Soo River Hydro Dam | Wild Camping

Canada

Details

Verified:
9 months ago
Altitude:
588.1 masl
Website:
arcg.is/OyPXP

Amenities

Electricity:
No
Wifi:
No
Kitchen:
No
Restaurant:
No
Showers:
No
Water:
Non-Potable
Toilets:
No
Big Rig Friendly:
Yes
Tent Friendly:
Yes
Pet Friendly:
Yes

Something not right?

Description

Drive through the Forest Service Road (FSR) from the road 99 a good way until it goes down to the hydro, following the river. Take the small bridge on the right and there are various spots and fire pits. We met a guy hanging around who told us there are many people camping here and it is allowed. Although we spent a quiet night with great views over the turquoise road. Recommended

This is provincial crown land, 14 day maximum stay. Cost: $0 and 1 litre of blood, payable to the mosquitoes (but it's worth it!). This is a very beautiful spot.

There are pull outs and abandoned branch road stub-outs to camp on further up the road as well.

The road is well maintained up to the dam and a bit rougher (but not terrible) beyond that. It's usually not possible to get much past the dam until late May or June most years due to snow.

There is a waterfall further up the mainline at about km 16. There's a sign on the left, and a trail down to it. You can get there with a 2wd vehicle.

Photos

Why? By checking in after you’ve visited a place you let others know this place is still functional. You can also add or correct any information.

Add To Favorites

Latest Check-Ins

Very beautiful site.
Lot of place.
We were 4 vehicles.

Report Check-In

Road pretty rough after Trail Parking, easily handled with 4H, but 2WD would be able to handle road just take slow. As everyone says Mosquitos are out. A little bit of trash as well!
Rating 6/10. But did the job for 1 night.

Report Check-In

As described by others, this spot is a gem, especially for larger rigs. Ours is 43 ft. Not many mosquitoes for us, at least upon arrival. Instead, we arrived at the tail end of this latest heat dome/wave, so the western edge trees were a welcome sight. As was the totally open northern exposure for Starlink. Currently getting 57d/15u, which is amazing considering the number of bougie cabins nearby filled with remote workers jamming their code, or downloading porn, not sure.

Anyway, great spot if your timing is good. Here's a wide angle shot showing how several large rugs could easily fit.

Report Check-In

Had a lovely time here. Pretty heavy traffic from the forest service road very visible from the camp spot. Only one other van with us the first night then the second night there were many many cars (4 or 5). But not too noisy, the dam acts as nice white noise. The beginnings of mosquitoes are definitely around. The sun is pretty hot with no shade which should be kept in mind. The views are beautiful around here. Especially further up the road, though no good spots for a 2WD vehicle that we could see.

Report Check-In

The road up here was steep and full of potholes but doable with our 2WD mini school bus. The drive was beautiful just a little precarious. The dam is pretty ugly though which doesn’t come up in the photos of the place. Tomorrow we’ll venture in further and see if there’s something nicer. 1 bar of rogers which is nice.

Report Check-In

The view prior to the dam are great and would recommend staying there. The mosquitoes by the dam were so bad that it’s almost not worth staying unless you have a bug net. We were covered in big spray and couldn’t stand still without being swarmed. The drive in is beautiful though!!

Report Check-In

Stopped on the way up in a pullout before the dam. Was beautiful, though a bit of traffic. Cleaned up a pile of gun casings and empty cans. This river is awesome!

Report Check-In

Staying somewhere uphill is probably nicer. The hydro dam is ugly and there is trash (including plastic garden chair and human faeces right on the spot)

Report Check-In

First solo camping excursion of the summer, proper peaceful this

Report Check-In

3,5 km dirt road but fine, no4*4 needed, Bridge 9t limitet, official allowed, fire pits, near the river, no noises

Report Check-In

great spot nice and flat and spacious with a great view

Report Check-In

Beautiful view, a lot of mosquitoes but still a very nice spot to sleep

Report Check-In

Great location got up here on Friday afternoon and had the place to ourselves. However Saturday many of the other spots nearby started to fill up.
Many hidden gems around if you know where to look. Saw a brown bear near 18k marker down the road. Quiet and peaceful even with neighbors. Bring bug spray and lots of it. Many many many mosquitoes around looking for a feast. One bar of service with Virgin Mobile.

Report Check-In

Nice spot with plenty of space. There are cars driving up the road pretty regularly but it's not too loud. The road was okay, had a few pot holes but I've seen worse and like previously mentioned there are a TON of mosquitos even during heavy rain which I find odd.

Report Check-In

The pit toilet is closed because it is "brimming".
The ground has apparently assumed the position the toilet, so watch your step.
(At least bury it, please....)

Otherwise a decent spot.

Report Check-In

Unfortunately it is my ghost typing this, since the real me was eaten alive by mosquitoes!

This is a great spot and never seems to be "too busy", however if it is there's additional pullouts further along the road.

It is also possible to get LTE service on TELUS at this location if you position your phone in just the right way (ie; propped up on the hood/roof of the vehicle, while you are standing on your head and wearing only one shoe).

Report Check-In

The river is beautiful. I think there are two different access to get there. We used the Soo river forestry service road, it's only 3km of gravel road to the bridge. right after the bridge there are a few nice and flat spots by the river, with firepits and pit toilets. unfortunately it was full. we turned back and found a large pull out with a firepit. away from the river but okay for one night. lots of mozzies, you have been warned!

Report Check-In

Great little spot but yes there are mosquitoes!

Report Check-In

Absolutely amazing. Soo Forest service road goes on throughout the Valley and there are countless turnouts and old logging roads to take for camping. We found out little paradise about 15km up. I would think that until about km 18 when she slopes get very steep, 2WD drive should do. For the old logging roads stemming from the main Soo road, 4WD and high clearance is necessary.
Definitely bring bug spray though.

Report Check-In

Great place to stay! Wanted to add photos!

Report Check-In

This was a wonderful place to stay, there were 3 campers total but tons of room and quite a lot of privacy. It's a ways down the road but worth the view and quiet camp spot! There were fire pits with each camp spot. Would recommend!

Report Check-In

i can recommend this area. A 3 km drive on gravel road until the designated spot near the hydro. Lots of space with 3 / 4 fire pits. Even 1 toilet present though it needs some cleaning. At the end of the parkingspot we saw a black bear swimming across the river, towards our side :) Beautifull!

Report Check-In

Nice flat area, well away from highway the forestry road is a good couple k's and pretty rough in places but don't need clearance and I did it in my 2wd van fine take her slow. Few other trucks using the road on a Saturday evening but I was the only one camping. Nice view.

Report Check-In

Drive through the Forest Service Road from the road 99 until a way gets down to the hydro, following the river. Take the small bridge on the right and there are various spots and fire pits. We met a guy hanging around who told us there are many people camping here and it is allowed. Although we spent a quiet night with great views over the turquoise road. Recommended

Report Check-In

Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn More.