Would-be campers say they can’t book spots

The 2020 summer camping season has arrived but the Discover Camping reservation system for booking those spots crashed Monday morning.

Would-be campers told Vernon Matters they have been unable to gain access to the website.

“I have been trying, along with four friends, to use the site since it opened at 7 a.m. and cannot even get on it,” one disgruntled customer said.

However, later Monday morning, another person reported that he had been able to make reservations but not without difficulty.

“It took many tries and I got booted out several times (and) one attempt got to the pay stage but no confirmation,” he said. “One went through OK. I am now in the phone queue for over an hour to get the payment reversed on the first one.”

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, the B.C. government has been urging people to stay in the province this summer and only British Columbians are allowed to book new reservations at camping sites.

Most provincial campgrounds and recreation sites open June 1, along with more parks for day-use activities.

“Spending time appreciating nature is one of the best things we can do for our health and well-being,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, in a press release. “We want to ensure British Columbians have access to summer vacation opportunities close to home, so we are limiting new reservations to B.C. residents.”