Whether you prefer the classic tenting version of camping, or simply weren't able to reserve your favourite campsite in time, camping for free on public lands in Alberta might be your best option.

Public land, or Crown land, is land that is not privately owned, and makes up about 60% of the total land in Alberta, mostly located north of Edmonton.

Calgary based nature writer and well-known wildlife biologist Chris Fisher has been up and down those public lands most of his life, and he says the number one thing to keep in mind when using public lands, is to do no harm.

“One of the great advantages that we have in Alberta is our ability to use our public lands, but we should always do so with respect, meaning that we treat the land with integrity and respect and we leave it enhanced and not degrade it after our visit.”

Fisher says some Crown land is leased out, which means you could turn a corner on a dirt road and be face to face with a large truck or piece of machinery, as these companies often use CB’s or two-way radios to communicate instead of signage.

“Now a whole bunch of that [Crown] land is under leases to oil and gas and forestry companies in these sort of areas, so while it is public land, it’s not all free to access. So you do have to be a little bit mindful of leases and also things like parks and protected areas that are owned by the province but managed in a way to minimize the impact.”

For more information on how to take advantage of these sites and exactly where they are, you can click here to visit Alberta.ca/camping-on-public-land.