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Last Updated on March 23, 2023 by Jeremy
Everyone enjoys the great outdoors whether by yourself or as a family with pets. We’ve all encountered awesome RV Parks, state, national, provincial and regional parks, and even some private and public campgrounds. But have you ever heard of backwoods camping? “What is Backwoods camping” you might ask. You’re about to find out!
Tent in backcountry camp, upper Marriott Basin, Coast Mountains British Columbia
What is Backwoods Camping?
Backwoods camping, also labeled back country camping, is where you camp in a designated area a certain distance away, usually 1km or more from any highway, park or road. These particular “campsites” are not accessible by vehicle and have very limited or barely any facilities. Some may also refer to it as “bare-bones camping”.
Now that you have this general knowledge, let’s find out what each of the prairies (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba – Canada) have for recommendations of backwoods camping, as well, let’s also find out what some rules are for each province, and what some most essential gear would be to take along on one of these adventurous trips.
British Columbia Backwoods Camping
British Columbia, also known as BC, have some pretty unique areas that offer spectacular sites with “extraordinary adventures”, according to BC Parks. Many of these so-called back country camping parks boast natural beauty, which make it the perfect way to immerse yourself in that atmosphere.
The way that backwoods camping works in BC is to find one of the few BC Parks within the province, get your camping gear gathered, and head out on your adventure. Some back country parks BC has include:
- Berg Lake Trail – Unfortunately, this park was severely damaged by extreme weather conditions in 2021 & the Kinney Lake campground opens in June 2023.
- Garibaldi – Which is famous for hiking trails and insane views.
- Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit – Has a 116km chain of waterways that lead to it.
- Mount Assiniboine – Lots of unspoiled wildernesses in the area.
- Joffre Lakes – Known for its hiking, mountaineering, and wildlife.
With these above-mentioned parks, the possibilities are endless to enjoy freedom and seclusion, just to get away from the daily grind of hustle and bustle. However, it might not always benefit by trying your luck at some of these parks as to get there, it’s a first-come, first-serve basis.
Some of these backwoods camping spots might be able to give you a permit which you can obtain from the website, however it doesn’t guarantee you a spot when you arrive. Some parks also don’t require a permit, so it’s best to check on their website to see what’s involved.
Alberta Back Country Camping
The province of Alberta, which is due East of British Columbia, defines backwoods or back country camping as:
“camping accessed by hiking, cycling or riding horseback over a considerable distance”.
Rules that Alberta want you to follow when attempting one of these trips include for you to be in a designated camping location that is 1km from a roadway, as well if you need to access by an ATV, UTV or other motorized vehicle, that it follows the designated area rules.
The rules also include that fires are allowed as long as general fire-bans that are in effect be followed, as well, fishing and hunting are allowed with specific permits and licensing on the person at all times. Not to mention mountain biking is an exception unless in a sensitive wildlife area.
If heading into an Alberta Park that allows backwoods camping, they state right on their website to:
- Leave an itinerary with someone not going with you.
- Report any emergencies to 9-1-1
- Report any wildlife sightings.
- Research the route you are taking.
- Check local weather forecasts.
- Take a satellite or Cell phone.
- And in the event of a helicopter sighting, use the appropriate signals.
Of the 61 available Alberta parks to check out, here are approximately 6 you should check out:
- Big Elbow Provincial Recreation Area – Bragg Creek – Seasonal
- Peter Lougheed Provincial Park – Canmore – Seasonal
- Birch Mountains Wildland Provincial Park – Fort McMurray – Year round
- Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park – Canmore – Year-round.
- Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park – Bragg Creek – Seasonal
- Wapiabi Provincial Recreation Area – Rocky Mountain House – Year round
As far as permits go for these Albera Parks, it’s best to plan further by visiting their website.
Saskatchewan Backwoods Camping
Saskatchewan has back country camping defined as sites that are hike-in only without access to a vehicle. Campers are to be prepared to hike with all camping equipment. Some services might include a fire-pit, picnic table and a pit toilet.
Similar to Alberta and BC, Saskatchewan Parks have specific rules that apply to back country camping. These include:
- All trash MUST be packed out.
- Trails & sites are to be litter free.
- Permits MUST be carried by the group leader.
- Campfires are only permitted in designated areas.
- No leaving of designated trails.
- Feeding wildlife is prohibited.
- All campsites are shared sites.
- Avoid hiking alone.
- Dress appropriately when hiking including footwear.
- No potable water is available, so own filtration systems MUST be used.
It’s obvious these rules should be followed on backwoods camping trip, as at any given moment, choices need to be made as anything can happen at any given time. You really don’t need any “dumb luck” decisions to be made when experiencing a camping trip.
The Saskatchewan campgrounds that you need permits for, and that are available to backwoods camp at include:
- Gem Lakes, Narrow Hills Provincial Park
- Meadow Lake Provincial Park
- Porcupine Hills
- Grasslands National Park
- Pasqua Hills
- Prince Albert National Park
Entering into the Saskatchewan Parks website will guarantee you known how to obtain a permit correctly before venturing out on one of these trips.
Manitoba Back Country Camping
With the majority of the same set of rules and regulations as the other 3 prairie provinces, the noticeable difference for Manitoba and back country camping is that there are no regular patrols for the sites to keep them maintained.
Other information that is informative to note for this province is that you are only allowed to camp in designated sites, to watch out for wildlife, expect the bare-essentials at each site, and always known that it is first-come first served.
General Basic Guidelines
- PRACTICE LEAVE NO-TRACE: If you haul it in, haul it out. This includes garbage, ashes from a fire, and any food that may attract wildlife.
- FIRE-AWARENESS: Use commonsense when having a fire. Be alert of any fire-bans and keep an eye on the weather. Never leave burning flames unattended as well, douse and stir your flames including coals and ashes.
- BE PREPARED FOR ANYTHING: At any given time, anything can happen. Always take into account an escape route, as well, have safety gear at all times.
What Gear should I take Backwoods Camping?
There are many items that you COULD bring along, but the key here is to decide what is essential for you, versus what is luxury. The thing to do here is break a list into two categories: Primary and Secondary. The primary list is your bare-minimum essentials. Remember you pack it in, you pack it out, so take less to carry more back. The secondary list will include more luxurious and safety items.
Primary List (Essentials):
- Lightweight sleeping Bag
- Lightweight tent and or tent-hammock
- Water bottle &/or LifeStraw
- Back Pack
- Tarp, rope and Bungees
- Hiking Boots and socks
- Woll / Polyester clothes (moisture wicking)
- Raingear
- Dry sack or waterproof container
- Lighters, matches and candles.
- Compass and a map
- Flashlights and headlights
- Knife, hatchet and foldable saw
- Small gas stove
- Cookware, utensils and a “mess kit”
- Toilet Paper
- Garbage bags
Secondary List (Luxurious / Safety):
- Gloves
- Bear Bangers
- Sleeping pad
- 1st aid-kit
- Folding chair
- Contact Device
- Back-up Plan
- Vehicle nearby and accessible, fully equipped with extra gear such as fuel, cooking supplies, coolers, extra blankets, etc.
Conclusion
As you can see, backwoods camping takes quite a deal of planning whether you are alone or with a group. Learning all the rules from each of the provincial park’s websites ensures you are even more prepared, and taking a glance at the long-range forecast seals the deal for this type of adventure.
Of course, the biggest commitment is to enjoy the experience of peace and quiet, all the while being alert and adapt to your surroundings with the expectation that things can change in a heartbeat.
Being prepared at all costs for this type of adventure is the difference between an awesome time, and not. Regardless the fact, I hope this article gives you a little more clarity about what backwoods camping is, and how you can enjoy it in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and even Manitoba.
Leave a comment with questions should you have any!
Earth is Heart!
Wow, tons of information on how to camp through the backwoods appropriately. I really liked how you listed and provided the four main prairies for backwoods camping and then within them the trails and associated within that park. Safety is extremely important while camping – especially backwoods camping and I really liked how you continuously mention that throughout your article.
I would like to give backwoods camping a try now since I’ve read this article. It seems very peaceful and relaxing to take in these beautiful lands. Thank you for opening up a new adventure for me!
As you can pretty much expect that backwoods or back country camping can literally be done anywhere within a designated campground, whats to say you find land you are not trespassing on to do the same thing. If you really want to experience it without going completely off-the-grid, start in your back yard for a night, then slowly move out to other locations to get that comfort level down.
By the time you are truly ready to go backwoods camping, you’ll have all the correct gear, and know exactly what to take and expect.
Good luck on your new found adventure!
Thank you for your informative article on backwoods camping in the prairies. The detailed information on each province and their specific rules and regulations for backwoods camping is appreciated, as it will undoubtedly help readers to plan their trip more effectively. The list of recommended parks for each province is also a valuable resource, as it can be overwhelming to decide where to go without guidance. Additionally, the information on essential gear to take along is very useful, especially for those who have never gone backwoods camping before. Overall, your article is well-written and provides valuable insights into the world of backwoods camping.
You are welcome for this information, and thank you for the compliment.