True Backcountry Camping
Wilderness camping in Wells Gray means no facilities, no reservations, and no services — just quiet, remote spaces for experienced, self‑sufficient campers.
Designated Wilderness Zones
Camping is permitted only in specific backcountry areas, including canoe‑in sites on Clearwater and Azure Lakes, Murtle Lake, and alpine zones near Trophy Mountain. These sites are rustic and minimally marked.
Be Prepared & Self‑Sufficient
There is no potable water, no cell service, and limited infrastructure. Campers must bring proper gear, food storage, navigation tools, and be ready for changing weather and remote conditions.
Where Wilderness Camping Is Allowed
Wells Gray offers several designated wilderness camping areas, each with its own character. Canoe‑in sites along Clearwater and Azure Lakes provide simple lakeside camping with outhouses, picnic tables, bear‑proof food caches, and fire rings. Murtle Lake — the largest paddle‑only lake in North America — features numerous shoreline sites ideal for multi‑day trips. Alpine zones near Trophy Mountain allow for remote backpacking in designated areas, well away from the fragile meadows. All wilderness sites are first come, first served, and require Leave No Trace practices.
Clearwater–Azure Lakes
These lakes offer several rustic, family‑friendly camping areas accessible only by canoe or boat. Each site includes outhouses, picnic tables, bear‑proof food caches, and designated fire rings. Campsites are patrolled and maintained daily. All sites are first come, first served, with overnight fees paid at the lake using a cash‑only self‑registration system.
Trophy Mountain Backcountry
Backcountry camping in the Trophy Mountain area is permitted only at Sheila Lake, where there are established tent pads for low‑impact camping. These pads help protect the fragile alpine environment and keep camping concentrated in durable areas. Campers must stay well away from the meadows, be prepared for rapidly changing weather, and expect no additional facilities beyond the tent pads.
Murtle Lake Canoe Camping
A paddle‑only lake with numerous wilderness sites along its shores. Murtle offers a peaceful, remote experience with no motorized boats, making it ideal for multi‑day canoe expeditions. Each site includes outhouses, picnic tables, bear‑proof food caches, and designated fire rings. Campsites are patrolled and maintained daily. All sites are first come, first served, with overnight fees paid at the lake using a cash‑only self‑registration system. Paddlers should be prepared for wind, waves, and changing conditions.
Protect the Park
It’s easy to assume that the “natural” way to camp — like washing dishes in the lake or rinsing off with biodegradable soap — is the proper way to do things. In reality, these habits can harm water quality, wildlife, and delicate shorelines. Simple backcountry practices like washing dishes away from lakes and streams, keeping soap out of the water, and using insect repellent responsibly make a huge difference. Explore our stewardship tips below to learn how to camp cleanly and protect Wells Gray’s wild places.
Know Before You Go
Campfires & Firewood
Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings at each campsite. Firewood can be purchased at the Wells Gray Information Centre or brought with you. Collecting firewood from around your campsite or anywhere in the park is prohibited and ticketable. Dead wood is essential to the ecosystem and provides habitat for many species.
Fees & Registration
Backcountry sites on Clearwater Lake cannot be reserved. All sites are first come, first served. Overnight visitors pay at the lake using a cash‑only self‑registration system at the boat launch.
Good to Know
– No cell service in wilderness areas
– All water must be filtered or treated
– Store food in bear‑proof caches
– Pack out all garbage
– Weather changes quickly – be prepared