Campers in British Columbia will be paying a little extra to enjoy the province's protected parks this year.
User fees for basic camping, buoying boats and using RV sani-stations will all increase starting April 1, B.C. Environment Minister Barry Penner in a release, marking the first rate hike in two years.
The most in-demand, highly developed campgrounds will now charge $30 per night, up from $26.Other developed campgrounds will charge $28 per night, up from $26.
Moderate campgrounds will increase by $2 per night up to $21, while basic sites will increase by $1 to $16 per night.
Premium backcountry fees will double for adults, from $5 to $10, while youth rates will remain the same. Thirty-three parks, including Tweedsmuir, Wells Gray and E.C. Manning, will not be affected.
Mooring buoy fees will increase $2 to $12 per night, and sani-station waste disposal fees will increase by $3 to $5 per discharge.
According to the release, the rate hikes are a result of "operating costs for BC Parks, combined with reduced tax revenues to government."
But campers will also be able to reserve specific sites for the first time at 70 of the province's campgrounds through a new reservation system.
Reservations can be made on the Discover Camping website starting April 1 or by calling 1-800-689-9025.
