Plan Ahead
Choose Your Camping Destination
Heading out for a camping trip in the backcountry or frontcountry is an exhilarating way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life and immerse yourself in nature.
Camping offers the opportunity to slow down, connect with your family and friends and boost your feelings of wellbeing. However, to get the most out of camping in nature, it is good practice to pre-trip plan with a goal of having a safe and enjoyable time.
First timers should know there will most certainly be challenges, but most will agree, the enjoyment of camping far surpasses the challenges you might face.
Planning Route Golden Municipal Campground - J Ozzie Productions
What Type of Camping
Frontcountry camping is the most accessible to all people and can be thought of as a designated campground area with numbered sites, that is usually within 1 km of a park road or a highway.
Frontcountry campgrounds are accessible by all vehicles, and they offer a range of amenities not available in more remote locations. Examples: Private RV Parks, Municipal Campgrounds, BC Provincial Parks, and Parks Canada.
Backcountry campgrounds are still mainly vehicle accessible (some are hike in only) but are usually on gravel or forestry roads and are more remote from urban areas with limited facilities.
Campsites run by Recreation Sites and Trails BC can be thought of as mainly backcountry camping although both BC Parks and Parks Canada have walk in sites.
Backcountry Camping can be daunting for the first timer and even the experienced camper needs to heed advice, follow the rules and be prepared.
Canyon Hot Springs, Revelstoke - J Ozzie Productions
Choosing Your Destination
Selecting the right campsite is the first step in planning your camping trip.
Step 1: Camping Experience
Be honest about your level of experience and the size of your group, to stay within your comfort zone. Camping with children is different than camping with adults.
If you’re camping with others, especially beginners or youth, ensure everyone is informed about what to expect when camping such as wet weather, bugs, cool nights and the possibility of wildlife. It is important to discuss campsite rules and know the safety procedures. The Camper’s Code is a good start for the novice.
Step 2: Accessibility
Ensure that the campground and site you are choosing is accessible by your mode of transport, camping experience, and is appropriate for all people in your party. For instance, you don’t want to drive a beautiful motorhome on a service road that is meant for logging vehicles.
Step 3: Amenities
What are the amenities you and your camping group can’t live
without? List the must haves for all people in the group, including children and pets. Some common must haves would be restrooms, potable water source, electricity on site, playground, picnic table and that the family pet is welcome. WIFI or no connectivity might also be considerations. Share the list of must haves with your camping group.
Step 4: Campground Rules
Have you read the campground or agency dos and don’ts on their websites? For instance, practicing packing it in and packing it out or Leave no Trace. What are the unique camper rules of the campground you are staying at, such as quiet times or generator use. Not all campgrounds have the exact same rules, some prohibit campfires, others don’t allow radios, while others have quiet times from 10:00 pm.
Camping in Hampton Campground, Manning Provincial Park
Step 5: Book Ahead
Frontcountry campgrounds are popular in summer. If you wish to stay close to home on the first trip or go on that road trip of a lifetime you likely will have to book through a reservation system. When on a road trip or hiking in the backcountry please always factor in travel time to the campsite and time to set up camp.
Step 6: Campfire Bans or Closures
Are there any current restrictions such as campfire bans or closures that might change your plans or cause you to cancel a reservation. Booking policies usually only allow certain cancellations such as 14 days or more in advance.
Step 7: Plan to Arrive Early
The busiest part of camping is setting up the campsite, so make sure you arrive during the day and not before your campsite’s check-in time. This way you can complete set up in the daylight and have time to relax.
Having Fun and Being Responsible
By following these planning steps and embracing The Camper's Code, you’ll not only have a memorable outdoor adventure but also help contribute to the preservation of natural spaces for future generations. Happy Camping!
Published: June 28, 2024
Last Updated: June 28, 2024
