Home » Blog » BC Parks updates camping reservation system

BC Parks updates camping reservation system

Effective March 21, 2022, British Columbia campers can reserve a campsite up to 2 months before arrival date.

BC Parks new online reservation system officially launched on Monday, March 21, 2022. Campers can reserve a campsite up to two months before their arrival date at most campgrounds.

The new online reservation service is part of a bigger plan to redesign BC Parks digital services and improve the park experience from computer to campground.

“As more people explore British Columbia’s spectacular outdoors, we are improving the online services they rely on to plan their visits to BC Parks,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “Providing a more reliable, responsive and easy-to-use reservation service will better meet the needs of people wanting to access and connect with nature by easily identifying available camping opportunities in provincial parks.”

The new reservation service was designed with input from campers, park operators and other service organizations and includes:

flexible search options such as a map to search campgrounds by region, park listing or site availability;
information on nearby facilities and large photos of campsites so people know what to expect when they arrive;
an interactive calendar that shows when booked sites will become available; and
saved booking preferences within customer accounts.

Reservations for group campsites open March 24, 2022. Reservations for the popular Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit open in early April.

Visit BC Parks for more information

BC Parks updates camping reservation system press release

How to make a reservation

Make a reservation online

Park operating dates

“We are all looking forward to another season of camping in our spectacular provincial parks, and we are listening to what people want to help plan their trips,” said Kelly Greene, Parliamentary Secretary for Environment. “The ongoing improvements to BC Parks’ digital services will help people of all abilities plan their trips to provincial parks so everyone can be better prepared to get out and enjoy nature.”

BC Parks will be investing $21.5 million over the next three years to expand and enhance opportunities for outdoor recreation, including adding new campsites and trails and upgrading facilities. The investment is part of an $83-million budget increase to BC Parks’ operating and capital budgets to strengthen management of the parks system and provide a more enjoyable visitor experience. In addition, $2 million in infrastructure maintenance funding is being invested in all regions of the province for high-use trail and facility improvement projects.

BC Parks will be integrating more accessible information into the new reservation service as extra features are added over the coming months.

“Canucks Autism Network believes strongly in promoting acceptance and inclusion across B.C., so it is really encouraging to see BC Parks take the lead on redesigning their services with accessibility in mind,” said Hallie Mitchell, director of children’s programs and community training initiatives for the Canucks Autism Network. “BC Parks should be commended for the addition of resources on their website that support accessibility for a broader audience.”

BC Parks facts:

Of approximately 10,700 campsites BC Parks manages, 55% are reservable and 45% are available on a first-come, first-served basis (FCFS). Most campgrounds with reservable sites also offer FCFS sites.
Eleven campgrounds are 100% reservable during peak season: Rathtrevor Beach, Gordon Bay, Cultus Lake, Sasquatch, Alice Lake, Porteau Cove, Golden Ears, Swiws, Bear Creek, Wells Gray and Okanagan Lake.
BC Parks has more than 10,000 reservable day-use and overnight accommodations ranging from day-use passes, parking permits and campsites to backcountry permits, picnic shelters, backcountry cabins and a yurt.
In 2021, more than 350,000 reservations were made for BC Parks campgrounds, which is the most on record.
Since 2017, more than 1,700 campsites have been added to BC Parks and recreation sites in high-demand regions. Of those, 500 are in Lower Mainland parks, including Cultus Lake, Golden Ears, Chilliwack Lake, Stawamus Chief and Garibaldi.