Vancouver, BC, May 12, 2011 – As the May long weekend approaches eager campers are digging out their tents and coolers or servicing their RV’s as they look forward to spending time in the great outdoors. Before campers hit the road the Camping and RV BC Coalition (CRVBCC) has a few reminders that will help make the summer camping season a fun and safe experience for everyone.

The CRVBCC website provides everything from ”How to Camp” tips and etiquette to an interactive google map that plots over 1,100 campgrounds and outstanding freshwater fishing opportunities on numerous lakes stocked by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. Campers can now easily find in one location all four different types of campgrounds located in British Columbia including: BC Parks, Parks Canada, privately operated campgrounds and Recreation Sites and Trails BC.

“Camping is all about tuning out from the fast-paced world and enjoying nature but it’s important to be prepared for the unexpected,” said Joss Penny, CRVBCC Chair and Executive Director of the BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association. “A little planning and research can make all the difference between a good camping vacation and a great camping vacation.”

The Camping and RV BC Coalition would like to remind campers to:

  • Ensure your vehicle is in good working condition
  • Pack appropriate tents and/or gear for the type of camping you’re doing
  • Bring a first aid kit
  • Check the weather report
  • Let someone know where you’re going, the general route you plan to take and when you will be returning
  • Take a cell phone with you
  • Use good camping etiquette and respect other campers
  • Be prepared to encounter wildlife
  • Build fires in designated areas, don’t leave them unattended and make sure they are properly extinguished when you leave
  • Dispose of trash and recycling properly, and according to campground regulations
  • Store food items in an appropriate manner, as determined by the campground
  • Reserve your campsite early to avoid disappointments as popular campgrounds fill up very quickly in the high season especially over long weekends

For more tips and detailed information on camping in BC please visit www.campingrvbc.com/.

For anyone that has a tough time leaving the comforts of home travelling by RV is an excellent option that still allows people to get away and spend time in the great outdoors. The luxury of RV travel is especially appealing to older travellers or people with disabilities who cannot always handle the challenges of tent camping.

About the Camping and RVing British Columbia Coalition

The Camping and RVing British Columbia Coalition was formed with the support of Tourism British Columbia to better position the provincial camping and RVing experience and to capitalize on the growth of nature-based tourism. Coalition members currently include BC Parks, BC Lodging & Campgrounds Association, Recreation Sites and Trails BC, RV Rental Association of Canada, Northern BC Tourism Association, The BC Society of Parks Facility Operators, Parks Canada, Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of British Columbia and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC.