Campsite. (Image Credit: BC Parks)

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Camping fee increase

BC Parks set to increase camping fees in Cultus Lake, Chilliwack Lake

Jan 29, 2026 | 1:58 PM

CHILLIWACK – BC Parks plans to introduce a new $20 camping surcharge for non-B.C. residents and hike camping fees at certain high-use parks, including two in the Chilliwack area and another southeast of Hope.

According to a statement Thursday (Jan. 29) from the B.C. Ministry of Environment and Parks, camping fees are set to increase during the peak summer season at 59 high-use parks, three of which are Cultus Lake, Chilliwack Lake Park and E.C. Manning Park, and in four “iconic” backcountry areas, starting in May 2026.

For B.C. residents, updated camping fees in the 59 high-demand frontcountry parks include:

* An average increase of 40 cents per night during shoulder season, defined as the period within the off-season that occurs between the summer and winter camping seasons (fall shoulder season) or the winter and summer camping seasons (the spring shoulder season).

* An average increase of $13.29 per night during the summer

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* A resulting average nightly rate of $30.81 in shoulder season and $42.91 in the summer

The fee updates for backcountry camping in the four iconic parks, which entail Garibaldi Park, Golden Ears Park, Joffre Lakes Park and Mount Assinboine, include:

* an average fee increase of $13.62 per night

* nightly fees ranging from $17 to $25 per night, depending on the park

Fees will remain unchanged for 388 parks that have frontcountry and backcountry camping so people can choose from a range of experiences at different prices. There are also no fee changes for B.C. residents to sani-stations, mooring buoys, picnic shelters and group camping.

The ministry says the fees are necessary in response to record visitation, escalating operating costs and the growing impacts of extreme weather.

“As British Columbians, we care deeply about our parks and recreation areas, and we recognize the significant cultural, economic and recreational roles they have for communities. At the same time, they have seen challenges, from extreme weather impacts to significant increases in visitors,” said Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks. “By renewing the parks and recreation system, we are creating a more sustainable operating model that strengthens stewardship and long-term protections of the natural spaces people cherish.”

During the past six years, the number of people visiting BC Parks sites has grown by about 30 per cent and now averages more than 27 million visits every year.

“That has put a strain on aging infrastructure, trails, day-use areas and the natural environment, particularly at BC Parks’ most popular locations. At the same time, floods and wildfires have caused widespread damage to facilities and infrastructure, driving the need for significant repairs and ongoing reinvestment to keep parks open, safe and accessible,” the ministry said.