Starting in May 2026, BC Parks is increasing camping fees for residents, with an added $20 fee for non-residents (those who live outside British Columbia). The non-resident fee applies to rental cabins, campsites, and per vessel for use of mooring buoys and docks.
59 high-use frontcountry parks and 4 iconic backcountry area fees will increase starting this season, 2026. Buoys and docks affected by these fee increases are those located in fresh water lakes, except for Porteau Cove Park in Howe Sound, located in a very small salt-water bay with one mooring buoy and one float (two low-tide markers indicate shallows).
Fee changes are focused on a limited number of high-use parks and are not a system-wide fee increase. Prices vary between parks and season; parks that provide more services and facilities have higher fees, especially in peak season. Changes to fees in parks with the highest use, reflects the higher operating costs of managing and maintaining these sites.
Trails, campgrounds, and day-use areas across BC are experiencing more demand; funds collected help manage rising maintenance costs due to climate damage and high visitor volume. For camping reservation information go to https://camping.bcparks.ca, or https://bcparks.ca/reservations/camping-fees; for booking questions call 800-689-9025.
For information on individual parks in BC, go to https://bcparks.ca/find-a-park
Joint Article by Waggoner and RBAW
Photos: Lorena Landon, Porteau Cove Park
