Campers, get the marshmallows ready! Discover Camping, the Province’s camping reservation system, soon will be up and running for another season with even more campgrounds and sites to choose from.
According to Merlin Blackwell of Blackwell Park Operations, North Thompson River, Falls Creek/Clearwater Lake and Mahood Lake are the local campgrounds that take reservations.
“We’ve seen a steady increase in people using the Discover Camping reservation system year to year, especially at the more remote campgrounds … even locals are using it,” Blackwell said. “Nobody wants to drive an hour or more up a dirt road, then not find a site. Unlike the old system, the new system allows people to pick a specific site, so they know what they’re getting in advance. If you want your favourite site, all you have to do is book it.”
Starting at 7 a.m. on Friday, March 15, Discover Camping will begin accepting reservations for campgrounds with reservable inventory. In total, there are over 4,500 reservable sites. With a few clicks of the mouse, up to three reservations can be made online in one easy transaction. Individual sites are available up to three months in advance, while group sites are available up to 12 months in advance.
This interactive system allows campers to view the availability, layouts and amenities at 113 reservable campgrounds that campers can generally drive into (front country campgrounds) including group sites, in 96 provincial parks throughout British Columbia. These campgrounds are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings.
“With camping being so popular, many British Columbian families are starting to plan for the upcoming camping season,” said Terry Lake, B.C.’s minister of environment. “Last year, for the first time ever we saw over 100,000 reservations through Discover Camping.”
Customer service has been enhanced through improvements to refund requests. Group site campers now will receive reminder emails.
Discover Camping also offers a mobile platform so smartphone users can easily make and change plans from the road.
The non-refundable reservation fee 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).
Book your favourite camping spot up to three months in advance on or after March 15 by visiting: www.discovercamping.ca
