed camping, you must be well-practiced in Leave No Trace Principles. For the most part, it will just be you, your tent and the landno bathrooms, no showers, no trash cans. Pack out what you brought in, and pick up any additional trash you find for extra credit.

    You also have to accept more risks. While there may be USFS Rangers in the area, outside of a designated campground you lose the safety in numbers factor, especially with regards to the elements and wildlife. If youre camping in bear country, bring your own bear canister and spray. If youre in the desert, bring extra water and appropriate shade. If theres a fire ban, its your responsibility to know about it before you go and to obey it at all times.

    That being said, there are lots of benefits to camping on public lands. For one, its free! Theres also a good chance you and your crew will be the only ones out thereyoull have lots more privacy than in a developed campground, and a lot more freedom.

    : But with that freedom, comes responsibility.

    Youre camping on public landyour land. Its your responsibility to take care of both the land and yourself while youre out there. Happy camping!

    Dispersed camping not your thing? You can still find greater privacy camping on privately-owned lands listed on Hipcamp. Search for campgrounds Bookable on Hipcamp near you.

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    Golden Ears Provincial Park

    Just over an hour east of Vancouver, Golden Ears Provincial Park is a popular option for those looking for a heaping dose of Mother Nature close to Vancouver. Offering plenty of hikes spanning all levels of difficulty, canoe and kayak rentals, swimming areas, and beaches for lounging, there’s lots to do, see, and explore at Golden Ears Provincial Park.

    While a day trip to the park is fun, an overnight camping trip is even better. Golden Ears Provincial Park has several options for camping. Three different areas offer vehicle-accessible camping: Gold Creek, Alouette, and North Beach. Campsites should be reserved ahead of time , and reservations are limited to a maximum of 14 nights per calendar year per person, so don’t get greedy! There are also two group camping sites that can accommodate 15-50 people.

    In addition to the three campsites listed above, there are several designated wilderness backcountry camping sites that can be accessed by hikers via trail, or by boaters on the water. There are a limited number of campsites here, and all campers must obtain a backcountry camping permit ahead of time before pitching a tent. Some of these sites have pit toilets, but campfires are never permitted in the backcountry.

    Where To Go To The Bathroom

    To Camp, or Not To Camp

    This is where dispersed camping most resembles backpacking. A toilet or privy is unlikely to be available. Local ranger districts say that mismanaged human waste is a major problem with dispersed camping.

    Bring a shovel and bury your waste in a hole at least six inches deep and at least 200 feet from any water source or campsite. All toilet paper should be packed out, so bring along a couple extra plastic bags — one for the TP, and one to keep the TP bag in.

    Want to be a superhero? Pack out all your waste using a portable toilet or bags designed for that purpose. Rangers will thank you.

    Read Also: Olympic National Park Beach Camping

    Best Campgrounds With Cabins

    Are you ready to have a summer adventure? Its time to hit the road, get some fresh air, and take in amazing views. A good place to base yourself for your adventure is one of the many campgrounds with cabins.

    Googling campgrounds with cabins near me, youre sure to find plenty of campgrounds. BUT how do you know which are the best? Thats where we come in. But first

    Mount Seymour Provincial Park

    At just half an hour from Vancouver, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a campsite that’s closer to the city than Mount Seymour Provincial Park. If you’re looking to car-camp, then this isn’t the place for you but if you’re looking to head into the backcountry for an escape from the city, then you’ll be happy to hear that there are plenty of opportunities to do just that at Mount Seymour.

    Campers can pitch a tent within park boundaries, north of Brockton Point. There are no formally designated campsites, although campers should look to pitch their tents in areas that will not cause any environmental damage.

    Obviously, the lack of formal campsites means there isn’t much in the way of amenities, aside from the regular toilets available to all park users and campfires are prohibited in the backcountry.

    Backcountry camping in Mount Seymour Provincial Park is free there’s also a reservable group campsite for a fee, featuring some extras like a pit toilet, group shelter, picnic tables, and fire pit.

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    You Can Camp Wherever You Want But You Must Keep Moving On

    National parks do not allow backcountry campers to set up a base camp and stay there the entire time. Instead, they expect you to camp overnight and keep moving on. Their idea of backcountry camping is to explore the park from one end to the other, camping overnight and continuing on the next day. They dont want their backcountry areas to turn into tent cities, and they dont want people using their park as a temporary residence.

    Is There A 14 Day Limit For Boondocking

    U-Haul Stealth Camping In -35 Degrees

    The majority of public lands that allow for dispersed camping have a 14-day limit for staying in one spot. The rule of thumb is that if you stay at a site for the maximum allowance of 14 days, you then have to move to another site at least 30 miles away and cant come back to the same spot for 30 days.

    Most public lands have a 14-day time limit and a 30-mile location limit. Photo by Tony Webster

    According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, dispersed camping is allowed in a one-mile perimeter away from developed campgrounds and 100 feet from any stream. To prevent damage to local resources they also recommend keeping a campsite within 150 feet from a roadway.

    These rules can vary between different areas and there are not always signs indicating camping rules. The best way to find out the time and space limitations is to visit the website of the area you are planning to visit or to speak to a local BLM or National Forest ranger.

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    Backcountry Camping In Whistler

    The Whistler area is home to many gorgeous hiking trails, some of which have backcountry campgrounds. Keep in mind that these campsites are several hours hike from the trailhead.

    Most of the backcountry campsites are in Garibaldi Provincial Park including Garibaldi Lake, Elfin Lakes, Cheakamus Lake, Russet Lake, and Wedgemount Lake.

    Other Whistler backcountry camping options include Joffre Lakes, Hanging Lake, Tenquille Lake, and Marriott Meadows.

    You can find details for all of these trips in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

    Best Places For Free Dispersed Camping In Arizona

    Today, Im going to share my favorite free campsites in Arizona.

    Around 42% of Arizona is made up of public lands like national forests and BLM land, so its not surprising there are literally hundreds of dispersed camping and boondocking opportunities throughout the state.

    Rather than list them all, Ive narrowed down your options to just 11 of the very best.

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