As the long holiday weekend approaches, British Columbia Parks is intensifying its efforts to monitor campsite reservations, ensuring fair access for all and cracking down on scalpers.
Facebook Marketplace
Recently, an individual was discovered attempting to sell two campsite reservations at Golden Ears Provincial Park’s North Beach for the dates of August 23 to 25. The reservations were listed on Facebook Marketplace at $83 each, with the seller even offering to be present to check the buyers in.
The post was quickly flagged by a Reddit user, who reported the individual, stating that many others have tried similar tactics. “Some people never learn,” the Reddit user commented.
Scams
According to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, BC Parks staff are vigilant in monitoring for such scams or any attempts to resell campsite reservations. A ministry spokesperson emphasized, “Only the named occupant(s) on a BC Parks reservation will be permitted to occupy the campsite indicated on the reservation.” If a camper cannot provide proof of identity upon arrival or during their stay, their reservation may be canceled on the spot without a refund.”
The ministry noted that while incidents of reselling reservations are rare, BC Parks takes them seriously. “The vast majority of campers follow the policies and processes to fairly secure camping,” the spokesperson said. If an individual is caught trying to resell a reservation, BC Parks will enforce its policy by canceling all current and future reservations associated with that person.
Use authorized sites or authorized travel agent
BC Parks strongly advises RVers not to purchase campsites from individuals online, as these transactions are unauthorized and could lead to canceled reservations. The ministry reiterated, “Camping reservations for BC Parks should only be made through the official website, or through an authorized travel trade agent who will provide a valid park use permit.”
Not unique
This isn’t the first time BC Parks has encountered such issues. In June, a person listed a reservation for Alice Lake Provincial Park in Squamish on Facebook Marketplace for $40. Another listing was found attempting to resell a reservation at Porteau Cove Park. While it’s unclear if the same individual was responsible for both posts, BC Parks swiftly canceled the involved parties’ upcoming reservations.
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Thank you, Gail! 🙂 So, no subletting campsites in BC! 🤔😯 Thanks again, have a great day, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
British Columbia provincial parks have had FCFS sites in every park we’ve stopped at. Great sites. Thank that planner!
This is not new. Reselling campsites began soon after the BC government gave management of its parks to contractors who then sold large blocks of campsites to RV rental companies who then resold the sites to European tourists when they rented motorhomes!
Once people discovered reselling at the corporate level, ads started appearing online at sites like Craig’s list and facebook soon after. It’s only when the story got media exposure did the government announce a token gesture to, superficially, do something about it. The corporate reselling, however, continues unabated.
Orwell would have liked that one:
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.
🤔🙃🤯😵💫