Know Before You Go Camping in British Columbia.  Looking to plan your stay - map it today!

Camping Tips

Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or new to tent camping, being prepared and camping with care while exploring the outdoors is something we should all strive for, and in order to make your getaway a comfortable one it helps to know what you’re doing and have the proper gear.

Camping and RVing does become easier with experience but one can never predict nature’s elements and prep and packing checklists are always essential.

To help you to have the trip you hoped for, the Camping and RVing British Columbia Coalition has assembled various camping tips.

British Columbia has campsite options for all types of campers – from ‘glampers’ wanting full-service waterside resorts to outdoor enthusiasts seeking to tour the mountains. Need help finding a suitable campground? Visit our camping map to search out the location from which you’d like to start your adventure.


  • What Can We Do if it Rains While Camping?

    If in an RV you will have fewer worries about getting wet than if tenting. Tent campers should set up a tarp over the tent (for extra protection and run-off) and a dining tarp near the entrance before wet weather sets in. The dining tarp will allow for a dry area for food prep, eating and rainy-day activities. (Tip: When raining, do not touch the sides of the tent or allow gear to lean against the walls.) If staying at a campground, there may be a common room with planned activities, games, or to simply hang out in, particularly when the weather is poor.

    Storage and space/weight considering, campers can bring along music players or a small portable radio (tablets and personal phones of course store music). Note: Be mindful of others camping nearby when playing music. A deck of cards or compact board games, magazines and reading/trivia/activity books and story time are essen...

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  • What Can we do on Our Camping Trip?

    What you can do on a camping trip will depend on factors such as where you go and with whom, what season it is/what the weather is like and whether you have easy access to a vehicle. It will also depend on you/your fellow campers’ level(s) of spontaneity (‘planners’ may want a schedule while others may simply ‘wing it’).

    Explore

    Go for a hike, bike or scavenger/nature hunt, check out local shops, museums, activities and festivals, take a scenic drive, find a farmers’ market, berry pick or bird watch.

    Water Fun

    Bring your own watercraft and gear and/or check out the local watersports and what the campground or nearby operators have to offer. You can fish, swim, canoe, kayak, bodyboard, paddleboard or simply skip rocks. Waterskiing or tubing may also be options.

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  • Campfires in British Columbia

    For many campers a campfire is an intimate bond with nature that is linked to a set of unique traditions. For some, it recalls warm childhood memories of times spent with family roasting hotdogs and marshmallows. For others it means telling spooky stories or camping singalongs.

    Most campgrounds in British Columbia, whether privately owned, provincial parks, recreation sites (forestry sites), or national parks, allow campfires unless there is a fire restriction or ban brought on by windy or prolonged dry, hot conditions. Many serviced campgrounds sell kindling and firewood.

    Campfire Rules

    It is the campers’ responsibility to find out what areas have fire ...

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  • Wildfire Conditions & Campfire Bans

    British Columbia implements certain fire bans and restrictions when there are significant risks to its population and environment. There are three categories of fires that can be affected by restrictions: open fires, campfires and forest use.

    Before you embark on a trip you can check on any fire bans and restrictions in effect across the province. Such restrictions do not include areas which are within the boundaries of local government and subject to their bylaws – verify local policies before starting any fire. Note that in some wildlife management areas and conservation lands in BC campfires are never allowed. 

    BC Parks has a general information webpage on ...

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  • Tracking Air Quality of Wildfire Smoke & Other Irritants

    The air we breathe is so important. In fact, getting fresh air is one of the main reasons people go camping and RVing. Before you head out you may want to look into the air quality at your destination. 

    Wildfires, especially in the summer, are the main reason for reduced air quality in British Columbia but are not the only irritants that can effect air quality.

    Here are some helpful websites from which you can check on this across the province.

    The British Columbia government has a helpful webpage for current air quality data that allows users to search by geographic ‘Air Zone’, weather station name or via an interactive map.

    The government also has a webpage specific to the ...

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  • Wildfire Safety & Prevention Tips

    The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) defines a wildfire as “any natural caused or unplanned human-caused fire that is burning in and consumes natural fuels: forest, brush, tundra, grass, etc”.

    BC Parks has a webpage dedicated to the causes of wildfires and states that “the most important factor of person-caused fires is that they are preventable”.

    EMERGENCY PREP

    Upon arrival at a campsite make sure you verify the nearest evacuation route and map out how you will get there. (Often campgrounds only have one road in and out.) Confirm if the RV park/campground ...

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  • Camper’s Code

    PLEASE CAMP RESPONSIBLY: FOLLOW THE CAMPER’S CODE

    The campground industry invites and welcomes first-time and seasoned campers alike to come and enjoy British Columbia’s beautiful backyard; but, Know Before You Go – a little planning can keep you and your family safe and preserve our environment for future travellers; and please learn and practice the Camper’s Code to educate your family and others to help us all camp responsibly.

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  • How To Build A Campfire

    When building a campfire, always have the fire inside a designated fire pit or makeshift ring away from trees to protect the area from any danger of spreading. The key to a successful and safe campfire is to start small and gradually build it bigger so it remains contained at a controlled rate of burn. Never light a campfire or let it burn in windy conditions or leave a campfire unattended.

    Before starting, verify where your closest water source is and have a pail on hand, then clear away any twigs and leaves that could ignite from sparks. Keep a shovel or large stick nearby should you need to poke the logs or put out the fire. Note that in BC Parks, campfires must not be larger than a half a metre high and wide.

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  • Prep For Camping With Your Dog

    Zoey in the snow

    Dogs are precious ...

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  • Campgrounds For You and Your Dog

    Camping with a furry companion in the majestic outdoors is the ideal getaway for many dog owners and whether you explore British Columbia’s lush forests, semi-arid Interior, lakes or coastal beaches there are many campgrounds from which to choose. 

    Like any trip, planning is advisable and the first step is to decide on the type of setting that best suits you and your dog. British Columbia has over 1,500 campgrounds, which are divided into four unique camping experiences: private campgrounds and RV parks, provincial parks, recreation sites and national parks. All of them have their own guidelines and rules concerning pets and, specifically, dogs....

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