The Gap Campsite is a remote, no-fee, river-access-only backcountry campsite managed by the Alberta River Rats Society.
By completing a reservation, the person making the booking confirms that every member of the group has been informed of these rules and agrees to follow them.
Reservation Limits
- Only one group may reserve the campsite at a time.
- Maximum group size is 12 people.
- Maximum number of tents is five.
- Tents may only be placed on designated tent pads.
- Overflow camping outside the established campsite is prohibited.
- A reservation does not create ownership, exclusive possession or a permanent right to the campsite.
- Emergency responders and persons requiring immediate refuge during a genuine emergency may enter or temporarily use the site.
Access and Safety
- The campsite is accessible by river only.
- There is no authorized road or off-highway vehicle access.
- Do not create or use an unauthorized land trail.
- River conditions can change rapidly.
- Cellular service and emergency assistance are not guaranteed.
- Each group is responsible for its own transportation, communication, first aid, emergency planning and personal safety.
- Users must obey all lawful closures, fire restrictions and directions from Alberta Forestry and Parks or emergency authorities.
Campsite Footprint
- Remain within the established campsite area.
- Do not create new tent pads, trails, clearings, viewpoints or gathering areas.
- Do not cut or damage live trees or shrubs.
- Do not place nails, screws or wire in trees.
- Use tree-protection straps for hammocks.
- Do not dig trenches, level the ground or relocate campsite infrastructure.
- Do not move the picnic tables, fire ring, outhouse or food-storage equipment.
Food and Wildlife
- Store all food, garbage, beverages, toiletries and scented items in an approved bear-resistant container or properly installed bear-storage system.
- Never store food or scented items in a tent.
- Do not leave food, fish, bait, coolers or garbage unattended.
- Use the designated cooking area.
- Keep the sleeping area as separate from cooking and food storage as the campsite layout permits.
- Never feed, approach, pursue or intentionally attract wildlife.
- Dogs and other domestic animals are not permitted.
- Report bear activity, damaged food storage, aggressive wildlife or another serious wildlife concern to the Alberta River Rats Society as soon as possible.
- Leave the campsite immediately if directed because of wildlife activity or another safety concern.
Garbage and Sanitation
- Pack in, pack out.
- Remove all food, garbage, cans, glass, fishing line, packaging and personal belongings.
- Do not burn or bury garbage.
- Do not place garbage in the outhouse.
- Use the outhouse for human waste when it is available and functional.
- Do not create another latrine.
- Strain food particles from dishwater and pack them out.
- Dispose of greywater at least 100 metres from the river or other water unless campsite instructions direct otherwise.
- Never discharge soap, grease, fuel or chemicals into the river.
- Leave the campsite cleaner than you found it.
Fires
- Use only the existing authorized fire ring.
- Do not create another fire pit or fire scar.
- Obey all provincial fire bans and restrictions.
- The Society may prohibit fires even when no general fire ban is in effect.
- Keep fires small and attended at all times.
- Keep water and extinguishing equipment immediately available.
- Fully extinguish the fire before leaving the campsite or going to sleep.
- Do not cut live trees or standing vegetation.
- Do not burn garbage, cans, glass, plastic, treated wood or chemicals.
- Fireworks are prohibited.
- Check wildfire report or burning banns prior to lighting and fire.
Riverbank Protection
- Use the established boat landing or access route where conditions allow.
- Do not cut or excavate the bank.
- Do not create a new boat landing, staircase or trail.
- Avoid dragging boats through vegetation.
- Keep fuel secured and away from the water.
- Avoid refuelling at the campsite or riverbank unless necessary for safety.
- Immediately report a fuel or oil spill.
- Do not use an unstable or eroding portion of the riverbank.
Noise and Lighting
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Generators are prohibited.
- Keep voices and music at a level that does not disturb wildlife or other river users.
- Fireworks and unnecessary loud noise are prohibited.
- Use only low-intensity lighting required for safety.
- Direct lights downward and turn them off when they are no longer needed.
Prohibited Activities
The following are prohibited:
- commercial use without authorization;
- paid events;
- large organized gatherings;
- off-highway vehicles or motor vehicles;
- unauthorized trail construction;
- permanent structures;
- storage of equipment between reservations;
- leaving food or garbage behind;
- cutting live vegetation;
- creating additional fire rings or tent pads;
- discharging firearms in or through the campsite except where legally justified in an immediate emergency;
- damaging or relocating authorized infrastructure; and
- any activity that threatens wildlife, water quality, public safety or the surrounding land.
Closures and Cancellation
The Society may cancel a reservation or close the campsite because of:
- wildfire;
- fire restrictions;
- flooding or unsafe river conditions;
- riverbank instability;
- wildlife activity;
- sanitation concerns;
- damaged infrastructure;
- environmental damage;
- emergency operations;
- provincial direction; or
- another material safety or environmental concern.
A user who violates these rules may be required to leave and may lose future reservation privileges.
Serious violations may be reported to Alberta Forestry and Parks, conservation officers, police, fire authorities or another appropriate agency.
User Confirmation
By completing this reservation, I confirm that:
- I am responsible for communicating these rules to every member of my group.
- My group will not exceed 12 people or five tents.
- My group will access the campsite by river only.
- My group will remain within the designated campsite area.
- My group will comply with all BearSmart, garbage, sanitation, fire, noise and environmental rules.
- My group accepts the risks associated with travel to and use of a remote backcountry campsite.
- I understand that the reservation may be cancelled or the campsite closed where environmental or safety conditions require it.
- I understand that non-compliance may result in removal from the site, cancellation of future reservations or referral to the appropriate authorities.