(flickr.com)

Starting at 7 a.m. on Friday, March 15, Discover Camping will begin accepting reservations for campgrounds with reservable inventory. In total, there are over 4,500 reservable sites. With a few clicks of the mouse, up to three reservations can be made online in one easy transaction through Discover Camping. Individual sites are available up to three months in advance, while group sites are available up to 12 months in advance.

This interactive system allows campers to view the availability, layouts and amenities at 113 reservable campgrounds that campers can generally drive into (front country campgrounds) including group sites, in 96 provincial parks throughout British Columbia. These campgrounds are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings.

This year, more sites at more campgrounds are available to reserve. BC Parks has added four new campgrounds to the reservation system: Kleanza Creek, Martha Creek, Chilliwack Lake and Bowron Lake. Those looking to reserve a spot at Lac La Hache will be pleased to know this campground has been restored to the reservation system after a one-year absence. Campgrounds at Kikomun Creek, Okanagan Lake North and Porteau Cove now will be 100 per cent reservable.

Customer service has been enhanced this year through improvements to guidelines around refund requests. Group site campers now will receive reminder emails of their upcoming camping vacation.

Discover Camping also offers a mobile platform so smartphone users can easily make and change plans from the road. This interface is an alternative way to book a campground from any mobile device or computer.

Quotes:

Terry Lake - Minister of Environment -

"With camping being so popular, many British Columbian families are starting to plan for the upcoming camping season. Discover Camping makes planning and customizing camping vacations easy with its interactive features."

"Last year, for the first time ever we saw over 100,000 reservations through Discover Camping. More and more campers choose to reserve their spots. I encourage all interested British Columbians to become familiar with Discover Camping before the reservation system opens March 15."

Quick Facts:

* In 2012, Discover Camping saw 102,872 campsite reservations - an increase of over 10 per cent the year before.

* The non-refundable reservation fee is $6 per night, up to a maximum of $18 (plus tax) per party per campsite.

* Reservations can be made through the call centre at 1 800 689-9025 for a surcharge of $5 (plus tax).

Learn More:

* Book your favourite camping spot up to three months in advance on or after March 15 by visiting: www.discovercamping.ca

* Discover Camping's mobile interface: https://secure.camis.com/BCMobile

* For more information about B.C.'s provincial parks, visit: www.bcparks.ca

* For backcountry permits, visit BC Parks Backcountry Registration System: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/registration

Contact:

Media Relations

Ministry of Environment

250 953-3834

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect