Know Before You Go Camping in British Columbia.  Looking to find winter camping?

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Winter Camping and RVing in British Columbia

There are those that want to “really” experience the winter outdoors – the true adventurists who avidly enjoy winter activities and must camp in a tent. Then there are those who want the comfort of an RV but still enjoy the challenge of winter.  The Camping and RVing BC Coalition has created a landing page featuring over 140 campgrounds and RV Parks https://www.campingrvbc.com/winter/ that are open for business for the winter RVer!

Winter RVing in British Columbia is a one-of-a-kind experience. Waking up in a winter wonderland of snow while warm and cozy under a nice warm duvet in your winterized RV is many peoples dream. After breakfast you can get your winter snow togs on and be on your favourite ski hill or cross-country trail, beach hike or ice fishing hole in a matter of minutes!

Winter RVers come in two main groups – the snowbirds and the winter activity enthusiasts. The snowbird group are looking to get away from the cold and long winters in other parts of Canada from November to March and travel particularly to the West Coast and Southern BC Interior.  The winter sport enthusiasts generally enjoy short-stay weekends or week-long getaways around winter activities.

Need an RV Rental?

A number of rental fleets are offering winter rentals of their motorhomes. Canadream advertises that their motorhomes are “built for Canadian winter conditions with double pane windows and are equipped with a high efficiency furnace, generator, four coach batteries, interior winter cab blanket, and insulated and heated water and holding tanks”.

For winter rental rates and other information, see Canadream Winter RV Rentals.

Other rental fleets include Best Time RV, Cruise Canada and Fraserway RV Rentals – see https://www.campingrvbc.com/winter/

Winter RVing Blogs

Need more information on what to expect when winter camping? Our blogs, written by winter camping enthusiasts like you, contain great information on their winter experiences, from the first time RVer’s perspective to great places to visit; and some advice on winter things to do. https://www.campingrvbc.com/category/activities/winter-activities/

Winter RVing Tips

Here are some winter tips from our friends at Go RVing Canada – more tips are available on the camping and RVing BC Coalition winter page – check out the blogs at https://www.campingrvbc.com/category/camping-and-rving/rv-how-tos/

  • Always have enough bed quilts and winter clothing around so that everyone can easily live through a furnace failure even if stranded by weather for several days.
  • Park your RV in the sun whenever possible. You’ll be amazed at how much a good winter sun can heat up your RV.
  • Park your RV on support boards. These boards will prevent your RV tires from “sinking” when the ground thaws.
  • If electricity is not a problem, use electric blankets at night to save on propane. Also, using a 1500-watt electric heater or 1500-watt ceramic mini heater will also save on propane and wear and tear of the furnace.
  • Make sure that the heat tape you buy can be crossed over itself, as this will provide the most efficient seal.
  • If you have a motorized RV, check your batteries for water level and periodically start your engine to keep everything in good running order.
  • To keep your RV battery charged, consider getting a solar panel system or an inverter.

Let’s go Camping! Upcoming Annual Events:

  • Mark your calendar for May 21 to May 26, 2019 to participate in next year’s annual event celebrating the RVing and camping lifestyle – Canadian RV and Camping Week.
  • Mark the weekend of September 6-8, 2019 on your calendar, as Canadian campgrounds coast-to-coast participate in the 2019 Camping Appreciation Weekend.

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About the Camping and RVing British Columbia Coalition

The Camping and RVing BC Coalition was formed in 2008 with the support of Destination 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, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, Kootenay Rockies Tourism, BC Society of Parks Facility Operators, Parks Canada, Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of British Columbia and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC.

Media Contact
Joss Penny
Chair, Camping and RVing BC Coalition
778-383-1036

Anglers and Campers Unite to MAP Campsites and Fishing in Northern BC

Angler’s Atlas and the Camping & RVing BC Coalition have teamed up to help anglers plan their next camping trip! A new Camping BC tab has been added to the Angler’s Atlas website.

Submitted by member Jessica Tricker "A picture from our amazing week long backcountry canoe trip in the beautiful Bowron Lake Canoe circuit in BC."

Submitted by member Jessica Tricker
“A picture from our amazing week long backcountry canoe trip in the beautiful Bowron Lake Canoe circuit in BC.”

Whether you’re looking to park your RV or pitch a tent, there are thousands of campsites close to fishing lakes to choose from. It’s the most affordable way to outsmart the fish and enjoy a one-of-a-kind stay in nature.

Now Northern BC Anglers can find camping information tied to their fishing lake of choice for:

  • Private Campgrounds & RV Parks
  • Provincial Parks
  • Recreational Sites

Sean Simmons President, Angler’s Atlas elaborates “Angler’s Atlas caters to people who love to fish by giving them free fishing maps. Working with Camping and RV in BC, we’ve matched nearby campgrounds with our fishing destinations. We know anglers also love camping, so let’s make it easier for them to plan their trip.”

Joss Penny, Chair, Camping and RVing BC Coalition explained the partnership “British Columbia is considered a lake fishing paradise and our studies show how many campers’ fish. There are thousands of lakes scattered across the province and Anglers Atlas focuses on those that are accessible to the majority of angler’s, that is why teaming up with camping to find a place to stay near lakes makes sense”

This is a three year program to help integrate camping and fishing information. This first phase focuses on camping in Northern BC targeting underutilized campgrounds. Over the next few years partnership will expand that coverage for all campgrounds across BC.

About the Camping and RVing British Columbia Coalition
The Camping and RVing BC Coalition was formed in 2008 with the support of Destination 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, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, Kootenay Rockies Tourism, Tourism Prince George, BC Society of Parks Facility Operators, Parks Canada, Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of British Columbia and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC.

Media Contacts

Joss Penny, Chair, Camping and RVing BC Coalition – 778-383-1036
Sean Simmons, President, Angler’s Atlas – 250-613-7727

2017 Fall Camping Appreciation Weekend – September 8-9, 2017

Port Moody, BC. On September 8 – 9, 2017 privately operated campgrounds coast-to-coast are participating in the 2017 Fall Camping Appreciation Weekend to celebrate the camping and RVing lifestyle!

Camping is an affordable family activity that promotes a sense of community, creates lifelong memories and encourages Canadians and International visitors to discover Canada’s rich landscape and engage with nature.

The Camping Appreciation Weekend is a new national initiative coordinated by the Canadian Camping and RV Council and supported by the Camping and RVing BC Coalition to say thank you to campers for their patronage over the summer.

Campers can access a special weekend stay offer of two-nights camping for either $50, $60 or $70 at participating campgrounds (Sep 8-9/Fri-Sat). As well as the weekend offer, many campgrounds are offering promotional stays of “Five Nights for the price of Four” around the weekend (check the listing offers).

British Columbia Camping Appreciation Weekend Participants:

Create Memories …. Go Camping!

About the Camping and RVing British Columbia Coalition
The Camping and RVing BC Coalition was formed in 2008 with the support of Destination 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, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, Kootenay Rockies Tourism, BC Society of Parks Facility Operators, Parks Canada, Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of British Columbia and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC.

Media Contact
Joss Penny
Chair, Camping and RVing BC Coalition
778-383-1036

Camping Etiquette – Let’s Camp with Respect

Vancouver, BC August 2, 2017 – Camping is enjoyed by 22% of the Canadian population and people congregate at supervised campgrounds to enjoy the outdoors and pursue recreational activities. It is important to remember that camping is a shared activity in common space so packing your brain along with the tent or RV is not advised.  Shared space means shared responsibility and extending courtesy to fellow campers.

Rude loud neighbours playing music and hooping or hollering can dampen the mood, as can small children up at 5:00 am screaming as they play. These incidences can be reported to the operator and handled promptly.

But it’s the little things that annoy the most such as people cutting through the campsite you have rented or people carelessly discarding cigarette butts despite a province-wide campfire ban or spits strewn around the gravel base of the rented campsite or garbage bins overflowing with waste that could be recycled at home or generators running all day or tarp spikes in all the trees. To address these campgrounds have rules, but there is also a camping etiquette preached and followed by avid campers.

The Camping and RVing Coalition promotes the following behavioral tips as an unwritten etiquette for all campers in British Columbia to follow please visit https://www.campingrvbc.com/how/camping-rules/etiquette/

Others have come up with their own variants of etiquette but it is safe to end by saying it is all our responsibility to camp with “Respect”.

Still Looking for your August Camping Fix?

Last minute decision makers will find campgrounds located within three to four hours’ distance of major cities such as Vancouver and Victoria very busy, especially on summer weekends. However, reserving a campsite isn’t out of the question but be prepared that you might not get that coveted spot beside the water and the search might take longer than expected.

Camping Appreciation Weekend

Alternatively skip the buzz of the August crowd altogether and instead, hit the road the second weekend in September. Campgrounds across Canada participate in the Fall Camping Appreciation Weekend as a thank-you to campers for camping in British Columbia, offering a special rate of two nights (Friday and Saturday) for either $50, $60, $70 or $80 + GST depending on services. To view participating campgrounds click here.

Know Before You Go – Wildfires

As you may know, some areas of British Columbia are currently dealing with wildfires. However, British Columbia is a very large and diverse province, and there are many areas that are not impacted and are open for business. If you are currently visiting our province or planning a trip, please check out these resources compiled by Destination BC for the latest information.

Create Memories …. Go Camping!

About the Camping and RVing British Columbia Coalition
The Camping and RVing BC Coalition was formed in 2008 with the support of Destination 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, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, Kootenay Rockies Tourism, BC Society of Parks Facility Operators, Parks Canada, Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of British Columbia and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC.

Media Contact

Joss Penny
Chair, Camping and RVing BC Coalition
778-383-1036

Booking Tips for Last Minute Campers

Vancouver, BC June 26, 2017 – As summer settles in throughout British Columbia, public and private campgrounds across the province quickly fill up, a process that started in the dark winter days of January. You may be planning at the eleventh hour, but you can still plan.

Last minute decision makers will find campgrounds located within three to four hours’ distance of major cities such as Vancouver and Victoria very busy, especially on summer weekends. However, reserving a campsite isn’t out of the question but be prepared that you might not get that coveted spot beside the water and the search might take longer than expected.

Joss Penny, Chair, Camping and RVing BC Coalition says “typically we see an increase of campers during summer weekends and it can be challenging to secure a spot at your favourite campground. I always recommend planning ahead and making a reservation.

Penny recommends “that campers will have more luck if they have three or more location choices planned in advance before securing a campsite.”  The Camping and RVing BC Coalition has some tips for finding a campground and site that that meets your needs:

  1. Determine how far you want to drive and the direction you wish to go in.
  2. Determine what activities you want to do and campground amenities you are looking for (example: lakefront, boating, hiking, washrooms, or a playground).
  3. Visit the Where to Camp page which plots over 1,500 campgrounds (BC Parks, Parks Canada, private RV Parks/Campgrounds and front country Recreation Camping Sites) across the province.
  4. Select the type of campsite, region and amenities you are looking for and click search.  Look through the campgrounds that fit your criteria and narrow down your top choices.
  5. Phone or email the campground well in advance of your trip to ask any questions.
  6. Make your reservation by phone, email or online.
  7. Even popular sites often have a few spots available mere days out from major holidays, so it doesn’t hurt to check.
  8. If there are less than 7 days to plan your summer trip be prepared to contact multiple campgrounds to secure your spot and the likelihood of driving further.
  9. Finding sites four or less hours from major urban centres is difficult on summer weekends so look to travel 6 – 8 hours
  10. Wet summers create availability so last minute travellers can often find spaces.
  11. Camp Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in high demand areas.
  12. Travel through the North Cariboo region or Northern BC as many sites are available on a nightly drop in basis.
  13. Arrive at campgrounds mid-week to secure first come first serve sites for the weekend.
  14. Piggyback with friends as many campgrounds allow up to four adults per site.

Create Memories …. Go Camping!

About the Camping and RVing British Columbia Coalition
The Camping and RVing BC Coalition was formed in 2008 with the support of Destination 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, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, Kootenay Rockies Tourism, BC Society of Parks Facility Operators, Parks Canada, Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of British Columbia and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC.

Media Contact

Joss Penny
Chair, Camping and RVing BC Coalition
778-383-1036

No reservation and still searching for a campsite in BC for August?

Vancouver, BC, July 31, 2016, The August weather forecast is warm and sunny, so ideal for camping.  However, demand for camping spots has reached an all-time high in 2016 with many locals staying home due to the US exchange rate, a strong inflow from European visitors and the return of Americans taking advantage of cheap exchange rates and lower fuel costs.  Fortunately, British Columbia has a large and diverse campground industry to absorb the demand.

Joss Penny, Chair, Camping and RVing BC Coalition says “typically we see an increase of campers during August weekends and it can be challenging to secure a spot at your favourite campground. I recommend planning ahead with a reservation.

Many private sector campgrounds also hold back a number of sites for last minute drop-ins or you can be lucky and catch a site that has been cancelled.  It is also common to have overflow campsites on grassy or paved areas, without services, that can accommodate guests who are free spirited and just arrive.

For campers who want to camp at a first come, first serve campsite, such as a Recreation Site or Provincial Campground, our advice is arrive as soon as you can, even as early as Wednesday before a weekend to obtain a site.  BC Parks on Discover Camping – operates an availability list that appears once reservable dates are entered and a search initiated. Similarly Parks Canada – operates site availability through its online reservation system at https://reservation.pc.gc.ca/.

Alternatively skip the buzz of the August crowd altogether and instead, hit the road for the September 9 – 10 weekend. Campgrounds across Canada will participate in the Fall Camping Appreciation Weekend as a thank-you to campers for camping in British Columbia, offering a special rate of two nights (Friday and Saturday) at $50.00 + GST. To view participating campgrounds click here.

British Columbia’s backyard provides campers and RVers with numerous choices of maintained camping sweet spots. Over 1,500 campgrounds are located throughout the provinces pristine outdoors, and just waiting to accommodate the varying needs of campers with sites ranging from rustic to full service.

There are four unique camping experiences to choose from and their locations are all plotted on an interactive google map at https://www.campingrvbc.com/camping/

  • Privately operated campgrounds and RV parks (including municipal campgrounds)
  • National campgrounds (Parks Canada)
  • Provincial campgrounds (BC Parks)
  • Recreation Sites and Trails BC (operated by the provincial government)

Create Memories …. Go Camping!

About the Camping and RVing British Columbia Coalition
The Camping and RVing BC Coalition was formed in 2008 with the support of Destination British Columbia to better position the provincial camping and RVing experience and to capitalize on the growth of nature-based tourism. Coalition partners currently include BC Parks, BC Lodging & Campgrounds Association, Recreation Sites and Trails BC, RV Rental Association of Canada, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, Kootenay Rockies Tourism, BC Society of Parks Facility Operators, Parks Canada, Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of British Columbia and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC.

Media Contact

Joss Penny
Chair, Camping and RVing BC Coalition
778-383-1036

Published: July 31st, 2016

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