Mount Seymour camping [Free camping near Vancouver]

One of my favourite things about the 6 years that I lived in Vancouver was that there were mountains right on our doorstep. In under an hour, you can go from downtown city to backcountry wilderness!

The Mt Seymour area has some great winter hikes, and it’s also one of the best free camping spots near Vancouver. There isn’t a lot of free camping in BC, especially around Vancouver, but this option is great! However, this one is something of a well-kept secret as not that many people know about it. As long as you’re north of the Brockton Point chairlift you can camp up on the mountains and enjoy stunning 360-degree views.

This was one of our favourite camping spots near Vancouver and was where we got engaged!

We’ve had the most incredible sunsets and views up here, usually with absolutely no one else around. If you’re looking for awesome camping near Vancouver then consider camping at Mt Seymour.

For the 23/24 winter season, you will need a day-use pass to access Mount Seymour and Brockton Point. Passes can be booked from 7 am, two days before your planned visit. Cancelled passes are added back to the list to book so you could book a cancellation. You can only book one AM/PM/All-day pass per day. you do not need a pass if you have a ski ticket for Seymour. Book your pass here.

Check out the information below to make sure it’s right for you and, as always, remember to leave no trace.

About Mt Seymour Provincial Park

Mount Seymour Provincial Park is just 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver which makes it a great destination for those last-minute hiking plans, or days you don’t want to travel too far. Camping on Mt Seymour, you’ll get amazing views of Vancouver, Mount Baker (on a clear day!), the Indian Arm Provincial Park, and many many mountains in the Coastal Mountain range.

One of the more popular hikes in the park is the Mt Seymour hike which takes you past two other main peaks before arriving atop Mt Seymour. There are also several lakes in the park.

Lower mountain trails are popular with mountain bikers, and those in the upper sections of the park are reserved strictly for hikers.

You can hike in Mt Seymour all year round (although you’ll need snowshoes in the winter) and those trails marked by BC Parks do not require a permit or pass.

This Vancouver camping spot isn’t known by many, but it’s the best option for backcountry camping near Vancouver.

Where can you camp at Mt Seymour?

Looking to know the rules for Mount Seymour Provincial Park Camping? Here’s the info!

While there’s no official Mount Seymour campground, you can camp anywhere north of Brockton Point as this area is considered the backcountry. You are not allowed to camp anywhere south of Brockton Point. That means you practically make your own Mount Seymour campsite.

Camping in Mt Seymour Provincial Park is dispersed camping with no facilities. You must remember to pack out everything you take in and there are no campfires allowed, regardless of the time of year. when you’re enjoying Mt Seymour backcountry camping.

We camped between Brockton Point and First Pump.

AllTrails is my go-to hiking app for finding, planning, and navigating while I’m out on the trails. With offline maps on AllTrails+ you can be confident you’re still on the right track, even without mobile signal.

How much does it cost to camp at Mt Seymour?

Camping north of Brockton Point at Mt Seymour is completely free! To enjoy Mount Seymour free camping you’ll need a Mount Seymour backcountry camping permit but that’s it.

Things to know before camping at Mt Seymour

• The mountainous backcountry of Mt Seymour can be extremely rugged and unforgiving.
• Mt. Seymour Resorts Ltd. requests that anyone parking overnight post emergency contact information, including departure and expected return time, in a visible location on the dashboard of their vehicle. Mount Seymour overnight parking is clearly signposted and you must park in the designated parking lot (the one further away from the washrooms).
• Mountain weather conditions often change suddenly and dramatically. Be prepared.
• If mist and fog should close in and you become lost stay where you are until the weather clears or you are found. Never leave the trail!
• Remember the 10 essentials
• If camping in winter be sure to check the avalanche risk.

How to get to Mt Seymour

Getting to Mt Seymour from downtown Vancouver is very easy and takes only 30 minutes when there’s little traffic.

You’ll park up in the Mt Seymour ski area (you must use the designated backcountry car park) so if using GPS then put in ‘Mt Seymour Ski area’.

Putting in ‘Dog Mountain’ or similar will likely send you a different, inaccessible, route.

Depending on where in Vancouver you’re coming from you can either go over Lions Gate Bridge and onto the Trans Canada Highway eastbound, or over the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge and onto the Mt Seymour Parkway.

Mount Seymour – Brockton Point winter route

The trail to Mt Seymour and Brockton Point is very well marked even in winter. It’s also a popular route so it’s likely you’ll see other people coming and going as you hike. In the winter it’s popular with snowshoers and backcountry skiers too.

From the Mount Seymour parking area, you’ll head uphill alongside the ski slopes. Walking on the ski slopes is not permitted for obvious reasons, and the fact the slopes are owned by the resort and the trail is managed by BC Parks.

This first part of uphill has some pretty steep sections and you hike through the forest it’s quite well covered so you won’t get many views to begin with.

But, as you emerge from the trees and look to the right you’ll be able to see the chairlifts in the ski resort.

You’ll pass a couple of lakes on the way although in winter they’re usually covered in snow. Or, at the very least, a big layer of ice!

After a couple more steep inclines (pretty tricky when the snow is icy or slushy) you’ll arrive at Brockton Peak with incredible 360-degree views! Head slightly north from here and pick yourself a good spot for the night if you’re camping.

If you want, you can also hike a bit further up to the first peak of Mount Seymour’s 3 peaks trail. This peak, known as pump peak, is another great option for camping. However, I highly recommend making sure you follow the marked winter trail and don’t try and take a short cut by going right up the face of Pump Peak. There have been avalanches here and it’s not worth the risk, especially if you don’t have avalanche training. While I think the views from Brockton Point are more than good enough, Pump Peak camping takes things to another level.

Trail stats & info for Seymour mountain camping

• Distance: 3.9km
• Difficulty: moderate – some steep sections
• Elevation Gain: 219 m
• Duration: Overnighter – or 2 hours return
• Trailhead: Mount Seymour ski area parking lot
• Pets allowed?: Yes

Mount Seymour Trail map

For camping at Mount Seymour, this trail map (click to enlarge) gives you an idea of the hiking trails available at Mt Seymour Provincial Park and where to camp.

Brockton Point isn’t marked on this map so I suggest using an app like All Trails to get a better idea of where you can and can’t camp.

What to pack for your Mt Seymour camping trip

Here are a few essential items you won’t want to forget! Check out my day hiking packing list here.

• A tent
• Sleeping bag – this is the one I used (review here)
• Sleeping mat 
• Backpack
• Snacks
• Dinner!
• Lots of warm layers

Would you go camping on Mt Seymour? Camping on Mount Seymour is one of my favourite weekend activities, so I hope you try it!

What to pack for this hike depends on what season you’re hiking in.

• Check out my day hike packing list here.
• If you’re hiking in summer you should pack sunscreen, sunglasses, layers, water and bug spray as well as everything in the 10 essentials for hiking list.
• Here is what to wear hiking in hot weather
• Check out this post on the best leggings for hiking or what to wear hiking in summer for more details and my gear recommendations.
• If you’re hiking in winter after the snow has started falling you’ll need microspikes at the very least. If there is a lot of snow you will probably need snowshoes.
• You should also take plenty of layers including a fleece layer, a puffy insulated jacket and a wind and waterproof outer layer. Hats and gloves are also necessary as well as a good backpack to keep everything in.
• You should also pack water and some snacks too to keep you going as they’re part of the 10 essentials for hiking!
• Planning a hiking date? Check out what to wear on a hiking date but still look cool.

Last Updated on August 9, 2024 by Hannah