Here’s when you can reserve a B.C. campsite in 2023
Posted November 8, 2022 9:32 pm.
Last Updated November 8, 2022 9:35 pm.
The British Columbia government has announced when people can book campsite reservations at provincial parks next year.
At 7 a.m. on Jan. 3, 2023, the BC Parks’ website will begin accepting reservations.
A release from the province says people will be able to book a campsite four months ahead of their planned date. The previous booking window was just two months.
The system to book campsites has faced some scrutiny, particularly when a new system was launched in March of 2022. Many complained about long wait times before they could book a site, likening it to a lottery system.
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B.C. Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, George Heyman, says the government has been consulting with the public on improving the system for 2023.
“We’ve heard the majority of campers prefer a four-month rolling window, allowing people to book a site well in advance of their visit,” he said. “We will continue to listen to public feedback so we can improve people’s park experiences, and everyone can easily access the many beautiful parks and backcountry areas our province has to offer.”
The province says over 5,000 people have signed up to be a part of user-experience research for the reservation system.
More campsites will be included in the new reservation service, including Gwillim Lake Park, Yahk Park, and Allison Lake Park. Those sites will be available on a first-come-first-served basis.
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Reservations for the popular Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit in Bowron Lake Provincial Park will open for all of 2023 on Dec. 1.
The B.C. government says there has been a 26.5 per cent increase in campsite reservations in the past three years. In 2022, 317,00 spots were booked.
