Frog Falls is another hidden gem for free camping. Heading west past Three Valley Gap, take a left onto the Wap Lake Forest Service Road. Head 4.5 kilometers and you will see a small turn off on the left hand side for Frog Falls. Veer right into the campground. There are only 4 sites but if you plan on going early, or during the middle of the week, you should be able to score a site.
This campground is user maintained and has a few amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables and an outhouse. All luxurious considering the sites are completely free. Locate the trail off the campground and follow it up to the falls. There is an awesome spot to sit and take it all in. It appears there is a trail that goes past the top of the falls, but after following it for some time we noted that it’s not maintained nor does it seem to go anywhere. The forest directly across the road from the campground is also fun to check out. If you plan on camping here, or just checking out the falls, be sure to always pack out everything you bring in. Wes and I love how convenient this campground is. Who knew you could find free camping ten minutes from the Highway.
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Camping at Preachers Point this past weekend was a blast. Emi and I thoroughly enjoyed our campsite which had perfectly spaced trees for our hammocks. Camping at Preachers Point is free; although keep in mind there are no amenities. Thankfully, there is a outhouse a few minutes down the road at the Siffleur Falls Trail Head or there is always the bush. You also have to make sure to bring your own water and make sure to pack up your food when you aren’t at your site. Since we were here in the spring, the water level in the lake is quite low so we were able to walk out through long grass to the water. Bohdi had a blast playing fetch in this paradise! We had amazing views in every direction. Later in the summer, this area fills with water and you are granted amazing views of Abraham Lake. There are plenty of hikes you can find in this area. Emi and I tackled Siffleur Falls for the third time in our lives (it’s a classic!) and had plenty of time to relax in our hammocks.
Keep in mind that this is not a regulated campground so you may run into some noisy campers. Also, please take ALL your garbage out with you. Let’s keep these places beautiful and accessible. Wes and I love finding new places to pitch our tent and camp out. And we love it even more when these places are free (the Dutch in us). This weekend we stumbled on a dirt road heading down into the trees approximately 30 km from the North Saskatchewan Crossing. These roads can be a bit of a gamble, especially in our car, with lots of potholes and large rocks. Sometimes, we end up having to turn around but this time we struck gold. Because most of the land surrounding Abraham Lake is rated as a Public Land Zone, camping is free. We found a nice spot nestled in the trees with a foot path leading to the banks of the North Saskatchewan River. It was an awesome spot to spend the night.
Sounds great right?! However, camping like this also has its risks. There is no guarantee that you will be able to find a spot, there are no outhouses, no picnic tables and certainly no power hookups. Since its public land you may get stuck by some rowdy campers who don’t have to turn their music down at 10:00 or abide to any rules for that matter. That being said, there are some serious perks. We love getting off the beaten trail and finding these hidden gems. We love that Bohdi doesn’t have to be on his leash 24/7 and is free to explore the surrounding woods. It can be fun to camp with fewer amenities and make do with what you have. It always ends up being an adventure and there are always stories to tell. This kind of camping isn’t for everyone (it’s pretty rustic) but there is nothing like having a little spot all to yourself with the tourists, giant RV’s, and crowds far from sight. That’s the kind of camping I love. |