Choosing and Creating a Crown Land Campsite

A how-to for choosing a suitable canoe campsite on Crown land and creating a campsite which preserves the natural beauty.

[@dkatkins5849]

I learned more from this video in 30min than I have from a summer of camping. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and guidance with us. Looking forward to more content from your channel!

[@PineMartyn]

That, surely, is the most gratifying comment one could hope to read about an instructional video. Thanks so much. Cheers, - Martin

[@dkatkins5849]

Thanks Martin, same comment could be said about your series on dehydrating food. Wish I found your channel 3 years ago!

[@danielfreedom3009]

game trail... my goodness.. I would have assumed there were human visitors, not game...

[@TheWildYam]

Great discussion Martin. I love how you emphasize the leave no trace ideal. Nothing I hate more than those bare crown land campsites with bush furniture galore. I'm glad you got out to enjoy the land on such a glorious day!

[@PineMartyn]

Thanks, Jen. And yes, I share your distaste for Crown land sites which have been heavily impacted by careless use, overuse, and attempts to 'improve' the place by building or bringing along ugly furniture which is then left behind to clutter a site and diminish the appeal of the wilderness for those who next visit the site. Cheers, - Martin

[@LostInTheWildCanada]

I learned a lot from this video Martin. You were so detailed on how to build a crownland campsite. Loved it. - Atis

[@PineMartyn]

Thanks so much Atis. That means a lot. Happy camping! - Martin

[@jwpercy]

I know this is an older video but it is new to me. I really enjoyed it and love your approach to public land your overall site prep philosophy. Thanks for all of your content!

[@PineMartyn]

What a nice comment. Thanks for posting it, and for watching. Cheers, -Martin

[@OutDoorZombie]

VERY glad to see you guys back. Excellent video!

[@PineMartyn]

Glad you enjoyed it. It's good to be back. :-) Cheers, - Martin

[@PinetreeLine]

Excellent! Great advice and tips! Thanks!

[@PineMartyn]

Thanks. We're glad you liked it. Cheers, - Martin

[@packhorsetriumph5319]

great to see another video from you Martin hope alls well

[@PineMartyn]

Thanks, Packhorse Triumph. All's well, after a long hiatus (owed in part to a pretty serious back injury). It's good to be back. Cheers, - Martin

[@canesser1]

Great to see you folks again! Now THAT was a professionally done, exhaustive and artful way to make a Crown campsite from soup to nuts! Great video.

[@PineMartyn]

Wow, that's some high praise. Thanks so much, from both of us. Cheers friend, - Martin

[@canesser1]

Always enjoy your videos! Wish we had the amount of Crown Land you have in Ontario, we just have the eastern corridor of eastern Manitoba here so it's not quite as easy with all the provincial parks on the prime land.

[@BlackFloyd94]

I find your videos very relaxing to watch after a long hard day at work!

[@PineMartyn]

That's a very lovely compliment. Thank you. Cheers, - Martin

[@ripplesandleaves]

Thank you so much for this. I really learned a lot, and appreciate you sharing your knowledge.

[@nature-sounds-meditation]

thanks for sharing this amazing video

[@PineMartyn]

So glad you enjoyed it. :) Cheers, - Martin

[@Woodswalker1965]

Hi Martin! I like your leave no trace "ideal". It's not possible to leave absolutely no trace but it's certainly the responsible way to enjoy our Crown Lands. Great video, it's been a while!👍 Wade

[@PineMartyn]

Thanks Wade. More videos will be forthcoming soon, including a video response to your tag. Cheers, - Martin

[@1976DSCH]

Well done! I find this informative and your approach is so methodical! My style! I hope to explore some crown land next summer. It would be a nice change from those congested portages in Algonquin and Killarney (although, these parks are near and dear to me).

[@adreabrooks11]

Love it! Your previous videos were part of what inspired me to try Crown Land camping, and were greatly helpful! This has likewise been a rich source of information.

[@PineMartyn]

Thank you Adrea. It's so gratifying to know we've helped people discover the pleasures of Crown land camping and made doing so a bit easier. Happy camping! - Martin

[@terryw.milburn8565]

Pleasure to see a post from You & the Mrs. again ! Sure did your part on L.N.T. ! Cant wait for our next outing. Be Well, Friends ! ATB T God Bless

[@PineMartyn]

So nice to see you're still around. :-) Cheers to you both, - Martin

[@TraceyTruly]

Happy to see a new video! Great info. Beautiful nature, thanks for bringing us along.

[@PineMartyn]

Thanks. We're very glad you enjoyed it. :-) Cheers, - Martin

[@jamieporter6305]

This was terrific Martin, as always I learned a lot from one of your videos. Thanks to you & your wife for taking the time to put this together. Hope you have time to share more of your skills & knowledge.

[@PineMartyn]

Thanks so much Jamie. We have more videos in the planning. So glad you enjoyed this one. Cheers, - Martin

[@neildbarker]

Great to see your post Martin! Hoping to do some Crown Land Camping/Hiking later this summer. Thanks for sharing.

[@PineMartyn]

You're most welcome, Neil. I hope you have a great time out there. Cheers, - Martin

[@robj6542]

I appreciate the effort and knowledge you bring to the outdoor community. Glad to see you putting out another quality Video!

[@PineMartyn]

Thanks so much for that kind comment. Cheers, Rob. - Martin

[@BuckMckawtheotherone]

Martin, I shared this on our Online Bushcraft Course site ( a closed group) run by Paul Kirtley of Frontier Bushcraft. I believe the members will benefit greatly from this video. Sorry, I have not had notifications from You Tube about your videos, even though I've been subbed to you for years. I will check your site more often. Thank you.

[@sharpuslf]

Welcome back. Good video.

[@PineMartyn]

Thanks for the welcome. Cheers, - Martin

[@mglennon5535]

Well thought out and documented. A good creed to live by when off the beaten path. We love your philosophy and your channel. Keep up the good work! Cheers - MG

[@PineMartyn]

Thanks MG. That's very encouraging to read. Cheers! - Martin

[@davidwsmith316]

Hi PineMartyn. I just wanted to let you know that I have thoroughly enjoyed your videos, and especially this one. My son and I enjoy canoe camping and backpacking. After watching your video on your process of searching for possible campsite areas, this video, as well as your video about online tools for searching for Crown Land, I'm excited about the prospect of finding "our own little private spot" as well. I appreciate the articulate and thoughtful way you explain thing, and especially your encouragement for the importance of leave no trace. I also especially like your "Cheek Spreader Latrine" information! Excellent! I am definitely going to use that idea!!! :) I want to thank you and your wife for sharing these videos online so that we can know about, and share in God's creation in this way. David :)

[@filmic1]

Thanks for detailing your process! Lovely.

[@PineMartyn]

Thanks Gary. I'm glad you liked it. Cheers, - Martin

[@bradleykmdean]

Glad to see you back

[@PineMartyn]

Glad to be back making videos. Thanks for watching! Cheers, - Martin

[@kevinsharpen6787]

Nice to see you back ...great video as always !

[@PineMartyn]

Thanks for the kind words, Kevin. It's nice to be back. Cheers, - Martin

[@duggoneit]

Welcome back Martin. As always an informative and good watch. CHEERS

[@PineMartyn]

Thanks for the kind words. Glad to be back. Cheers to you, - Martin

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Hi Martin. Welcome back to KZbin. I have missed your videos. Very much enjoyed this information packed presentation.

[@PineMartyn]

Thanks Mark! It's good to be back. And that video tag response I owe you is forthcoming! Cheers, - Martin

[@MikeProut]

Supper informative! Thanks for sharing your knowledge 😊👍. Beautiful spot.

[@PineMartyn]

Thanks, Mike. And yeah, it's a sweet little spot we found. We are looking forward to returning soon for a longer trip and more exploration in that area. Cheers, - Martin

[@Bieber2011Fever]

These videos are amazing, thanks so much.

[@PineMartyn]

We're very glad to know you think so. Thank you. Cheers, - Martin

[@oscarparedes5308]

Interesting and very informative video. There always gonna be new people, like me, who want to explore nature and it's good to know how and why. Thank you and happy trails.

[@PineMartyn]

Thanks for that very thoughtful comment. Best wishes for your future explorations. Cheers, - Martin

[@jimmugford]

Glad to see a new post keep them up.

[@PineMartyn]

Thanks Jim. More videos are in the hopper. Cheers, - Martin

[@dementedlocal]

Informative video, and nice to see you back!

[@PineMartyn]

I'm glad you found it informative, Aaron. Thanks for the comment. Cheers, - Martin

[@MeetMeOutside]

Great to see you ! And great insight and and advice ! Peace

[@PineMartyn]

Long time no see, Cragdwella. Great to see you as well. Cheers, - Martin

[@DaD-zl2hr]

Very Informative and enjoyable to watch. Thank you Guys

[@PineMartyn]

We're glad you thought so. Thanks for the kind comment. Cheers, - Martin

[@georgedpost]

A very nice video. Very Wintertrekker like video, and I mean that in the very best and nicest way. Now that the hard part is done, I hope you return to this spot and give us some more how-to and diy tips and tricks. Thanks!

[@PineMartyn]

Thank you. I take the compliment very happily! And yes, we do intend to return to that spot (and others) for some how-to and DIY videos. Thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers, - Martin

[@WeOutHere]

Nice set up and explanation 👍

[@lifeoutdoorstv6630]

If it weren’t for your previous videos on Crown land, I may not have discovered it by now. I have been able to explore a few parcels of land in Ontario, as the process of finding Crown land in Quebec (where I live) isn’t as “user-friendly”. Although, with your knowledge on the matter, maybe you would be able to point me in the right direction to find Crown land in QC? Either way, great to see you back! ✌🏽

[@PineMartyn]

That's enormously gratifying to hear, since of course, the point of my Crown land videos is to encourage low-impact recreational activities such as camping, hiking, canoeing, snowshoeing, etc. by responsible lovers of the outdoors. With respect to locating Crown land in Quebec, I can't be of any service there. If anything, I'd need to turn to you for suggestions. Thanks so much for the kind words, - Martin

[@lifeoutdoorstv6630]

PineMartyn Thanks anyway, Martin! Looking forward to more videos!

[@davidwsmith316]

Hi lifeoutdoors, I too live in Québec, on the border to Ontario. I just recently started exploring online to find equivalent info on Crown Land in Québec, since watching PineMartyn's videos. I've discovered a little bit online, but not enough. Have you discovered anything since posting your last comment above?

[@wanderlustjake]

Glad to see you and your wife back with more great information and inspiration. Your videos show more of what we want to seek, peace and tranquility near quiet, easily navigated waters. Are there any such regions of Ontario you would suggest that would be a day's drive from MI?

[@PineMartyn]

Thanks Jake. We plan on more such videos in the near future. As to regions of Ontario within a day's drive of Michigan, I have to confess that I don't know of any. That's not to say there aren't any, but good Crown land paddling routes in Ontario are to be found in the Muskoka region and north beyond that, which is a quite a drive from MI, especially when you consider time spent crossing the border. Cheers, - Martin

[@louisehiker9246]

Another great video, fantastic! Thank you for discussing ethical camping, aka LNT. You have given it a lot of thought and have shared those thoughts as many very helpful pointers. One would think this is all common sense, but as they say, “common sense is not common”, LOL. Hopefully people will watch this and will be inspired to leave their campsites pristine and beautiful. The alternative is what we see on some popular crown land sited, garbage and damage to live trees, so sad and very ugly.

[@PineMartyn]

Thanks for the kind words, Louise. Much appreciated. Cheers! - Martin

[@GBE]

Great video. Very informative!!! I subd!!!

[@PineMartyn]

Thank you for subscribing and the kind words. It's appreciated. Cheers, - Martin

[@saskatchewanadventure2210]

Fantastic how to video. As for leaving no trace, the only possible way I see less of a trace is if you switched out to hammocks instead of a tent. The Eureka tarp makes that sight possible, bugs would be insane with all that grass and leaves.

[@PineMartyn]

Thanks for the compliment. And yeah, the Eureka Parawing bug shelter is a wonderful piece of gear. It's since been replaced by a somewhat different design by Eureka called the NoBugZone. Cheers, - Martin

[@brianspencer4220]

Hey Martin: Great lesson. Beauty hard to exceed. I would not even know where to start such an adventure. What bird call was that right at the end? Thanks for bringing me along Brian 78

[@PineMartyn]

Brian Spencer I'm glad you enjoyed the video. The bird song at the start and end of the video is that of the White-throated Sparrow. Cheers, - Martin

[@harleywood72]

Good to see you back. Some great info on low impact camping. I use the same line (zing it or lash it) to hang my food. I take 50' and store it in an old fabric bag from a pair of sunglasses. I throw in a small rock or a couple stones and use it for the throw weight. Never have to worry about losing anything more than a $.25 bag in the event of a snag. It also will serve well as an extra/emergency ridge line and, doubled up it, even works great for a rope swing.(not just for the kids) For those unfamiliar with zing it, it's a dyneema fibre rope, 2mm diameter, with breaking strength over 500 lbs. Visit dutwaregear.com. Thanks for taking the time to share. Looking forward to your next video.

[@PineMartyn]

All good tips there. I also use Zing-It for my guy lines on my tarps. And like you, I get mine from Dutch, at Dutchware Gear. Cheers, - Martin

[@facts_people-n]

Nice J stroke

[@SkylinersYeti]

silly comment when placing a camp site on a game trail that means you are more likely to have game coming into you camp site, ie deer, bear, elk moose when you least expect it. Thoughts?

[@PineMartyn]

It's not a silly comment at all, Robert. Strictly speaking, the odds of a critter happening upon your camp if you place it along a game trail are increased than if your camp is away from a trail, but animals in wilderness typically don't want confrontations with people, so when they see you, your gear, or smell your scent, they are unlikely to wander into your camp, giving your camp a wide berth instead. It's also worth keeping in mind that, animals, like us, prefer walking along open paths, rather than having to push their way through dense undergrowth, so even in an established campsite in a provincial park, the animals use the trails and wander through the campsites and make use of the surrounding trails when they are unoccupied. Everything out there makes use of whatever easy paths there are to tread. Cheers, - Martin

[@Digbysexpot]

Odd question: Can you please tell me what bird call it is at the very opening of this video? Thanks!

[@PineMartyn]

Craig Turner: It's the song of the White-throated Sparrow. I've long associated it's song with beautiful summers in the Canadian woods. Cheers, - Martin

[@Digbysexpot]

Thank you very much! I have always associated that song to the north too. As much as loon calls. Thanks again and thanks for the videos.

[@TheRedSonia]

I need to find a canoe I can take on my bicycle! :D

[@aaroncarter111]

Hey do you have any PDF Crown Land Maps?

[@PineMartyn]

I'm afraid not, Aaron. I use the Ontario Crown Land Use Policy Atlas to locate some Crown land where I'd like to explore and camp, and I print off that and some corresponding Google Earth Pro (it's free) satellite imagery, and those serve as my maps. Hope this helps, - Martin

[@givethemabrakellc5222]

Thanks to you both for sharing your knowledge and making this video. I live in the US and have visited Boundary Waters many times on the US side, but I have never done a solo canoe trip. Next year (June 2019) I am getting flown into Stout Lake which is about 80 miles north of Red Lake Ontario. My put in is on the East side of Stout Lake. From there I'm planning on paddling about 50 miles West by Northwest to a remote outpost cabin used for fly-in fishing trips, and then getting flown out again. I've been searching for resources on what to expect and how to camp virgin land like this, so this has been very helpful. I should only have one significant portage of about 600 yards as the crow flies which I'm quite nervous about. It's located here: 52.160625, -94.890812 Difficult to tell what kind of ground I'll have to cover, but it looks like rock shelf, so perhaps not a really bad portage? I guess I'll find out when I get there! Thanks again!

[@panpot6087]

Anyone Know what that tarp , bug net combo is?

[@PineMartyn]

It's the Eureka Parawing VCS (Variable Component Shelter). They have a newer version called the NoBugZone. Cheers, -Martin

[@panpot6087]

@@PineMartyn Thanks! I just discovered your channel today, I'm really enjoying your videos!

[@PineMartyn]

@@panpot6087 Thank you. I'm delighted you're finding some value in the videos. And I appreciate your taking the time to post a question and leave a comment. Cheers, - Martin

[@johnsteven1247]

@@PineMartynIt looks like you used something like cardboard and rocks to hold down the bottom of the bug shelter and stop bugs from going under it. Is that so?

[@outdooraddventure]

I don't want Sun on my shoreline it's f****** annoying

[@outdooraddventure]

You don't want more work cuz you're lazy

[@outdooraddventure]

Who cares who's walking willy nilly you're overkill