Camping is one of the most popular recreational activities in British Columbia, and campgrounds in BC are as varied as the wonderful terrain in which they are located. Campers can pitch tents in private campgrounds, in BC Recreation Campsites located on Crown land outside of parks, and alongside lakes or rivers, but the real camping highlight is a space in one of British Columbia’s magnificent provincial or national park campgrounds!

Private Campgrounds and Camping Services


Provincial Park Campgrounds and Reservations

Information on provincial park campgrounds for which a reservation service is available, park campsites for which no reservations are possible, and how to reserve a provincial park campsite by phone or online.

National Park Campgrounds and Reservations

There are seven national parks in British Columbia, all offer Frontcountry Camping, Backcountry Camping, Huts and Cabins, and Winter Camping. Reservations can be made for camping in three of them: Gulf Islands National Park, Kootenay National Park, and Pacific Rim National Park.

Camping on Crown Land in BC Recreation Sites

Camping is also available at any of more than 1,100 recreation campgrounds situated on Crown land outside of provincial or national parks that have been made available for recreational use. The sites are rustic, usually small (less than 10 vehicle units), and located near lakes and rivers, blending in with the natural surroundings. Although these sites do not offer sophisticated amenities, such as power hook-ups and piped water, they include basic sanitary facilities, fire rings, picnic tables, and boat launch ramps where appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about parks and campgrounds in British Columbia, including regulations on vehicles per campsite, vehicle and trailer size, people per campsite, length of stay, campground reservations, generators, vehicle idling, gate times, pets, security, noise, winter camping, firearms and hunting, permits, mushroom picking, campfires, firewood, bicycles, and bear safety.

Provincial Park User Fees

Information on fees for camping, additional vehicles, camping and picnicking at group sites, fees for seniors and persons with disabilities, volunteer fee exemptions, payment of fees, check-in and check-out times, hours of operation, and the backcountry registration system.

Recreation: Camping Information