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March 07, 2015 - 9:38 AM
THOMPSON-OKANAGAN - Camping enthusiasts can set their alarms for the 9 a.m. opening of the online camping reserve system, Sunday, March 15.
The interactive reservation website displays availability, layout and amenities for 115 front country campgrounds in 99 provincial parks. Reservations can also be made on the go using smartphones, but you aren't limited to the internet if you want to reserve a spot at one of the province's parks. The service can also be accessed by calling 1-800-689-9025 and it costs $5, plus tax.
There are a few new camping options for the 2015 season. Juniper Lake, Whiskers Point, Kootenay Lake and Summit Lake provincial parks each have spaces available. As well, Mount Robson and Kentucky Alleyne provincial parks are offering more campsites than ever.
Following the discovery of a burial ground, two parks in the south Okanagan area, Haynes Point and Okanagan Falls, will be managed by the Osoyoos Indand Band, with the same recreational opportunities offered as before. Both should be open by April 1 for the camping season. Haynes Point will be on the Discover Camping sytem. Okanagan Falls remains a first-come, first-serve campground.
There are a few things to note while making summer camping plans.
Some campgrounds on the reservation system are 100 per cent reservable, while others offer first-come, first-served sites, so make sure you double check before heading out.
Bookings for group sites are available up to 12 months in advance of the arrival date.
There is a non-refundable reservation charge is $6 per night, up to a maximum of $18, plus tax, per party, per campsite.
Parking is free in all provincial parks making them more accessible to families.
Backcountry permits are also available through B.C. Park's Backcountry Registration System.
To contact the reporter for this story, email Shelley Jordan at sjordan@infonews.ca or call 250-491-0331. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2015