I think the restrictions in National Parks in Canada has more to do with the desire to preserve the National Parks ... especially the ones along the Canadian Rockies which can see thousands of visitors every year. If they started letting people camp wherever they wanted to, the mess would be incredible.

Here in Australia, one of the reasons there are "No Camping" signs up in what might be considered nice camping areas (along pondages, rivers, etc.) is because there have been problems in the past with the mess campers make and leave behind.


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And regarding camping freely ...

Here in Australia there are lots of State Forests where camping is allowed. It's free, and you don't have to be stealthy about camping there or anything. Same with rest areas on main highways. Many of them have a 48-hour stay restriction, so a cycletourist can stay there overnight or for a couple nights, free of charge. Again ... no stealth involved. And there are a few "bush camps" around which, again, are free. There are also beach camping areas which are often free, or available for a low fee ... but you do have to book and register for those.

You don't have to be stealthy in order to camp for free, and it wouldn't be difficult to find places to camp for free. It is, however, a good idea to "leave no trace" when you pack up to go.


raybo, a suggestion ... using Google, look up 'Free camping Canada', 'Free camping Australia', etc. just to get an idea of what's available.

The information you'll get will tell you what's available in terms of places designated for free camping ... and then add to that all the small groves of trees along the road, the quiet gravel roads, the grassy verges, etc. etc. where people can just pull up and pitch for the night.