There is nothing like enjoying the May long weekend in the great outdoors.

To provide everyone with the same opportunity, the Province of British Columbia reminds campers that it is unlawful to park unattended vehicles, trailers or tents to save a free campsite.

Free campsites are available on a first-come basis. Personal property that has been left unattended for 24 hours will now be removed at the owner’s expense, in order to provide fair and equal access to the camping opportunities on recreation sites.

The Forest and Range Practices Act section 20 (1)(c) states that people should not leave personal property on a campsite unless the person is camping.

In the past, signs posted within campsites and warning letters left on unattended property have not deterred campers in the Campbell River, Courtney and Comox areas from leaving personal property to claim a campsite leading up to the busy weekends.

Affected campsites include Big Bay, Fry Lake, Fry Trestle, Brewster Camp, Camp Five, Apple Point, Twin Lake, Pye Beach, Stella North, Stella Beach and Elk Bay.

Reservations for BC Parks campsites can be made by phone at 1 800 689-09025, or online at: https://discovercamping.ca/