Campers, set your alarm clocks to wake up from dreams of roasted hotdogs and riverside hikes, Discover Camping, the Province’s camping reservation system, opens for business at 9 a.m. Sunday, March 15, 2015.
Just a few clicks is all it takes to reserve a frontcountry campsite in many provincial parks, up to three months in advance through the Discover Camping website (www.DiscoverCamping.ca). Bookings can also be made throughthe call centre at 1-800-689-9025.
Up to three reservations can be made in one easy transaction for those avid explorers looking to book more than one camping excursion.
New for the 2015 camping season, families can now reserve campsites in Summit Lake, Juniper Lake, Whiskers Point and Kootenay Lake provincial parks. More campsites are also available in Mount Robson and Kentucky Alleyne provincial parks.
This year, Haynes Point and Okanagan Falls provincial parks are being managed by the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB). Campers to these Interior parks can expect the same recreational opportunities enjoyed previously. The Province and OIB are working to have both parks open April 1, 2015, for the camping season, and for Haynes Point to be on the Discover Camping system. The campground at Okanagan Falls remains first-come, first-serve.
The interactive reservation website transports campers to their desired campground displaying the availability, layout and amenities at 115 easily accessible (frontcountry) campgrounds in 99 provincial parks.
Campers can also make bookings on the go through their smartphones. This mobile platform is simpler and easier to access when the Discover Camping website is in high demand, accessible from any Internet device.
“With camping season just around the corner, many families are looking to fit BC Parks into their outdoor adventures,” said Mary Polak, Environment Minister, “The Discover Camping service is a great tool for those campers who know when and where they want to spend their time. With over 5,200 easily accessible campsites to choose from throughout the province, I encourage families to visit the website now and familiarize themselves before the reservation system opens on March 15.”
Some campgrounds on the reservation system are 100 per cent reservable, while others offer first-come, first-served sites
Bookings for group sites are available up to 12 months in advance of the arrival date.
In 2014, more than 133,000 reservations were made through Discover Camping - an increase of almost 10 per cent from 2013. Seventy-five per cent of bookings made in 2014 were placed by British Columbians.
The non-refundable reservation charge is $6 per night, up to a maximum of $18 (plus tax) per party, per campsite.
Reservations can be made through the call centre at 1-800-689-9025 for a surcharge of $5 (plus tax).
Parking is free in all provincial parks making them more accessible to families.
Book your favourite camping spot up to three months in advance on or after March 15, 2015, by visiting: www.discovercamping.ca
Discover Camping’s mobile interface:https://secure.camis.com/BCmobile
For tips on making reservations, visit: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/reserve/top_reservations_tips.html
For more information about B.C.’s provincial parks, visit: www.bcparks.ca
For backcountry permits, visit BC Parks’ Backcountry Registration System: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/registration