The popularity of Squamish within the #vanlife community has increased to the point that 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. This is a serious issue that causes conflict between locals, home owners, and climbers!
VAN CAMPING / WILD CAMPING
Within District Boundaries
The
District of Squamish PROHIBITS camping within the municipal boundary. This includes sleeping in a vehicle anywhere within District boundaries. A
bylaw gives the District the power to issue tickets for contraventions.
Camping on urban / residential streets is prohibited under pre-existing bylaws.
The “hot spots” that have been of most concern are below.
· The whole of the Mamquam Forest Service Road under the North Walls of the Chief between the junction with the 99 and junction with the Stawamus/Indian Arm Forest Service Road (as a salmon run and sensitive riparian area, camping close to the Stawamus River is especially inappropriate)
· The Powerhouse Springs Road including the parking area for the Fern Hill cliff
· The dirt road to the kitesurfing “Spit.”
Outside of District Boundaries
If you explore forest roads in crown land outside the municipal boundaries, it may be possible to find discreet roadside sites suitable for tents or van camping. However, the provincial authorities do have
some restrictions ;
· Stays are limited to 14 days.
· Campers should follow
Leave No Trace principles. HUMAN WASTE is a major issue.
· Strictly observe any
current fire bans.
DESIGNATED CAMPGROUNDS
Please see the
District of Squamish website for a comprehensive list of designated campgrounds.
Recommended affordable camping:
- At the Chief:
Stawamus Chief Provincial Park Campground BC parks site, spots start at $10.00 CAD/person. No reservations.
- 7 minutes north:
Mamquam River Campground A non-profit site, spots start at $15.00cad/night for a drive-in site. Reservations recommended, not required.
- 20 minutes north:
Chek Canyon Recreation Site A public site; no fees, no reservations and world class sport-climbing. No running water. The road is steep and rough but 4x4 not required
Access Issue: Camping
Details
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BC
Fort Collins, CO
Bend, OR
Surprisingly fun positioning as you work your way through the arch. Makes a good climb to combo with Klahanie Crack or perhaps something climb while you wait for Klahanie Crack. Jun 6, 2016
Seattle, WA
San Diego, CA
Hamilton, ON
I will say though I find the bolting to be a bit ridiculous. The first bolt, and *maybe* the second seem justified. There is a healthy selection of quality placements throughout the remainder of the climb and I think anybody climbing 9/10a would want to be comfortable with those placements. Nov 1, 2019
Small Town, USA
Berkeley, CA
Seattle, WA
I think it's fair to critique unnecessary bolting of cracks to discourage it in the future (and for what it's worth I did skip the third and fourth bolt and placed cams instead). Still a fun climb, if a bit confusing in the choices made re: bolting. Aug 14, 2023
Bellevue, WA
Vancouver, BC