With its network of wildlife reserves and national parks, the Outdoor Establishments Society (Sépaq) offers several possibilities that have one thing in common: tranquility in the heart of nature.

“Across the network of 23 national parks, 13 wildlife reserves and tourist establishments, we have more than 7,200 locations,” explains media relations manager Simon Boivin. This number includes rustic campsites, without services, those with one, two or three services. With the exception of Miguasha, Mont Saint-Bruno and Bonaventure Island and Rocher Percé parks, there are locations throughout the network.

For wildlife reserves, only the Chic-Chocs reserve does not have a campsite. That's a lot of places where you can pitch your tent or set up your camping unit. »

Unknown to many enthusiasts, wildlife reserve campgrounds have been discovered and appreciated by many over the past two years.

“Camping enthusiasts thought a little less in the past of wildlife reserves as a camping destination. Over the past two years, with the pandemic and outdoor destinations being very popular, many enthusiasts have discovered wildlife reserve campsites. Yes, there is always the possibility of fishing, but there is also a wilder character, more tranquility and more space in the campsites of the reserves. Many have beautiful bodies of water that offer sandy shores with the possibility of practicing nautical activities such as canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding and others. The scenery is really very beautiful, if we think of Lac Normand in the Saint-Maurice reserve, for example. In the La Vérendrye wildlife reserve, there are more than 1,200 campsites. Also, in this reserve, at the Baie des Sables campground, we have set up sites large enough for people to bring their own boat with them. Depending on the choice people make, they may find sites with no service or with one or two services. »

ALL TYPES OF EQUIPMENT

Over the years, Sépaq has adapted to the market to offer camping facilities that can accommodate all types of equipment.

“All types of caravans can find a site in a reserve,” explains Mr. Boivin. Very often, pitches are going to be bigger. There are several sites that can accommodate large recreational vehicles without problem. So our campsites are not only for those who like tent camping, but also for RV enthusiasts. »

If we take a look at the available sites, subtracting the rustic camping sites, we are left with 7067 sites for the different types of equipment.

Here are the figures by category: van with mounted trailer 5564, for units less than six meters (20 feet) 4488, for those less than 8 meters (25 feet) 3935, for those less than 9 meters (30 feet) 3224 Next come the sites accessible for units of less than 12 meters (40), with 2526 and finally, for units of more than 12 meters or 40 feet and more, there are 1311 sites available.

READY-TO-CAMP

If you want to live a camping experience and you do not have any equipment, you can always choose ready-to-camp units.

“In several wildlife reserves, there are Étoile ready-to-camp units, a concept developed here. It is a kind of hybrid between the tent and the cabin that will meet the needs of people who want to live the experience of camping in the forest, without having to set up and take down their tent or even buy all the necessary equipment. Everything is there to ensure you a comfortable stay. »

Also, in the parks network, contrary to what many believe, there is room for campers of all categories.

“We have several parks such as Yamaska ​​Park and Mont-Tremblant Park, where there is a good proportion of sites that can accommodate large vehicles, up to 45 feet. It is certain that it is not the majority of the sites which are of the sort. Also, you can go to a national park to enjoy activities at all levels. For example, there are easy hiking trails, which will allow enthusiasts to discover the nature of the park. Parks like Yamaska ​​Park offer swimming activities and more. Really, if people check the network, they're going to find a destination that suits them. »

▶To find out all about availability and activities, you can visit the website www.sepaq.com.