If you’re an experienced RVer, you already know that RV costs can add up quickly. On top of the cost of maintaining your RV, one of the most significant expenses is the campsites. Your average RV campsite will run you $40-$50 a night. But the good news is that with a bit of preparation, you can save hundreds (or thousands, depending on how long you’re RVing) by seeking free RV parking.
Although Canada is vast, finding free overnight parking can be challenging – unless you know where to look. Here’s where to find free RV parking for all you RVers on a tight budget.
Things to Remember when Finding Free RV Parking
Leave No Trace
It’s basic etiquette to leave your camping ground as you found it. Leave your campsite in perfect condition for the next camper, as you would hope other campers would do for you.
Plan Ahead
Many free campsites are off the beaten path, with little to no access to WiFi or other luxuries such as bathrooms, waste dumps, and hookups. Make sure you are well-equipped and know your destination before heading out to find your free campsite.
Prepare for Rough Terrain
Most free campsites and boondocking spots will likely be remote and far away from the highways. Prepare for small, bumpy roads and lots of mud. You should also consider the weight and size of your vehicle before journeying into the backcountry roads.
Always Ask
Keep away from private property, including parking lots, unless you have permission to park there. If you’re unsure, ask. It’s better to be sure than to face a fine.
Respect the Stay Limits
If you’re a Canadian citizen, you can park on Crown lands for 21 days. Other parks and sites may have different rules – always check and always respect the limit.
Where to Find Free RV Parking
Generally, there are several options for convenient overnight parking across the Canadian provinces. Canada is full of Crown land – otherwise known as federally public land – which is often completely free to park and camp in.
You can also stop overnight at truck stops, rest areas, casinos, Walmarts, and other commercial parking lots (although you may have to ask permission for these). Municipal facilities, such as community centres, skating arenas, and swimming pools, are also available. While these are obviously not dreamy camping spots, you can always rely on these kinds of options to break up long stretches of road.
If you’re considering parking for the night in what may be a private lot, always ask permission first and check the local regulations – the last thing you want as a budget RVer is a hefty fine!
Where to Find Free RV Parking in Alberta
As of June 2021, the Government of Alberta introduced the Public Lands Camping Pass, which must be purchased to camp along any public land along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains.
Alberta’s Wildland Parks
Alberta’s wildland parks are free to camp in – however, not all allow motorized vehicles. To be sure, call the specific wildland park to see if you’re permitted random camp with your RV.
Agricultural Public Land
Agricultural public land is technically Crown land. However, most of them will have restrictions on overnight camping or motorized vehicles. You can learn more on Alberta’s government website.
Where to Find Free RV Parking in British Columbia
If you’re RVing on a budget, British Columbia should be on your list. Free RV parking is abundant in BC. The province offers hundreds of free Recreational Sites – and most of them allow RVs. However, remember that most of these Rec Sites provide the bare minimum in terms of amenities. Most offer no electricity or potable water. Make sure to come prepared! Most of them are off the beaten track, so you’ll probably have to drive down some rough gravel backroads to get to them.
Some of the best free RV campsites in BC include:
Pye Lake, Vancouver Island
Klaklakama Lake, Vancouver Island
Dinner Rock, Sunshine Coast
Lois Lake, Sunshine Coast
Waitabit Creek, Columbia, Shuswap
Echo Lake, Columbia Shuswap
Swalwell Lake, Okanagan Valley
Flatbed Creek, North BC
Jigsaw Lake, North BC
Stella Lake Recreation Site
Where to Find Free RV parking in the rest of Canada
One of the best resources is the provincial government websites to find free RV campsites and free RV parking in the country. There are also tons of websites, apps, and online communities dedicated to finding campsites, such as freecampsites.net and campendium.com.
There are many places to park across the country, including Crown land, non-operating parks, provincial parks, municipal centers, parking lots, and more. It’s not always as easy as driving up to a popular, full-amenities campsite – but by doing additional research and preparing to find free RV parking and free RV campsites, you’ll be saving yourself a fortune. And besides – it’s part of the adventure. Happy RVing!
