Early birds get the campsites as updated B.C. reservation system opens

People using B.C.’s updated camping reservation system Tuesday sailed through the process, but the website’s true test will likely come in a few weeks, when it’s possible to book sites for the May long weekend.

More than 3,600 reservations were made by the end of opening day, with Porteau Cove topping the list of the province’s most popular campgrounds, according to a statement from the Ministry of Environment. Within 30 minutes of opening, 5,000 people were online and 1,900 reservations had been made.

In a change from previous years, campsites can be booked four months in advance this year, instead of two months, meaning the most coveted spots at the busiest times of the year were not available Tuesday.

When they are, campers may once again find themselves disappointed by the discrepancy between supply and demand, said Louise Pedersen, executive director of the Outdoor Recreation Council of B.C.

While the camping reservation website has been improved, it can still be difficult to secure a reservation in the most popular parks and those closest to urban areas, she said. “The system also doesn’t do enough for people who want to camp but can’t plan four months in advance.”