The BC government has announced that camping fees will be increased for the first time in a decade.
Furthermore, an additional surcharge is being introduced for campers in BC Parks from outside of the province.
According to the Province, the general camping fees in BC Parks are being increased due to the stresses and financial burdens that have come with record visitation, escalating operating costs and the growing impacts of extreme weather.
The new surcharge for out-of-province campers and updated fees are meant to offset these costs.
However, not all parks fees will be increased, just the 59 most high-demand frontcountry parks will see an increase whereas the remaining 388 parks’ fees will remain unchanged.
“By renewing the parks and recreation system, we are creating a more sustainable operating model that strengthens stewardship and long-term protections of the natural spaces people cherish,” said Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks.
According to the Province, BC Parks website has seen a 30% increase in traffic over the past six years. It now averages over 27 million visits annually.
The Province says they have been trying to keep up with demand by investing more into the parks, but having additional revenue generated from the parks’ campers themselves will help ease the financial burden of expansion and upkeep.
The increase to general fees will come as an average increase of $13.29 per night during the summer and 40 cents per night during shoulder season.
This will result in a new average nightly rate of $42.91 in the summer and $30.81 in shoulder season.
The last time these fees were updated was 2016.
Out-of-province camper fees will be implemented as an additional $20 flat rate charge.
This will come into effect on May 15th and will apply to those staying in frontcountry campgrounds, taking trips to backcountry parks, renting a cabin and using mooring buoys or docks.
The Province says that residency will be determined by the home address people provide when making a reservation or arriving at a campsite that’s first come, first served.
Since 2017, approximately $200 million has been put towards campground expansions, accessibility improvements, upgrades to trails, parking and facilities.
Additionally, nearly $27 million has gone to repairing infrastructure damaged by severe weather.
For a full list of the parks with updated fees, visit BC Parks’ website.
