Our route takes us through rich and unique territories.
There’s nothing like spending the night for free in a small, beautiful, secluded spot. As much as we love our Go-Van.CLUB sites and campsites for their variety and amenities, it’s always nice to get off the beaten path and set up camp in the great outdoors. So here’s our little guide to planning your next public land camping trip.
Public lands in Quebec
Providing access to our territory
Our province is vast, and nearly 92% of its territory is considered public. This vast playground includes
- Conservation and protected areas, such as national parks
- Structured lands, such as ZECs, outfitters and wildlife refuges
- Open lands, for the use of all
Administered by the Quebec government, these public lands are designed to enhance the value of our fabulous territory by providing easy access for vacationers and outdoor enthusiasts. Although this area is open to everyone and no permit is required, there are a few rules to follow to camp on public land and ensure its longevity.
If you plan to sleep in a van (or tent), here’s what you need to know:
- Your occupation must be temporary, no more than 7 months per year.
- Your equipment must not be permanent, so nothing fixed to the ground.
- Before you light a fire, be sure to check current campfire bans.
- Make sure you set up in safe areas, away from roads, trails, or landing zones.
- Before leaving, remember to leave no trace and return the site to its original state.
Camping on public land is therefore permitted everywhere except on Île au Bœuf, Île au Cochon, Île aux Crapauds, Île aux Hérons, Île Sainte-Thérèse, Île aux Vaches and Île au Veau, which are part of the city of Varennes.
Although public lands are governed by the Loi sur les terres du domaine de l’État, they are managed by Quebec’s Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts (MRNF) in collaboration with the regional county municipalities (MRCs). Some municipalities, such as those in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Pontiac or Témiscouata regions, have their own regulations governing the use of these areas on their territory. We therefore advise you to contact the MRCs directly for full details and specific regulations before visiting them.
Lease or purchase of public land
In addition to offering free access to much of its territory, the Quebec government also allows you to lease some of its public lands, often the best lake or riverfront locations. If you are lucky enough to lease one of these unique locations, you can build permanent facilities and live there year-round.
Want to find a unique little corner of the world where you can spend the summer in a van? These lots are awarded by lottery once a year in Quebec. To register, you must be 18 years or older, fill out the registration form and pay the registration fee.
Public lands in the rest of Canada
Many other Canadian provinces allow camping on public lands, also known as Crown land. Each province has its own rules and regulations. That’s why it’s important to find out before you go.
In Ontario, for example, you can’t stay in one place for more than 21 days. In New Brunswick, your van or RV can’t be within 75 meters of a body of water. In general, you should always respect the environment and leave the place in the same condition as you found it!
Public lands in the United States
In the United States, public lands are known as the BLM, or Bureau of Land Management. BLMs are divided into two categories: developed campgrounds and dispersed campgrounds.
Developed campgrounds often offer some services and require a fee to stay. Most campgrounds are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, but some allow you to reserve your campsite before you arrive.
Our favorite, and the ones we’ve used the most, are the wilderness campsites. It’s possible to camp for free on BLM wilderness sites as long as there are no signs indicating otherwise. Generally, you are limited to 14 days in the same place.
During your next road trip in the U.S., check out the BLM map to find the best places to sleep for free or at low cost!
