Camping

This feature now available on our Backroad GPS Maps!

From roadside parks to remote wilderness campsites the Backroad Mapbooks are your source for camping in Canada. Clearly no other source, whether it be a map or guidebook, offers as many camping options as our books do. Not only do we list every Provincial and National Park, we also list bigger Regional or County Parks, BC Recreation Sites and Alberta Recreation Areas. If that is not enough, our maps include these sites as well as virtually everything in between and beyond.

Interested in Crown Land camping in Canada? No problem, our maps show countless opportunities from scenic beach sites to those ever popular island sites. Looking for private or city roadside camping areas in the prairies? No problem, we have that covered too. In fact, we show many camping areas other maps do not. So let the Backroad Mapbooks be your guide to exploring the Canadian Great Outdoors.

What to look for

Line Style/Symbol on the maps

Look for these symbols on our maps to find your perfect camping spot.

Symbol in the writing

Look for this symbol in our refernece to see where you can stay along the way.

Write-up in Reference

Look for the Recreation section in our books to find the most popular spots.

Cariboo Chilcotin Coast BC: Hen Ingram Recreation Sites (Map 26/F1)
Hen Ingram Lake is a picturesque lake that can be accessed by a rough 2wd road. These two sites offer a total of 20 vehicle units. The west site is 4wd accessible only. The north site is the larger of the two and has a gravel boat launch. It can be accessed by motor homes.

Central Alberta: Chambers Creek Recreation Area (Map 11/A4)
Next to Chambers Creek off Highway 11, some 30 km west of Rocky Mountain House, this year round recreation area has 25 campsites as well as a group camping area. Creek fishing for brown trout, brook trout, pike and mountain whitefish is popular, or you can explore the 86 km (53.4 miles) of unmaintained trails, which are used by hikers, bikers and ATVers. As always, ATVs cannot be operated in the recreation area itself. Reservations for the group camp can be made by calling 403-721-3975.

Northwestern Ontario: Wabakimi Provincial Park (Map 40–41, 53–55, 63–66)
Taken from an Ojibway word meaning "whitewater", Wabakimi is an enormous expanse of remote wilderness. Encompassing almost 900,000 hectares of natural habitat, this is an area greater than the entire province of Prince Edward Island. About 300 woodland caribou roam the park and spotting one of these elusive creatures is a highlight for many guests. The rocks within the park are also marked by Native pictographs that are hundreds of years old.

Wabakimi Provincial Park can be accessed by air, road, water and rail. The three main water access points can be sought via the three adjoining provincial parks; Brightsand River located at the southwest corner, Kopka River located at the southeast corner and Albany River located at the northeast corner. Rail access is provided by VIA Rail who will also transport gear and equipment into the park. Canoeists can also access the park along the Canadian National Railway line located at the south end of the park. Passengers and their equipment can be dropped off and picked up at specified points between Armstrong and Savant Lake, including Collins or Allan Water Bridge. Road access can be obtained at the Caribou Lake Road via the Armstrong Road (Highway 527) for access to the southeast portion of the park. Camp 702 Road east of Savant Lake will grant access to the Flindt River System located in the southwest portion of the park.

Anglers are spoiled in Wabakimi with its fine fishing opportunities and many fly-in fishing outfitters. Some outfitters provide boat caches to nearby lakes, adding variety to the angling experience. There are some hunting lodges and outpost camp operators that offer fly-in moose hunting packages in the park expansion area. In total, the park hosts seven mainbase lodges and 40 fly-in outpost camps. Some of these lodges also provide ecotours, canoe exploration and wildlife viewing.

Wabakimi is also renowned for its fine padding opportunities. The park includes over 12,000 lakes and 2,000 km (1,242 mi) of canoe routes in a labyrinth of lakes, rivers, creeks and streams. All visitors should be equipped for emergencies and be prepared for wilderness travel along unmaintained routes. Some of the river systems also contain whitewater that should not be attempted without proper exploration and experience. Park staff or local outfitters can help plan your canoe trip to suit your timeline and experience level.

There are about 500 backcountry campsites scattered throughout the park. Bears and other animals live in the park, emphasizing the need to properly maintain food preparation sites and to store food safely. Interior travellers are also asked not to camp on small islands at least mid-summer to avoid caribou cows and calves from being frightened onto the mainland where their predators lurk. Reservations for camping can be made at 1-888-668-7275.

New Brunswick: Parlee Beach Provincial Park (Map 22/D2)
Regarded as one of Canada's best beach areas, Parlee Beach provides plenty of opportunity for fun with family and friends, particularly on those hot summer days. Situated northeast of Shediac on the Northumberland Strait and the Bay of Shediac, the large beach is staffed with professional lifeguards, security services, washrooms and showers and plenty of room for sports and recreation. Many would argue that the beach boasts the warmest saltwater north of Virginia. The campsite is equipped with 170 sites, including 58 with electricity. Other perks consist of an amphitheater, daily sports programs, a playground, a canteen and park store and walking trails. To find the park, travel east of Shediac along Route 133 for a few kilometres. For more information or reservations, call (506) 533-3363.

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