Camping 101: A Guide to Outdoor Adventure in British Columbia

By Travel British Columbia

Camping allows us to access and embrace nature’s wonders and disconnect from the hustle of daily life. Here are some handy tips to make your outdoor experience an enjoyable and memorable one.

Select the Campground: Research campgrounds in advance and select one that suits your needs and wants; book well ahead of the departure to obtain your preferred site, whether it be fully shaded or close to campground facilities. Consider factors such as water access and proximity to hiking trails and what kinds of activities might be nearby. Check out the articles on where to go camping and RVing in British Columbia or how to find a perfect seasonal camping spot should you be after a longer stay.

Try Out the Gear: Assemble any tents, tarps and cooking stoves in advance to verify that everything works correctly. Air out any sleeping bags, pack appropriate pillows and check that all lights are working and charged. Pack any necessary portable chargers and extra batteries, as well as a fire starter and extinguisher, insect repellant and first-aid kits for people and pets.

Familiarize Yourself: Research the available facilities and any necessary permits or regulations to purchase or adhere to, such as boating or fishing licences. Arrive early or as soon as you can check in at your campsite, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the RV or require extra time to set up camp. Locate the garbage disposal area and familiarize yourself with pet rules and quiet time hours. The Know Before You Travel page has important information and links about wildfire, road and environmental safety in British Columbia, as does the Camping and RVing Travel Advice page.

Wear Proper Clothes: Check the weather forecast and pack lightweight items you can layer, including moisture-wicking clothing and fleece tops. Raingear and waterproof shoes and/or sandals are a must, as are sunhats, sunglasses and extra socks. Pack flip-flops should you be using communal showers.

Build a Safe Fire: Obey campfire guidelines and possible provincial fire bans and restrictions and practice proper fire safety. Clear the area around the pit, keep a bucket of water nearby and never leave fires unattended. Educate yourself regarding wildfire prevention, particularly if you’re camping in a high-alert area.

Leave No Trace: Respect the environment and pack out all garbage and follow any specific guidelines for waste disposal. Practice the Camper’s Code principles which means cleaning up after yourself and leaving the campsite better than how you found it.

Be a Smart Explorer: Observe and be aware of your surroundings. Respect the vegetation and don’t pick wildflowers. Leave wildlife alone and be aware of any calving seasons. Stick to marked trails if doing any solitary hiking and let someone know your itinerary in case of emergency.

Stay Energized: Prep food and snacks before you go, consider dietary needs, select multi-use ingredients for easy recipes and sauces and seasonings to liven up meals. Pack non-perishable and healthy high-energy snacks and use storage containers to keep the insects out and the freshness in. Bring bottled water as a back-up should the campsite water not be potable. Hydrate before and during any hikes or paddling adventures.

Disconnect to Connect: Try to take a break from electronic technology and immerse yourself in nature. Pack a variety of card or board games for rainy or rest days. Room permitting, bring along board games or outdoor games. Inquire about organized indoor and outdoor programs offered by the campground and check out community festivals and events.

Learn, Improve, Have Fun: Learn that checklists and camping go hand-in-hand. (RVers, read these articles on RV organization and set up/tear-down checklists.) The more you camp, the more planning an outing will be second nature. Reflect on what worked well and what didn’t after each trip and use the above tips and your gained knowledge to improve upon future camping adventures.

Embrace the fact that mishaps happen when camping. Laugh them off when you can. Family and friends will cherish these moments for a lifetime. “You remember that time when dad tipped the canoe?”…

For more answers to camping and RVing questions visit the FAQ page.

For accommodations in British Columbia check out https://www.travel-british-columbia.com/

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Published: May 16, 2024
Last Updated: September 19, 2024