Reservations for provincial campsites open March 8

Photo: Unsplash/Scott Goodwill

British Columbians can soon start reserving campsites in provincial parks to help them plan their close-to-home trips.

The Discover Camping reservation service opens for the season March 8, 2021. B.C. residents will be able to book a campsite two months in advance of their arrival date and people living in the province will have priority access to reservations all summer.

"Our provincial parks have never been as important as they are right now. They provide a special place to safely connect with nature and improve our health and well-being during these difficult times," says Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy George Heyman.

"We are all looking forward to another summer of camping and outdoor recreation in B.C., and while public health concerns and advice remain, we are asking people to pick a campground as close to home as possible to avoid long road trips and non-essential travel.”

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is expected that this year’s camping season is going to be busy with travel opportunities being limited.

BC Parks says a positive camping experience starts the moment a site is booked, so it is important to be prepared with back up options for preferred sites and dates.

Those living in other provinces can reserve campsites on July 8, for the remainder of the camping season.

"We recognize the heightened importance of outdoor recreation during these uncertain times," says Parliamentary Secretary for Environment Kelly Greene. "Our government is committed to ensuring British Columbians can safely enjoy the natural beauty of our province close to home.”

It will not be business as usual at provincial campgrounds this year because of public health guidelines. Restrictions on how many people can be in a campsite and group sizes will be implemented.

Day-use facilities, picnic shelters and halls remain closed for the season. For current information on reservations and facilities click here.

Rules on gatherings may change throughout the season and between times of bookings and scheduled arrival dates. Camping parties must meet current guidelines even if those allowed numbers are less than the maximum site allowance.

Backcountry camping reservations open March 1 for the full season of two popular backcountry trips - the Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park and the canoe circuit in Bowron Lake Provincial Park. The Berg Lake Trail can be reserved from June 12 to Sept. 30, and the Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit can be reserved from May 15 to Sept. 23.