The increasing popularity of camping in British Columbia is presenting challenges and opportunities for outdoor hospitality businesses as BC Parks reports an unprecedented demand for its campsites.
The May long weekend reservation window, which opened on January 17, saw all available sites booked by 7 a.m., leaving many prospective campers without options.
According to the Ministry of Environment, over 5,800 reservations were secured for that weekend alone, with demand continuing to rise year-over-year.
In 2023, BC Parks processed more than 420,000 reservations, marking a 3.5% increase from the previous year. The ministry has indicated plans to address the growing demand.
“We continue to add more campsites in existing parks and we’ll have more to say about individual projects as they move forward,” a ministry representative stated in a report by CTV News.
Since 2017, BC Parks has added over 2,000 campsites, with notable expansions in areas such as Rolley Lake, Fintry Park, and China Beach.
Around 500 of these new sites have been established in the Lower Mainland, including popular destinations like Cultus Lake and Golden Ears.
To ensure fair access, BC Parks enforces strict policies against ticket-scalping for campsite reservations.
“BC Parks has a principle of fair and equal access to camping, monitoring and responding quickly to any behaviors that violate that principle, including reselling reservations,” the ministry noted.
Any evidence of reservation reselling results in cancellations, emphasizing BC Parks’ commitment to equitable access for all users.
For industry professionals, these trends underscore the growing demand for high-quality camping experiences and infrastructure.
Business owners in the outdoor hospitality sector might consider diversifying offerings, such as mid-week or off-peak packages, to accommodate shifting demand patterns.
The ministry has also recommended travelers explore lesser-known campgrounds or take advantage of tools like the “Notify Me” email feature, which alerts users when reservations become available.
As camping and day-use visits continue to grow, BC Parks is expanding its day pass program for popular locations like Mount Seymour and Joffre Lakes.
This move provides insights into evolving visitor behaviors, presenting opportunities for operators to partner with BC Parks or create complementary experiences to enhance visitor satisfaction.