How to Plan a Backcountry Camping Trip on Crown Land in Canada with an Inflatable Dinghy and a 9.9 HP Motor

If you love backcountry camping but want to cover more water and haul more gear without breaking your back paddling, an inflatable dinghy with a 9.9 HP motor is a game changer. It opens up remote campsites, lets you explore further, and gives you a bit of extra security when dealing with wind and current.
But taking a motorized inflatable into Crown land backcountry requires planning—there are regulations, logistics, and safety concerns to think about. Here’s how to do it right.

1. Find the Right Crown Land Location
Crown land is free to camp on for Canadian residents (up to 21 days in one spot), but not all areas allow motorized boats.

How to Find the Right Spot:
Ontario: Use the Crown Land Use Policy Atlas to find permitted camping and boating areas.
Quebec & Other Provinces: Check provincial government websites for Crown land maps.
Apps & Maps: Google Maps, Backroad Mapbooks, and Navionics can help identify public land and boat launches.

What to Look for:

• Boat Access – Make sure there’s a public boat launch or a good spot to drop your dinghy in

• Remote Shoreline – Avoid busy cottage areas or high-traffic lakes

• Legal Motor Use – Some lakes restrict gas motors, so check local regulations

2. Choose the Right Inflatable Dinghy & Motor Setup
A 9.9 HP motor is a solid balance between power and portability—it’s strong enough to push an inflatable dinghy with gear and a couple of people but still light enough to transport easily.

Dinghy Features to Look For:
- High-Quality PVC or Hypalon Material – More durable for rugged shorelines
- Aluminum or High-Pressure Floor – Better stability for standing and loading gear
- Weight Capacity – Make sure it can handle you, your gear, and the motor

Motor Considerations:
- Fuel Tank Size – A built-in tank is fine for short trips, but a separate fuel tank (12L+) is better for extended travel
- Prop Protection – Shallow water or rocky areas can be a hazard, so consider a prop guard
- Electric vs. Pull Start – Pull-start motors are lighter, but electric start is convenient

Transporting Your Setup:
- If you have a truck or SUV, the dinghy can deflate and roll up for easy transport
- The motor needs secure mounting—a transom mount or small dolly can help
- If launching in a remote area, a small hand trailer or carrying handles will be useful

3. Pack Smart for a Water-Based Backcountry Trip
Since you’re bringing a motorized boat, you can carry more gear than a traditional paddler—but weight still matters. More weight = slower speeds and worse fuel efficiency.

Essential Gear List:

• Fuel & Extra Fuel – Plan based on distance, terrain, and possible detours. Life Jackets (PFDs) – Required by law for everyone on board

• Repair Kit & Pump – Essential in case of a puncture or air leak

• Navigation Tools – GPS, waterproof map, compass, or phone with offline maps

• Tent, Tarp & Sleeping Gear – Lightweight but durable against weather

• Food & Cooking Gear – A small propane stove is more reliable than a fire

• Water Filter or Extra Water – Some lakes have tannin-stained water that tastes bad even when filtered

• Emergency & First Aid Kit – Satellite communicator (Garmin InReach or SPOT) recommended.

Boat-Specific Gear:

• Throw Rope & Whistle (Required by law in Canada)

• Bailing Device or Pump (Required safety gear)

• Anchor & Rope (Useful for fishing or camping on islands)

• Prop Wrench & Spare Prop (If you hit a rock, you’ll be glad you packed this)

4. Plan Your Route & Campsites
Once you have your destination, plan your water route carefully.
Key Considerations:
📍 Launch Point – Is there a public boat launch, or will you need to carry the dinghy to the water?

📍 Fuel Range – A 9.9 HP motor can get 10-20 km on a small tank, but wind and weight can impact this.

📍 Camp Spot Accessibility – Look for clear shoreline areas with natural shelter.

📍 Backup Plan – Know where you can stop if the weather turns bad or the motor fails.
If the area is wind-prone, try to camp in a protected bay or island cove to avoid rough waters overnight.

5. Understand the Rules & Stay Safe

Crown Land Camping Rules:
Leave No Trace: Pack out everything, including food waste and fishing lines.
Fire Restrictions: Obey local fire bans and always have a small shovel or bucket of water nearby.
Respect Other Campers: Even on Crown land, avoid setting up too close to others.

Boating Regulations (Canada):
Boat Registration: If your dinghy has a motor over 10 HP, it needs to be registered with Transport Canada
Safety Kit: Canadian law requires boats to carry:
- Life jackets for all passengers
- A floating throw rope
- A bailing device or pump
- A sound signaling device (whistle or horn)
- A waterproof flashlight (if boating at night)
Alcohol Laws: Drinking while operating a motorized boat is illegal in Canada.

General Safety Tips:
⚠ Check Weather Forecasts: Wind and storms can turn a calm lake into a dangerous one.

⚠ Tell Someone Your Plan: Let a friend or family member know your route and return date.

⚠ Carry a Backup Paddle: If your motor dies, you’ll be glad you have one.

6. Enjoy the Freedom of a Motorized Backcountry Trip
A 9.9 HP inflatable dinghy is one of the best ways to explore Crown land backcountry. It’s light enough to launch from remote spots, fast enough to cover serious distance, and strong enough to carry a comfortable amount of gear.
With the right planning, you can reach secluded beaches, deep fishing holes, and quiet campsites that most people can’t access. So fuel up, load your gear, and get ready for an adventure that’s truly off the grid.
Have you done a backcountry trip with an inflatable and a motor? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your experience!