Camping days are here again!
BC offers some of the most epic natural landscapes and campsites in Canada. Pristine lakefronts, seaside sites, backcountry alpine and rainforest canopies make the west the best as for sublime camping getaways. The challenge lies not in choosing where to camp, but in booking a site this late in the game.
The BC provincial park system (BC Parks) includes more than 800 parks and covers 12 per cent of the province’s land area.
To secure a campsite at most provincial parks, you must make a reservation. If last-minute camping is more your style, there are but a few that offer a limited number of sites on a first come, first served basis. With blue skies and dry summer days like we’ve been experiencing, the chances of securing a site this late in the game are slim.
You will need to keep a close watch on BC Parks central reservation system for a last minute cancellation and that takes dedication and persistence. If the thrill of the chase is more your style, by all means pack up your gear and head out to your favorite campground but remember to have a backup plan in case Lady Luck is not in your favor. Expect to pay a little more (up to $35 for a vehicle access site) for amenities like firewood (check Wildfire.ca to see if campfire bans are in effect), showers, toilets, playgrounds, boat launches, beach areas and docks. Aside from campsites, BC Parks also offers day use areas and trails that appeal to every adventurer and outdoor enthusiast. To book a provincial campground visit the central reservation site at DiscoverCamping.ca or call 1-800-689-9025
Aside from provincial campgrounds, there exists a multitude of Forest Service sites that are cheaper (around $10) than provincial sites but also less regulated, less maintained and harder to find. Don’t expect more than an outhouse and a fire pit and don’t expect to find many of these sites available online. Campers prefer to keep their good locations under wraps. When some nice person does turn you on to a cool forest service site, remember the protocol. Keep it on the down low and leave it just as you found it.
Independently owned and operated RV campgrounds are another option but can feel more like a trailer park than a remote getaway. However, should you be in dire straits for a campsite in the wee hours, owners have the ability to override rules or regulations and take you in. Pitching a tent after dark is never ideal but having a private campground on the radar as a Plan B is always wise. Travel-British-Columbia.com/camping is a top-notch resource for finding a small town gem of a campground with availability during the summer months.
If you are itching to get outdoors and go camping in BC but have no idea where to start, we’ve created a list of popular low cost campground options and hidden gems that will inspire you to sleep outdoors under the starry summer nights. Happy camping!
Top Picks Close to Home
Cultus Lake, Chilliwack Only 1.5 hours from Vancouver, Cultus Lake isone of the most popular campsites for families andlarge groups. This provincial park offers four campgrounds, day use areas and most importantly warm, freshwater swimming. A giant outdoor summer playground complete with water toys like bumper boats, go-carts, waterslides, Jet Ski rentals and more. Reservations are required: 1-604-986-9371.
Golden Ears, Maple Ridge One of BC’s largest provincial campgrounds is a hikers haven offering three large campsites surrounded by rugged backcountry terrain and only 11 km north of Maple Ridge. Nearby Alouette Lake is a multi purpose hot spot recognized for it’s plentiful trout fishing. DiscoverCamping.ca
Alice Lake, Squamish Another family favorite close to home, Alice Lake attracts Squamish day visitors in addition to a plethora of campers thanks to the lakeside trails and grassy setting ideal for picnics or just chillin’ in addition to swimmable warm water. The views of the Stawamus Chief and Tantalus range will make you feel a million miles away from nearby city life. DiscoverCamping.ca
Montague Harbour, Galiano Island This is a bird lovers dream and only a short ferry ride away. Montague Harbour is as good as it gets for seaside camping. White shell beaches, open meadows and over 130 species of birds make this a gem of an island getaway. DiscoverCamping.ca
Sasquatch Provincial Park (Deep Lake and Hicks Lake), Harrison Hot Springs They don’t call it Sasquatch Country for nothing. Located just north of Harrison Hot Springs, campgrounds in this provincial park offer a series of pocket lakes amidst birch forests impressive enough to attract the legend with the big foot. Beware of swimmers itch if playing in the lakes. DiscoverCamping.ca
Get Lost in BC
Powell River If you’ve never been to Powell River, this seaside pearl is one you must explore. Further to get to, therefore less busy than other Mainland options, the chances are good you can actually reserve a site during the summer months. Epic coastal views and sunsets make this sleepy Sunshine Coast camping area a favorite. Kent’s Beach is private and costs $30 per night for a beachfront site in July and August. Call 604-487-9386 or email [email protected] to reserve. Willingdon Beach is located next toWillingdon Beach Park it is only four minutes away from the Comox Ferry. This oceanfront campground is close to town, the beach and all the quaint offerings of this charming town. Reservations: 604-485-2242, [email protected]
Wells Gray Provincial Park, Clearwater Wells Gray is a popular stop on the tourist bus route, and seems to be more well-known outside of BC than within it. Covering more than half a million hectares, Wells Gray is one of the largest parks in the province, and boasts a handful of easily accessible and spectacular waterfalls (more than 40 in total), including the 141-metre Helmcken Falls (Canada’s fourth highest). The vast backcountry features endless lakes perfect for boating, some of which are banned to powerboats to ensure a peaceful paddle. There are drive-in five campsites within the park, as well as endless backcountry camping options. DiscoverCamping.ca
Hidden Gems
Callaghan LakeHead towards Whistler from Vancouver and make a right at the Whistler Olympic Village. Turn left, cross a bridge and follow the logging road 8.5 km. A hiker’s dream on a budget, Callaghan Lake is remote and free to enjoy with endless rugged terrain from lakeside to alpine heights. Free spirits and wilderness wanderers will want to venture deep into a series of natural hot springs north of Whistler including Meager Creek and Slocet.
