Top Places to Camp for Free in British Columbia: A Camper's Guide
I’ve spent years chasing quiet lakes, remote trails, and those golden campfire moments under starry skies. British Columbia, without a doubt, is one of the best places in the world to camp for free. If you’re like me—someone who loves waking up to birds instead of traffic and prefers pine-scented air over hotel room sprays—then free camping in BC is your ticket to bliss.
This guide will walk you through some of the best spots, what you need to know before you go, and a few stories from the road to keep things real.
What is Free Camping in BC?
In BC, free camping is usually done on Crown Land (public land owned by the government) or at Recreation Sites managed by Recreation Sites and Trails BC. These areas are often rustic, with few or no services. That means no toilets, no water, no WiFi—just nature. But that’s the point, isn’t it?
If you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can camp on Crown Land for up to 14 days at a time in one location. Non-residents need to check for permits.
Here’s the official government page to stay up-to-date
What to Pack for Free Camping
I’ve learned (the hard way) that free camping means being completely self-reliant. Here’s what I never leave without:
- Water filter or purification tablets
- Bear spray and food storage (BC is bear country!)
- Portable toilet or trowel
- Garbage bags (always pack out your trash)
- Solar charger or power bank
- First-aid kit
- Offline maps (I use Gaia GPS and iOverlander)
Top Free Camping Spots in British Columbia
1. Jones Lake (near Chilliwack)
Road Conditions: Steep gravel road; high clearance recommended
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Jones Lake is my go-to when I want dramatic mountain views and a lake to myself (if you get there early enough). The road in is rough, so take it slow. Campsites are right by the water, but weekends get busy. Bring your kayak if you have one!
2. Chehalis Lake (Harrison Mills Area)
Type: Crown Land
A hidden gem. The lake is crystal clear, and you can find multiple unofficial sites along the forest road. I once spent three nights here without seeing another soul. Great spot for paddleboarding or just disconnecting.
3. Nairn Falls Rec Site (near Pemberton)
Type: Recreation Site (free, rustic)
Just off the Sea-to-Sky Highway. Beautiful river views, easy hikes nearby, and a thunderous waterfall that lulls you to sleep. This one is fairly accessible and great for a short weekend
4. Cat Lake (Squamish)
Note: Sometimes there’s a fee, but dispersed spots around are free.
Locals love this lake, and for good reason. Water’s great for swimming, and there’s a laid-back vibe. The road in is often bumpy, but doable with a sedan. Bring earplugs if it’s summer—can get party-heavy on weekends
5. Tranquille River Valley (Kamloops Area)
Type: Crown Land
This one is for the off-grid lovers. No services, but amazing views and stargazing. I stayed here in late September, and the Milky Way was brighter than I’ve ever seen. If you want peace, this is your place.
6. Lardeau River (Near Kootenay Lake)
Type: Crown Land
Lots of pull-offs along the river that are great for fishing and relaxing. It’s close to Argenta, a lovely little community with friendly folks. I always keep bear spray close here—wildlife sightings are common.
7. Inklin River Area (Northwestern BC)
Type: Remote Crown Land
Not for the faint-hearted. This place is way up north, close to the Yukon border. But if you’re serious about remote camping, it doesn’t get better than this. The road trip alone is an experience.
Apps and Tools to Find Free Camping Spots
These tools have saved me more than once:
- iOverlander (community-reviewed campsites)
- FreeRoam (filters for cell coverage, weather, etc.)
- Gaia GPS (topo maps and offline navigation)
- Backroads Mapbooks (physical maps I still use)
Tips for Safe and Responsible Free Camping
- Check fire bans before lighting anything.
- Leave No Trace: This isn’t just a slogan. Pack out everything.
- Wildlife safety: Store food properly and don’t feed animals.
- Respect Indigenous lands: If you’re unsure, ask or avoid the area.
- Have a backup plan: Sometimes spots are full or inaccessible.
Free camping in British Columbia is a gift—but it comes with responsibility. The views, the quiet mornings, the sound of loons on the lake—they’re all worth the effort it takes to get there. If you plan right, respect the land, and stay safe, you’ll leave with memories that beat any five-star hotel.
Have a favorite free campsite in BC? I’d love to hear about it. Drop your spot in the comments or shoot me a message on Boundless Room!
