The best camping in Christina Lake Provincial Park, BC

Name: Christina Lake Provincial Park
Address: Christina Lake Provincial Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Christina Lake Provincial Park adventure.

Top-rated campsites near Christina Lake Provincial Park

Big Sky Camping

1. Big Sky Camping

94%

(103)

23km from Christina Lake Provincial Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

Big sky campground is located on the banks of the Granby River on the edge of a hayfield on an active hay producing farm. Relax at the edge of the field and camp along the Granby River where you can swim, or fish in the various pools or main stream of the peaceful river. Enjoy all the area has to offer such as dirt biking, quadding or cycling on the rail trail, riding through tunnels or even looking for old gold mines along the way! If bird watching is your thing then enjoy seeing many different types of birds along the riverbanks and in the grassy meadows. The town of Grand Forks is less than a 15 min drive away and has all the amenities you need, including an amazing farmers market, many coffee shops and stores, and the historic Gem theatre. Christina Lake is also just a 30 min drive, with a beautiful, calm lake and delicious ice cream.

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Campfires

Best West Kootenay Tiny House

2. Best West Kootenay Tiny House

100%

(16)

69km from Christina Lake Provincial Park · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging

YOUR CEDAR SANCTUARY AWAITS Escape to your own private retreat - a beautifully crafted off-grid tiny house where digital detox meets rustic comfort. Nestled among towering cedars and hemlock, this is where busy minds find peace and adventure-seekers find their basecamp. THE LAKE EXPERIENCE Just a peaceful 2.5km walk (or quick drive) to Rosebud Lake - a pristine, spring-fed gem that's refreshingly warm and perfect for swimming. This motor-free lake is home to hundreds of friendly turtles and giant dragonflies that keep the mosquitos at bay. Bring your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard for the ultimate serenity. There is one community boat launch for the lake which naturally is a popular spot. It's understood by the locals to Salmo that this is a shared and friendly access point. ADVENTURE CENTRAL Your tiny house sits at the heart of incredible year-round recreation: • Summer: Hiking, fishing, canoeing, jet boating on three major rivers (Pend Oreille, Columbia, Kootenay) • Winter: Backcountry and downhill skiing, snowmobiling • Always: Peaceful lake moments and forest walks LOCATION PERKS: Central to Salmo, Trail, Castlegar, and Nelson, with easy access from Spokane and Creston. The charming Rosebud Mercantile is just a gentle walk away for local eggs, local author books, and simple refreshments. YOUR COZY RETREAT This new-construction tiny house features: • Warmth: Classic Dickenson Marine propane heater (perfect for two) • Comfort: Twin futon plus extra single mattress for larger parties • Outdoor kitchen: Propane BBQ and two-burner stove • Privacy: Completely secluded among the trees • Essentials: Well water provided, traditional outdoor facilities What to bring: Your own bedding, flashlight, hand towels and towels for swimming, your favourite camp cooking essentials (i.e. some basics are in play) cooler & ice, and a sense of adventure! This is authentic off-grid living with thoughtful comfort touches. Hot showers available by request ($5 propane, cash) - or take that refreshing lake dip! BONUS: GAZEBO SITE AVAILABLE For larger groups, check out our gazebo site with perfect sunrise and sunset views. AND COMING SOON: Bicycles!! I just have to fix them up :) Ready to unplug and recharge? Your cedar sanctuary is waiting.

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Toilets

Potable water

Valhalla Pines Campground

3. Valhalla Pines Campground

98%

(143)

70km from Christina Lake Provincial Park · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

This is a quiet forested residential area in Sinixt territory. Recommended activities include floating down the river, canoeing the lake, hiking or climbing in Valhalla Park, soaking in Halfway Hot Springs or indulging in Nelson. We are surrounded by beautiful mountains and rivers. This valley has many outdoor activities and events and a very interesting history and culture including Sinixt, Doukhobor, Cannabis and Conscientious Objector. Nelson, Castlegar and Slocan Lake are all a half hour drive away. There are many other special places nearby such as the Goddess Pools and the Emerald Pools. Supplies and services are available nearby including firewood, toiletries, dog day care, massage, bike and canoe rentals, life jackets, rubber dingys and paddles etc. Let us know if you would like a referral to any of these services. There are many guides available for activities in the area including (water sports, climbing, skiing, hiking, artist tours, events, geology, mining, mushrooms, cannabis, garden tours and native history). You don't need one to get here, but its good to have a 4 wheel drive vehicle for some of the logging roads that are worth visiting. Roof and/or bike racks can also come in handy. The Vallican Whole Community Centre also has events nearby.

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Electrical hookup

Toilets

For-rest Retreat

4. For-rest Retreat

99%

(49)

72km from Christina Lake Provincial Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

We bought this property in 2008 as raw land with an old off-grid 1950's cabin on it. While the log structure was sound, the cabin needed some major renovations to be liveable. We undertook renovations, lived in it for 6 months and then moved into a yurt on a more accessible section of our property. We now run the cabin as a short term rental, have another small rental next to our house and we are using the yurt for gatherings, retreats and yoga classes! For more info, visit our website: https://for-rest.ca Learn more about this land: AVAILABLE ALL YEAR!  A backcountry-style off-grid cabin in a perfect location to explore the Kootenays. THIS CABIN IS ACCESSED BY A 0.7 KM HIKING TRAIL ON PRIVATE PROPERTY. Enjoy privacy and be close to nature at the base of Keystone Mountain. Far enough to feel like you are away from it all, close enough to experience all the Kootenays have to offer. Campfires are permitted when there is no fire ban. We have firewood available to purchase - please add this as an extra at the time of booking. Close to world-class ski hills and backcountry skiing, excellent hiking and mountain biking opportunities and even private trails right out your door. Enormous snowy peaks, clear lakes, and waterfalls characterize this mountain playground in southeastern British Columbia, where visitors can expect backcountry adventures, endless singletrack mountain bike trails, hiking trails, mineral hot springs, and small towns with vibrant arts and culture scenes. Our property is located just outside of Salmo, in the Hub of the Kootenays. 30 minutes from Nelson, Castlegar, Trail, Kootenay Pass, and Champion Lakes.

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Private river getaway

5. Private river getaway

94%

(36)

72km from Christina Lake Provincial Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Once this property was a cattle ranch but now it's a private spot nestled right next to the Salmo river.Learn more about this land:Private camping spot and small tree fort down by the Salmo River. We have room for a 35ft camper, you will be parking on grass but the site requires levelling.We are located in Salmo, BC which is 30 minutes south of Nelson, BC. Nelson is surrounded by the rugged Selkirk Mountains and sits on the shores of the West Arm of Kootenay Lake. Whether gliding through the incredible powder at Whitewater Ski Resort, rafting down class 4 rapids on the Salmo River, catching a twenty-five-pound rainbow trout on Kootenay Lake, hiking up to Kokanee Glacier, or watching the fabulous live performances at The Capitol Theatre, the area has attractions for everyone.Only a 5-minute drive to the local grocery store.Access to the mountains from the old railroad system directly off of the property by motorcycles and/or side by sides, you just need to go slow until you clear the houses.Campfires are permitted, pets are welcome.We look forward to hosting you.

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Bear Spring Glamping

6. Bear Spring Glamping

98%

(49)

76km from Christina Lake Provincial Park · 8 sites

Connect to Nature in Comfort We make enjoying the outdoors easy! Make lasting memories with a hassle free glamping getaway with us. Don't worry about packing anything but yourself. We've got you covered with a fully equipped camp kitchen, towels, games, a forest to explore and meal kits ready when you arrive. At Bear Spring, 'retreat' means to withdraw into nature and reconnect with the natural world. If you're looking for an outdoor experience that you can enjoy with all comforts of home, this is the place. Choose from one of 8 walk-in glamping sites nestled in the Selkirk Mountains with stunning views of the Kootenay River below. It's a short 2 minute walk up to your furnished canvas tent. Gaze at stars from the comfort of bed. Fall asleep to the soothing sound of crickets with gentle breezes caressing your face. Wake up to the sweet fragrance of cedar forests, enjoy a leisurely cup of fresh ground coffee onsite and taste food picked fresh from the guest gardens. Accommodations are based on double occupancy (two adults). Stargazer tents sleep two in a cozy pillow top queen bed or two twin beds (tent 3) and feature natural cotton bedding, skylights, ottoman, dresser, chair with desk and solar lighting. Belle tents sleep two in twin beds including bedding and side table. Sleeping mats for children available upon request for $5 each. You may reserve up to two mats per tent for a small fee. You will, however, need to bring sleeping bags and pillows for children. Fully equipped camp kitchen, communal fire pit area, hot shower and flushing toilets only steps away. Sleeping outside just not for you? Book our three bedroom guest suite, also located on the property

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Arosa Ranch

7. Arosa Ranch

97%

(44)

78km from Christina Lake Provincial Park · 7 sites

Welcome to Arosa Ranch! We are just 20km from Osoyoos, BC. Nestled in the rolling Okanagan hills and surrounded by wildlife, Arosa Ranch is a peaceful and picturesque getaway on 160 acres. Tent sites nestled amongst Ponderosa Pines or with beautiful views of our pasturing horses. Our quiet peaceful campground includes washrooms with showers! We also have Full RV hookups! Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban. Pets are welcome. There are plenty of wineries to explore nearby right in Osoyoos! Our young family made the move from Vancouver to the beautiful Okanagan in British Columbia, Canada. We love to hike in the summer and snowshoe and ski in the winter, garden, swim, camp, fish, hunt and cook among other things. We’re excited to share our nature retreat with you all – come join us in paradise!

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ARLO's KVR Trail Riverside Camping

8. ARLO's KVR Trail Riverside Camping

90%

(29)

80km from Christina Lake Provincial Park · 10 sites · Tents, RVs

Welcome to a natural, convenient location with basic amenities on the West Kettle River! We have 300 acres including 1500 meters of river frontage with access to the surrounding crown land and KVR trail which runs through the property. We recommend arriving before dark so that you aren't complaining in a review how hard sites are to find at night, in the dark. Some sites may be overgrown generally a lawn mower is provided for your use. If you are looking for fully serviced campsites where the outhouse is closer than 250m, then you should just carry on! The KVR trail is the access to the property. From HWY 33 South, take the turn (West) onto Tuzo Main Road (about 7km's south of Beaverdell), then cross the wooden bridge over the Kettle River and take the first left onto the KVR trail (a long, straight flat gravel road) and follow for 1900meters. Mostly wide enough for one way traffic only, so please be patient and mindful of trail users on bikes, quads and vehicles. After driving down the KVR right of way about 1.2km, you will arrive at the farmhouse gates - there you will see a little sign for the campground on the tree, so keep going down the right away. Once you go another 600m or so, you will come to a homemade sign with an arrow pointing you left. Turn there and then make a quick right turn then follow the road. You will come to the large tree with a picnic table and two blue barrels marking site #10. Sites 1, 2, 3 ,4 are over at the river, the other RV sites 5, 6, 7, 8, can be any where around site 10 or in the loop. I can always bring the lawner mower over to cut the grass and weeds down just get a hold of me. We currently have 5 tent only sites on the river and 25 RV/Tent sites currently about 100m from the river. There are currently picnic tables with blue umbrellas for sites 1, 3, 4, 10. There is a small white table and chairs for site 2. RV's sites include sites #4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 - I can add many more RV sites. Just need to cut the grass/weeds. Fishing, hiking, exploring, bring your quads, dirt bikes. There's plenty of roads and trails ... Even a secret honey hole fishing spot not far away but that's hush hush only locals know about this gem. A camper told me recently he saw a massive fish (16+ inches), likely a rainbow in the Kettle.

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Owl Mountain Ranch

9. Owl Mountain Ranch

100%

(5)

4.4km from Christina Lake Provincial Park · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

Owl Mountain Ranch is situated on the Canadian/Washington border (on the Canadian side) just 6 km’s southwest of the charming townsite of Christina Lake and 21 km’s east of the small city of Grand Forks B.C. The property boasts several acres of green, shady and peaceful space to either tent or park your RV. We also have about 4 km’s of trails to explore around the property. The view of Owl Mountain is our stunning center piece, along with a beautiful perennial garden and a U-pick self serve vegetable garden where you will find all kinds of fresh and delicious vegetables. We have two 30 amp services which can accommodate large units as well as 4-6 shaded spacious tenting sites. There is a kitchen cabin outfitted with potable cold running water, fridge/freezer and microwave which is for everyone to use, a clean maintained pit toilet, and a hot water on demand outdoor shower. We allow pets but they must be on a leash at all times as we have 2 large resident dogs and free ranging chickens. This peaceful place is just good for the soul! Please note: check out is by 11 AM

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Electrical hookup

Toilets

Creekside Camping

10. Creekside Camping

50%

(4)

24km from Christina Lake Provincial Park · 10 sites · Tents, RVs

Our campsites are available in the spring, summer, and fall. Our sites are for tent or RV campers. If you're bringing an RV, we can accommodate vehicles up to 100 ft in length and the sites are flat. No hookups are available at this time. NO campfires at any time. A regular vehicle can access the site, no 4WD is required. Wifi and cell reception onsite. We have a toilet available for campers to use. Pets are welcome. You can jump into our water hole, go for walks, or enjoy the shady areas! Our property is located in a very beautiful quiet valley located 7 km outside of Grand Forks, BC. We look forward to you coming and having a nice camping experience at our beautiful farm and hope you really enjoy yourself.

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Sleepy Hollow

11. Sleepy Hollow

100%

(4)

24km from Christina Lake Provincial Park · 30 sites · Tents, RVs

13 acres in a beautiful valley with creek and swimming hole.Lots of walking swimming or relaxing,Sleeping.No noise.No mosquitoes!Just a really nice spot.you can also drive the 7 km to town where there is a sani station place for rvs.also 2 nice swimming rivers and christina lake close by..nice fresh mowed field with hard flat ground for most smaller medium style rvs and campers and tents.just has to be able to make it through freemans farm gate.

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Double E Campground - Campsite

12. Double E Campground - Campsite

57km from Christina Lake Provincial Park · 10 sites · Tents, RVs

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Double E Campground - Cabin

(8)

75km from Christina Lake Provincial Park · 1 site

At Bear Spring, 'retreat' means to withdraw into nature and reconnect with the natural world. If you're looking for an outdoor experience that you can enjoy with all comforts of home, this is the place. The guest suite (located in the farm house) and glamping sites are nestled in the Selkirk Mountains with stunning views of the Kootenay River below. Fall asleep to the soothing sound of crickets with gentle breezes caressing your face. Wake up to the sweet fragrance of cedar forests, enjoy a leisurely cup of fresh ground coffee onsite, taste food picked fresh from the guest gardens or explore our forest walking trails. Open year round, our guest suite, with private entrance, features three bedrooms, two bathrooms (one with soaker tub), a living area with kitchenette, private deck and BBQ. Beautifully appointed rooms are furnished with pillow top queen beds, organic cotton linens, and vintage decor. During the summer, guests have access to all the same comforts as our glamping guests. For a complete list of guest amenities check out our glamping accommodations. In winter, enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on well maintained trails right out your door. The kitchenette features a sink, mini-fridge, kettle, toaster, coffee maker, microwave, cookware, a convection toaster oven, a hot plate, and all the utensils and dishes needed to prepare and eat meals. The private deck includes a table, two chairs and a BBQ with side burner. The garden includes picnic table and umbrella are available for guest use, as is the communal fire pit area and other glamping amenities. Guests may forage in the garden when in season.

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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Pierre

3 days ago

25 ft Class C

With pets

6 nights at Valhalla Pines Campground

Very private location Great community building Great services/water, power etc Great hosts Very clean and natural Close to river and rail trail

Callum

4 days ago

Weekend Trip to Bear Spring Glamping

We had an incredible weekend glamping at Bear Spring! It's a really beautiful and peaceful spot with the sweetest guard dog, Bella. There's plenty to keep you entertained with a big communal space, darts, yard games (we particularly enjoyed the corn hole) and a kitchen stocked up with all utensils you need. The tents are roomy and comfortable and we had a good nights sleep. Our host Solita was lovely and made sure we had everything we needed. She also let us pick fresh raspberries and peas from the garden! Would highly recommend and are already planning our next trip to Bear Spring!

Chase

5 days ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Valhalla Pines Campground

Tom’s property is laid out well, the sites are nicely spaced apart. It was overall very peaceful, we would stay again! Lots of info available for hiking in the shared space, if we were staying longer we definitely would’ve checked one of them out.

Sean Joseph

1 week ago

Tent

1 night at Valhalla Pines Campground

What a lovely, welcoming campground! Thank you — will be back🌞

Mary

1 week ago

Tent

Group trip

2 nights at For-rest Retreat

Beautiful, quiet location. Friendly dogs came to visit - mostly Sunny, but Buddy stopped by. Separate indoor bathroom/shower was a luxury for camping! Thank you!

Heather

1 week ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Valhalla Pines Campground

Tent camping on this site was great! Clean facilities and friendly people.

Keith

1 week ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Valhalla Pines Campground

Beautiful, quiet and peaceful location. After days of Adventure riding in the back-country of British Columbia, we needed a place to be refreshed and restored and that is what we found at Valhalla Pines. Showers, a cabin (with an amazing bed), and fully equipped kitchen with excellent WiFi to catch up on messages. Our host Lindy, was kind and accommodating. If you are look for rest and retreat this is your place.

Raoul

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

1 night at Big Sky Camping

Really beautiful and peaceful spot. My kids had a nice time exploring the river bank, found a couple frogs, and we liked watching the birds. It is quite open, so on a very hot day you might struggle to find shade, but it was lovely while we were there. Communication was quick and smooth with the host. Highly recommended!

Tamara

2 weeks ago

19 ft Class B

1 night at Big Sky Camping

Beautiful, peaceful spot along the river and hay field. Loved that there were only 6 spots and well spread out. Would definitely stay here again.

Jeff

2 weeks ago

22 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Valhalla Pines Campground

Valhalla Pines Campground was a bit of a mystery as I approached my three nights of camping there. It looked good online, but the real experience of being there was fabulous. Quiet, remote, peaceful, with all the comforts of home like the Community building where you can join friends for a meal, happily cleanse with a hot shower, and even a dish washing area that is so convenient. The area is packed with wildlife - I saw a herd of elk cross the highway, saw turkey families by the dozens, observed Osprey's fish the river, and even glimpsed a big ol' black bear rambling across the road into Nelson. And the lovely town of Nelson is only 30 minutes away. I heartily recommend visitors try out Valhalla Pines Campground. Host Tom has built a very warm, inviting oasis that is good for the soul. And you will definitely be as entranced as I was with Sophia, the big, gentle-souled Black Lab/Malamute queen of the campground. Enjoy.

Kennedy

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Private river getaway

Amazing spot close to river, super private and the kids loved the tree house. We loved it, one of the best camping spots I’ve had. Even in the rain, we were more than happy

Taras

2 weeks ago

With kids

1 night at Best West Kootenay Tiny House

The host was very kind and supportive during our stay. We enjoyed a campfire and well organized kitchen area. The quietness of night in such a distant place impressed us. The conditions are pretty rustic as described.

Adolfo Roberto

2 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

2 nights at Arosa Ranch

Amazing place for scape from the heat after a day in the warm lake, clean and nice installations, and the Cat it's an amazing host!

Neil

2 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

2 nights at Arosa Ranch

Beautiful spot, in the woods. Definitely will return

Stephanie

2 weeks ago

22 ft Class C

1 night at Rural Escape - Private RV Pads

Great spot conveniently located off Hwy 3! I stayed one night in my truck camper and it worked out very well. Highly recommend.

nicholas

2 weeks ago

21 ft campervan

1 night at Private river getaway

Absolutely awesome place to stay, very private and in a beautiful forest right by the Salmo River. Neat and clean toilet and campsite. A little bumpy to get in to the site but we had no trouble in a large Canadream transit van. Well worth it.

Lauren

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to ARLO's KVR Trail Riverside Camping

Bare bones campsite in beautiful spot. Yes the outhouse is far away from the tent spots. However it is the best outhouse I’ve used in a long time. Clean. TP. And even a split door for a breeze and a view. Bonus for the funny signs. Each tent spot has a picnic table or table and chairs. Only two spots are directly on the river (1 and 2) but all are level and comfy. Mosquitos were bad but that’s the season. Just be prepared. Thanks Arlo for a nice off the beaten track spot.

Raegan

2 weeks ago

23 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Owl Mountain Ranch

Very well looked after property with gorgeous mountain views. This place is magical with special cowboy aesthetic everywhere. Absolutely loved our stay and can’t wait to return!

Alina

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to ARLO's KVR Trail Riverside Camping

good place for someone who wants to escape from the city

Mark

2 weeks ago

18 ft truck camper

3 nights at Big Sky Camping

This was a gorgeous, serene place to camp. Nestled along the edge of the river alongside farm fields with so many birds and wildflowers. Glenn was friendly and accommodating - we would definitely like to come back.

Christina Lake Provincial Park camping guide

Overview

About

British Columbia’s Highway 3 meanders through the forests and steep Monashee Mountains above the US border as it crosses the province. Between Grand Forks and Castlegar, the roadway skirts the south end of Christina Lake, where this small provincial park hugs the lakeshore. Christina Lake is known for its family-friendly sandy beach area and warm clear water, good for swimming, paddling, water-skiing, and fishing. It’s a handy picnicking stop for road-trippers traveling between Vancouver and the Kooteneys or Canadian Rockies. Although this day-use park has no campgrounds, campers can choose from several commercial RV parks nearby, or camp in Gladstone Provincial Park along Christina Lake’s northern shores.

Notable campgrounds

Best for lake lovers: Texas Creek Campground (Gladstone Provincial Park)
Best for boaters: Marine Access Sites (Gladstone Provincial Park)

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book in advance for the 62 reservable sites at Texas Creek Campground, which has flush toilets, pit toilets, a boat launch, but no hookups. Check Discover Camping, BC Parks’ reservation site, early in the year to see when reservations will open for the season.
The backcountry marine access sites around the lake in Gladstone Provincial Park are first-come, first served, payable in cash at Texas Creek Campground.

When to go

High season at Christina Lake Provincial Park runs from late May through early September, when the weather is mildest. The park is particularly busy with families on July and August weekends, so try to come mid-week if you’re visiting in the summer months. The crisp fall days in mid-September through October can be lovely by the lake. Snow often falls, heavily at times, throughout central British Columbia late October through March.

Know before you go

Christina Lake is eight kilometres north of the US-Canada border. The Cascade/Laurier border crossing on Highway 395 is not open 24 hours, so confirm its hours if you’re driving from the US.
Near the lake, the town of Christina Lake has some shops and services. You’ll find a broader selection of goods in Grand Forks, 22 kilometres west, or in Castlegar 77 kilometres to the east.
If you have a boat, you can camp at one of the remote marine access campsites located along the lake in Gladstone Provincial Park. Bring everything you need, and pack out your garbage, since there are no services at these backcountry areas.