Spring is on the way and people in B.C. can get ready to make plans for the camping season with the BC Parks reservation system opening soon.
Discover Camping will allow bookings for most campgrounds starting at 7 a.m. on March 15.
Individual camping sites in many provincial parks can be booked up to three months in advance through the website or call centre. Group sites can be booked up to a year before campers plan to arrive.
"Our world-renowned parks are in increasing demand from not only British Columbians, but the global community as well,” said Mary Polak, Minister of Environment, in a statement. “The camping reservation system is a convenient and efficient way to secure a fun, outdoor adventure for the whole family, in some of the most spectacular settings anywhere."
In 2015, more than 158,000 reservations were made through Discover Camping, up almost 20 per cent from the year before.
New this year, families can now reserve campsites in Dry Gulch, Inland Lake and sxwexwnitkw (Okanagan Falls) provincial parks.
There will also be campsites available in advance at Ruckle Provincial Park, as well as two brand-new group camping sites at Syringa and Kootenay Lake provincial parks.
For more adventurous campers, two rustic trapper's cabins in Wells Gray Provincial Park will be available for booking this year.
Groups can even book picnic spots at Summit Lake, Ten Mile Lake, Lac La Hache, and Green Lake provincial parks.
Although reservations won’t be available until March 15th, you can check availability starting March 9th at 9 a.m.
Discover Camping, will have information on more than 122 campgrounds with over 5, 800 campsites in B.C.
Campers can also book their vacation destinations through their smartphones.
Approximately half of all BC Parks camping opportunities remain on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reservations can be made through the call centre at 1-800-689-9025, for a $5 charge.
Parking is free in all provincial parks.
