Camping reservation system now open

Be prepared for a wait, and have alternate requests ready just in case.

That’s the word from B.C. Parks officials as the booking system to get a campsite opened today (March 8).

Residents of British Columbia will once again get priority when it comes to booking provincial campsites.

Under the system, residents can only book a campsite online two months in advance, so it’s hard to tell how busy the lines will be today since many sites don’t open until after May 8. But no matter how busy it is today, one thing is for sure: it will only get busier.

Click here to go the Discover Camping website.

People who live in the province will have priority access to campsite reservations throughout the summer and not just in the opening window.

In an interview with Global News last month, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, George Heyman said “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,” .

“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.”

The province is warning they are expecting this summer to be very busy and are asking people to be prepared for backup options for preferred sites and dates.

Reservations for day-use facilities, including picnic shelters and halls, remain closed for the 2021 season.