There is going to be a camping season in the Thompson and Okanagan this year, but it won't be starting until June 1, as the province reopens provincial parks and recreation areas in a staged manner.Most parks are open for day use only as of May 14.

(CHARLOTTE HELSTON / iNFOnews.ca)

B.C. Parks and recreational sites will start re-opening beginning May 14, but it will be June before you’ll be able to stay overnight at a provincial campsite.

A graduated startup of the province’s parks and forestry campgrounds was announced Wednesday, May 6, with some facilities opening for day use on May 14, in time for the long weekend.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy says provincial parks and recreational sites, including beaches, picnic areas, outhouses and boat launches will be first to open, but for day use only.

No overnight camping will be permitted until June 1, when most, but not all parks and recreational sites will open for camping.

Group campsites will continue to remain closed until further notice.

The province plans to open washrooms and toilet facilities in day-use parks but washrooms and shower buildings in campgrounds will be phased in with appropriate safety measures in place as campgrounds reopen.

The ministry advises campers to check with the applicable park page for updates and details regarding washroom availability.

Campers will be able to access the province’s online reservation system beginning May 25 to accept camping reservations, but not all campgrounds are expected to re-open at that time. Campers should check the B.C. Parks website for re-opening dates of specific parks.

The ministry says to expect some changes at provincial facilities, including additional spacing between campsites and limitations on the number of guests to ensure physical distancing.

The ministry is also encouraging campers to stay close to home when choosing a campground this summer.

Backcountry cabins will remain closed.

Park facilities that will remain off limits include places where people gather or are in contact with frequently touched surfaces, including overnight shelters, back country cabins, day use shelters and other infrastructure.

Ministry spokesperson Jeremy Uppenborn says a wide range of information is available to the public on the ministry's website through a frequently asked questions forum.

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