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These tips are the above and beyond that you probably don’t need to think about when car camping.
Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace
Remember the principles of Leave No Trace when Crown land camping. This includes packing out everything you pack in, minimizing your impact on the environment, and respecting other users.
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Know site rules and conditions.
Prepare for emergencies and bad weather.
Travel during low-traffic times.
Use maps and minimize waste.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Stick to trails and campsites.
Use durable surfaces like rock or dry grass.
Avoid creating new trails or campsites.
Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack out all trash and food waste.
Use proper sanitation methods.
Keep washing away from water sources.
Leave What You Find
Preserve natural and cultural features.
Don’t move or damage plants, rocks, or artifacts.
Clean gear to prevent spreading invasive species.
5 . Minimize Campfire Impacts
Use stoves instead of fires when possible.
Keep fires small and use designated areas.
Burn only dead wood and fully extinguish fires.
6. Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance.
Don’t feed wildlife.
Store food securely and control pets.
7. Be Considerate of Others
Yield to others on trails.
Keep noise levels low.
Respect others’ experiences and share responsibly online.
Water Purification
Water Purification
You might be a beast, but giardia is an even bigger beast.
Straw Filters
Straw Filters
Hanging Bag Filters
Hanging Bag Filters
Purification Tablets
Purification Tablets
Boiling
Boiling
Straw Filters (e.g., Lifestraw, Sawyer Mini): Sip directly from the source. Great for quick hydration, but doesn't remove viruses or chemicals. Remember to backflush regularly.
Hanging Bag Filters (e.g., Sawyer Squeeze): Gravity-fed for larger quantities. Excellent for groups, but can be slow and doesn't remove viruses or chemicals. Backflush often.
Purification Tablets (e.g., Aquatabs): Lightweight chemical treatment to kill most nasties (bacteria, viruses, protozoa). Cons - Requires wait times and can leave a taste.
Boiling: The most reliable method. Bring to a rolling boil for 1 minute kills everything. Cons - Requires fuel or fire and time.
Always try to collect water from the clearest, fastest-moving sources.
If the water is cloudy, filter it through a bandana, shirt, coffee filter(so slow) first to protect your equipment and remove debris.
Always carry a backup purification method, I primarily use Aquatabs, but will have a lifestraw as a backup, and can always boil water. Bonus if you have a metal water bottle you can hang or place the bottle directly in/on the flames in an emergency.
Before going on your trip know how to use your water purification methods. If using Aquatabs know how much water your container holds to ensure you are using the correct dosage.
Food - Planning and Safe Storage
Food - Planning and Safe Storage
DO NOT STORE ANY FOOD/GARBAGE/COOKING TOOLS IN YOUR TENT
Store any fragrant items with your food, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, cannabis ect.
Plan your meals ahead of time, also plan for alternatives. (lack of fuel, lack of cooking equipment, lack of fishing skil)
Dispose of dirty dishwater away from camp and away from water sources.
Try to prep your food away from your camp but chances are your fire/cooking area will be beside your tent, plan accordingly keep things tidy.
Store food in a bear proof canisters(search for rentals), or alternatively hang your food bag from a tree - Bear Hang.
Bear Hang
Bear Hang
Bear Hang Tips
50m(100 steps) from your camp, 4m(13ft) high, 3m(10ft) from the tree.
I usually pack my food in a separate bag and tie my garbage to this, then wrap it all in another garbage bag and attach it with a carabiner to the hanging rope.
Finding a tree can be difficult, you want it tall enough and with long enough branches that will also support the weight of your bag without snapping (free firewood). You also don't want branches that would allow an animal to access it from below.
It takes some skill to toss a rope up a tree.
Use a polypropylene rope, it is less likely to get stuck and will generate less friction when pulling your food bag up.
Tie a rock or a stick to the end of your rope and toss this, or make a throwbag(weighted bag) to throw.
Try to tie off your rope to another nearby tree.
I highly recommend setting up the rope before it gets dark.
If you are camping at the same site the next evening, leave the rope neatly aside.
If you are going for a day hike, don't neglect to hang your food while you're away.
Shitting in the woods
Shitting in the woods
Bring a small shovel or trowel. When camping on Crown land, burying human waste (cat holes) should be done responsibly to minimize environmental impact. While there are no specific regulations for the depth of a cat hole, it's generally recommended to dig at least 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) deep and at least 100 meters away from any water source, trails, or campsites. Properly burying waste and covering the hole with the removed soil helps prevent contamination and reduces the chance of attracting animals.
These are general rules, put some effort into it. Under no circumstances should you be leaving human waste, or toiletries out in the open. If camping on a Conservation Reserve check for any regulations you may need to pack out your shit.
Alternatively, if possible, consider using a portable toilet or composting toilet for waste disposal, especially in areas with high traffic or sensitive ecosystems.
Don’t Get Lost
Don’t Get Lost
Always carry a compass, it is easier than you think to get lost in the back woods. Study maps of the areas you will be going to, especially if someone else is planning the trip be proactive know the area you will be camping in.
Yes your phone GPS is great but if anything were to happen to it you need a reliable backup. I set my vehicle and campsite as a point of interest on my phone, know how to use different GPS apps and make sure you have downloaded/cached any maps for the area.
Check out the Other Links page for mapping utilities and apps.
Other Tips
Other Tips
Always have a backup plan if your primary campsite is inaccessible or unavailable. Know alternative locations, before you arrive.
Tell someone your trip plan. Leave an itinerary with a trusted friend or family member, including your expected return time and contact information for local authorities if you don't check in. If your plans change, tell this person.
Every trip away from camp, bring back some firewood. Little by little, you'll build your stash, don't over do it try to disperse any extra firewood to adhear to Leave No Trace principles. If you do leave a stash keep it out of site and tidy.
A squirrel in the night can sound like a bear. Don't let your imagination run wild.
Note what equipment you didn't need and what you wish you had. This helps you pack more efficiently for your next trip. Same goes for food(I still haven’t figured this one out.)
If you are camping in the Canadian Shield, tent pegs won't be much use. Bring extra cordage or long straps to tie your tent to rocks, trees, or logs.
Avoid using stones that were submerged in water around or in your fire. They can potentially explode when heated due to trapped moisture and air.
Pack out everything you pack in. Leave no trace! This includes all trash, food scraps, and even biodegradable items like orange peels.
Final Advice
Final Advice
Slow down. Respect the land. Appreciate it. Soak it in.
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