I have some questions on camping here in Manitoba. Being a newb and all I don't even know where to start. I'm sure there are the standard provincial campgrounds which are easy enough to find but I'm wondering about more off the beaten path spots like logging roads. Places that aren't surrounded by teenagers partying and kids screaming. (no offense to partying teenagers and parents with screaming kids.) Water is always nice to be by, either rivers or lakes or even ponds. A few hours from the city is fine in fact it's probably better. Looking forward to getting away from the city and exploring this groovy province.
Scott
p.s. I know this isn't a Winnipeg City Issue or Urban Affair but I couldn't think of anywhere else to post and the people here are always really helpful...even the grumpy old dude. :)
It is far enough of a drive that it detracts most people from the city and the people going up there are the ones willing to drive the distance for a bit more solitude. It is exceptionally nice if you have a canoe and a couple good maps. Drive in, load up a canoe and camp a couple lakes away. No people, no motorboats... just silence and nature.
<blockquote><cite>Posted By: Sputnik</cite>You aren't going to find much public land (crown land) that is accessible by road in southern Manitoba.
Most of the public land is found in the northern half of the province and really only accessible by float plane or by canoe (after a portage or two).
Its not like BC or AB where there are logging roads everywhere and random camping is more common.</blockquote>
:( That's too bad. I'm here from BC and that's what I'm used to. Couple hour drive and you're on a river with no one around. On the bright side of things...the provincial campgrounds here are prices very reasonably. Everything is BC seems to be over $20 for anything decent. I've seen campgrounds here for under $10.
<blockquote><cite>Posted By: Sputnik</cite>That said. If you want a provincial park that is a little less populated check out<a href="http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/parks/popular_parks/nopiming/index.html">Nopiming Provincial Park</a>.
It is far enough of a drive that it detracts most people from the city and the people going up there are the ones willing to drive the distance for a bit more solitude. It is exceptionally nice if you have a canoe and a couple good maps. Drive in, load up a canoe and camp a couple lakes away. No people, no motorboats... just silence and nature.</blockquote>
That looks really nice. Thanks a lot. I'll add it to my list. One of the guys here in the office said it was a great area as well. :) Cheers.
<blockquote><cite>Posted By: wanderglobe</cite><blockquote><cite>Posted By: Sputnik</cite>You aren't going to find much public land (crown land) that is accessible by road in southern Manitoba.
Most of the public land is found in the northern half of the province and really only accessible by float plane or by canoe (after a portage or two).
Its not like BC or AB where there are logging roads everywhere and random camping is more common.</blockquote>
:( That's too bad. I'm here from BC and that's what I'm used to. Couple hour drive and you're on a river with no one around. On the bright side of things...the provincial campgrounds here are prices very reasonably. Everything is BC seems to be over $20 for anything decent. I've seen campgrounds here for under $10.</blockquote>
I can relate being in Alberta.
It is great to be able to drive down a logging road in SW Alberta to end up on a river next to some falls surrounded by the mountains. A great thing about logging roads is that it is generally pretty easy to find some free firewood as well.
That said I still miss the ability to canoe through a couple of lakes and be on a lake that has never seen a cottage or powerboat.
You can certainly get to secluded spots within a couple of hours. If you have a canoe, you can get to very secluded spots. I took this picture last weekend. Aside from the odd plane flying overhead we didn't see anybody all weekend. This was more of a 4 hour journey though: http://ice-biker.deviantart.com/art/vermillion-lake-87534579 There closer places in and around the whiteshell especially, but may take some research or trial and error to find a really good place.
<blockquote><cite>Posted By: cherenkov</cite>You can certainly get to secluded spots within a couple of hours. If you have a canoe, you can get to very secluded spots. I took this picture last weekend. Aside from the odd plane flying overhead we didn't see anybody all weekend. This was more of a 4 hour journey though: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://ice-biker.deviantart.com/art/vermillion-lake-87534579">http://ice-biker.deviantart.com/art/vermillion-lake-87534579</a> There closer places in and around the whiteshell especially, but may take some research or trial and error to find a really good place.</blockquote>
Nice photo. I'm thinking it'll take some exploring but that's half the fun. I'll invest in some decent maps and just start snooping around. :) I think my first camping sojourn will be to somewhere organized though. Was looking at the lakes in the Whiteshell area so I'm off in that direction this weekend. Thanks all for the responses. :)
A canoe will get you to all kinds of great places that are quiet and secluded.
If you are driving your VW - go to Hecla Park on Lake Winnipeg. At the point where the road makes a big left turn at the lakes edge to go to the resort, turn right. I've camped down that road and been left alone.
If you want campgrounds that are not busy. you are out of luck, those rarely exist. Best bet is to go to a lake that is not yet developed into a campground. or camp during the week only.
If you don't like drunken, rowdy campers stay away from Grand Beach, Falcon Lake and Big Whiteshell on the weekends. During the week, Big Whiteshell is actually quite nice if you camp in the B20's. Opapiskaw and Nutimik in the Whiteshell is quite nice also. Rushing River is my favorite. Up in the Northeast sites along the river....beautiful.