Privately owned campgrounds in B.C. are re-opening with protocols in place to stop the spread of Covid-19 and encourage physical distancing, but unlike provincially run campsites, many private operators are welcoming guests from out-of-province.

Can you camp anywhere in BC right now?

You do have to use campgrounds in BC. You are not allowed to just pull over and camp anywhere. All levels of governments - federal parks, provincial parks, and some regional districts and municipalities - have public campgrounds in their jurisdictions.

Is random camping allowed in BC?

Every province has different rules, but random camping in BC is very open and accessible to the public (as long as you dont misuse it- see below). As long as you leave no trace, obey fire rules, and dont stay longer than 14 consecutive days, you can hike and camp on British Columbia “crown land”.

Is there a camping ban in BC?

Camping and motorized recreation (including the use of off-road vehicles) is restricted throughout the entire Koocanusa Recreation Strategy area. Learn more by reading the media release.

When can you book BC provincial campgrounds 2021?

March 8, 2021 The Discover Camping reservation service opens March 8, 2021, giving B.C. residents an opportunity to book a campsite two months in advance of their arrival date. People who live in the province will have priority access to campsite reservations throughout the summer.

Where can you camp for free in BC?

No-Fee Camping Across BC#1 – Apple Point Rec Site. #2 – Amor Lake Rec Site. #3 – Augier Lake Rec Site. #4 – Batnuni Lake East Rec Site. #5 – Begbie Falls Rec Site. #6 – Big O.K. #7 – Bootjack Lake Rec Site. #8 – Bonanza Lake Rec Sites.More items •29 Jul 2020

Where can I camp for free in BC?

Recreational Sites in British Columbia The easiest way to find free camping in BC is to use the Trails and Sites website or a regional Backroad Mapbook. The latter is helpful for logging road navigation as well as detailed descriptions of every Rec Site.

Where can I camp without reservations in BC?

Here are 11 first-come, first-served campsites to check out in BC this long weekend:1) Birkenhead Lake Provincial Park. 2) Nairn Falls Provincial Park. 3) Golden Ears Provincial Park. 4) Saltery Bay Provincial Park. 5) Englishman River Falls Provincial Park. 6) Silver Beach Provincial Park. 7) Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park.More items •20 Jun 2017

Can out of province camp in BC 2021?

Out of Province Visitors to BC Parks From July 1, 2021, British Columbia will begin welcoming visitors from outside of British Columbia. Starting July 8, 2021, non-residents will be permitted to make camping reservations for any remaining arrival dates in the season.

When can I reserve a campsite in BC?

Reservations can be made two months in advance of a desired arrival date for frontcountry campsites and one year in advance for group sites and picnic shelters. Reservable dates vary by campground, but many come into effect starting mid-May.

Is it legal to camp on Crown land in BC?

Yes, you can camp on crown land*, free of charge, but only if that crown land isnt already licensed to someone else. Licensed uses include logging companies (aka tree farms), mining interests, a rancher leasing it for cattle grazing, etc there are countless types of licensed users.

How much does it cost to camp in BC?

Camping fees range from $10 to $30 per party, per vehicle, per night. The nightly campsite fee is levied on a per party basis depending on the level of service provided at the campground. Additional fees must be paid in cash on arrival at the campground.

Can you sleep at rest stops in BC?

Rest areas are typically located on major highways where alternate commercial services are generally not available. Most provincial rest areas are open year-round, but some are open seasonally only. Overnight camping is not permitted.

Why is it so hard to book a campsite in BC?

Many B.C. residents say its become too difficult to reserve a campground in B.C. Schneider, a Victoria, B.C. resident, says long gone are the days when you could have your pick of the campground on a weekend. One of the primary reasons seems to be that there arent any enough sites, said Schneider.

Can Albertans book camping in BC 2021?

The BC Resident Advantage for 2021 So in a nutshell, if youre from Alberta, youll have to wait until July 8th to try booking campsites in a BC provincial park. (Note this is for provincial park campgrounds only. Alberta residents can still camp in the national parks or in private campgrounds across BC.)

How do I reserve a campsite in BC?

BC Parks camping reservations are made via the Discover Camping reservation system, online or by phone 1-800-689-9025 (open 7am to 7pm PT). Each day at 7am, a new date will be released to book.

Do I need a park pass to camp in BC?

Reservable picnic shelters can be booked through Discover Camping starting July 9th. As of June 23, 2021, free day-use passes are required to visit five of our busiest parks: Garibaldi, Golden Ears, Joffre Lakes, Mount Robson and Stawamus Chief.

Can you overnight at a rest stop?

Camping is prohibited at rest areas, but drivers who need rest to safely continue their travels can sleep in their vehicles in the parking lots. If you need more than a nap, you can sleep in your vehicle for a longer period, but dont pitch a tent, extend your RVs slideouts or otherwise set up for an extended stay.

Where can you sleep in your car in BC?

It is now legal to sleep in cars parking on most public property between the hours of 9:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. It is legal to use camp stoves and small cooking devices, as long as they are used in safe manner and in conditions that do not place any person, property or structure in danger.

Can Albertans camp at private campgrounds in BC?

Alberta residents can still camp in the national parks or in private campgrounds across BC.)

Is it illegal to sleep in your car at Walmart?

Walmart. You may have already heard that it is completely legal to park and sleep overnight in your vehicle at all Walmart parking lots. This has been true in all of our experiences. In fact, we have seen RVs and campervans that are set up permanently at some Walmart locations.