Camping [and shooting] on Crown Land - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

ken0042 · 08-02-2007, 01:08 PM

I keep running into a wall when trying to do searches on this subject. Google keeps bringing up pages that mention it in passing, but don't provide specific info.

What I would like to know is this:

- Do any of you camp on Crown Land? If so, what are the rules regarding camping there? Can I just plop down a tent anywhere I like and camp away?

- Does anybody have a link to a map that shows where the Crown Land is in Alberta?

- Are there any good spots that you would like to share? I was thinking somewhere relatively close to Calgary if possible.

- Anything else I've missed?

Barnes · 08-02-2007, 01:27 PM

You can camp anywhere on crown land you like as long as no one is holding the surface rights for grazing cattle, oil and gas projects etc. If there are rights holders you have to get permission to access the land. There are no real rules per say.

Surface rights info is kind of hard to find. I usually go along hwy 940 Forrestry Trunk road and camp beside the livingston river. You can camp anywhere along the river south of hailstone butte.

What kind of site are you looking for, how far is far from calgary and what type of vehicle do you have?

Cowperson · 08-02-2007, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ken0042

- Are there any good spots that you would like to share? I was thinking somewhere relatively close to Calgary if possible.

- Anything else I've missed?

South of Longview about 20 minutes on Highway 2, just before Chain Lakes, there is a turnoff onto a gravel road that goes into K-Country.

Go past the Indian Graves campground (about 15 km in from the highway) and you'll be in pure wilderness, able to pull off anywhere and plunk a tent down.

There are quite a few people doing that on weekends but there seems to be lots of space and no formal campsites.

It's probably another 15 km from Indian Graves to The Hump, a Petro-Can road that goes over a summit and then down to the north/south Forestry Trunk road between Cataract Creek and Coleman (Highway 940 I think).

Do it in the winter and you might find yourself sliding backwards towards a cliff even with four wheel drive!!!

The view from the Hump, looking back towards the area where you can camp. that's Bear pond/Lake in the distance:

You can see the road going up to the Hump in the distance in this pic . . . . we were out for just a wee walk in the snow:

Cowperson

redforever · 08-02-2007, 01:35 PM

I am not completely certain this is fact, but I heard something yesterday to the effect that the area west of Longview south to the border will be closed until it is not so dry?

I know for a fact there is a fire ban now from the USA border up to Nordegg I believe, but I think down south, where extremely, dry, I heard they might just close the whole are.

anyhow, check before you head out.

Bobblehead · 08-02-2007, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redforever

I am not completely certain this is fact, but I heard something yesterday to the effect that the area west of Longview south to the border will be closed until it is not so dry?

I know for a fact there is a fire ban now from the USA border up to Nordegg I believe, but I think down south, where extremely, dry, I heard they might just close the whole are.

anyhow, check before you head out.

http://www.albertafirebans.ca/

ken0042 · 08-02-2007, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barnes

What kind of site are you looking for, how far is far from calgary and what type of vehicle do you have?

I just have a regular FWD sedan, so it would have to be something that is accessable from a gravel or dirt road. As for how far- I was thinking under 2 hours, and less is better. I'm just getting tired of driving 4 hours to BC (where a lot of my friends camp) when we could do something closer.

As for kind of site, I really didn't have anything specific in mind. A bonus would be something close by to do like fishing or limited hiking. One of the guys at work was talking about camping on an island in the Bow river about 50 km SE of Calgary. For that one I would need to ferry supplies over on a raft, but that would be kinda fun to just be in the middle of nowhere.

And Cowperson, you make me wish I was one of your dogs!

worth · 08-02-2007, 01:41 PM

Not to hijack the thread, but speaking of crown land, does anyone know of any good areas relativley close to the city to do some target shooting?

Barnes · 08-02-2007, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by worth

Not to hijack the thread, but speaking of crown land, does anyone know of any good areas relativley close to the city to do some target shooting?

Go North on HWY 2 and you'll see this target.

CrusaderPi · 08-02-2007, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barnes

Go North on HWY 2 and you'll see this target.

Or you can do as the locals do, and try to commit suicide (allegedly) by driving your car into it.

jolinar of malkshor · 08-02-2007, 02:15 PM

Go to Porcupine Hills Ken. It is a forest reserve west of Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump. No one really knows about it, very secluted and it is real camping.

Bring_Back_Shantz · 08-02-2007, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by worth

Not to hijack the thread, but speaking of crown land, does anyone know of any good areas relativley close to the city to do some target shooting?

If you're looking for just setting up targets, there is a great public shooting range at Sibbald Creek. (I'm pretty sure that's whare it is).

worth · 08-02-2007, 02:39 PM

Yeah, i've been there. Takes me a while to get out there from the south though.

Barnes · 08-02-2007, 03:16 PM

There's one south of the city if you take Mcleod south. There's a sign on the hwy for the range just past the last set of lights.

worth · 08-02-2007, 03:32 PM

Is it public?

Barnes · 08-02-2007, 03:38 PM

Dunno. Just know the sign.

Cowperson · 08-02-2007, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barnes

There's one south of the city if you take Mcleod south. There's a sign on the hwy for the range just past the last set of lights.

It's the Calgary Gun Club, fairly elaborate facility and clubhouse, on Highway 552 off Teepee Corner.

Cowperson

redforever · 08-02-2007, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by worth

Is it public?

I dont think that one is public, not if I am thinking of the same one, Dewinton turn off, west side of the highway?

JJolg · 08-02-2007, 09:33 PM

Well if you go camping off the trunk road or area there are many old gravel pits that are now fairly popular for those siting in there rifles as well as a few other areas down by livingstone that are nice and safe for shooting byyourself. Sibbald this time of year can be crazy, just make sure you clean up your shells, leave it as you found it.