Fee Hike Comes After Years of Growth and Wear
British Columbia is updating its provincial park camping fees in 2026 — the first major change in a decade as part of a plan to keep parks safe, well-maintained and sustainable amid booming use and rising costs. Record visitor numbers and increasing pressure from extreme weather events have strained facilities across the province’s most popular sites.
Environment and Parks Minister Tamara Davidson said the new fee structure is designed to protect the places people love while keeping access fair and long-lasting for both locals and visitors.
New Charges for Non-Residents and Higher Rates for Busy Parks
Starting May 15, 2026, campers from outside British Columbia will pay an additional $20 flat fee for frontcountry camping, backcountry trips, cabin rentals and even mooring buoys or dock use. Residency will be determined by the home address given at the time of booking or on arrival.
This surcharge affects about 15% of all park visitors, many of whom flock to the busiest destinations.
At the same time, camping fees are being raised at 59 high-demand frontcountry parks and four popular backcountry parks including Garibaldi, Golden Ears, Joffre Lakes and Mount Assiniboine. These changes reflect a broader effort to match costs with the level of maintenance and support each location needs.
What Campers Will Pay in 2026
For frontcountry camping spots, BC residents will see modest increases, averaging about 40 cents per night during shoulder seasons and roughly $13 more per night in summer, bringing typical nightly rates to around $30.81 and $42.91 respectively.
Backcountry camping fees across the four highlighted parks will also climb, averaging an extra $13.62 per night, with rates ranging from about $17 to $25 depending on the park.
Across the rest of the province’s parks — 388 sites in all — fees will remain unchanged, and there are no hikes for amenities like sani-stations, picnic shelters or group camping.
Demand Continues to Surge, Government Invests in Upkeep
In recent years, BC Parks has seen visitation rise sharply, with more than 27 million visits each year, about 30% higher than six years ago. This surge, together with damage from floods, wildfires and extreme weather, has increased demands on trails, campgrounds and basic infrastructure.
Since 2017, provincial investment in parks has reached hundreds of millions of dollars for improvements and repairs, but ongoing maintenance needs persist, prompting the updated fee plan.
How Reservations and Seasons Are Changing
Camping reservation rules are also adjusting, with bookings opening up to three months in advance for the 2026 season. This update aims to help campers plan more efficiently while managing high demand at peak times.
The fee changes will take effect through the 2026 camping season and extend into the off-season until mid-2027, ensuring the parks can remain accessible and enjoyable year-round.
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