Provincial Parks
Facilities
Most campgrounds in British Columbia have the basic facilities. This includes water, wood, pit toilets, picnic tables and fire pits. Some larger campgrounds can offer showers, flush toilets, sani-stations, wheelchair access, group camping, visitor's centers and interpretive programs. The camp spots are made tidy after each visitor leaves, garbage is collected on a regular basis, and washroom facilities are usually clean and well maintained.
Fees
Fees are collected only from April to October. Camping fees vary from site to site depending on the facilities. Attendants, in most parks collect the cash only payment in the early evening hours. Fees include GST and range from $6.00 to $18.00 in provincial parks and up to $22.00 in national parks. There is a charge for firewood in national parks. Whether camping or not, they charge an additional fee in national parks.
BC Parks offers a reservation service. This service means advanced reservations can be made in some of the more popular parks throughout the province. Phone 1-800-689-9025 for advanced reservations.
Necessary Camping Items
Some people take everything (including the kitchen sink) camping. The RV campers, whether using a camper, fifth-wheel, or a motor home have the opportunity to enjoy all the comforts of home. These units have sleeping accommodations, stoves, fridges, furnaces and everything a camper needs, and then some. Nevertheless, whether you enjoy camping in a tent or a RV unit, certain items can help make your experience fun. These items include aluminium foil, an axe, a barbecue, camera and film, candles and/or a lantern, a flashlight, a first aid kit that includes calamine lotion and insect repellent. Make sure you have garbage bags, matches and newspaper for the campfire, rope, sunglasses, hat and sun screen, a tarp, towels, and rainy day activities.
Rules and Camping Etiquette
• Park Gates are closed from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am. No outside visitors allowed after 11:00 p.m.
• Always store food in the vehicles in airtight containers.
• Light fires in the provided metal fire pits.
• Camp only in the designated areas.
• Use BC Parks garbage bins that they provide in the campsites.
• Take only how much wood you will use.
• Enjoy the flora and fauna in the parks. Look, smell and photograph, but never pick or cut.
• Remove all garbage and clean the campsite before leaving.
• Do not use the fire pit as a garbage disposal.
• Keep pets on a leash.
• Check out time is midday. Maximum length of a stay is fourteen days per year in anyone park. A party is considered a family from the same address. No one under the age of sixteen is allowed a campsite.
• One camping vehicle per site, unless an additional vehicle is being towed, or a member of the group is commuting to the park in a different vehicle.
• Never take powerboats near a swimming area.
• Alcohol is allowed at your campsite, unless this privilege is abused.
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