Camping on Private Land with CLAS

Camping on private land offers a unique outdoor experience away from the crowds. It’s an opportunity to connect with nature, enjoy peace and tranquility, and explore landscapes that you might not encounter in public spaces. At Canadian Land Access Systems, we make it easy for outdoor enthusiasts to find and book private land properties for camping adventures.

However, just like with any outdoor activity, camping on private land comes with its own set of responsibilities. Whether you’re a first-time camper or an experienced outdoors enthusiast, it’s important to follow the rules and guidelines that help protect the land and create a positive experience for everyone involved.

In this post, we’ll cover the essential Do’s and Don’ts for camping on private land with CLAS, ensuring that both landowners and guests can enjoy a safe, respectful, and sustainable experience.

The Do’s of Camping on Private Land with CLAS

1. Respect the Landowner’s Guidelines

Before you pack up your gear and head out, make sure you thoroughly read and understand the landowner’s guidelines. Every private property has different rules for camping, and these rules are in place to protect both the land and the people using it.

CLAS makes it easy to communicate with landowners and understand their expectations before your trip. Whether it’s setting up camp in a designated area, following fire restrictions, or respecting wildlife habitats, always adhere to the landowner’s instructions.

2. Leave No Trace

One of the most important principles of responsible camping is Leave No Trace. This means that you should leave the land exactly as you found it—or better. Avoid leaving trash behind, minimize your environmental impact, and be mindful of the natural surroundings.

This can include:

• Packing out all trash, including food wrappers, toilet paper, and even small items like cigarette butts.
• Not disturbing wildlife or vegetation.
• Staying on established trails to avoid damaging plant life and soil.

By following Leave No Trace principles, you help ensure that private land stays pristine for future campers.

3. Keep Noise Levels Low

Private land offers a peaceful, secluded environment, so it’s important to be considerate of other guests, the landowner, and the surrounding wildlife. Keep noise levels to a minimum, especially during the early morning and late evening hours. This will allow you to fully appreciate the tranquility of nature while respecting the landowner’s desire for privacy and quiet.

4. Respect the Privacy of Others

Since you’re camping on private land, you should respect not only the landowner’s privacy but also the privacy of other guests. If the land is shared with others, be mindful of noise, campfires, and your overall space. Ensure that you are camping in your designated area, and avoid trespassing on other sections of the property.

5. Follow Fire Safety Protocols

Campfires are an integral part of many camping experiences, but they come with important safety considerations. Be sure to follow the landowner’s fire guidelines, which may include using specific fire pits or restrictions on open flames. Always ensure your fire is fully extinguished before leaving your campsite.

In areas prone to wildfires, follow any fire bans or restrictions to protect both the land and nearby communities.

6. Keep Your Campsite Clean and Tidy

At the end of your stay, leave your campsite as clean as it was when you arrived. Pick up any litter, including small items, and make sure you leave no evidence of your stay. This shows respect for the land and encourages future guests to do the same.

The Don’ts of Camping on Private Land with CLAS

1. Don’t Trespass on Restricted Areas

Many private landowners designate specific areas for camping or outdoor activities. Be sure to stay within the boundaries set by the landowner and avoid venturing into restricted or off-limits areas. Not only is this disrespectful to the landowner, but it could also be dangerous if you unknowingly enter hazardous terrain.

If you’re unsure about where to camp or explore, always ask the landowner for clarification.

2. Don’t Overstay Your Welcome

Private land access through CLAS is typically granted for a specific duration. Be sure to respect the booking time frame and leave by the agreed-upon departure time. Overstaying can disrupt the landowner’s schedule and may prevent others from accessing the land as planned.

3. Don’t Bring Unauthorized Guests

When you book a private land camping experience through CLAS, the landowner is granting you access for a specific number of guests. Always check with the landowner to confirm the number of people allowed on the property, and don’t bring additional guests without prior permission. Unauthorized guests can create logistical and safety issues.

4. Don’t Damage the Land or Property

Treat the land with the utmost respect. Don’t cause any damage to trees, rocks, plants, or structures on the property. This includes not cutting down trees, removing rocks, or leaving deep tire tracks in sensitive areas. These actions can have long-lasting effects on the ecosystem and may violate the landowner’s trust.

5. Don’t Ignore Local Laws and Regulations

When camping on private land, it’s your responsibility to follow all applicable local laws and regulations. This includes obtaining any necessary permits for activities like fishing or hunting, adhering to noise ordinances, and following fire regulations. CLAS helps by ensuring that landowners provide clear, accurate guidelines, but it’s important to familiarize yourself with the area’s specific rules.

6. Don’t Use Unauthorized Camping Gear or Equipment

Some private landowners may have specific restrictions on the types of camping gear allowed on their property. For example, some landowners might not permit the use of generators or large camping structures like RVs. Always check the property details on CLAS and ask the landowner if you’re unsure about what equipment is allowed.

Final Thoughts

Camping on private land with CLAS offers a fantastic way to experience nature in a peaceful, secluded setting. By following these Do’s and Don’ts, you ensure that your stay is not only enjoyable but also respectful to the landowner and the environment.

By adhering to guidelines, minimizing your impact, and treating the land with care, you help create a sustainable and responsible outdoor experience for everyone.

Ready to plan your next camping adventure on private land? CLAS has a variety of beautiful, accessible properties waiting for you to explore—responsibly!

Looking for the right hunting knife to bring with you when you go camping? Check out our blog post The Hunter’s Companion: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Hunting Knife