A little-known paradise: discover the campsite in the Camp-de-Tourage sector in Saint-Gédéon, Lac-Saint-Jean

Very close to Alma, in Lac-Saint-Jean, is a very popular resort: that of the municipality of Saint-Gédéon. And in a very chic sector located near the Lac-Saint-Jean golf club and the Marina des Îles is an unknown jewel: the campsite in the Camp-de-Tage sector, which is part of Pointe-Taillon National Park. A real treasure for lovers of quiet camping, cycle paths, nautical activities, history and delicacies. If you see that a site is released in the reservations calendar, go ahead!

Fitted a few years ago by the sepaq following an approach with the elected officials of the MRC, the Camp-de-Tourage sector is on the edge of the Baie des Cauchon and the La Petite Décharge river.

A few years ago, the landscape was very different: there were quays for tugs and industrial buildings used for wood touling. Tens of thousands of wooden jets cut in the forests around Lake Saint-Jean passed through this sector, before being transported by an immense sliding wood to the beginning of the Saguenay river, then to the processing factories.

Interpretation panels at the campsite, summarize what was going on at the time. Images show impressive rafts of wood that had up to 200,000 ten -foot jets! Some vestiges of this not so distant period are in the Old Quai sector.

Beautiful large sites

The campsite, fitted out in a wooded area, has beautiful large sites, far from each other and arranged so as to have peace. All have a home, a beautiful picnic table … and a bicycle support!

The reception pavilion has a modern and welcoming mosquito net shelter where to break the crust, have a coffee or read in peace. Chats and interpretation activities are presented there.

The campers also have an appointment at the Old Quai relaxation area to admire the sunset. Very beautiful picnic sites are also in this small well hidden corner of the park, accessible only on foot or by bike.

For the bike

The campsite, crisscrossed with cycle paths which can also be borrowed by walkers, is directly connected to the famous Bleuets Véloroute, an essential tourist attraction in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean. It is a 256 km route, made of cycle paths, designated roads and asphalt shoulders.

Two cyclists from Jonquière, met on the beautiful (and secret!) Quai Lindsey, in Saint-Gédéon, revealed to me that they very much appreciated the tranquility of the cycle paths of the National Park in the Camp-de-Tourage sector. One of their favorite veloroute sections is between Alma, a city known to be “friendly», And Roberval. It’s noted!

Camp

The campsite of Camp-de-Tourage is also a very good address for lovers of nautical activities. Canoters, kayakers and paddling board fans can put their boat in the water from a small beach.

What is really great is that rustic camping sites have also been arranged on the Connelly, Beemer and Small Green Islands. Campers can go there with their own boats or by reserving their round trip crossing with the tax-island shuttle.

This company also offers commented excursions to the islands and an excursion to sunset. Zodiac excursions are canceled in case of bad weather.

As he was a lot of time and thunderstorms were announced during my visit … No release on the lake for me. This is only a postponement! Between an wavy, a tornado alert for Alma and a thunderstorm of all the devils, I opened a can of Maringouin ascendant vampire, a beer sweat with small fruit … really in circumstance!

Pointe-Taillon National Park, Camp-de-Tourage sector

450, golf chemin

Saint-Gédéon, QC G0W 2P0

Tel: 418 347-5371 or 1 800 665-6527

To book: Sepaq.com/camping

• There are 26 sites without services and 44 sites that offer water and electricity (15 A and 30 A), for tents and VR, and 10 star ready-to-side;
• Rustic camping sites, without services, are arranged on the Beemer, Connelly and small green islands;
• We go there with his own boat;
• The Tax-Îles company also offers the shuttle service on the islands (Taxîles.ca) for campers, to make a picnic or swim;
• At the reception pavilion, there are suitable bathrooms, free showers and outdoor sinks to make dishes;
• Rental of bikes and boats at the reception pavilion;
• There is no draining station for the VR on this campsite: you must go to the municipal drain resort of Saint-Gédéon (at the roundabout);
• For the watering of the boats, there is a very small temporary parking lot (maximum 25 min); You must then transport your kayak/sup or carry the canoe to the beach;
• Posters recall the presence of strong currents near the estacades, where swimming and launching are prohibited;
• The curfew is in effect from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m.;
• You must have in hand the access rights for the National Park or the annual card (online purchase: Sepaq.com);
• Note the journey to get there, because there are not many signaling. At the roundabout crossroads in Saint-Gédéon (arriving from Saguenay on the 170 road, in the west direction), you must take the exit towards rue Dequen, cross Saint-Gédéon, then turn left on the row of the islands (opposite the Médard cheese dairy). After the islands marina, watch the panel indicating the golf path on your right. After the golf course, the path to the park is in gravel;
• Arrive when it is clear;
• *Please note: the Camp-de-Tourage sector is located in Saint-Gédéon, 50 min by car from the Pointe-Taillon sector. Look at your road card;
• To find out more about the Bleuets cycle route, which goes around Lac Saint-Jean: Veloroutedesbleuets.com.