Campers pre-plan camping trips 365 days a year—so don’t wait to the week of your trip to book!

Vancouver, BC June 30, 2016 - As summer settles in throughout British Columbia, campgrounds across the province are seeing occupancy soar. It pays to plan and reserve ahead!

Last minute decision makers will find campgrounds located within two to three hours' distance of major cities such as Vancouver and Victoria very busy, especially on summer weekends. So here are some tips for picking the campground perfect for you:

• Determine how far you want to drive and the direction you wish to go in.
• Determine what activities you want to do and campground amenities you are looking for (example: lakefront, boating, hiking, washrooms, or a playground).
• Visit the Where to Camp page which plots over 1,500 campgrounds (BC Parks, Parks Canada, Private RV Parks/Campgrounds and front country Recreation Camping Sites) across the province.
• Select the type of campsite, region and amenities you are looking for and click search.  Look through the campgrounds that fit your criteria and narrow down your top choices.
• Phone or email the campground well in advance of your trip to ask any questions.
• Make your reservation by phone, email or online.
• If there are less than 7 days to plan your summer trip be prepared to contact multiple campgrounds to secure your spot and the likelihood of driving further.

Some Events and Things for Campers to Do This Summer

BC Parks Events List - see http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/events/calendar/#eventList. Check out the events in your community and if you have younger kids participate in Jerry's Search 'n Sketch - the Ultimate Scavenger Quest! See http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/events/scavenger-quest/

Camping Appreciation Weekend - see https://www.campingrvbc.com/camping-appreciation-weekend/. Mark the weekend of September 9th and 10th on your calendar, as campgrounds coast-to-coast participate in the 2016 Fall Camping Appreciation Weekend. Campers will be offered a special rate of two nights (Friday and Saturday) of $50.00 + GST at participating campgrounds.

Festivals & Events - British Columbia festivals and events are as diverse as its geography and residents. Form arts, to farmers markets, rodeos and cultural happenings - see http://www.hellobc.com/british-columbia/things-to-do/festivals-events.aspx

Learn-to-Camp Experiences with Parks Canada and Mountain Equipment Co-op - see http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/media/ltc-dlc/ltc-dlc08.aspx. Think you might want to experience the pleasure of camping overnight but just need a helping hand? Register for Parks Canada's Learn-to-Camp events.

Learn to Fish - see https://www.gofishbc.com/Events.aspx. In these 2 hour sessions you'll learn the basics of freshwater fishing including: hatchery roles, fish identification, tackle, rod rigging, casting, and hands-on fishing. This is a great activity for children and family involvement.

About the Camping and RVing British Columbia Coalition

The Camping and RVing BC Coalition was formed in 2008 with the support of Destination British Columbia to better position the provincial camping and RVing experience and to capitalize on the growth of nature-based tourism. Coalition members currently include BC Parks, BC Lodging & Campgrounds Association, Recreation Sites and Trails BC, RV Rental Association of Canada, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, the BC Society of Parks Facility Operators, Parks Canada, Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of British Columbia and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC.