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A trip to one of
the magnificent provincial or national parks of British Columbia can
provide the visitor with lifelong memories of a wonderful time spent
exploring the best in outdoor adventure that BC has to offer.
This experience can be greatly enhanced by heeding the few simple
and necessary rules implemented to ensure the safety and enjoyment
of all who visit BC's parks.
Frequently
Asked Questions - Recreation Information
How many
vehicles are allowed per campsite?
BC Parks charges on a per-party basis. Due to wear and tear, maintenance
and conservation factors within our parks, limits must be placed
on the party size - the number
of people and vehicles each campsite can accommodate. Each camping
party is allowed:
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One vehicle
and trailer (including towed vehicle). Either one (but not both)
may be an RV. |
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A second
vehicle (non-RV) may be allowed on site for an additional
nightly charge of 1/2 the campsite fee. |
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Note: A
towed vehicle is not considered a second vehicle. |
Are generators allowed in provincial parks?
Generator use is permitted between the hours of 9am – 11am and from
6pm – 8pm. This policy was created to help reduce air pollution,
greenhouse gas emissions, fuel consumption and noise levels. Get
more information about this policy.
Does BC Parks have a policy on vehicle idling?
As of July 2010, BC Parks has implemented an Idle Free policy in
provincial parks. This policy applies to vehicles and boats moored
within the boundaries of a protected area. Get
more information about this policy.
What is the
maximum number of people allowed per campsite?
A maximum of eight persons including children (15 years of age and
younger). At least one member of the party must be 16 years of age
or older. BC Parks camping party definition states:
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One
to four persons 16 years of age or older. |
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A
maximum of eight persons including children (15 years of age
and younger). |
What are the camping, parking and other user fees for provincial
parks?
For more information about the provincial park user fees, click
here for details.
When are
the gates closed?
Gates are opened at 7:00 am and closed at 11:00 p.m. Please respect
other campers' rights to enjoy a peaceful camping experience.
Are pets allowed in a Provincial Park?
Domestic pets are not permitted in all parks - please check specific
parks for details. In those that allow them, domestic animals must
be kept on a leash (no longer than 2 metres - about 6 1/2 feet)
or in a vehicle, at all times. Domestic animals are NOT ALLOWED
in beach areas or park buildings unless designated by sign. You
are responsible for the behaviour of any domestic animal you bring
into a park and must dispose of its excrement in a manner that does
not inconvenience or annoy other park visitors.
Is the area
patrolled by security or parks personnel to watch for noisy parties,
vandals etc.?
In some parks, depending on the service level of the park, there
is either a full-time security presence or a part-time security
presence provided by the campground facility officer.
How long
can I stay in a Provincial Park?
While there are a few exceptions, in most parks, there is a 14 days
per calendar year maximum stay policy in effect. Haynes Point is
7 days due to the high demand, and a few parks have a long-stay
policy in effect, please see the individual park pages for specific
details.
What is winter
camping and where is it available?
Certain parks within the park system offer year-round camping opportunities.
Generally, the services provided during the off-season are minimal,
and a camping fee may be charged, depending on the particular park.
How
can I make a campground reservation?
To make a campground reservation online, contact Discover
Camping or call the Discover Camping reservation service toll-free
at 1-800-689-9025 (1-604-689-9025 in Greater Vancouver). A $5.00
surcharge applies for reservations made through the call centre.
More information on provincial park campground
reservations and a list of parks that accept reservations.
What
is the maximum size vehicle or trailer that can use a campsite?
Based on the size of each campground, an interested party should
contact the appropriate BC Parks District office or nearest Visitor
Centre to verify if the specific campsite they are visiting can
accommodate their large motorhomes or trailers. A vehicle or trailer
must fit comfortably on the campsite without damaging the site or
inconveniencing other campers. Parking is permitted only in designated
areas and on the gravel portion of campsites. Parking is not permitted
on roadsides.
Frequently
Asked Questions - Conservation Information
Are
firearms and hunting allowed in parks?
No person shall possess or discharge a firearm, bow or crossbow
in a park or recreation area except during an open season as specified
under the Wildlife Act or as authorized. Hunting is permitted in
some parks where park management deems it to be appropriate. More
Hunting and Trapping Information.
What kind
of activities in BC Parks require a permit or permission?
For information on access, uses and/or commercial activities in
parks, ecological reserves and protected areas that require an approved
permit or permission, visit the page on BC
Park Use Permits and Ecological Reserve Permits.
Can I pick
mushrooms in a provincial park?
Mushroom picking is prohibited in Provincial Parks as per Sections
10(2) and 32(1) of the Park, Conservancy and Recreation Area Regulations.
Frequently
Asked Questions - Other
| What
are the applicable camping ethics and regulations? |
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Campfires
may not be permitted in all parks. Some parks may use communal
fire rings. |
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Keep your
campfire small - leaving your campfire unattended is a serious
offense. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don't
gather firewood from the area around your campsite. |
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Please
help conserve firewood. |
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Excessive
noise is not permitted. Please remember that sound travels further
in open areas, especially music and loud talking. |
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Liquor
consumption is prohibited anywhere in the park, with the exception
of your campsite. |
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Bicycles
may only be ridden on park roads and on designated trails. Consult
the park host, park brochure or information shelters for information
about nearby cycling opportunities. |
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Swimming
areas protect swimmers within marker buoys; lifeguards are not
in attendance. All watercraft and water-skiers must stay outside
markers. |
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Trees and
shrubs are easily damaged - please do not use them for wiener
sticks. |
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Leave flowers
and others plants to grow. |
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Trails
are planned to take you safely through the most interesting
and beautiful parts of our parks without damaging sensitive
and unique plant and wildlife habitats. Please stay on the trails. |
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To avoid
problems with bears, please lock your food in your vehicle at
night. Be sure to use the garbage containers provided and maintain
a clean campsite. Never feed or approach bears. |
What
should I know about border crossings into Canada?
See information
on Borders and Customs.
What regulations apply to Vehicles and Vehicle Towing?
See
information on Driving in
British Columbia.
Enjoy your visit, and remember that you must leave the park totally
undamaged if future generations are to enjoy their visits to our
parks.
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