Camping on public lands in Alberta, often referred to as Crown land camping, offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the province’s natural beauty with minimal infrastructure. However, there are specific rules and regulations that campers must follow to ensure safety, environmental protection, and compliance with provincial laws. Below is a detailed overview of the rules for camping on public lands in Alberta, based on the provided information.
General Rules for Random Camping on Public Lands
Random camping, defined as no-service or limited-service camping outside established campgrounds, is generally permitted on public lands in Alberta unless otherwise indicated by signs, notices, or department publications. However, there are several key regulations to adhere to:
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Location Restrictions: Random camping is not permitted within 1 kilometer of a Public Land Recreation Area, Provincial Park, or Provincial Recreation Area2. It is also prohibited within Provincial Parks and Provincial Recreation Areas themselves, with random backcountry camping only allowed in Wildland Provincial Parks and Public Land Use Zones (PLUZ)23.
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Duration of Stay: Campers are limited to a maximum stay of 14 days at the same location. After 14 days, they must move at least 1 kilometer away for a minimum of 72 hours before returning158.
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Distance from Water: Camps must be set up at least 30 meters (100 feet) away from lakes and streams to protect water sources58.
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Environmental Responsibility: Campers must adhere to "Leave No Trace" principles, ensuring they leave the land tidy and undisturbed. This includes removing all garbage, recycling, and food waste, as well as not disturbing live trees or vegetation58. Existing campsites should be used whenever possible to minimize environmental impact2.
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Temporary Facilities: Camping facilities must be temporary and portable, ensuring no permanent structures are left behind5.
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Campfires: Campfires are generally permitted within Public Land Use Zones when at least 1 kilometer away from a Provincial Recreation Area. Campers should use existing fire rings or portable fire pits, keep fires small, only use fallen dead trees, and ensure fires are fully extinguished before leaving. Always check for fire bans or restrictions7.
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Compliance with Signs and Staff: Campers must obey posted signs and follow instructions from government staff5.
Public Lands Camping Pass Requirement
A Public Lands Camping Pass is mandatory for random camping on public land along the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains, from Grande Prairie to Waterton Lakes National Park, as well as in specific areas such as the Porcupine Hills Public Land Use Zone, Willmore Wilderness Park, and Agricultural Crown land within the pass area (with leaseholder permission)1. Key details about the pass include:
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Cost: The pass costs $20 per person for a 3-day pass (valid for 72 hours from 2 pm on the selected date to 2 pm on the third day, allowing for 3 nights) or $30 per person for an annual pass (valid for 365 days from the date of purchase). Additional fees include a $3.25 system-processing fee plus GST per transaction and a one-time $8 Wildlife Identification Number (WIN) fee to access the licensing system1.
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Where to Purchase: Passes can be bought online at albertarelm.com, through the AlbertaRELM mobile app, or at locations that sell fishing and hunting licenses1.
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Enforcement: Campers must show proof of payment (printed pass or mobile app) to enforcement officers upon request. Non-compliance may result in a fine1.
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Conditions: Passes are non-refundable, non-transferable, and sold per person, not per vehicle or camping unit. The same rate applies to residents and non-residents of Alberta1.
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Exemptions: The pass is not required for children and youth under 18, camping outside the designated pass area, camping in established campgrounds with fees, day-use activities, authorized work or volunteer duties, or specific groups such as First Nations peoples with a Status card, certain Métis groups north of the Red Deer River, and individuals receiving specific government benefits (e.g., AISH, Income Support)1.
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Areas Where Pass Does Not Apply: The pass does not apply to private, municipal, or federally-owned lands, designated campgrounds on public land with camping fees, the Kananaskis Conservation Pass area, or lands under the Provincial Parks Act or WAERHRNA Act1.
Agricultural Crown Land and Leaseholder Permission
When camping on Agricultural Crown land within the pass area, additional rules apply:
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Permission Required: If the land is under a Grazing Lease or Farm Development Lease, campers must contact the leaseholder for permission before accessing the land and follow any access conditions. Leaseholders have the right to deny access under certain conditions15.
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Grazing Licenses: For land under a Grazing License, permission is not always required, but it is recommended to ask the leaseholder as a courtesy5.
Specific Rules for Public Land Use Zones (PLUZ)
Public Land Use Zones, of which there are 19 covering 11,200 square kilometers in Alberta, have specific rules tailored to each area’s conditions. Random camping is generally permitted within PLUZ, but campers must review the specific regulations for each zone before setting up camp358. Additional considerations include:
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Access and Activities: Some PLUZ allow off-highway vehicle (OHV) use, non-motorized boating, snowmobiling, or equestrian riding, while others have restrictions. Maps and rules for each zone are available as downloadable PDFs or through interactive tools provided by the government58.
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No Marked Campsites: There are no designated or marked campsites in PLUZ, and access may require hiking, biking, or OHV use depending on the zone8.
Additional Considerations
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Castle Provincial Park and Wildland Areas: Castle Provincial Park operates under a free self-registration permit system for designated camping areas (up to 16 consecutive nights), while random backcountry camping in Castle Wildland Provincial Park and Bob Creek Wildland Provincial Park does not require a permit but must follow specific distance rules (e.g., 1 km from roads, 50 meters from trails, and over 60 meters from water sources)6.
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No Services: Most public land camping areas lack onsite services, and cell phone coverage may be unavailable. Campers should be prepared for self-sufficiency8.
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Wildlife Safety: Food and coolers must be stored securely in vehicles or RVs to avoid attracting wildlife, especially bears. Never leave food unattended8.
By following these rules, campers can enjoy Alberta’s public lands responsibly while preserving the environment for future generations. Always check the latest regulations and maps through Alberta Parks or government resources before heading out, as rules may vary by location and can change over time.
Citations:
- https://www.alberta.ca/public-lands-camping-pass
- https://www.albertaparks.ca/albertaparksca/visit-our-parks/camping-in-alberta-parks/backcountry-camping/random-backcountry-camping/
- https://www.albertaparks.ca/albertaparksca/visit-our-parks/camping-in-alberta-parks/
- https://naturealberta.ca/public-lands/
- https://roadtripalberta.com/alberta-crown-land-camping/
- https://oldmanwatershed.ca/blog-posts/2021/7/30/public-lands-passes-amp-permits
- https://nordeggadventures.ca/recreation-on-public-lands/
- https://www.todocanada.ca/an-overview-of-crown-camping-in-alberta/
- https://www.albertarelm.com/cust.howtopurchasepubliclandscampingpass.page
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