Camping fees climb
As British Columbians brace for a wide range of fee and tax increases this year, the provincial government announced that it is adding one more to the list.
The cost of camping in BC’s provincial parks is going up as of March 15.
Camping fees are being increased, between $2 to $5 per night for frontcountry campgrounds. The intent is to raise $1.3 million this year to pay for the increased costs of maintaining parks, according to a ministry of environment press release.
Campers at Saltery Bay Provincial Park can expect to pay $20 per night plus $5 for sani system use, while those at Inland Lake will have three different fees: $18 for frontcountry camping, $15 for cabin, and $5 for backcountry per night. Okeover Arm frontcountry is also $18. Backcountry camping in Desolation Sound, the Copeland Islands and Malaspina will remain at $5 per night.
According to the ministry, the last system-wide camping fee increase took place in 2010. There are no increases to fees for sani stations, mooring buoys, backcountry camping, picnic shelters, or group camping.
According to BC Parks, the province invested $60 million in park facilities, and has approximately $700 million in infrastructure that requires maintenance.
For a complete list of campgrounds and updated fees, readers can visit http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/fees/userfees.pdf. Campsite registration opens March 15.
