Restrictions continue as B.C. rec sites camping reservations resume

Camping in some provincial parks will reopen June 1. Photo SPIN

Recent weeks have seen the phased easing of public restrictions brought on as a response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, including the mid-May decision to reopen B.C. provincial park sites for day-use only visits.

While the reopening of nearby popular summer destinations like Paul Lake and Wells Gray provincial park provide more safe and open spaces for the public to enjoy outdoor recreational activities, B.C. Parks, in solidarity with the Provincial Health Officer, has limited the full extent of operations as the situation develops.

As of May 14, a majority of picnic areas, beaches, washrooms, front and backcountry trails opened up for strict and monitored day use, with visitor centres, concessions and nature houses open on a case-by-case basis.

Higher traffic-attracting parks and health-risk areas like hot springs and playgrounds will continue to stay closed until further notice.

As for camping, or longer backcountry excursions, June 1 will be the opening date many have been anticipating since the first announcement of summer closures.

Restrictions will be in place for provincial campsites such as additional spacing between campsites, a limited number of guests per site and park.

Backcountry cabins and other shared buildings will remain closed, while facilities like shower buildings will be subject to frequent and enhanced cleaning protocols. B.C. Parks has said that group camping sites will remain closed, with previous reservations cancelled and no alternative uses for those spaces.

In anticipation of the opening of campsites, Discover Camping’s online reservation system will be opening for new reservations on May 25, operating on a two-month rolling booking window allowing campers to reserve a spot up until July 25 and so forth. Reservations made by B.C. residents before the March closure will still apply. 

As B.C. has closed provincial campsites to non-residents, individuals living outside of the province. with reservations are encouraged to contact the Discover Camping call centre for a full refund before June 15.

Priority for reservations will be given to B.C. residents in support of messaging to travel local and avoid any long term, unnecessary travel that could further influence future COVID-19 cases.

While the opening of B.C. Parks for day-use and camping may seem like a slow return to normality for some, the strict messaging surrounding public outings British Columbians have heard and are practising are still very much in place. Visitors are encouraged to stay in their local communities and hold off exploring new parks to not severely impact smaller communities across the province.

Respect for all facility and site closures is expected as much as physical distancing requirements when encountering others within provincial parks. Practising practical personal hygiene is encouraged, and those showing symptoms of illness have been asked to visit parks another time.