After a summer of unhappy campers unable to secure spots in campgrounds that sold out in minutes, the government has decided to add hundreds of new sites across the province.

Earlier this year, the provincial government's campsite reservation system drew criticism from would-be campers who tried to book sites but found everything was sold out. The system lets members of the public make reservations up to 90 days in advance, but many of the sites disappeared as quickly as they became available.

Campsites were so in demand this summer that some even took to scalping reservations like sporting tickets. The problem was so prevalent that campgrounds started to ask for ID when campers arrived.

But on Monday, the Ministry of Environment announced that it will be adding more than 1,900 new campsites to B.C.'s roster, "to help meet growing demand."

In a statement, the ministry said more than 800 will be located in provincial parks, and more than 1,000 will be in recreational sites. They did not provide the exact numbers of either.

New sites will be added across the province, but the majority will be where demand is greatest: the Lower Mainland, Vancouver, Okanagan and Kootenay regions.

But NDP critic George Heyman said the sites being touted as new make up only about two-thirds of the sites the Liberal government cut when it took office. A screen shot of the BC Parks website captured in May 2001 showed there were 13,820 vehicle-accessible campsites, but the current site shows only 10,700 sites that are accessible by vehicle.

Along with the sites, the province will cover costs of new infrastructure needed, including roads, water and sewer expansions, electrical upgrades, shower and toilet buildings and outhouses. They'll also be upgrading new and existing sites to make them accessible to those living with disabilities.

"BC Parks define who we are as British Columbians and are a vital part of the B.C. advantage," Premier Christy Clark said.

"The parks we love are globally significant. Protecting and enhancing our parks honour our natural history, is a gift for future generations and to the world."

The new sites are part of a "Future Strategy" that includes a $22.9 million investment over five years. In addition to the sites, the plan includes funding for "other recreation and conservation initiatives," including hiring new park rangers and improving services for visitors with disabilities.

The province also has an ongoing $15 million investment to maintain and refurbish existing sites. There are 10,700 existing campsites in B.C.'s 270 campgrounds, 10,400 in 1,500 recreation sites, and another 2,000 "backcountry campsites" in the province.

Monday's statement said the strategy also includes a celebration of First Nations heritage and cultural values, with new opportunities for input in BC Parks conservation projects.

Local governments, community groups, businesses, the public and other stakeholders will also be encouraged to participate.

With a report from CTV Vancouver's Bhinder Sajan