BC Parks increasing camping fees, introducing out-of-province surcharge

It’s going to get a little more expensive for British Columbians to camp at some provincial parks.

It’s going to get even more expensive for people who live outside of British Columbia to camp at all provincial parks.

The Province announced today that camping fees are going up for the first time since 2016 and a new camping surcharge is being introduced for out-of-province visitors.

Parks Minister Tamara Davidson says the most is a response to the challenges that BC’s provincial parks have recently faced from extreme weather impacts and a significant increase of visitors.

"By renewing the parks and recreation system, we are creating a more sustainable operating model that strengthens stewardship and long-term protections of the natural spaces people cherish,” she explained.

For BC residents, this means an average increase of just over $13 per night during the summer season in 59 high-demand frontcountry parks and four popular backcountry spots as well. Fees will remain unchanged in 388 parks.

For those coming to camp in BC Parks from outside of the province, it means an additional $20 flat rate for camping, renting a cabin, backcountry trips and more. That takes effect on May 15, 2026.

"Campgrounds across BC are seeing unprecedented demand, and continued reinvestment is essential to maintaining the high-quality experiences campers expect,” noted Jamie Cox from the Lodging and Camping Association.

“Updating fees in the busiest parks helps ensure the entire system remains safe, well-maintained and able to support the growing number of people who rely on camping as an affordable way to connect with nature."

According to the Province, the number of visitors to BC Parks sites has grown by around 30% to 27-million visits per year over the past six years.

This has resulted in a strain on aging infrastructure, trails, day-use areas and the natural environment, particularly at BC Parks’ most popular locations.

At the same time, floods and wildfires have significantly damaged facilities and infrastructure, driving the need for ongoing investments into major repairs.

“Since 2017, the Province has responded to these pressures by investing approximately $200 million into campground expansions, accessibility improvements and upgrades to trails, parking and facilities,” says a BC Parks release.

In addition, nearly $27 million has been spent repairing infrastructure damaged by severe weather, such as the Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Park and the Othello Tunnels in Coquihalla Canyon Park.”

BC has one of the largest parks systems in the world, with 1,050 provincial parks, recreation areas, conservancies, ecological reserves and protected areas covering more than 14-million hectares.

The system, which covers nearly 15% of BC’s land base, includes nearly 20,000 campsites and 28,000 kilometres of trails.

To learn more about the changes announced today, click this link.