B.C.’s camping reservation system opens March 15: Fees increased for 2015

VANCOUVER – B.C.’s camping reservation system will open at 9 a.m. on Sunday, March 15, for everyone wanting to book a space at a provincial campground.

Reservations can be made through the Discover Camping website or through the call centre at 1-800-689-9025.

Up to three reservations can be made in one transaction.

For the first time, 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). The Province and the 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.

A reminder for this year, fees have been increased for the first time since 2010.

Most campsites will see a $2 per night increase; the maximum increase is capped at $5 per night.

According to the ministry, the fee raise is to maintain high service levels in the parks which are seeing an increasing number of visitors each year.

The fee increase is expected to generate $1.3 million this year.