Camping
The popularity of Squamish within the #vanlife community has increased to the point where there is great concern about the group’s collective environmental impact. “Wild” or “Freedom” camping has become unmanageable environmentally because of the high numbers of campers.
Camping on roads and public land is not allowed under Squamish bylaws. Please refer to the map below for campground locations. If you don't currently have a campsite, check out the Campsite Availability Calendar to secure your spot.
Area Map
Where to Camp
| MAP | CAMPGROUND NAME | TYPE | SITES |
| 1 | Stawamus Chief Provincial Park | BC Parks | 109 |
| 2 | Klahanie Campground | Private | 100 |
| 3 | Mamquam River Campground | Non-profit | 75 |
| 4 | MTN Fun Basecamp | Private | 55 |
| 5 | Alice Lake Provincial Park | BC Parks | 110 |
| 6 | Cat Lake Recreation Site | BC Rec Site | 50 |
| 7 | Paradise Valley Campground | Private | 91 |
| 8 | Porteau Cove Provincial Park | BC Parks | 60 |
| 9 | Squamish Valley Campground | Private | 78 |
Visit ExploreSquamish.com for a Campsite Availability calendar.
Resources
| MAP | SERVICE | LOCATION |
| 20 | Garbage and recycling drop-off |
Squamish Landfill, Landfill Road |
| 21 | Recycling drop-off | Queens Way Recycle Depot |
| 22 | Showers and Aquatic Centre | Brennan Park Recreation Centre. DO NOT use toiletries in rivers and streams. |
| 23 | Free Wi-Fi | Various coffee shops and restaurants throughout Squamish; Brennan Park Recreation Centre; Squamish Public Library. |
| 24 | Medical Care | Squamish General Hospital, Walk In-Clinc, VCH, Community Health Centre. |
| 25 | Police |
RCMP Station |
| 26 | RV Sani-dump |
Canadian Tire (located at Mamquam Road and Highway 99) |
#NOTrace Camping
- Local fire bans restrict the use of campfires.
- Leaving food unsecured will attract bears and other wild animals. This is dangerous for you, and puts the bears at risk once they become garbage bears. Never keep or consume food in your tent.
- Garbage/recycling must always be secured and disposed of properly. See the list of resources for drop-off locations.
- Ensure proper disposal of human waste and toilet paper. No one wants to encounter it while walking in our trails.
- Please don’t pollute our waterways.
- Before leaving, return your site to the condition in which you found it.
- Be respectful to your neighbours – we live here and take great care of our community.
Important Numbers
FOR EMERGENCIES CALL 911.
| Fire (non-emergency) | 604.898.9666 |
| Police (non-emergency) | 604.892.6100 |
| Bylaw Enforcement | 604.815.5067 |
| RAPP line to report wildlife concerns or other natural resource violations. | 1.877.952.7277 |
Unauthorized camping and related activities within the District of Squamish are addressed in the following municipal bylaws: Camping Bylaw No. 2829, 2021, Zoning, Park Use, Fire Service, Wildlife Attractant and Traffic Bylaws. Unauthorized camping includes but is not limited to: vehicle, tent, RV, temporary shelter in zones that do not permit this activity. Natural Resource Officers from the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development also enforce provincial natural resource legislation such as the Land Act and the Wildfire Act, where applicable.
Squamish is located in prime bear habitat. Be bear smart and follow these Camping in Bear Country guidelines.
