Follow the Campers Code
Recreate
Responsibly
The campers code developed by the Outdoor Council of BC has 9 easy steps to follow to ensure we treat other campers and local peoples with respect, protect the environment and keep nature wild.
Free to low fee campgrounds with rustic sites
Recreation Sites
and Trails
Recreation Sites and Trails B.C. (RSTBC) provides public recreation opportunities by developing, maintaining and managing a network of recreation sites and recreation trails throughout the province.
Fee based, reservable sites with many services
Provincial
Parks
They conserve British Columbia’s extraordinary natural spaces for everybody to enjoy. Helping people experience B.C.’s outstanding beauty, while working to ensure the natural environment flourishes far into the future.
The Campers
Code
Please take the time to read through these important points. They ensure that the wild spaces you came to enjoy will be there for the next visitors. Also great to do this with the whole family!
Getting close to and feeding wildlife is detrimental to animals, their survival, and possibly to you. Wildlife is called wildlife because they are supposed to be wild.
Do not feed or approach wild animals
Let animals do animal things peacefully—like forage for their own food and roam about without an audience. Many animals become stressed or defensive when approached.
Use binoculars to observe from afar
Keep a respectful distance from wildlife to observe their natural behaviours. Marvel at them safely and from a distance with binoculars.
Safety first—even if you’re car camping or going somewhere very accessible. Anything can happen in wild spaces. Stay safe by adhering to the three Ts: Trip Plan, Train, Take the essentials.
Trip plan
Decide where you’re going and how long you’re going for. Give your plan to someone you trust—so if you don’t return on time, they know where to send help.
Train (and know your limits)
Obtain the knowledge and skills you need for the terrain you’re embarking on. Know and stay within your limits. Unprepared people can get into sticky situations. Sticky situations don’t always turn out well.
Take the essentials
No matter how short your camping adventure is, always pack the essentials. We recommend:
- Flashlight/headlamp + extra batteries
- Fire-making kit
- Signaling device (whistle, mirror, etc.)
- Extra food and water
- Extra clothing
- Navigation / communication devices (GPS, etc.)
- First aid kit
- Emergency blanket/shelter
- Pocket knife
- Sun protection
- Season and sport-specific gear
If it’s not yours, don’t take it. Nature and all its glory are for everyone to enjoy. Please leave natural and cultural objects undisturbed. We’re talking about mushrooms, flowers, and wood, too. If you see it in nature and you just love it so much, then take a photo and leave it in nature.
Pets are loveable. They can also negatively impact trails, aggravate park visitors, contaminate natural resources, and impact wildlife.
Know where your pets can go
Research ahead of time and take your pets to pet-friendly parks.
Bag your pet’s waste
Pick it up and pack it out. Every time.
Keep your pet under control
Keep your pet on a leash for their safety and the safety of wildlife. Be considerate of other campers; not everyone loves pets.
Some people go camping for peace and quiet. Some go for family time fun. Some go to play music and chill. Respect your camping neighbours by keeping noise levels low and adhering to posted quiet hours.
Prevent human-caused wildfires by practicing these three simple (and really important) campfire safety rules:
Respect fire bans
If there is a campfire ban, do not have a campfire under any circumstances.
Never leave a fire unattended
If you’re not able to watch the fire, put it out.
Put fires out completely
That means no smoldering and cold to the touch. 100% out.
Food and scented items can attract wild animals. Attracting wild animals can lead to personal injury and wildlife being killed. Store all food in a wildlife-proof container or in a hard-sided vehicle.
Staff and signs are here to help. Adhere to their guidance and everyone can stay safe.
Littering is not cool nor acceptable under any circumstances. Put all garbage in marked garbage/waste bins. If there are no bins, be kind and pack it out.
Recreation
Sites and Trails
There are hundreds of free to low fee campgrounds spread throughout BC. Sites and Trails manages these spaces with the assistance of: recreation groups, private citizens, First Nations, community organisations, local governments and forestry companies.
Many of the Recreations sites are free, some that have on-site hosts will have a small fee that must be paid in cash. We recommend always have some $5 and $10’s as fees are typically $15. Check the Sites and Trails website for updated info.
At most Recreation Area campgrounds you will find picnic tables, fire ring and pit toilets. There are no services or running water. A site host may sell firewood but if there isn’t a fire ban we would recommend to roll in with some wood.
There are only a few sites that require reservations. Mostly around Harrison Lake. While first come first serve can be nerve racking, we haven’t typically been left without a spot to camp. Be ready to search and travel a little more to the next area just in case.
There are posted rules regarding noise, waste and general camp etiquette. Please leave the site cleaner than you found it. Sometimes there is trash, feel good about helping out! Some sites can be a party place, especially on long weekends.
BC Provincial
Parks
BC Parks maintains almost 11,000 vehicle accessible campsites. Most parks offer services, paved roads and moderate privacy. Sites on rivers and lakes usually have boat launches and maintained beaches.
Permit fees are usually paid online through the BC Parks reservation system or at the gate. This means you typically pay by credit card. After hours check-in is available at some parks by cash drop box.
Campsites will offer a moderate amount of privacy, include a large cleared level area, concrete picnic table and fire ring. Each site will be clearly marked with a post to attach your permit.
BC Parks reservations for campsites are typically available 4 months prior to your trip dates. It is important to book your site and show up when scheduled. If you miss the first night, at 11 AM your site becomes available and the reservation is canceled.
The established campgrounds offer a neighbourhood feeling to the camp experience. With often clearer visibility families will often begin mingling and fast friends are made.
Other Camping
Tips
Free camping in BC can also be found on much of the Crown land that makes up 95% of the province.
Using various apps like iOverlander, The Outbound, Gaia GPS backroad maps and old fashioned exploring you should be able to find a place to make your home for the night.
No matter where you find yourself, always be aware that the we are camping amongst Bears, Cougars and other wildlife.
