How do you reserve a campsite in a Provincial Park?

Please contact BC Parks (www.camping.bcparks.ca or 1-800-689-9025) to reserve a campsite from May to September (Labour Day weekend). Reservations can be made up to four (4) months in advance and up to two (2) days prior to your arrival date. Individual park pages list reservable dates as they vary in some parks.

What does FCFS mean?

FCFS, first-come first-served means we sell campsites that are either not on the reservation service or reserved sites that are not booked that evening, at the campsite. These sites are obtained by arriving in person, ready to camp. Check individual park pages for operational dates; park may be open but campsites are not reserved yet, therefore available sites are sold on a FCFS basis.

When is check out time? 

You must check out before 11:00 am. Thank you!

When am I allowed to operate my generator?

Generator use is permitted in vehicle accessible campsites between the hours of 9:00-11:00 am and from 6:00-8:00 pm. This BC Park policy was created to help reduce air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, fuel consumption and noise levels.

When can I arrive to the park for my reservation OR obtain a FCFS campsite?

Check in for campsite reservations are available beginning at 1:00 pm until gates close at 11:00 pm. Contact our Head Office at [email protected] to notify us if you are arriving either past 11:00 pm at night or if you cannot arrive for your reservation date by the next morning at 11:00 am. 

There is information available online about Provincial Parks but I am confused which website to follow. Please clarify?

BC Parks website (www.bcparks.ca) is the official website for the provincial parks, including reservations, park information, pricing and Park Operator contact information. This website is updated regularly.

BC Parks Reservations (www.camping.bcparks.ca) is the reservation service for Provincial Parks. This website is active year-round for making reservations; group sites and picnic shelters can be booked up to one year in advance. Regular campsites can be booked up to four (4) months in advance. Please note that information on daily availability at each park may not be current while the park is off the reservation service (September to April).

RLC Park Services (www.rlcparks.ca) is our website that provides information about what we offer in our parks. We offer Trailer Rentals in Rathtrevor Beach, Sproat Lake and Goldstream parks. You can reserve our trailers beginning March 1 up to 3 months in advance.

Are the provincial park campsites you manage open year-round?

South Island; Goldstream (Victoria), French Beach (Sooke), Juan de Fuca Trail, backcountry hiking/ camping is open year-round. 

In the Mid Island; Rathtrevor Beach (Parksville), Sproat Lake and Stamp River (Port Alberni) are open year-round.

Please note that China Beach campground (Sooke), Englishman River (Errington) and Little Qualicum Falls (Qualicum) close their gates to their campgrounds for the winter. Day use areas remain open during the day in the winter months, weather permitting!

How do I obtain a campsite when the reservation service is finished in early September?

Campsites are obtained on a first-come, first-served basis at the park. Regular amenities are available until the park either closes or changes over to limited winter services. Either self-register at the entrance to the park, or wait for our Park Attendants to visit your site where they will register you and provide an official receipt. Signs will be posted with current information.

How do I reserve at our Regional Parks: Horne Lake and Descanso Bay

Horne Lake

Please reserve a campsite up to four (4) months in advance via www.rdn.bc.ca/camping-at-horne-lake. 

Campsites can be reserved between April 1 and October 15. Reservations can be made up to four (4) months in advance and up to two (2) days prior to your arrival date. Same day reservations are NOT available online. 

Winter camping available in the North Park only, October 16 through March 31.

Making a Group Campsite Reservation 

Please call 250-248-0500 or email [email protected].

Important Information:

  • There is NO Sani Dump Station at the park. NO RV water fill up facilities are available.
  • Generator Use: Four hours per day between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. 
  • Yes, you will encounter “swimmers itch” at Horne Lake during the summer months.
  • No, we do not sell ice at Horne Lake Regional Park in the store.

Descanso Bay

Please reserve a campsite up to four (4) months in advance via www.rdn.bc.ca/camping-at-descanso-bay.

Campsites can be reserved between April 1 and October 15. Reservations can be made up to four (4) months in advance and up to two (2) days prior to your arrival date. Same day reservations are NOT available online. 

Winter camping available with limited services.