The province of British Columbia is touting the success of its new and improved camping reservation system.
More than 317,000 reservations were made on the new BC Parks reservation service for the 2022 season. That's an increase of 26.5% since 2019.
"The new and improved reservation service is more reliable and easy to use, which is reflected in the record number of reservations," said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. "We listened to people's suggestions and frustrations and worked hard to address these with our new system. We'll continue to listen and respond to public feedback to ensure people can easily book and access the thousands of great camping opportunities available throughout our province."
The new reservation service, which launched in March 2022, is part of a broader, ongoing redesign of BC Parks' digital services to improve visitors' experiences from computer to campground.
The website provides descriptions and photos of accessible facilities and infrastructure, like parking, pathways and campsites to help people choose the park that best meets their needs.
"It has been another exceptionally busy season for BC Parks as more people discover and enjoy the health benefits of being in nature," said Kelly Greene, Parliamentary Secretary for Environment. "We are working hard to create more camping opportunities in B.C. and improve accessibility so more people can experience the joy of exploring B.C.'s parks."
The government is investing $21.5 million to expand and enhance opportunities for outdoor recreation, including adding new campsites and trails, and upgrading facilities.
More than 1,700 campsites have been added to provincial parks and recreation sites in high-demand areas since 2017.
Quick Facts:
- BC Parks has more than 10,000 reservable day-use and overnight accommodations available.
- BC Parks accommodations range from day-use passes, parking permits and campsites, to backcountry permits, a world-class canoe circuit, picnic shelters, backcountry cabins and a yurt.
- Demand for reservations has grown more than 200% in the past decade.
- BC Parks manages approximately 10,700 campsites.
- Recreation Sites and Trails BC manages more than 9,200 recreation sites and more than 600 trails.
- The new, fully serviced Skyview Campground in E.C. Manning Park is open with 62 sites available during the winter and 92 sites available during the summer.
