Squamish Camping
Looking for the nearest cheap or free campgrounds north of Vancouver? Exploring the massive mountains and fierce rivers of British Columbia's southern Coast Range? Want to enjoy Squamish or Whistler on the cheap? The book Camp Free in B.C. will serve you well. The section beginning on page 118 and titled "Hwy 99 - Squamish, Whistler, Lillooet" describes Squamish camping in detail.
Tent campers interested in Squamish camping will want to know about the tenters-only campground on the shore of tiny Cat Lake. The turnoff, just north of Alice Lake Provincial Park, is a mere 15-minute drive north of Squamish. The parking area is just 3 km (1.9 mi) east of Highway 99. To reach the campground, you must walk a 1-km (0.6-mi) trail, so tranquility is virtually guaranteed.
Callaghan Creek flows into Cheakamus River about 5.5 km (3.4 mi) southwest of Whistler. You'll find three Cal-Cheak Confluence campgrounds here. The first is just 200 meters east of Highway 99. The others are only a few minutes farther. Lush forest, roaring water, and a hiking trail to Brandywine Falls are the Squamish camping attractions here.
Another Squamish camping option is Callaghan Lake. After stopping at the platform affording a view of thundering Alexander Falls, continue driving to Callaghan Lake. Ringed by rugged peaks, a glacier, and a waterfall, the lake has a small, BC Parks camping area. Bring your canoe, or scramble around the lakeshore. Driving back to the highway, you'll see the Black Tusk—a Whistler icon—east across the valley.
Go to http://www.hikingcamping.com/camp-free-bc.php to learn more about Camp Free in B.C. This unique book offers precise directions to hundreds of free campgrounds throughout British Columbia, including Cat Lake, Cal-Cheak Confluence, and Callaghan Lake. For Squamish camping, it's essential reading.