Camping on public land

• Find a serviced campsite at Camping in Alberta's Parks. They offer reservable and first come, first served opportunities for individual campsites, group camping, comfort camping, equestrian camping and backcountry camping.
• Find a spot to random camp in one of Alberta’s 18 Public Land Use Zones, outlined in purple on Alberta’s Interactive Recreation Map. Visit the Public Land Use Zone pages below to download maps and learn more about camping in these areas.
  • Northern Alberta
    • Athabasca Ranch
    • Brule Lake
    • Coal Branch
    • Holmes Crossing
    • Whitecourt Sandhills
  • Central Alberta
    • Blackstone/Wapiabi
    • Dormer/Sheep
    • Job/Cline
    • Kiska/Willson
    • Panther Corners
    • Upper Clearwater/Ram
  • Southern Alberta
    • Cataract Creek Snow Vehicle
    • Ghost
    • Kananaskis
    • Livingstone
    • McLean Creek Off-Highway Vehicle
    • Porcupine Hills
    • Sibbald Snow Vehicle
• If you are looking to camp on agricultural public land, it is important to contact the leaseholder prior to accessing agricultural public land for recreation While a leaseholder may allow access for camping, camping is an activity that an agricultural leaseholder can deny access for.

• Alberta’s backcountry may not have cell coverage. Download and/or print any maps or directions ahead of your trip, and take a satellite communication device with you if you have one.
• Let someone know where you are going and when you will return. Check-in when you return, or let them know to contact the RCMP if you miss a check-in.
• It is recommended that campers have their own potable water source for drinking and cooking. Never drink directly from a stream, river, or waterbody.
• Check the weather forecast for your trip.
• Check for fire advisories and bans.
• Check the Public land closures and advisories pages for current area closures.

In a provincial park, provincial recreation area or public land recreation area, camping is only permitted in designated campgrounds or campsites. Learn more about the rules for camping in Alberta Parks.

If you are camping in a PLUZ:

• Find out if you need a Public Lands Camping Pass for the area you are visiting. All campers within the pass boundary require a pass, unless you are staying on private land or in a campground and paying nightly campsite fees.
• Random camping is permitted, unless otherwise indicated by signs, notices or department publications.
  • Random camping is not permitted within 1 km of a Public Land Recreation Area, Provincial Park or Provincial Recreation Area.
  • Camping is not permitted within 1 km of a road within Kananaskis PLUZ, McLean Creek Off-Highway Vehicle PLUZ, Sibbald Snow Vehicle PLUZ, and Cataract Creek Snow Vehicle PLUZ or where posted in all other PLUZs.
• The maximum stay length is 14 days for random camping on public land. After 14 days, you must move your camping unit by at least 1 km for 72 hours.
• Follow all fire advisories and bans. Learn more about enjoying a campfire on public land.
• If your pet is camping with you, keep them under control and pick up after them. Follow signs that indicate areas where pets are prohibited or need to be on a leash.
• Keep your campsite clean. Take home all garbage and waste to properly dispose of at home or at a dump station.

• Store all food, pet food and garbage in a bear proof container, such as a vehicle, bearproof locker or bear hang.
• Respect other users. Store your gear and valuables securely and report any vandalism to an enforcement officer by calling 310-LAND (5263).
• Camp or park on surfaces that are resistant to impact.
• Use existing fire pits or portable fire receptacles for your campfire.
• Camp at least 30 m (100 feet) from lakes and streams.
• Camp at least 100 m (330 feet) from any oil and gas facilities.
• Respect wildlife from a distance. Never feed, approach or chase wildlife.
• Washroom facilities may not be available in the area you are visiting.
  • For short-term washroom needs, dig a hole at least 15 cm (6 inches) deep and bury your waste with dirt or other organic matter.
  • Select a site that is at least 70 m (230 feet) from a water source and away from trails.
  • Pack out any toilet paper and hygiene products.
  • For longer or repeated needs, bring a portable toilet. Pack out and properly dispose of human waste and sewage.

Find opportunities for outdoor recreation activities near your campsite.

For more information on minimizing your impact while enjoying the outdoors visit Leave No Trace Canada.