Discover Camping BC
The official reservation system for BC provincial park campsites. Over 10,000 campsites across 120+ parks — from Garibaldi to Wells Grey, Cultus Lake to Strathcona.
What Is Discover Camping?
Discover Camping is the official online reservation system for BC Parks. It lets you search, book, and manage campsites at provincial parks across British Columbia — from oceanfront sites on Vancouver Island to alpine meadows in the Rockies.
Reservations open in March each year and popular parks like Garibaldi, Cultus Lake, and Rathtrevor Beach fill within minutes. Knowing how the system works — and when to log on — is the difference between a confirmed site and a waitlist.
Visit discovercamping.caHow to Book a Campsite
Create a Discover Camping Account
Register at discovercamping.ca before reservations open. Having your account ready means you can book the moment sites go live in March.
Know the Reservation Window
Reservations open in rolling windows — typically 3 months in advance for the first release, then daily at 7 AM PT. Set a calendar reminder for your target dates.
Search by Park or Region
Use the map or search bar to find available sites. Filter by hookups, tent-only, group sites, or accessibility needs. Availability updates in real time.
Book and Pay Online
Select your dates, choose a specific site or let the system assign one, and pay by credit card. A $6 reservation fee applies per booking. You'll get a confirmation email instantly.
Check In and Enjoy
Bring your confirmation number. Most parks use self-registration — find your site, post your permit, and you're set. Rangers check permits nightly.
Most Popular BC Provincial Parks
These parks book out within hours of reservations opening. Plan early.
Garibaldi Provincial Park
Turquoise alpine lakes, volcanic peaks, world-class hiking. Sites near Rubble Creek fill in minutes.
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
One of BC's most popular family campgrounds — sandy beach, warm tidal flats, and old-growth forest.
Cultus Lake Provincial Park
Warm freshwater lake just 90 minutes from Vancouver. Ideal for families with young kids.
Wells Grey Provincial Park
Helmcken Falls, Clearwater Lake, and some of BC's most dramatic wilderness camping.
Strathcona Provincial Park
BC's oldest provincial park. Buttle Lake campsites offer stunning mountain and lake views.
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
Three turquoise glacial lakes stacked up a short trail. Day-use only — no overnight camping.
Manning Provincial Park
Wildflower meadows, Lightning Lake, and year-round camping just 3 hours from Vancouver.
Mount Robson Provincial Park
Camp at the base of the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Berg Lake Trail starts here.
Insider Tips for Getting a Site
Set Your Alarm for 7 AM
New availability drops daily at 7:00 AM Pacific time. Popular parks vanish within seconds. Have your park, dates, and payment ready before the clock hits 7.
Check for Cancellations
Cancellations happen constantly — especially 2–4 weeks before a trip. Check the site daily or use the waitlist feature. Many campers score great sites this way.
Be Flexible on Dates
If your first-choice dates are gone, try shifting by a day or two. Tuesday–Thursday arrivals are far easier to book than Friday–Sunday. Shoulder season (May, September) has much better availability.
Know the Cancellation Policy
Cancel more than 2 days before arrival and you get a refund minus the $6 reservation fee. Cancel within 2 days and you forfeit the first night. No-shows forfeit the full booking.
Backcountry Permits Are Separate
Backcountry campsites (Berg Lake, Garibaldi backcountry, etc.) use a separate permit system with their own opening dates. Check BC Parks directly for backcountry bookings.
First-Come, First-Served Sites Still Exist
Not every site in BC requires a reservation. Many parks hold a portion of sites for walk-in campers. Arrive early — by 10 AM on weekends — for the best selection.
Backcountry Permits Are Separate
Discover Camping covers frontcountry (drive-in) campsites. Backcountry permits for parks like Garibaldi, Berg Lake, and Joffre Lakes are managed separately through BC Parks. Check bcparks.ca for backcountry reservation details.
Ready to Book Your BC Campsite?
Head to Discover Camping to search availability, check park maps, and reserve your site. Reservations open in March — set your alarm.
Need a Motel Near the Park?
Can't get a campsite? Or want a warm bed after a few nights in the backcountry? Browse independent motels near every BC provincial park region.