Camp Free in BC

Allen Soroka is assistant law librarian at the University of British
Columbia Law Library.

B.C. provincial parks are popular attractions. Highway signs to the
parks are abundant; tourist information centres offer colorful maps to
park sites; information about the parks is available on the Discover
B.C. toll-free line (1–800–663–6000) or at the B.C. Tourism
Internet site (http://tbcisb6.tbc.gov.bc.ca/tourism/tourismhome. html).
The downside to this popularity is that park camping fees range from
$9.50 to $15.50 per night, and the camping areas are crowded, often
filled. (The Parks Branch has recently installed a telephone
reservations system for many of the parks.)

Camp Free in B.C. introduces the intrepid camper to an entirely
separate but parallel camping world: the B.C. Forest Service
campgrounds—where there are no camping fees. The BCFS maps show all of
its campsites and provide useful descriptions. But often the only
campground amenities campers find at these sites are a few clearings and
an outhouse. And because the sites are user-maintained, campers must
bring their own garbage cans and water, and cut and gather their own
firewood. The sites are not patrolled, and it is rare to find an
official who will caution any rowdies who may appear.

Camp Free in B.C. rates many of the BCFS campsites. It also provides
accurate directions to the sites and includes important information and
tips for campers. The guide is the first of a series of useful B.C.
backroad campsite reviews.