by Outreach Assistant Jessica Tinholt
There have been some changes to parks and public lands over the last year, with the introduction of new camping passes and fees. We've read through various Government of Alberta web sites; this blog will explain the new Public Lands Camping Pass as well as how designated camping areas work in Castle Provincial Park.
[Note: We will not cover the Kananaskis Conservation Pass because the area it applies to (Kananaskis Country and Bow Valley) is outside of our watershed. Further information about this particular pass can be found here.]
Public Lands Camping Pass
As of June 1, 2021, the Public Lands Camping Pass (PLCP) is required for random camping on public land along the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains. It extends from Grande Prairie all the way down to Waterton. In the headwaters of the Oldman watershed, the pass applies to both the Livingstone and Porcupine Hills Public Land Use Zones (PLUZ). An interactive map of the PLCP areas, provided by the Government of Alberta, can be found here, so you can find the designation of your favourite camping spot.
Areas where the Public Lands Camping Pass is required in Alberta are shaded in blue. The pass does not apply to: private, municipal, or federally-owned lands; Provincial Parks, Wildland Provincial Parks, Provincial Recreation Areas; Wilderness Areas, Ecological Reserves, Heritage Rangelands, or Natural Areas. Source: Government of Alberta.
The pass costs $20 for three days or $30 annually (per person) and can be purchased online. To purchase the pass, you are required to have a Wildlife Identification Number (WIN), a one-time purchase from AlbertaRELM. This brings the total cost of the annual pass to around $40 per adult, including GST, if you don’t already have a WIN.
Unlike the Conservation Pass, the PLCP is sold per person (not per vehicle). Children under 18 are not required to have the pass, and neither are other groups with exemptions such as First Nations people holding a status card. You do not require the PLCP for day trips and/or if you are staying in a campground.
All Acts and regulations are still in place, and campers are responsible for knowing where they are allowed to camp and what passes they need. The Alberta Government has stated that during the initial roll-out of the new pass, campers may be granted a grace period to comply before being fined, to allow Albertans to become familiar with the new system. However, non-compliance could result in a fine once it becomes common knowledge. Campers should be ready to provide proof of payment while camping.
The intent of the pass is to reinvest funds into the region to improve recreation and protect public land for generations to come by improving infrastructure, education, enforcement, public safety, waste management, and conservation initiatives.
Know Before You Go! Campers are responsible for knowing where they are allowed to camp and what passes are required. All provincial regulations still apply.
Castle and Designated Camping Areas
Castle Provincial Park is excluded from the Conservation Pass and the Public Lands Camping Pass. Instead, Castle follows a self-registration permit system that is free of charge. The permit can be printed out online or found at all kiosks in the park and must be deposited at said kiosk. Each camping unit must display the ‘occupied’ side of the permit throughout the duration of your stay. The permit applies to 7 designated camping areas within the park, which are first come first serve. Sites may be registered for up to 16 consecutive nights. There are designated fire rings within the camping areas that mark available sites, easily spotted from the road. Castle Provincial Park also follows Alberta Parks regulations.
Castle Wildland Provincial Park (adjacent to Castle Provincial park) allows backcountry tent camping and does not require this permit. The same applies to Bob Creek Wildland Provincial Park. No new permit is required to access these Wildland areas. Park rules require you to camp at least one kilometer from roads or backcountry facilities, 50 metres from any trail, and it is advised you camp more than 60 metres away from water sources.
How to Enjoy Our Public Lands
There are many guides and resources available regarding camping on public land. When in doubt, remember: be lawful, be prepared, and be respectful. There is also a ministerial order regarding the Public Lands Camping pass available to the public. Pamphlets found online as well as at kiosks contain maps and general regulations for the area, but it is best to know before you go!
This summary was written and is correct as of July 7, 2021. Please refer to the Alberta Parks and Government resources for up-to-date information. In case of discrepancy, follow the direction of governing bodies.
