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How do I book a campsite in BC?

Author

Andrew Vasquez

Updated on March 16, 2026

How do I book a campsite in BC?

BC Parks' camping reservations are made via the Discover Camping reservation system, online or by phone 1-800-689-9025 (open 7am to 7pm PT). Each day at 7am, a new date will be released to book.

In respect to this, how do I reserve a campsite in BC?

Campsite Reservations in Provincial Parks

  1. Reserve a campsite online through Discover Camping.
  2. Reserve by Phone: 1-800-689-9025.
  3. Calling from overseas: +1-519-826-6850.
  4. BC Parks Backcountry Registration System.

Similarly, can you camp anywhere in BC? You do have to use campgrounds in BC. You are not allowed to just pull over and camp anywhere. All levels of governments - federal parks, provincial parks, and some regional districts and municipalities - have public campgrounds in their jurisdictions.

In respect to this, when can you book campsites in BC?

Please note – reservations are available 2-months in advance of an arrival date, on a rolling window. Preferential access to camping will be given to BC-residents for the 2020 camping season.

Can you camp on Crown land in BC?

Camping on Crown Land in BC Recreation Sites. The BC Ministry of Tourism Culture and the Arts maintains more than 1,200 recreation campsites under it's Recreation Sites and Trails BC program. Recreation sites and trails are public campgrounds and trails located on Crown land outside of parks and settled areas.

What is a standard campsite?

A standard campsite is generally a campsite that has a paved or graded drive, along with a picnic table and a fire ring. These campsites can often accommodate RVs, camper trailers, and tents. While not always the case, some standard sites include water or electric hookups!

What is walk up camping?

"WALK-IN" MEANS DISTANCE BETWEEN PARKING AND CAMPSITE; "WALK-UP" MEANS FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED. Hang on, there's one more thing and this is what confuses a lot of people; and understandably so! You may look at the Season Dates because you are wondering if the campground is open before or after the reservation season.

When can you make camping reservations?

The public can reserve the highly sought-after campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date. Camping and lodging inventory will become available each day for a period of six months in advance.

Where can I camp for free in BC?

9 Free Campsites In BC You Should Stay At With Your Friends
  • Mount Seymour // North Vancouver. Mount Seymour is only 30 minutes from the city and wilderness camping is free.
  • Jones Lake // Chiliwack.
  • Granite Falls // Indian Arm.
  • Cypress Mountain // West Vancouver.
  • Seton Lake // Lillooet.
  • Elbow Lake // Horsefly.
  • Twin Island // Indian Arm.
  • Strathcona Dam Campground // Vancouver Island.

When can you reserve campsites in BC 2020?

Discover Camping reservations are available again as of May 25, 2020 at 7:00 AM PT. Please note – reservations are available 2-months in advance of an arrival date, on a rolling window. Preferential access to camping will be given to BC-residents for the 2020 camping season.

When can you book BC provincials?

Please note – reservations are available 2-months in advance of an arrival date, on a rolling window.

What is front country camping?

Frontcountry Camping
Also known as "car camping", is probably the most popular type of camping. Frontcountry campgrounds allow you to drive your vehicle right to the site. You then have the luxury of unloading your vehicle at the exact spot where you are setting up camp.

What is a double site for camping?

A double campsite is a campsite that can house more than two tents, two RVs or two Travel Trailers, or whatever it is you use while camping. A double campsite is intended for families or friends to be able to camp near each other and share the facilities provided.

Is it illegal to camp in BC?

You do have to use campgrounds in BC. You are not allowed to just pull over and camp anywhere. There are two main categories of campgrounds - government run and privately run.

Is it illegal to camp in the woods in Canada?

About 89% of Canada is designated as “Crown Land” and available to Canadian residents for public use. While you are allowed to camp for free on Crown Land for up to 21 days, there are many areas where camping is not allowed.

Can you camp on the side of the road in Canada?

Car Camping in Canada. If you are in a National Park like Jasper - No you are not 'allowed' to camp on a side road in your car. That said I have done it many times and have never had a problem. Anywhere else in Canada that is not private property shouldn't be a issue.

Can I have a campfire in BC?

B.C. ban on open-burning now in effect. British Columbia is banning most open-burning activities effective noon on Thursday. Campfires, defined as recreational fires that are no larger than 50 cm wide by 50 cm high, are not covered by the provincial ban.

Why is wild camping illegal?

The wild camping UK laws somewhat vary, as it is generally illegal in England and Wales. However, in saying this, it is possible with permission from the landowner. Many landowners will be open to this idea as long as you respect the land and behave yourself. Don't camp too close to people's homes or roads.

Can you camp anywhere on Vancouver Island?

You can pretty much camp wherever you want in the wilderness. If you're camping in a national park, then you'll need a backcountry permit, and some provincial parks you have to pay a small fee but other than that you're pretty much free to camp wherever as long as you're on crown land.

Is the backcountry closed in BC?

All camping (front and backcountry) is now banned until May 31st, 2020. This action is being taken in response to the call for increased action to address the COVID-19 pandemic. All trails, roads, day-use areas, beaches, lakes, boat launches, and backcountry areas are closed to the public.

Can you camp on Crown land in Canada?

Crown Land Camping
In general, residents of Canada may camp free of charge on crown land for up to 21 days at any one site, unless posted otherwise. No facilities are provided on crown land, and ecological sustainability is of utmost importance.

Can you camp anywhere in Tofino?

The only place where you can camp free in the Tofino area is Kennedy Lake which is about 30kms from the beach.

Is Crown Land closed BC?

Just before the Easter long weekend (April 8) B.C. announced the closure of provincial parks until May 31 for COVID-19 protection. People are still permitted to use B.C.Crown land for recreational activities subject to any specific closures, or local or regulatory restrictions or rules that are normally in place.