How to Successfully Book a Campsite in Canada: Tips & Hints

It's stressful, you have to get up early, and there are no guarantees. Campsite booking season is a lot like parenting 😆 chaotic but so worth it in the end. Canada offers a vast array of breathtaking campgrounds, from private oases to stunning provincial and national parks. Whether you’re a hardcore backcountry camper or a glamper who enjoys the comforts of home, there’s something for everyone to be found in Canada’s many campgrounds. Here’s how to make the most of campsite booking season and ensure your outdoor adventures are unforgettable.

Navigating Booking Season Across Canada

Canadian campgrounds offer diverse experiences, and their reservation systems reflect this. Understanding when and how to book is crucial to securing your spot. Let's look at how to book the best campsites in Canada by region, exploring the National Parks in Canada, as well as many of the provincial parks.

🌲 Parks Canada National Parks & Historic Sites

Parks Canada oversees an array of national parks and national historic sites across the country.  It is important to note that the booking dates are staggered by region, typically opening first in the west and moving toward the east. For example, Parks Canada reservations for campgrounds in British Columbia, the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba often open in January. Meanwhile, national parks campgrounds in Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes follow throughout February. It’s essential to note that bookings go live at 8 AM in the park’s local time zone, so plan accordingly.

🏕️ Provincial Parks

​In addition to the national parks and national historic sites that you can camp at through Parks Canada, each of Canada's provinces and territories offer camping opportunities. The campgrounds vary across the country, within and between the provinces and territories. Also, each province or territory has its own features, and the associated parks and campgrounds have their own amenities, fees and reservations systems. Here is a review of how to book the best campsites in Canada offered by the following provinces: British Columbia (BC), Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.

🏔️ BC Parks

Campsite reservations at provincial parks in British Columbia, offered through BC Parks, open four months in advance of your desired arrival date. BC Parks offers unparalleled variety—from front-country camping to multi-day backcountry hikes, mountain biking, and boating. With so many options, it’s a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. 

🛶  Alberta Parks

Alberta Parks allows bookings as early as 90 days in advance of your arrival. Reservations for both individual and backcountry sites open daily at 9 AM MT, with stays of up to ten consecutive nights per reservation. Alberta also offers "comfort camping," featuring cabins, huts, yurts and other unique accommodations for those who want to skip the tent altogether.

🐴 Saskatchewan Parks

Offering both seasonal campsites, and nightly reservations, Saskatchewan Parks has a lot to choose from. Reservations typically become available in April, and campgrounds are open from May through September. For those who travel and camp with horses, Saskatchewan Parks has equestrian camping! This is a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the parks with their horses with campsites specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of equestrian campers. While each park offers unique services, all equestrian campgrounds provide the same basic amenities - well-maintained corrals, spacious tie stalls and unfettered access to water. Equestrian campers can saddle up with their companions and take on the trails, exploring at their own pace. So, pack the saddlebags, load up a trusted steed, and discover the provincial parks.

⛺ Manitoba Parks

Manitoba Parks provincial parks cater to various camping styles, with options for tenting, RV camping, and cozy yurts. Amenities include electrical hookups, comfort stations, and access to hiking trails, beaches, and fishing spots. In 2025, reservations open the second week of April, with various parks and service reservation bookings opening on each day of the week.  Reservations for Manitoba Parks can be made online, by phone, or even in person at the Winnipeg office.

🌊 Ontario Parks

Provincial parks in Ontario are managed and reserved through Ontario Parks. These campsite booking generally open the earliest, five months in advance of your arrival date. For example, to arrive at an Ontario Parks campground for the Victoria Day long weekend, you will want to consider booking in December! Maximum stays vary from 7 to 14 days, depending on the park, so check the specific rules before reserving. Site selection goes live at 7 AM EST daily, so set your alarm!

🏖️ Provincial Parks in the Maritime Provinces (New Brunswick, PEI, Nova Scotia & Newfoundland)

Provincial parks in the Maritime Provinces (New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island (PEI), Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland) offer a wide range of overnight front-country camping options, with many also featuring backcountry sites and even some with seasonal campsites. Reservations for these parks typically open in late winter, with the New Brunswick reservation system starting in February, while PEI and Nova Scotia follow later in April. Potential campers are encouraged to check the specific provincial park pages for accurate reservation opening dates, as these vary by province. Despite the differences in booking timelines, many of the parks shared breathtaking views, access to top-tier biking trails, hikes leading to hidden waterfalls in lush forests, and opportunities to gaze at stunning starry skies. Many parks are also conveniently located near beaches and popular attractions, making them ideal for a memorable camping experience.

Tips for Booking Success

Campsites are in high demand across the country, especially at popular destinations. To increase your chances of snagging your ideal spot, follow these tried-and-true tips:

🌟 1. Plan Ahead

Preparation is the key to stress-free booking. Before the big day:

• Research which campground you want to visit and when.
• Confirm how far in advance you can book (for example, 90 days in Alberta, four months in BC, five months in Ontario).
• Double-check the booking site’s reservation opening time and time zone. Canada has six time zones, try not to mix them up!
• Ensure your account on the reservation system is active and up-to-date. Resetting a forgotten password mid-booking is a recipe for disaster.

🌟 2. Have a Backup Plan

Popular sites fill up quickly. To avoid disappointment, identify two or three backup campsites, campgrounds, or dates. Flexibility increases your chances of securing a reservation.

🌟 3. Prioritize Your Must-Haves

Know what matters most to you:

• Do you need a waterfront site?
• Is proximity to a comfort station a priority?
• Do you require electrical hookups (30 Amp? 50 Amp?)? Being clear on your deal-breakers helps you filter options quickly if your top choice isn’t available.

🌟 4. Prepare the Day Before

Set yourself up for success by:

• Setting an early alarm and having your coffee ready.
• Logging into the reservation site a few minutes early.
• Familiarizing yourself with the site selection process to save time once bookings open.

🌟 5. Hover Over the “Select” Button

When the reservation system goes live, campsites disappear in seconds. Be ready to click as soon as your desired site becomes available. Speed is your best friend.

Bonus Pro Tip: Team Up

Booking for multiple sites or dates? Divide and conquer with friends or family members. With more hands on deck, your chances of success multiply for snagging your first choice Canadian campsite. Teamwork truly makes the dream work.

Don’t Give Up!

If you don’t get your dream site on your preferred date, don’t despair. Cancellations happen all the time, so keep checking back. Persistence can pay off.

Ready for Adventure

Canadian campsite booking season may be a whirlwind, but it’s also the start of your next great adventure. By planning ahead, staying flexible, and acting quickly, you’ll set the stage for unforgettable memories in Canada’s incredible outdoors. From serene lakeside retreats to thrilling backcountry hikes, your perfect campsite is waiting. So, set those reminders, charge your devices, and get ready to secure your spot. Cheers to epic outdoor adventures in 2025!

~ Anja