V18E2: Featured Places

Found this spot quite by accident. There is a small spur here that leads to lake access, and a small trailer tucked in the trees next to the lake. However, toward the north shore there is a small, barren loop where one can park a vehicle or two and spend the night next to the water. The trailer looks seasonal and was not occupied during my stay. It is right off of Route du Nord, so traffic is audible at all hours but site is not visible from main road. People seem to turn in here very rarely. Good cell service and a lovely setting that is not too far from the town of Chibougamau. Wary of nearby trailer, but otherwise an ideal spot to spend a night or two if you need a place relatively close to town or at the southern end of Route du Nord. Off a gravel road and primitive lane accessible by all vehicles. Good for vans. Remnants of a fire ring, but infrequently used.

This is a wide spot on a rough gravel road just beyond a sturdy logging bridge. It is not a proper campsite. It is a shoulder overlooking Chibougamau Lake. Some remnants of campfires so people do camp here occasionally, though a fire is not recommended. This is easily my favorite improvised spot close to town with a great view of the lake and open sky to the north. Good cell service, and privacy is decent because there is little else down the road, and it is too rough for passenger cars, although stock trucks, vans, or SUVs will have no problem. Enough room for one or two vehicles. Only a couple of ATVs passed during my stay. Great swimming nearby. First place I saw northern lights! I would stay here again if visiting Chibougamau.

An inviting gravel pit deep in remote part of Quebec backcountry. What is nice about this spot is that it is spacious and extremely private. There is a primitive stone fire ring here. A great view of the sky to the north, ideal for Starlink, and suitable for trucks, vans, or overland vehicles. Site suits several vehicles and accessible by all. The downside is that there is not much to do but camp. No view or access to water, just a large earthen barrier to the south. Some boreal forest nearby, but area was heavily logged so a lot of barren spaces with low vegetation. No cell service. Very quiet and remote. Possible good basecamp if you are exploring the area.

Found this spot on iOverlander in a pinch, near the city of Val Dor. This is a public park with a spacious dirt parking area and access to a lake where people swim and frolic. There is some cell service here, and enough room for two or three vehicles. Primitive fire rings. It is a passable place to spend the night, but there are no bathrooms. There is a dumpster and walking trails however. While this spot is clearly loved it is also very popular during the day with people swimming, picnicking, and playing music. While visitors were mirthful, many got drunk and left much of their trash strewn about despite the presence of the dumpster. There are some wooded shady areas for privacy. I recommend this spot but only if you are in a pinch and need a place to stay. Is is safe and comfortable, but it is not a peaceful experience during the day, and it really needs a porta toilet, not just for the campers, but for the day users. Camp here with peace of mind, but keep your expectations in check.

Just before a bridge along a busy-yet-remote logging road, there is a pull-off with a track through the trees down to the river. The bridge will be visible to the west, but if you walk east along the shore a little, you will see this amazing waterfall far across the river. I was very tempted to put the packraft in, and paddle closer to the base of the falls. The pull-off might also serve as a decent place to camp.