Don’t pack those bathing suits away just yet! The Backroad Mapbooks Team is here to help you squeeze out every last ounce of summer! With Labour Day approaching quickly, there is still time to plan a quick backcountry getaway.
But don’t worry… Where we’re going you won’t need to book your campsite (like there are any left!) or pay expensive fees for last minute camping in close quarters with noisy strangers.
That’s why, for your convenience, we have put together a list of 15 free campsites you can enjoy this Labour Day weekend, and many more long weekends to come!
1. Allan Lake Rec Site – Thompson Okanagan BC Backroad Mapbook Map 33/B2
Situated on the Bonaparte Plateau, Allan Lake provides an excellent secluded free place to spend the night, or weekend, camping and fishing. With only 6 free campsites available, you’ll want to head out there early, but with an accessible boat launch, picnic tables and toilets, the stay will be well worth the trek. To get there from Kamloops, simply head along Westsyde Road until you reach the turn-off to Jamieson Creek Forest Service Road. Once you get on this road you’ll travel roughly 45kms until you reach to the turnoff to Allan Lake.
2. Apple Point Rec Site – Vancouver Island BC Backroad Mapbook Map 40/A5
Looking over Brewster Lake, the Apple Point Rec Site is a beautiful spot to enjoy this historic location. With only 5 free campsites, it’s certain to be a private getaway with access to a boat launch -those camped there can explore impressive canoe routes. Heading north on Highway 19, from Campbell River, you hang a left on the gravel road of Menzies Mainline, and right to the entrance. The site also features ample room for large trailers.
3. Amor Lake Rec Site – Vancouver Island BC Backroad Mapbook Map 40/A4
Amor Lake is a popular free site for anglers and drive-in camperswho are eager enough to endure the rough terrain travelling south along Blackwater Lake Road. There is a rugged boat launch to access the lake which boasts tons of small sandy beaches to explore, enjoy and relax on.
4. Augier Lake Rec Site – Northern BC Backroad Mapbook Map 23/B4
Sitting on the North tip of Augier Lake, these 9 free campsites make the perfect spot to spend the weekend on an incredibly beautiful beach.The available boat launch allows for fishing and boating, but be prepared as the easy access from Burns Lake makes this a very popular destination.
5. Batnuni Lake East Rec Site – Cariboo Chilcotin Coast BC Backroad Mapbook Map 54/D4
Located on an open grassy area and featuring 5 designated free campsites, the Batnuni Lake East Rec Site is a great spot to escape for a quick fishing or canoeing adventure. Take the Blackwater road to about the 155 km mark and turn east of the Batnuni road, there you’ll head up another 65.5km to reach the peaceful campsites.
6. Begbie Falls Rec Site – Kootenay Rockies BC Backroad Mapbook Map 34/G5
Located right at the mouth of Begbie Creek, sits a picturesque set of falls, and ample free campsites.There are also tons of activities to take part in to make the most out of your weekend in this beatiful area includingbiking, boating, fishing, hiking and horseback riding.
7. Big O.K. Lake (Island Lake) Rec Site – Thompson Okanagan BC Backroad Mapbook Map 20/G5
The adventure to get to Big OK Lake Rec site, will certainly be one for the books.
With high elevation and a cartop boat launch, it is a popular site for fly fishers.The seven available rustic campsites make for a perfect evening of free camping in the backcountry. However, it is a bit of a challenge to get there, as the route via Highland Valley Copper Mine is no longer open, the now recommended access is via Laura Lakes Road and four-wheel drive is recommended.
8. Bootjack Lake Rec Site – Cariboo Chilcotin Coast BC Backroad Mapbook Map 43/F7
With beautiful surrounding trees, and an incredible lake, the Bootjack Lake Free Rec Sites tends to be quite busy in the summer months. Complete with 9 free campsites, there’s lots of opportunity for campers, but get there early because only two campsites are on the lakeside. Just southwest of the town of Likely, carefully cruise the mine access road to reach the free campsites at the rec site at Bootjack Lake.
9. Bonanza Lake Rec Sites – Vancouver Island BC Backroad Mapbook Map 45/G6, 46/A7
Covering a vast amount of area, southeast of Port McNeill, there are two free campsites available, on the north and south ends. The South offers a much better boat launch and hosts 12 sites, while the north features 3 spots and is generally much quieter. The strong winds in the area are a dream for any windsurfing enthusiasts, but it can make a canoeing or kayak trip difficult. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and is a great place for anyone to enjoy the weekend.
10. Davis Lake Provincial Park – Vancouver, Coast & Mountains BC Backroad Mapbook Map 3/E1
Just 19km north of Mission, you’ll find the perfect getaway at Davis Lake Provincial Park. While the site is typically used as a day-use area, you can stay the night at plenty of walk-in camping spots along the lakeside. The park is open year round, but there is a gate that blocks drive in access. The distance down to the lake is only about a 1km trek on foot and is well worth the stay for free camping at Davis Lake.
11. Elbow Lake Rec Site – Cariboo Chilcotin Coast BC Backroad Mapbook Map 31/A4
Set along multiple levels of the shore of Elbow Lake, you’ll find 7 free campsites and despite being no boat launch, you can still set your boat to sail from the shore. The impressive views over the Cariboo Mountains and nicely shaded campsites offer a picturesque weekend escape.
12. Gray Lake Rec Site – Vancouver Island BC Backroad Mapbook Map 39/G6
Along the Sayward Forest Canoe Route, Gray Lake Rec site is newly renovated and offers 7 semi-open sites to spend the night. The campsites all offer perfect access to the lake for swimming, fishing, canoeing, and nearby there are great hiking routes and even the remains of an old railway trestle to explore.
13. Strathcona Dam Rec Site – Vancouver Island BC Backroad Mapbook Map 40/A7
The 11 available campsites rest in the shadow of the Strathcona Dam, located along Lower Campbell Lake Reservoir. This perfect location provides great access to a small beach with picnic tables by the lake. It is also known that the surrounding lakes in this area, are well known by many fishermen to be great place to catch trout.
14. Wapta Falls Rec Site – Kootenay Rockies BC Backroad Mapbook Map 37/G1
While there are 1-5 campsites available, the two you’ll want to get there for are the ones that look over the impressive Wapta Falls. RV camping is also an option, if you have a short RV, but the only access to the site is by a gravel road past the Beaverfoot Lodge. The experience is more than worth the trek to get there though, and you can spend the next day hiking the easily accessed trails to falls, and evenings by the campfire.
15. Woods Lake North Rec Site – Thompson Okanagan BC Backroad Mapbook Map 23/D6
After following along a gravel road for approximately 18km, you’ll reach the 17 RV friendly campsites at Woods Lake North Rec Site. For canoeists, boaters and fishermen, there is a boat launch and the great backcountry roads make it an ideal destination for ATVers and off-roading enthusiasts.
As many of these are rugged campsites, with no nearby emergency services, be sure to prepare and pack the essentials you’ll need to endure a weekend in the backcountry!
Stay safe and have fun, and don’t forget to comment below if we’ve missed your favourite free BC campsite!