How To Locate Crown Land To Camp On

[@wbrussell19]

Kevin, I wanted to issue a heartfelt thank you to you and other Canadian KZbinrs for all that you have posted during the covid-19 disaster. As an American canoe tripper I have never gone this long, in my adult life, without putting a paddle in a Canadian lake. You and Joe Robinet, Tumblehome, Backcountry Angling, the Baird boys, Northern Scavenger, Justin Barbour, Explore the Backcountry, and others, with your efforts, have kept me tethered to the wilderness I love. I won't go into details but I have some health issues that make future trips not a sure thing. A loss of a canoe season (in Canada) is significant to me. A Canadian buddy and I have been canoe tripping and backpacking virtually every year for the past 35 years, except this one. Hopefully, we can get back on schedule next year and do that Woodland Caribou trip we had to cancel. Thanks again to all of you. BTW - I posted this here as I believe those other folks monitor your your channel. Keep it up. You may never know the good you are doing and who you may be affecting. Cheers.

[@TheHappyCamper]

That's awesome. Thanks. I'll send them your note. They're all a great group of people.

[@wbrussell19]

@@TheHappyCamper Thanks. I didn't mean for you to have to do that. Yes, it's obvious you are all a great group of folks.

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

@@wbrussell19 hope you can get out there again soon! Best wishes the health improves. Cheers, Brad.

[@wbrussell19]

@@ExploreTheBackcountry Thank you Brad. Appreciate the sentiment. All the best to you. Bill

[@davidmcguinness9187]

here we are the next season around the corner and we cant even golf , border travel a nightmare sorry for your loss

[@jacobbardwell9195]

Incredibly informative video. I have battled with the CLUPA map too many to count. Thanks for making this content easily digestible!

[@TheHappyCamper]

Glad I could help.

[@XanderBudnick]

Just got your book!! you're a True Ontario Legend!

[@eddiecheung8975]

This is the best guide for crown land camping I've ever come across, you are probably the friendliest face I've seen when I ask "How do I use the Crown Land Atlas"

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks so much. I'm glad it helped you out. Have a great adventure.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

I learned more about crown use in this video than hours and hours online, thx Kevin. We spent the summer here in Canada visiting 8 different provincial parks in our fifth wheel. So much beautiful natural land to enjoy in Ontario. We will be back next year hopefully doing some crown land exploring side trips in a canoe. Love your channel. Larry

[@mattvaandering]

Thanks for committing so much of your life to helping Ontarians enjoy Ontario

[@TheDpower12]

It's funny that the biggest challenge in finding free wilderness to use is trying to find parking.

[@Sraccoon68]

ain't it tho lol and feeling it's safe enough to leave it there for awhile

[@katy2too217]

Hi Kev, another great video. You make camping in Ontario look so effortless and comfy, no matter what obstacles you encounter. It’s inspiring. Thanks for all this information - who knew there was so many details available? Really enhances the experience. That was a treat!

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks. Yes, I'd rather thrive out there than survive. LOL

[@PineMartyn]

I don't know how I managed to miss this when you uploaded it, but I am delighted with what you did here, Kevin. A great job of blending the process of locating Crown land for camping with footage of what it looks like when you're out there (compared to a Provincial Park). Great work. Cheers, - Martin P.S.: Thanks for the link to my own video in your video's description. Much appreciated!

[@nicole38866]

You are a true hero. Thank you for uploading such a gem. Just going for a drive, it feels like all of the land is owned. But now, I know it is free to me to use! First and only comment I've left ton KZbin, that's how grateful for this I am!

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks so much. I hope you find your gem.

[@scottraymond6570]

I really relied on this video when planning my first Crown Land camping trip last year, so for that I wanted to say thank you! Poor weather in the area I wanted to go back to this weekend has brought me back to the Crown Land Use Atlas and, as a byproduct, this video to help me understand it all again. This video is very helpful and well put together so thanks again!!

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks so much. Hope you have some solid trips this season.

[@matinz5894]

so informative, thank you so much. I love to explore and fish new rivers and lakes but never had anyone give me any sort of direction on where to find this information! very valuable and will be using this for the rest of my life, thanks!

[@suezaple4950]

Thanks Kevin for the info i now understand better how to use the crown land atlas , I did know of two spots which i go , now i can find other areas , Thank you and thanks for showing about the fishing .

[@adreabrooks11]

Thanks so much for posting the bit about the numeric codes in the Atlas, and the way to access detailed information! I've been using the Atlas for years now, and have never known that it was this area-specific. This makes my camping excursions so much easier!

[@brianspencer4220]

Hi Kevin: Just finished a great trip to the Pinery . However, your type of trip is where my heart is. Lots of great info.Now I have to try it myself & see how it works for me. I may be back with questions. Stay Safe & thanks Brian 80.

[@michi.0X]

Thank you so much for this informative video! I've been camping my whole life but I've never learned how to decipher the crown land atlas. Now I can organise my own camping trips and explore more of Ontario's beauty.

[@SIRA063]

Where do you park your vehicle? Do people break into your car ever? what kinda vehicle must you have to reach these places?

[@alphaexcavation]

There used to be a trail from the forest access road to the east. The forest access road runs south off of 118 and is marginally passable with a "regular" vehicle, it is part of the ATV and Paudash trailblazers snowmobile trail. There was/is some parking on the side of the forest access road where the trail runs to Adams lake. The access road and the land in between is all crown land. To the best of my knowledge there is no access to Adams lake from the west (Monk lake road) but I might be wrong.

[@filmic1]

That was amazing, especially the fishing info finders. Oh yes, promote your books.

[@jccapwell]

Thank you for a great video. Informative. For decades I have used books, articles, maps and word of mouth to find those backcountry sites. Using the web opens up new sources of information and adventures. And thanks for the wide use of video perspectives in and out of the canoe.

[@seanprentice2479]

This was so helpful. Thank you so much Kevin your Channels the best.

[@FreakofNature1]

Love these tools, been using them for years. Angler atlas is a new one for me though, I’ll have to check it out!

[@ashleysmillie1284]

Any recommendations of places you have been to and with ability to bring car in 😬😄

[@ktownc936]

Kevin I see a Eureka chair I believe? I'm so twisted up on which chair to purchase I'm a bigger guy 250 lb. Have you done a review on camping chairs that you could link to me! Thanks a million, Cole

[@TheHappyCamper]

I haven't done a review yet. That would be a good idea. The Eureka one has worked out well for me. The Helinox is more solid but the legs don't have the stoppers to get pushed into the dirt. And they're more $.

[@1enediyne]

Great video! Do you ever use satellite maps as well to try and find roads/trails/parking/cleared camp spots?

[@HuplesCat]

wow! An excellent video and news to me! It has been 'upgraded' and the site appears worse to me. An update and shorter video focusing on using the site would be great!

[@blackspruceroutes]

Thankyou!!! Very helpful info! Ont with de bad something similar in Quebec! seems we are light years behind...! I believe that is voluntary...so that big corporations and the govt can have easier control over the land ...I might be wrong... Happy trails!

[@adventuresofgatsby2868]

Hi Kevin, thank you for the video, I have a few questions if you have the time to help out. 1 if the policy report says yes to "crown land recreation" but when you show up there are signs posted saying otherwise which is most accurate? 2, what are the rules for non-operating provincial parks? Could you do a video on that? Or short question are you allowed to camp/have a small fire? Thank you for all your information

[@TheHappyCamper]

Sorry. Just saw this. 1. A posted sign is more relevant at that time (i.e. new logging going on, mining...) 2. Generally, a non-operating park is just like crown land.

[@adventuresofgatsby2868]

@@TheHappyCamper don't be sorry, you're a busy man, I appreciate all of your help.

[@Hames_tripper]

Another point about Fish ON-Line is that the satellite images are more detailed than you’ll find on Google Maps.

[@sesquashtwo]

A great vid...great information...and THANKYOU! Just...I was creeping out as you were walking, thinking of all the Poison Ivy that must be there....did you find any? Hopefully not the 'hard way'...!

[@higdonh]

Hey---KC; that place on Island lake is Steve Galehouse's et al cabin(CCR). He's the guy who told me about that lake and area.

[@manofsan]

Once you find some "general use" Crown Land, can you just set up your tent & a campfire anywhere there? Because I saw some video from Parks Canada that said you can only set up a campfire inside a designated fire bin, and you can't take wood from the local forest to burn, and instead you have to bring your own.

[@TheHappyCamper]

That's true in a park but not on Crown land. Definitely use a fire pit if it's there though...and practice Leave No Trace camping.

[@easternfeller3890]

Thanks for the education Kevin.

[@fearsomefawkes6724]

I love your tarp. It's a lot of fun.

[@mattsmith6297]

How are you enjoying the Nova Craft Canoe in Aramid lite and that gorgeous light blue colour? Is it durable? Also, how is it solo paddling with it? I am looking to get one but want a material that can take a beating! Thanks!

[@TheHappyCamper]

Sorry. Just saw this. I really like Nova Craft's prospector. Very durable and nice to paddle solo with a single blade. Very stable as well. I used their Aramid on my Meanest Link trip and it was solid.

[@kevins8825]

fantastic video! great information. i need to know one thing!? where did you get those wood looking bowls that you put the hot water in?!?????

[@1enediyne]

They are called kuska and are a traditional Scandinavian/Finnish drinking cup. I bought mine from Finnport in Thunder Bay. Thanks to Covid, they now have web ordering.

[@YourHomeTorontoRealEstate]

This is really my favourite Channel! Thanks for your nice Videos, it is very enlightening, Waiting for your latest update. Don Lake Parkette

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks so much.

[@decentdiversions]

Great explainer! The leech at the end was huge!

[@jackmallon1697]

I was just wondering how to do this, thanks Kevin!

[@dab1748]

Do you need a permit or can you just go and camp? Also is it first come first serve, do people mind if your close by because you were going to the same spot? Where would you obtain the permit if needed?

[@nathanhall6240]

You don't need a permit or anything like that if you are camping in a 'General Use Area' - which is the specific type of 'Crown Land' that you are allowed to camp for free on. It is first come first serve naturally so just be respectful if you are planning on taking up a spot nearby to someone else. It might be courteous to say hello and ask if they mind you being next to them, but there's no rules regarding that. Just be respectful in my opinion.

[@dwaynejohnson6277]

Hi Kevin. Whats the story with North Frontenac and the need to pay to camp there? Is this just the SRA strip and walking behind that onto crown land proper is still ok to camp? I was ready to go there and happened to stumble across information that says you need camping permits and even road permits. Is it only north frontenac area that has that? The atlas does not mention this gotcha. Thank you

[@TheHappyCamper]

it's now a managed Crown Land through the township. Probably a provincial park in the future. You have to use the designated campsites and get a permit for them. It became too busy of an area to be managed the old way.

[@dwaynejohnson6277]

@@TheHappyCamper thank you for the info. After hours of researching and transferring coords into my gps i discovered that from their website. Just wondering do I need to avoid all of north frontenac to prevent that? Are there other areas similar to this? I just dont want to end up in trouble going somewhere i thought was free. Thank you for your help.

[@rosemarynishimura9277]

Hi thank you for your very informative video. I wanted to back country camp in some of the currently non operating provincal parks ie Mattawa river park, Wanipatei, and Onaping lake conservation area... I could not really find out if camping was allowed or not....despite using your description... I guess there are special rules for the land use... any advice would be appreciated

[@TheHappyCamper]

I'm not sure about Mattawa but the others are considered crown land. If it's a non operating park its crown land unless its noted.

[@chadchapman1852]

Thank you so much for sharing, very informative!

[@staceykernohan3205]

Did you say you worked at the Frost Centre? Isn't it crown land?

[@CanadianSledDog]

This is really helpful. Now I just need to move to Ontario!

[@tombeckett4340]

Thanks guys great information. Kevin you’re the dude 🇨🇦👍

[@Alien2799]

So since you have shared the location did you notice that more people are using it?

[@boomshanka8743]

Hey Kevin, your black and red check jacket - what brand is it? I am thinking about getting the Big Bill wool one, is that what you have? Thanks in advance.

[@TheHappyCamper]

I got it from outdoor educator Scott Oeth - Bull Moose Patrol. I believe its made by Lengendary Whitefalls - www.amazon.com/dp/B086DY93HN/?ref=exp_bullmoosepatrol_dp_vv_d

[@eddiecipolla9621]

Hey man love your videos! I’m just getting into overlanding and was wondering if you knew some great places that a 4x4 accessible to camp

[@TheHappyCamper]

Get a copy of the Backcountry Road Map book. Lots of places between Apsley and Bon Echo

[@eddiecipolla9621]

@@TheHappyCamper thanks so much

[@MavGamingTv]

Great video very informative. We need something like this to find Crown land in Quebec. Help us? 🙏👍

[@pingouinsdansant4020]

Maverick Raposo - For links of Quebec public land ... www.quebec.ca/agriculture-environnement-et-ressources-naturelles/occupation-du-territoire-public/gestion-territoire-public/ For this link, find Quebec crown land map look this acronym (PATP) (public land use plan) or in french (plans d’affectation du territoire public), it is a list all maps for located Quebec public land. vgo.portailcartographique.gouv.qc.ca/ For this link, find (territoires récréatifs) for maps of recreational areas with services. 🌲

[@cqrnivalvoid8295]

thanks very helpful.I have a question a forested area on the map was white with a black border but that wasnt listed on the legend,any idea what that signifies?it was the area i was looking up to see if i could hike there

[@TheHappyCamper]

I believe it indicates a future renewable energy site. If so, it seems to be equal to private land, meaning no information is available.

[@nickdejong7146]

This is super helpful. Thanks again Kevin

[@treelife365]

Thanks for this great video - I really needed the explanation!

[@TheHappyCamper]

Glad it helped. Have a good adventure.

[@davidtowlun2118]

Thank you for this very useful information. Do you happen to know if there is a similar website for Quebec? Thanks!

[@TheHappyCamper]

Good question. Can anyone help out there?

[@davidtowlun2118]

@@TheHappyCamper Thanks! I've looked everywhere but have come up empty handed. QC has to have something similar to ON - 92% of the province is crown land!

[@TheHappyCamper]

@@davidtowlun2118 Maybe Jes Corbeil (Raindance Bushcraft) can help out . I will send him a note.

[@davidtowlun2118]

@@TheHappyCamper Thanks! I'll check out that channel too!

[@MavGamingTv]

I second this question PLEASE HELP 😔 It's practically unattainable in Quebec..

[@bunhead8]

funny that you spell Ontario wrong in your Google search...the search still worked though, thanks for the vid.

[@TheHappyCamper]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@rerolley]

What is the classification for all the land in white in far northern Ontario? Such as south of Polar Bear Provincial Park and west of James Bay.

[@itszach6808]

Does southern Ontario have nice whitetail?

[@chrismeade764]

Hey bud. Is crownland opening up friday?

[@TheHappyCamper]

Good question. My sources say yes it will be.

[@chrismeade764]

@@TheHappyCamper thank you 😁

[@BigBents]

This was very inciteful! Because of Covid-19, all of the Ontario parks are closed. So I'm thinking about doing a small Crown Land camping trip (of course I will only be staying local and I get all of my stuff delivered so I don't expose or get exposed.) One question though... Under "Recreation Activities and Facilities" Some spots will say Crown Land Recreation = Yes and it will also have Camping = Yes. And some will just say Crown Land Recreation = Yes and wont say anything about camping. It get's confusing. Could you enlighten me on this?

[@TheHappyCamper]

I agree. It is very confusing. I believe if it says yes to Crown Land Recreation then it is free to camp on. If not, there will be signage.

[@brentkelly5445]

I just watched a vid where the Bairds went on crown land. However, i think there were markers on it. it was either a portage or campsite triangle. i think it was portage. is that possible or am I wrong.

[@TheHappyCamper]

It is possible. Some popular routes would be marked by other paddlers.

[@trishaharrison6183]

Very informative. Thank you for sharing this.

[@jimhamel7864]

Thanks for the info Kevin!

[@kc550]

Hey Kevin, thanks for the tips when using the atlas, that's very helpful! Quick Q - What's the name of that song in the beginning? Sounds kind of like Lorde, it's a beautiful song.

[@TheHappyCamper]

It's Monsoons - Johannes Bornlofe

[@kc550]

@@TheHappyCamper thank you kind sir! Happy Camping!

[@saifmode]

Thanks a lot kevin. This is a really infomative video. There are multiple videos out there about Crown Land none so descriptive. Already planning to visit Adams Lake 😁.

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks. And I just drive by Adams Lake today and saw that a logging company is now cutting there. It's no secret anymore LOL What out for logging trucks on the road.

[@Catbus-Driver]

44.17888° N 77.66955° W This spot is an enigma. I'd love to hear some opinions on why such a random location is marked as general use.

[@mr.e1708]

A lot of areas are 'outlined' with thick grey lines that are seemingly private land. It looks like it's sort of intentional to prevent people getting to large areas of crown land, or certain shorelines without technically 'trespassing'; is this the case, or is it something else? Take Big Gull lake area for example, or Black Donald lake; the entire shoreline is seemingly trimmed with private land even though it's largely crown land in the surrounding area...

[@TheHappyCamper]

I question the same thing. It must be cottage lots or possible cottage lots.

[@mr.e1708]

@@TheHappyCamper Right yea, I figured the shoreline areas might be cottages or possible cottage lots, but there are also some lines of the same thickness and seem to have a similar purpose that are not on a shoreline that are just sort of crosshatched or outlining rectangular crown land lots. I believe the atlas suggests it ~may just be road allowances. Really wish it was clear! Might require trying to contact the ministry to figure it out. Thanks for the reply.

[@k.n.v.b1113]

Thanks for doing that ! spotted the EGB hanging there :)

[@TheHappyCamper]

Darn. Don't tell anyone about that amazing trout lure LOL

[@xxthepoppaxx]

I noticed that on the atlas between the lots, sometimes there is a thick Grey line.. is this private?

[@TheHappyCamper]

I was wondering the same thing. Anyone out there know? It might indicate the survey line borders?

[@nathanhall6240]

There are thin lines which I believe just delineate the different lots. Then there are thicker lines sometimes, which I think are what you're referring to. I believe those are road allowances. Effectively they are the same as the land around them but they are there in case the government wanted to put a road there. I could be wrong feel free to fact check me on that.

[@musingwithreba9667]

ok, so now I know how to find Crown Land for camping, and EVERYONE knows how to find Adams Lake, I will go somewhere else ;)

[@hcevrim]

A great video, thanks a lot

[@ScubaSteveCanada]

Three important points about the Crown Land Use Policy Atlas (CLUPA) ... 1. Be aware that the government occasionally transfers crown land to municipalities and this isn't reflected on CLUPA. You can do all the research on CLUPA, show up and find out camping is NOT permitted since it's now managed by a local government. 2. People using CLUPA need to drill down (zoom in) and you'll see many lakes' shorelines are private property but just beyond is crown land. Technically, you'd be trespassing if crossing the shoreline. Google Earth will typically show a cabin or cottage nearby to confirm this. This aspect is most often seen in the southern areas of crown land. I have sent many messages to "freecampsites.net" to inform them that some of the "free" sites people have noted are actually on private land - not good that they don't vet the info. before posting on their webpage. 3. Also, not always evident on CLUPA is some crown land has a tiny piece "such as a cottage or hunt camp" that has a 99 year lease - as such, technically, it is both crown land and private land. This can explain why some people appear to overstay their 21-day limit. I know of two such plots of land, in the Temagami area, where this is the case.

[@TheHappyCamper]

Goods points. Thanks.

[@joesixpack7551]

Hey Kevin, stumbled on this channel and enjoying it. Regarding the number of days you can camp on a site, 21 - does this same rule apply to Indians? There's a spot about 40 miles NE of the Sault that had camping at both ends of the lake but the camps were closed down as there were way too many squatters but the Indians moved in with their trailers and have not moved in more than several months.

[@Catlovers52]

The female singing at beginning of video sounds like Allie Sherlock..beautiful voice

[@VT-tz5bm]

Thank you!

[@billdemelo3011]

Great info, thanks.

[@RealSlavGod]

So I was looking at the atlas and noticed almost all the lakes have a thin grey border around it of equal thickness all around. Does that mean it is private land and you cannot go there to camp even though right outside of that border is general use land?

[@TheHappyCamper]

I believe that's showing the original survey line - similar to an easement.

[@RealSlavGod]

@@TheHappyCamper Thanks for the reply, that means it is fine to stay there and camp correct?

[@RealSlavGod]

@@TheHappyCamper something like this: www.screencast.com/t/uCmFEjYd

[@TheHappyCamper]

@@RealSlavGod I believe so.

[@nathanhall6240]

If what you're referring to is what I'm thinking, then I believe that the grey line around the lake is owned by the municipality. For an example of what I'm thinking of, look up 'Round Schooner Lake' and you'll see a little bit of grey all around the shoreline. That is owned by the municipality who maintain some sites around the shoreline.

[@jeremytheobald2978]

Thanks Kevin

[@cayugawolf1]

There are several areas in southern Ontario that are in fact crown land..., why is this not on the atlas? 👀

[@erich1880]

Helpful vid... Thanks. Could do without the blaring music though 👍🏻

[@banshee107]

8:45, when you say non-operating park, is it because of COVID? I have a provincial park by my place I want to camp in and it says it's closed this season due to COVID (staff manning issues).

[@TheHappyCamper]

No. It means Ontario Parks has no managment plan for it yet, no facilities and designated access or campsites

[@cypressj]

Kevin, I found a couple small patchs in southern ontario. Near turkey point PP. it is marked with the conservation reserve. When i click on land information for the area only one "Activity" is listed "Commercial Hydro Development" = no. I am confused as to what this means. is it Crown land that we cant camp on? it shows up but im not positive on its uses. Can you have a quick look?

[@TheHappyCamper]

I had a look. Was it the ST. WILLIAMS CONSERVATION RESERVE? It's an odd one - and I'm thinking if they don't state the recreation than it's probably a no since the site is there to protect unique natural heritage. I'd call Turkey Point PP and ask there. The Superindentant should know.

[@cypressj]

@@TheHappyCamper thanks for having a look for me that's what I was looking at. I will take your advice and contact Turkey point PP. I am thinking a no also. Thanks for quick reply. PS just finished your Killarney and french river book. Love your stories!!

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

The CR's south of the Canadian shield do not permit camping. Population and small land size being two main factors. I worked out of Aylmer district for a while. We had a pamphlet on crown land down there, may still be available if you call the office. They are mainly used for hunting, hiking and biking and general conservation.

[@SIRA063]

30000 people now camp at lake adam.

[@ErfanKhaksar]

General Use and Wilderness area look almost the same. Or maybe I am color blind

[@michelled4634]

You never give away a crownland camp site;). Up here in Sudbury region the problem is people stay well beyond 21 days and they don't let anyone else enjoy it

[@TheHappyCamper]

Is there anyone inforcing there? I know this has been a continual problem.

[@caseyoingo6440]

KCHappyCamper I Hope you haven’t ruined Adams lake with this video Kevin just saying with respect. Hopefully people don’t destroy the area it’s a beautiful spot. Imagine my expression when I heard you say Adams lake.

[@TheHappyCamper]

@@caseyoingo6440 Thanks for the note. And I do respect your comment greatly. It was a tough one to do - but I needed to show a real example of a place and I think it was the best one overall. It's a stocked lake, the campsites are not so good, parking is terrible - but it shows the potential of other places and how to find them. And if crowds head there this weekend to destroy it - I (and others) will go ape shit on them. Education is one thing - but there's a few idiots out there that have to be stopped some other way.

[@michelled4634]

@@TheHappyCamper the MNR do patrol occasionally but for the most part people are left to stay all summer,,,it's a shame especially when they do not respect the area

[@TheHappyCamper]

@@michelled4634 Something really needs to be done about that. I'll look into on my end. Send me anything you can [e-mail] I have noticed not much inforcement on most wild things out there during Covid??

[@icweiner7506]

The best it says you can camp you check on google maps and it’s someone’s fucking backyard

[@jackrabbit0777]

@2:10 ... geez, you wouldn’t want to be colour blind.

[@TheHappyCamper]

That's a very good point.

[@Trevorinfamous]

The title should indicate that the video is ‘Ontario-specific’!

[@MrRon2525]

Delete the video its illegal to camp on crown land in Ontario

[@spec24]

No, it's slow because it's a government site.