Private Camp Grounds in BC?

In BC, look for what used to be called Forest Service campsites. Now it's called http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca They're usually a little more out of the way, off the beaten track, and much cheaper. A little more primitive than the provincial campgrounds, and with fewer facilities(there probably won't be any showers or hot water) but they always have some toilets even if they're only pit toilets, and most will have a water supply. If you want to get out on the ocean shore, try Toquaht Bay. Used to be called Toquart. It's pretty close to Pacific Rim so you can enjoy the big beach there without paying the high camping fees(but don't forget to pay for parking, they can and do issue tickets if you don't). Toquaht Bay is a nice spot and if you have a kayak or canoe there's great boating around there, just watch for the wind coming up in the afternoon if you're in a canoe. You're going to have a hard time finding any beach camping in BC, that you can get to, that isn't already a campground. There's a book called Camp Free in BC which is really good, describes a lot of out-of-the-way sites, along with detailed descriptions of the access so you can tell if your car will get you there.

In BC, look for what used to be called Forest Service campsites. Now it's called http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca They're usually a little more out of the way, off the beaten track, and much cheaper. A little more primitive than the provincial campgrounds, and with fewer facilities(there probably won't be any showers or hot water) but they always have some toilets even if they're only pit toilets, and most will have a water supply. If you want to get out on the ocean shore, try Toquaht Bay. Used to be called Toquart. It's pretty close to Pacific Rim so you can enjoy the big beach there without paying the high camping fees(but don't forget to pay for parking, they can and do issue tickets if you don't). Toquaht Bay is a nice spot and if you have a kayak or canoe there's great boating around there, just watch for the wind coming up in the afternoon if you're in a canoe. You're going to have a hard time finding any beach camping in BC, that you can get to, that isn't already a campground. There's a book called Camp Free in BC which is really good, describes a lot of out-of-the-way sites, along with detailed descriptions of the access so you can tell if your car will get you there.

Start here http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/map.html These are inexpensive Government parks. Most land belongs to someone. If you are well behaved and polite you can ask if you find a nice place you may get a spot for free from the land owner. RESPECT their generosity so others can enjoy in the future. http://www5.hellobc.com/brochures/ This is an excellent guide for camp grounds in Alberta. Go to the bottom of page They will MAIL you a copy http://travelalberta.com/Trip%20Essentials/Vacation%20Guides.aspx You will need to have more money to cross the border and proper Identification There are restrictions on foods you can bring across both ways may just want to shop for groceries on each side of the border. Budget$50-$100 per day for food gas and so on.It is not necessary to CARRY CASH you can use your bank card check on what the fee is to use it in Canada. Travelling away from the border area you should use Canadian money best place to exchange is at a bank. You can do this before you cross or after. Probably cheapest at YOUR bank. Bring a CREDIT CARD for EMERGENCIES Check your cell phone plan for the cost of using your phone in Canada. LIMITED service in some mountain areas. http://www.getyouhome.gov/html/eng_map.html Enjoy your visit. Look on you tube many videos of B.C. and Alberta Edit you can have alcohol in Alberta if you are 18 but not in B.C.

Remember the age to buy alcohol is 19, and is cheaper in Alberta.

Remember the age to buy alcohol is 19, and is cheaper in Alberta.