British Columbia offers breathtaking natural scenery, diverse wildlife, and numerous outdoor activities and cultural events including hiking, fishing, cycling, and attending farmers markets or museums.
For a first-time camper, it’s a chance to immerse yourself in nature, disconnect from technology, and experience the serenity of the wilderness but also enjoy some culture.
There are four types of camping experiences to choose from and they offer a mix of frontcountry and backcountry access. Frontcountry means an area within 1 km of a park road or a highway. Frontcountry campgrounds are accessible by vehicle, and they offer a range of amenities not available in more remote locations. Backcountry campgrounds are still mainly vehicle accessible (some are hike in only) but usually on gravel or forestry roads and are more remote with limited facilities.
Choosing the right campsite and doing the research, you must consider factors such as location, amenities, scenery, and activities available. The map located on https://www.campingrvbc.com/camping/ allows users to search and locate over 1,700 campgrounds offering unique camping experiences. Here is an overview of the opportunities.
Private RV Parks
In British Columbia, you can enjoy a variety of amenities at more than 300 of BC’s private sector RV parks/campgrounds that are well-maintained, accessible, and enjoyable for all levels of campers.
British Columbia’s independently owned and operated campgrounds provide services and facilities to suit every lifestyle and budget. Whether you prefer a full-service site with electrical, water and sewer hook-up, a limited-service site with just electrical and/or water, or perhaps a basic site for your tent or tent-trailer, you will find lots to choose from throughout all regions of BC and within all the terrains that this stunning province has to offer. Camp by a lake, on a river, at the foot of a mountain, or under a canopy of tall trees in the forest, it’s all here in BC.
Glamping
Don’t have your own home away from home? That is not a problem, as quite a few campgrounds offer “Glamping” – the opportunity to drive up in your own vehicle and rent an RV, Yurt or Cabin, or as some call it, “Ready to Camp units.” Reservations are always recommended as this type of vacation is popular. Most private sector businesses offer online reservation capability and many allow bookings up to 12 months in advance.
Parks Canada (National Campgrounds)
Parks Canada is responsible for protecting nationally significant examples of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage. They operate seven national parks in British Columbia that offer camping, of which four have glamping oTENTiks.
A great option for beginners, frontcountry campgrounds may include:
- washrooms with showers
- kitchen shelters
- electrical
- water hookups
- Wi-Fi access zones
Check first.
Parks Canada operates a reservation service that opens early in the new year but also has a selection of first-come-first-served campsites. Reservations are recommended as the demand is high in peak periods. National parks include: Kootenay National Park, Pacific Rim National Park and Mount Revelstoke National Park.
BC Parks (Provincial Campgrounds)
If it’s more wilderness that you seek, then BC Parks is your answer, which has over 1,050 Provincial Parks consisting of nearly 20,000 campsites, that include recreation areas, conservancies, ecological reserves and protected areas. There are Front Country, walk-in and Marine-acccessible campsites, as well as 39 group campgrounds. Some even have amenities like water, power and sewer hookups in high demand areas. If you’re venturing into BC’s backcountry, always ensure you camp safely and responsibly and refer to a backcountry guide for more information.
Know the Camper’s Code
All campground operators have rules and a behaviour etiquette, but the industry has endorsed the Camper’s Code as an approach to develop a friendly camping culture.
The camper’s code has 9 rules that are really easy to follow. When all campers follow them, camping is enjoyable for all, nature stays pristine, fellow campers become friends and animals stay wild and free. TAKE THE PLEDGE today and link to https://www.camperscode.com/#pledge
Whatever you have for a first-time experience, take the time to sit and see the wildlife and listen to the sounds of camping, because “It’s always a great day to #CampinBC”.
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To find camping accommodations throughout British Columbia go to https://www.campingrvbc.com/
Share your BC camping and travel photos at hashtag #campinbc
It’s always a great day to #campinbc
