Calling all wilderness explorers! Get ready for another exciting season of camping, hiking and picnicking as BC Parks' reservation system, Discover Camping, prepares to open.

Starting at 9 a.m. (Pacific time) on Saturday, March 15, 2014, Discover Camping will begin accepting reservations at most campgrounds. In total, there are over 5,200 easily accessible (frontcountry) campsites. Up to three reservations can be made in one easy transaction. Individual frontcountry sites are available up to three months in advance, while group sites are available up to 12 months in advance of your arrival date.

This year, even more reservable campsites have been added to Alice Lake, Golden Ears, Rolley Lake and Herald Lake provincial parks, and campers now can make reservations at Meziadin Lake, Prudhomme Lake and Paul Lake provincial parks.

For more adventurous campers, new parks will be added before the May long weekend to the backcountry registration system: Desolation Sound and Joffre Lakes Provincial Park. Backcountry permits for most parks can be purchased two weeks prior to your arrival date.

Discover Camping's interactive system allows campers to view availability, layouts and amenities at 109 reservable campgrounds in 97 provincial parks throughout the province. Most frontcountry campgrounds are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings.

Campers can also access Discover Camping reservation service from their smartphones. This mobile platform is simpler and easier to access when the Discover Camping website is in high demand or users need to make changes to their reservation on the go.

Quote:

Mary Polak, Minister of Environment -

"There's no better summer activity than camping to discover the natural landscape of British Columbia. I encourage all campers to familiarize themselves with their favourite provincial parks and take advantage of the convenience and peace of mind offered by the Discover Camping reservation system."

Quick Facts:

• Some campgrounds on the reservation system are 100% reservable, while others offer a first-come, first-serve inventory.
• In 2013, Discover Camping took over 119,000 reservations - 75% of reservations made originated from B.C.
• The non-refundable reservation charge 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).
• Parking is free in all provincial parks making them more accessible to families.

Learn More:

Book your favourite camping spot up to three months in advance on or after March 15, 2014, by visiting: www.discovercamping.ca

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

For tips on making reservations, visit: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/reserve/top_reservations_tips.html

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

An audio clip of Environment Minister Mary Polak can be downloaded at: https://soundcloud.com/bcgov/minister-polak-discover/s-s2PNV

Media Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834