Random Backcountry Camping

Random backcountry camping refers to camping that involves hiking, biking, paddling or horseback riding to a camping destination that does not have established facilities. (This differs from the designated backcountry campgrounds which have basic facilities and require a permit.)

While random backcountry camping is permitted in some areas, there are rules and responsibilities associated with the activity. Please call the Kananaskis Information Line at 403-678-0760 for clarification.

Provincial Parks & Provincial Recreation Areas

• Random camping is NOT PERMITTED in Provincial Parks and Provincial Recreation Areas.

Public Land Use Zones (PLUZ)

• Random camping is permitted in Public Land Use Zones (PLUZ) with some restrictions and recommendations.
• You MUST be at least 1 kilometre from any provincial park, public land recreation area or provincial recreation areas.
• In some PLUZ, you MUST be at least 1 kilometer from a roadway.  This includes campfires and firearm use as well.  Please see individual PLUZ maps for information.
• Please review the PLUZ regulations.
• Review the Alberta Parks rules for permitted activities too as they also apply in a PLUZ.

Wildland Provincial Parks

• Random camping is permitted in Wildland Provincial Parks with some restrictions and recommendations. 
• Random camping is not permitted within 1 kilometre of a designated camping facility.
• To protect the natural heritage and maintain the integrity of the environment,  random camping is not permitted in select areas of some Wildland Provincial Parks. Examples:
• A no-fee backcountry camping permit is required to camp at Sparrowhawk Tarns and Memorial Lakes, both located in Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park. In order to obtain a permit please visit the Kananaskis Visitor Information Centre or Peter Lougheed Discovery Centre in Kananaskis Country.
• Random Backcountry camping is not permitted in some areas of Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park. Check the map (from the Bow Valley Management Plan, page 23).
• Random Backcountry camping is not permitted in some areas of Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park such as Tombstone Lakes.

Recommendations & Tips

• Camp at least 50 metres from any trail.
• Kananaskis Backcountry Safety
• Backcountry Camping Rules and Guidelines
• Hiking and Backcountry Safety
• Permitted Activities & Regulations
• Minimizing Your Impact
• Outdoor Safety