B.C. campers run into issues booking a campsite

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – B.C.’s online booking system for campsite reservations — Discover Camping — is now open, but some British Columbians weren’t able to log on Monday.

British Columbians are supposed to have priority, but it works on an honour system — with no verification that you live in this province.

Last year, there were also a number of issues with the Discover Camping site, with the website crashing within minutes of opening due to volume.

Finally, after half an hour, got a campsite booked through Discover Camping. Not the one I wanted nor the one I had in my cart originally because the site kept crashing. AGAIN. pic.twitter.com/xzVd3nbMlm

— Whitney Fordham (she/her) (@CanucksGirlWhit) March 8, 2021

B.C. Environment Minister George Heyman says this year’s issues will be investigated.

“We really regret any frustration that people experience. The system is working much better than last year. The system has not crashed. This is the first I’ve heard of the issue of not being able to check out, and we will look into it,” he said.

“What I can say is, thousands of people have been on, thousands have made their reservations, thousands more will. We’ll look at that particular problem and do everything we can to fix it as quickly as possible,” he added.

People have thousands of sites to choose from across the province, however, you can only book two months ahead.

The province says this year’s camping season is expected to be busy.

Bookings for people who do not reside in this province opens on July 8.

The outdoors was an important escape for many last season, as people grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic which brought limits to gatherings and shut down many activities.

“Our provincial parks have never been as important as they are right now. They provide a special place to safely connect with nature and improve our health and well-being during these difficult times,” Heyman said. “We are all looking forward to another summer of camping and outdoor recreation in B.C., and while public health concerns and advice remain, we are asking people to pick a campground as close to home as possible to avoid long road trips and non-essential travel.”

BC Parks camping reservations are open for BC residents tomorrow. Make sure to book a site close to home, respect PHO orders and stay safe. Bookings available on a two month window with proof of BC address. https://t.co/NPXQ6Wz8Ok pic.twitter.com/CkrlpUSJTT

— George Heyman (@GeorgeHeyman) March 7, 2021

As the pandemic continues, the B.C. government notes that some changes will be brought in, including limits on how many people can be at a campsite. Rules and guidelines may change as the situation evolves.

British Columbians are still unable to reserve day-use facilities — such as picnic shelters and halls — for the upcoming season.

According to the province, B.C.’s provincial parks see more than 23 million visits every year. More than 1,200 campsites have been added in B.C. since last year.

While more than half of the campsites BC Parks manages are open to reservations, there are 45 per cent that are available on a first-come, first-served basis.