The most spectacular trips are often ones that are in popular or fragile places, so they often have reservation systems in place. And nothing sucks more than finding out a trip you want to do is booked up! Put these dates in your calendar! (Or if you’re like me, agonize over which trip to pick since they all sound amazing!)

I’ve got reservation dates for trips in British Columbia including Vancouver Island, the Vancouver Area, the BC Interior, and the Canadian Rockies (including some places that are technically in Alberta). Plus I’ve also got details on how to reserve and my top tips for getting those hard-to-get reservations.

Not sure how to make a reservation? I got you! Read my guide to Making Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC.

Didn’t get a reservation? No worries! Read my guide to Backpacking in BC Without Reservations. Or use an app like Campnab or Schnerp. Read my guide to camping cancellation apps to find out how they work and which one I recommend.

This post includes details on reservations for:

Vancouver Island backcountry reservations:

• West Coast Trail (Pacific Rim National Park Reserve)
• Keeha Beach (Pacific Rim National Park Reserve)
• Narvaez Bay (Saturna Island, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve)

Sea to Sky backcountry reservations:

• Watersprite Lake (near Squamish)
• Garibaldi Provincial Park (Garibaldi Lake, Elfin Lakes, Cheakamus Lake, Wedgemount Lake, and Russet Lake
• Joffre Lakes Provincial Park (near Pemberton)
• Tenquille Lake (near Pemberton)

BC Interior backcountry reservations:

• E.C. Manning Provincial Park (Buckhorn, Kicking Horse, and Frosty Creek Campgrounds)
• Eva and Jade Lakes (Mount Revelstoke National Park)
• Hermit Meadows (Glacier National Park)
• Bowron Lake Circuit (Bowron Lakes Provincial Park)

Rocky Mountains backcountry reservations:

• Lake O’Hara (Yoho National Park)
• Yoho National Park (Iceline, Whaleback, Little Yoho, etc.)
• Rockwall Trail (Kootenay National Park)
• Banff National Park (Egypt Lake, Skoki Loop, etc.)
• Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park
• Jasper National Park
• Berg Lake (Mount Robson Provincial Park)

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

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West Coast Trail Reservations for 2026

What: This 75km (46.5 mi) trail is full of beaches, coastal rainforest, ladders, and boardwalks. It is probably the most popular multi-day hike in Canada, which is why it is at the top of my list for 2026 BC backpacking reservation dates.

Want more info? I wrote a whole series of posts about the West Coast Trail. Start with my West Coast Trail Guide, then check out my section-by-section overview, itineraries, campground guide, packing list, transportation, and coastal hiking tips posts. The WCT is also featured in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

When to Reserve: January 19, 2026 at 8 am PT Postponed to February 5 at 8 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online or by phone. More info on the Pacific Rim National Park website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $25.75. There is a $166.75 fee to hike the trail, plus two mandatory $28 ferry crossings and a National Parks entry fee ($11/person /day).

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no walk-up or stand-by permits available.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred start dates, start location and a few alternates. 

For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: Your Guide to the West Coast Trail in British Columbia

Keeha Beach Reservations for 2026

What: This beautiful remote sandy beach is near the northern trailhead for the West Coast Trail in Pacific Rim National Park, but isn’t nearly as busy. The trail to get there is only 3.5 km long, but it’s really muddy so expect it to take longer than you think. You can also day hike to the Cape Beale Lighthouse. Find details in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

When to Reserve: January 16, 2026 at 8am PT Postponed to January 29 at 8 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online or by phone. More info on the Pacific Rim National Park website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50/site/night. Camping fees are $12.75/person/night. You also need to pay National Park entry fees ($10.50/person/day).

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. The trail is open from May to September and you must reserve.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred start dates, start location and a few alternates. This is probably one of the easiest trips to get a reservation for.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

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Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

• 25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

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Narvaez Bay (Saturna Island) Reservations for 2026

What: It’s a short 2 km hike to the waterfront backcountry campground at Narvaez Bay on Saturna Island in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. This is one of the best easy backpacking trips in BC. There are several short day hikes from the campground. Find details in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

When to Reserve: January 16, 2026 at 8am PT Postponed to January 29 at 8 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online or by phone. More info on the Gulf Islands National Park website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50/site/night. Camping fees are $12.75/person/night.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes from May to September. The rest of the year all camping is first-come, first-served.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred start dates, start location and a few alternates. 

For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

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Watersprite Lake Reservations for 2026

What: A gorgeous ice-blue lake nestled against rocky spires in the remote mountains east of Squamish. The lake became very popular thanks to social media, so starting in 2022 the campground requires reservations. For more info, check out the BCMC website or my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

When to Reserve: Starting at midnight 60 days before your trip. The campground requires reservations between July 1 and Thanksgiving weekend each year.

Where to Reserve: Online on the BCMC’s Watersprite Lake campground page.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Sites are $20/night and must be paid in full at the time of booking to reserve a site. There is no extra reservation fee.

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. There are no stand-by or walk-up permits available.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: Make your reservation as early as possible. For better chances avoid long weekends or pick a mid-week trip.

Garibaldi Provincial Park Reservations for 2026

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibaldi Provincial Park in summer. However, if you have a backcountry camping reservation, you don’t need a day pass. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

What: South West BC’s premiere alpine backpacking destination with several trailheads and campgrounds to choose from. Reservations are required for all the campgrounds as well as the Elfin Lakes Shelter. For more info on trails and destinations, check out my guide to the Elfin Lakes trail, my guide to Russet Lake, or my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

When to Reserve: Starting at 7am PT three months before the first day of your trip.

Where to Reserve: Online via BC Parks Reservation Service or via phone at 1 800 689-9025 or 1 519 826-6850.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $6/night per tent pad, up to a max reservation fee of $18. You will also have to pay a per person backcountry fee of $10 for campsites and $15 for the Elfin Lakes Shelter. If you book via phone there is an extra $5 surcharge.

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. There are no stand-by or walk-up permits available.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: Make your reservation as early as possible. For better chances avoid long weekends or pick a mid-week trip. Consider booking the slightly less popular Taylor Meadows or Helm Creek campgrounds, and then hiking over to Garibaldi Lake for the day. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

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Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Joffre Lakes Provincial Park Reservations for 2026

Heads up: Day passes are required at Joffre Lakes Provincial Park in summer. However, if you have a backcountry camping reservation, you don’t need a day pass. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

What: This super-popular lake near Whistler has a backcountry campground next to a glacier lake. It’s a short 5.5km hike from the trailhead, so it’s one of the best easy backpacking destinations close to Vancouver. For more info on the trail, check out my Joffre Lakes hiking guide or my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

When to Reserve: Starting at 7 am PT three months before the first day of your trip.

Where to Reserve: Online via BC Parks Reservation Service or via phone at 1 800 689-9025 or 1 519 826-6850.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $6/night per tent pad, up to a max reservation fee of $18. You will also have to pay a per person backcountry fee of $5/person/night. If you book by phone there is an additional $5 surcharge.

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. There are no stand-by or walk-up permits available.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: Make your reservation as early as possible. For better chances avoid long weekends or pick a mid-week trip. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Get my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia – it has all the info you need to backpack to Joffre Lakes

Tenquille Lake Reservations for 2026

What: A beautiful sub-alpine lake near Pemberton BC, surrounded by mountains. It’s a popular location for fishing as well as scrambling the nearby peaks, which are mostly non-technical. The lake has both a cabin and campsites that can be reserved.

When to Reserve: Starting at midnight 60 days before your trip.

Where to Reserve: Online on the Pemberton Wildlife Association’s Tenquille Lake booking page.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Camping reservations are $25/tent/night. You can fit up to two tents on each site. There is no extra reservation fee.

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes from July 1 to October 31. Tenting outside of those dates is first-come, first-served.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: Make your reservation as early as possible. For better chances avoid long weekends or pick a mid-week trip.

E.C. Manning Provincial Park Reservations for 2026

What: There are three campgrounds in Manning Park that require reservations: Buckhorn and Kicking Horse on the Heather Trail and Frosty Creek on the Frosty Mountain Trail. All other backcountry campgrounds in the park are first-come, first-serve.

The Heather Trail is a gorgeous alpine hike along a ridge through wildflower meadows high in the mountains of E.C. Manning Provincial Park. The hike to Buckhorn Camp is one of the best easy backpacking trips in BC. The hike to Frosty Mountain (the highest peak in the park) heads through a stand of gorgeous larch trees.

For more info on these two trails, check out my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and my Frosty Mountain hiking guide.

When to Reserve: Starting at 7 am PT three months before the first day of your trip.

Where to Reserve: Online via BC Parks Reservation Service or via phone at 1 800 689-9025 or 1 519 826-6850.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $6/night per tent pad, up to a max reservation fee of $18. You will also have to pay a per person backcountry fee of $5/person/night. If you book by phone there is an additional $5 surcharge.

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. There are no stand-by or walk-up permits available for Buckhorn, Kicking Horse, and Frosty Creek Campgrounds. (But all other backcountry campground in the park are first-come, first-served.)

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: Make your reservation as early as possible. For better chances avoid long weekends or pick a mid-week trip. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

READ NEXT: 24 Easy Backpacking Trips In BC For Beginners

Eva and Jade Lakes Reservations for 2026

What: This hike starts high on the slopes of Mount Revelstoke in Mount Revelstoke National Park. Walk through wildflower meadows and forest to the shores of Eva Lake, one of the best easy backpacking trips in BC. Jade Lake is a few extra kilometres away over a pass. Both lakes have backcountry campgrounds.

When to Reserve: January 16, 2026 at 8am PT Postponed to January 29 at 8 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online or by phone. More info on the Mount Revelstoke National Park website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50/site/night. Camping fees are $12.75/person/night. You also need to pay National Park fees of $10.50/person/day.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes from July 28 to September 17. There is first-come, first-served camping available from June 30 to July 27 and September 18 to October 9 (depending on snow levels), which requires a backcountry permit.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred start dates, start location and a few alternates. 

For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

READ NEXT: The Best Hikes in Revelstoke, BC

Hermit Meadows Reservations for 2026

What: This steep hike in Glacier National Park is fairly short but has incredible views and alpine meadows. The backcountry campground has an incredible setting.

When to Reserve: January 16, 2026 at 8am PT Postponed to January 29 at 8 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online or by phone. More info on the Glacier National Park website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50/site/night. Camping fees are $12.75/person/night. You also need to pay National Park fees of $10.50/person/day.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes from July 28 to September 17. There is first-come, first-served camping available from July 1 to July 27 and September 18 to October 1 (depending on snow levels), which requires a backcountry permit.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred start dates, start location and a few alternates. 

For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Lake O’Hara Reservations for 2026

What: Lake O’Hara is a truly spectacular spot set among alpine lakes and hanging valleys in the Rocky Mountains inside Yoho National Park. You can base yourself at the campground or hut and hike the spectacular Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit. You can take a shuttle bus on a private road right to your campsite! If you can’t get a camping reservation, you can also just take the shuttle bus up for the day. For more info and some drool-worthy photos, check out my Lake O’Hara Camping and Hiking Guide.

When to Reserve Camping: January 22, 2026 at 7 am PT Postponed to Feb 10, 2026 at 8 am MT

When to Reserve Day-Use Shuttle Bus: Reservations by lottery. In 2026 the lottery is open for applications between March 2 and 23.

When to Reserve the Hut: Summer hut reservations are by lottery. The summer 2026 lottery is open for applications between December 15, 2025 and January 30, 2026.

Where to Reserve: Reserve camping or enter the day-use shuttle bus lottery on the Parks Canada Reservation site. Submit a lottery application on the Alpine Club of Canada website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost:  Camping Reservations cost $11.50. You’ll also need to pay $12.50/person/night for camping and $17.14/person for the shuttle bus. Bus reservations cost $11.50/reservation for up to 6 people plus $17.14/person. Hut lottery entries cost $15.50 each. Nightly hut fees are $60 per person.

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. There are no stand-by or walk-up permits available.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred dates and a few alternates. For better odds, avoid August which is the busiest. If you want to stay in the hut, avoid popular weekends and consider submitting multiple lottery applications.

If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you. (It works for ACC huts too!)

READ NEXT: Your Guide to Camping and Hiking at Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park Backcountry Reservations for 2026

What: Yoho National Park has a network of trails in the Yoho Valley that lead to four backcountry campgrounds. The most popular option is the Yoho Valley Loop that includes the Iceline and Whaleback Trails. The loop includes great views of mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls.

When to Reserve: January 26, 2026 at 7 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online or by phone. More info on the Yoho National Park website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50/site/night. Camping fees are $13.50/person/night. You also need to pay National Park fees of $11/person/day.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no first-come, first-served sites.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred start dates, start location and a few alternates. 

For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

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Rockwall Trail Reservations for 2026

What: The premier backpacking destination in Kootenay National Park is the Rockwall Trail.  It’s a 55km multi-day high alpine backpacking route through the Rocky Mountains. It passes by alpine lakes, incredible wildflower meadwos and the famous rockwall with cliffs up to 900m tall. For more information, read my Rockwall Trail Guide.

When to Reserve: January 26, 2026 at 7 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online via the Parks Canada Reservations Service or by phone at 1-877-737-3783.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50. Camping costs $13.50/person/night. You also need to pay National Park fees of $11/person/day.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no walk-up or stand-by permits available.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation: You have reserve each of your campsites on the trail so have a few different itinerary options prepared before you book.  For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

READ NEXT: Rockwall Trail Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Banff National Park Reservations for 2026

What: Several dozen backcountry campgrounds on hundreds of kilometres throughout the Banff National Park backcountry. I recommend Egypt Lake and the Skoki Loop.

When to Reserve: January 26, 2026 at 7 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online via the Parks Canada Reservations Service or by phone at 1-877-737-3783.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50. Camping costs $13.50/person/night. You also need to pay National Park fees of $11/person/day.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no walk-up or stand-by permits available.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation: You have reserve each of your campsites on the trail so have a few different itinerary options prepared before you book.  For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Mount Assiniboine Reservations for 2026

What: Nestled at the base of Mount Assiniboine in the Canadian Rockies is a cluster of small lakes, plus tons of hiking trails to gorgeous views. The core area of the park at Lake Magog has a popular BC Parks backcountry campground and rustic backcountry huts. To get there, choose from several different hiking trails or charter a helicopter. I’ve got tons of info in my huge Mount Assiniboine hiking guide. Note: The info below applies only to the BC Parks campground.

When to Reserve Camping: Up to three months before your trip starting at 7 am PT. (Reservations are required for trips between June 26 and September 30.)

When to Reserve Huts: January 13th, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. MST.

Where to Reserve: For camping, online via BC Parks Reservation Service or via phone at 1 800 689-9025 or 1 519 826-6850. For huts, via Mount Assiniboine Lodge by phone: 403-678-2883.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: For camping, reservations cost $6/night per tent pad, up to a max reservation fee of $18. You will also have to pay a per person backcountry fee of $10 for campsites. For the huts, rates range from $150-$240 per night depending on the size of the cabin (they sleep 5-8 people)

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. There are no stand-by or walk-up permits available.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: Make your reservation as early as possible. For better chances avoid long weekends or pick a mid-week trip. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Jasper National Park Reservations for 2026

What: Several dozen backcountry campgrounds on hundreds of kilometres throughout the Jasper National Park backcountry. One of the most popular options is the Skyline Trail.

When to Reserve: January 27, 2026 at 7 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online via the Parks Canada Reservations Service or by phone at 1-877-737-3783.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50. Camping costs $13.50/person/night. You also need to pay National Park fees of $11/person/day.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no walk-up or stand-by permits available.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation: You have reserve each of your campsites on the trail so have a few different itinerary options prepared before you book.  For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Berg Lake Reservations for 2026

NOTE: The Berg Lake Trail suffered severe flooding damage in July, 2021. The full trail reopened in 2025 and will be open for summer 2026.

What: The Berg Lake Trail is a 23km backcountry trail into a gorgeous glacier lake in Mount Robson Provincial Park on the BC side of the Rocky Mountains. It’s called Berg Lake since the glacier calves icebergs right into the lake. For more info check out my super detailed guide to hiking the Berg Lake Trail and the BC Parks website.

When to Reserve: December 2, 2025 at 7 a.m.

Where to Reserve: Online via BC Parks Reservation Service

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $6/night per tent pad, up to a max reservation fee of $18. You will also have to pay a per person backcountry fee of $10/person/night. If you book via phone there is an extra $5 surcharge.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no walk-up or stand-by permits available.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation. Reserve as early as possible since this route is popular with international travellers. There are 7 campgrounds on the trail and you need to book your whole itinerary in advance, so be sure to have a few options for first choice, second choice, etc.

Since this trail books up so far in advance, there are often cancellations as people change their minds. Keep checking back to see if spots open up or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Berg Lake Trail

Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit Reservations for 2026

What: The Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit connects numerous lakes and rivers through portages to make a roughly square-shaped 116km (72 mi) route. It takes about 6 to 10 days to complete. (Yes I know this is a canoe trip, but it’s a similar wilderness experience and the only canoe trip in BC that requires reservations, so it made the list of BC backpacking reservation dates.) To plan your trip, see my complete Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit paddling guide.

When to Reserve: December 2, 2025 at 7 a.m.

Where to Reserve: Online via BC Parks Reservation Service or via phone at 1 800 689-9025 or 1 519 826-6850.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: The reservation fee is $18.00 per vessel (plus tax) and there is also a $60 per person canoe circuit user fee. If you book via phone there is an extra $5 surcharge.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no walk-up or stand-by permits available.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation: Book online as it is faster and you won’t have to wait on hold. Reserve as early as possible since this route is popular with international travellers.

Know how many canoes and people will be in your party before you make your reservation as only a set number of canoes and people may depart per day.

July and August are the busiest and if you opt for June or September you’ll have much better chances. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations.

READ NEXT: Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit: Paddling in British Columbia

Final Thoughts

So there you have it: 2026 BC backpacking reservation dates for lots of different trips. How many of these hikes have you done already? Tell me in the comments. I’ve done almost all of them.

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The post 2026 BC Backpacking Reservation Dates You Need to Know appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Put these dates in your calendar! (Or if you’re like me, agonize over which trip to pick since they all sound amazing!)

I’ve got Washington backpacking reservation dates for you for 4 different areas in Washington including the Enchantments, Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, an Olympic National Park.

Plus I’ve also got details on how to reserve, which trails I recommend, and my top tips for getting those hard-to-get reservations.

Quick Calendar

Enchantments Backpacking Reservations for 2024

What: The Enchantments are a high alpine area in Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Most people do a 19 mile (30km) thru-hike to see the whole area, but numerous side trips are also possible. For a full guide to the area check out Clever Hiker’s Enchantment Lakes Backpacking Guide.

When to Reserve: Enchantments reservations work on a lottery system. You can apply for the lottery between February 15 and 29, 2024. Then, you check back on March 14, 2024 to see if you “won” the lottery and got a reservation. You have until the end of March to convert your lottery win to a reservation.

Where to Reserve: Online on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: There is a $6 application fee plus a $5/person/night fee if your application is accepted.

Do You Have to Reserve? No. In 2024 they have resumed the walk-up lottery. There is one permit per zone available for walk-ups each day. To get a walk-up permit, you must go to the Leavenworth Ranger Station at 8:15 a.m. on the day you start your trip and enter the walk-up lottery. Your designated group leader must have a recreation.gov account already set-up.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation: The Enchantments are one of the most difficult Washington backpacking reservations to get.

• Pick a start date in the middle of the week.
• Consider applying for the Snow Zone or the Colchuck Zone and then day hiking into the Core Zone, instead of applying for a difficult-to-get Core Zone permit.
• Get everyone in your group to submit an application to increase your chances.
• If you don’t win a permit in the original lottery, check back at the end of March – sometimes people who win the lottery forget to convert their win to a reservation. And then keep checking every few days to see if the walk-up quota is released for booking.
• If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Mount Rainier National Park Backpacking Reservations for 2024

What: The crown jewel of Mount Rainier National Park is the 93 mile/105km Wonderland Trail which circumnavigates the mountain. If you aren’t up to the entire Wonderland Trail, you can tackle shorter sections of it or backpack on some of the parks other trails. Find out more on the Mount Rainier National Park website.

When to Reserve: Mount Rainier permits work on a lottery system. In 2024 you can enter your reservation requests between February 12, 2024 and March 4, 2024. All reservation requests during this period go into a lottery for priority. If you donn’t enter the lottery, you can make reservation applications starting April 25, 2025.

Where to Reserve: Online via Recreation.gov. You will receive an email on March 14 if you “won” the lottery. It will include information on how to confirm your reservation.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: There is a non-refundable $6 lottery fee, and a $20 reservation fee.

Do You Need to Reserve? It’s a good idea. Approximately 2/3 of backpacking and climbing permits are made available for advance reservation for trips between May 26 and September 9. The remainder are first-come, first-served.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation: 

• Submit several alternative itineraries.
• You can only submit one reservation request per person so consider having everyone in your group submit requests.
• If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Olympic National Park Backpacking Reservations for 2024

What: Olympic National Park is a huge park with a variety of rainforest, alpine and beach backpacking trips. For beach backpacking trip ideas, check out my guides to the beautiful coastal backcountry areas of Ozette Loop, Toleak Point, and Shi Shi Beach. For a complete list of trails, see the Olympic National Park website.

When to Reserve: Advance reservations open on April 15, 2024 at 7 a.m. PST.

Where to Reserve: Reserve online via recreation.gov.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations are $6/trip. You will also need to pay wilderness fees of $8/person/night.

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. While in the past walk-up permits were available, as of 2021 all backcountry camping is 100% reservable.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation:

• You need an account on recreation.gov to make a reservation so set one up in advance to save time on the day.
• Consider going on coastal trips in the off-season (before May 1 or after September 30th) when reservations aren’t required but the weather can often be good.
• If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

North Cascades National Park Backpacking Reservations for 2024

What: North Cascades National Park is a huge park with tons of backpacking options, most of them high in the mountains. Reservations are not required for the more remote corners of the park. But if you want to visit the most popular areas, a reservation is a must. You can find info on all the trails on the North Cascades National Park website. Looking for trip ideas? Check out my trail guide for the East Bank Trail on Ross Lake.

When to Reserve: Early access lottery is open March 4-15, 2024. On March 22, lottery applicants will find out if they “won” a chance to make a reservation. If you won, you will be assigned a time between March 25 and April 23 to go to log-in to the site and make a reservation. On April 29, all reservable sites that weren’t allocated as part of the lottery will be available.

Where to Reserve: Online via recreation.gov

How Much Do Reservations Cost: There is a $6 non-refundable transaction fee and a refundable $20 fee to complete a permit reservation.

Do You Need to Reserve? No. About 40% permits are available for walk-ups. To get a walk-up permit you need to go to a ranger station either the first day of your trip or the day before your trip.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation:

• Come up with lots of alternative itineraries.
• You can only submit one reservation request per person so if cost isn’t an issue, consider having a few people in your group submit requests.
• If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

So there you have it: 2024 Washington backpacking reservation dates for 4 different parks. How many of these parks have you done already? Tell me in the comments. I’ve been backpacking in all of them except Mount Rainier National Park. But the real question should be: which of these parks do you want to visit next? (My answer might be all of them. Eep.)

READ NEXT:

I’ve got trail guides for a few hikes in Washington’s parks

• Shi Shi Beach Hiking and Camping Guide
• Ozette Loop Backpacking Trip Guide
• How to Hike and Camp at Toleak Point in Olympic National Park
• The East Bank Trail in North Cascades National Park

MORE BACKPACKING POSTS:

• BC Backpacking Reservation Dates You Need to Know
• Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking
• 9 Best Washington Road Trips
• Coastal Hiking Tips: Advice for Beach Backpacking
• How to Leave No Trace (And Why it’s Important!)
• 16 Things to do Before a Hike
• The 10 Essentials: Things You Should Bring on Every Hike

The post 2024 Washington Backpacking Reservation Dates appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

While there are literally hundreds of places to go backpacking in BC without reservations, the most popular spots require advance booking. This post breaks down how to book backcountry campsites in BC Provincial Parks (run by BC Parks), National Parks in BC (run by Parks Canada), and a few independent locations (run by hiking clubs).

I’ve also got tons of helpful tips you can navigate the whole process of booking backcountry camping in BC with ease.

This post includes:

• What is backcountry camping? How is it different from other kinds of camping?
• Backcountry camping in BC Parks – Which parks require reservations and which require permit registrations? And what’s the difference between the two?
• Backcountry camping in Canadian National Parks – How to make reservations for the West Coast Trail, the Rockwall Trail, Banff National Park, and more.
• Backcountry camping at campgrounds run by hiking clubs – How to make reservations at backcountry huts as well as Watersprite Lake and Tenquille Lake
• BC Backcountry camping FAQ – I’ll answer all your questions about booking backcountry camping in BC

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

What is Backcountry Camping?

If you’ve never heard the term, you might be wondering: What is backcountry camping?

In the outdoor community, the terms “backcountry” and “frontcountry” are used to mentally separate the outdoors. The backcountry is generally a wilderness area accessed via trails, not roads. The frontcountry is an area of wilderness or nature that is easy to access via road.

Want explanations for more outdoor slang? Check out my list of over 300 hiking terms with definitions.

Frontcountry camping means a drive-in campsite. Backcountry camping is when you hike to your campsite – usually at least 1 km but often much more.

In the frontcountry, campsites often have picnic tables, toilets (flush or pit), as well as water taps or pumps.

In the backcountry, campsites sometimes (but not always) have pit toilets and rarely have picnic tables or other amenities. You will need to collect and filter water from a lake or stream.

If you camp in the backcountry, you need to be prepared to Leave No Trace and practice bear safety.

If you’ve never been backpacking before, read my guide to Backpacking for Beginners. It has lots of tips for getting started. You should also check out my list of 24 Easy Backpacking Trips In BC For Beginners.

Where Do You Want to Go Backpacking?

The first thing you need to do is decide where you want to go backpacking. Find out which park your backcountry campsite is in. In British Columbia, several different organizations regulate backcountry camping.

• BC Parks: Regulates backcountry camping in BC Provincial Parks such as Garibaldi, Cape Scott, Strathcona, Assiniboine, and dozens of others. Click here to jump to the BC Parks section of this post.
• Parks Canada: Regulates backcountry camping in Canadian National Parks including Pacific Rim (West Coast Trail), Banff, Yoho, and several others. Click here to jump to the Parks Canada section of this post.
• Hiking clubs: In a few places, hiking clubs are in charge of managing reservations for backcountry campgrounds and huts. Click here to jump to the hiking clubs section of this post.

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Backcountry Camping in BC Parks

There are two types of backcountry bookings in BC Parks: reservations and registrations. Understanding the difference between the two can be confusing at first, but I promise, it’s not that complicated.

The short answer is that a reservation reserves a site and is only required at five parks. A registration is basically just paying camping fees and registering that you will be in the park’s backcountry. It does not reserve a site and is required at 29 parks. (Note: registrations are sometimes called permits – BC Parks’ language is not consistent.)

Tons of BC Parks do not require backcountry reservations or registrations – you can just show up! See my How to Go Backpacking in BC Without Reservations post for ideas.

Here’s a chart that explains the differences between reservations and registrations:

How to Make BC Parks Backcountry Reservations

If you want to stay at Garibaldi, Joffre, Mount Assiniboine, Bowron, some campgrounds at Manning Park, and Mount Robson (Berg Lake) Provincial Parks, you must make a reservation. There are no first-come, first-served, stand-by or overflow sites.

Looking to plan a trip to these parks? Here’s some info to get you started:

• My Joffre Lakes hiking guide, my Elfin Lakes hiking guide, and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia has everything you need to know to backpack in Joffre, Manning, and Garibaldi Provincial Parks
• My Berg Lake Trail guide has a complete overview of this gorgeous 23 km trail
• My Bowron Lakes guide has info on this epic 110 km canoe circuit
• My huge Mount Assiniboine hiking guide has info on planning trips to the Assiniboine core area via six different approach routes.

To make reservations, go to camping.bcparks.ca. Select “Backcountry” from the blue bar at the top and then select “Backcountry Reservation” (or “Canoe Circuit” for Bowron reservations). On mobile, you will need to use the small > to scroll to the right to see these options.

Here are a few tips and tricks to know about BC Parks backcountry reservations:

• The reservation site is MUCH easier to use on desktop so avoid mobile if you can. Test out the site ahead of time to get familiar with it. You can also book by phone, but it costs more and you will wait on hold for a long time.
• Pay attention to reservation opening dates. As of 2024, reservations for Garibaldi, Joffre, Assiniboine, Manning (Buckhorn, Kicking Horse, and Frosty Creek) open at 7 am PT 3 months before your trip. Bowron has its own reservation date in the fall of the previous year. See my 2024 backpacking reservation dates guide for more info.
• For a better chance at getting the reservation date you want, have everyone in your group online trying to book sites as soon as reservations open. Use a text thread to communicate.
• If you log on to the site at 7 am and all the sites are gone, don’t freak out. Reservations are held in people’s carts for 15 minutes. At about 7:15(ish) some of the sites will become available again as people didn’t complete the check-out process.
• You can book more than one consecutive night at once. For example, if you want to arrive on July 25 and stay for 4 nights, you can reserve all 4 nights starting on March 25.
• Weekends in July and August are the most popular. To ensure you get a weekend, try starting your trip on a Friday (or even a Thursday) so you can make your booking a day or two earlier.
• You need to set up an account on the BC Parks site to make reservations. Make one in advance so you don’t waste time on the day reservations open.
• At some times of year (spring, fall, winter) reservations are not required or the park may be closed to backcountry camping in the winter. Check the park website for details – the reservation website may not have clear info.
• When you make your reservation, you are booking the number of tent pads you need (up to 3) and the number of people in your group (up to 4 people per tent pad). The tent pads vary in size but are small. Plan to fit one 3- or 4-person tent on each pad or two 1- or 2-person tents.
• Your reservation guarantees you a tent pad, but you can’t book a specific campsite. You will need to choose an empty site when you arrive.
• Note: Bowron reservations are quite different. For Bowron, you reserve your start date for the full canoe circuit or the west side only. You don’t reserve specific campgrounds. See my Bowron Lakes guide for more details.
• In Garibaldi, Manning, and Assiniboine you can book an itinerary that includes more than one campground.
• Under BC Park’s policies, you are not allowed to change the reservation holder or sell your reservation to someone else. If you do, your reservation will be void.
• Your reservation info will be sent to you by email. It often gets stuck in your spam folder. You need to bring a copy of your reservation with you when you come to the park. You can print it out or carry a screenshot on your phone. Park rangers may ask to see it.

BC Parks Backcountry Camping and Reservation Fees

Camping fees in Garibaldi, Mount Robson and Assiniboine Provincial Parks:

• $10/night for adults (16 and older)
• $5/night for kids (6-15)
• Free for kids 5 and under

Camping fees in Joffre Lakes Provincial Park and Manning Provincial Park:

• $5/night per person (6 and older)
• Free for kids 5 and under

Reservation fees for all parks:

• $6/tent pad/night up to a max of $18 per tent pad

Didn’t Get the Dates You Wanted? Check Cancellations!

Since BC Parks doesn’t let you sell or transfer reservations, there are lots of cancellations. Check the system regularly to see if anything becomes available.

You can also signup for Schnerp or Campnab. These sites scan reservation sites for you and sends you an email or text if something becomes available for your dates and campgrounds. Read my guide to camping cancellation apps for my full review of both apps. Spoiler: one gets you more for your money.

Or use my list of places to go backpacking in BC without reservations and plan an awesome trip somewhere else.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

How to Get a BC Parks Backcountry Registration Permit

As of 2024, BC Parks Backcountry Registration Permits are required at 29 provincial parks. Here’s the list of parks where you need to get a backcountry permit:

• Akamina-Kishinena (Rockies)
• Bugaboo (Kootenays)
• Cape Scott (Vancouver Island) – Read my Cape Scott and North Coast Trail guides and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island for more info
• Cathedral (Okanagan) – See my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia, for backpacking trip info
• Desolation Sound (Sunshine Coast – water access only)
• Dionisio Point (Gulf Islands – water access only)
• Discovery Island (Gulf Islands – water access only)
• E.C. Manning (Vancouver area) – Note: backcountry registration permits apply to all campgrounds except Buckhorn, Kicking Horse, and Frosty Creek, which require reservations. See my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia, for backpacking trip info
• Elk Lakes (Rockies)
• Golden Ears (Vancouver area) – See my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia, for backpacking trip info
• Halkett Bay (Vancouver area – water access only)
• Inland Lake (Sunshine Coast)
• Jedediah Island (Gulf Islands – water access only)
• Juan de Fuca (Vancouver Island) – See my Juan de Fuca Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island for more info
• Kokanee Glacier (Kootenays)
• Main Lake (Gulf Islands)
• Monashee (Okanagan)
• Mount Robson (Rockies) – Note: backcountry registration permits apply only to the less popular Fitzwilliam Trail and Moose River Route – you need a reservation for the Berg Lake Trail. See my Berg Lake Trail guide for more info
• Pilot Bay (Kootenays)
• Pirate’s Cove (Gulf Islands – water access only)
• Raft Cove (Vancouver Island) – See my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island, for more info
• S⨱ótsaqel / Chilliwack Lake (Vancouver Area) – See my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia, for backpacking trip info
• Strathcona (Vancouver Island) – See my Della Falls Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island, for more info
• Top of the World (Rockies)
• Tweedmuir South (Chilcotin)
• Wallace Island (Gulf Islands – water access only)
• Wells Gray (Thompson-Okanagan)
• Whiteswan Lake (Kootenays)

To make reservations, go to camping.bcparks.ca. Select “Backcountry” from the blue bar at the top and then select “Backcountry Registration” On mobile, you will need to use the small “>” to scroll to the right to see these options.

Here are a few tips and tricks to know about BC Parks backcountry registration permits:

• The reservation site is MUCH easier to use on desktop so avoid mobile if you can. You can also pay by phone, but it costs more and you will wait on hold for a long time.
• You can buy your backcountry registration permit online up to two weeks before your trip. If you try to buy one earlier than that, it won’t be available for purchase.
• At some parks, you can self-register and pay in-person with cash. However, this is not available at all parks so it is best to do it online.
• When you register you will need to give your arrival and departure dates and select a park entry and exit point. This is just for park information gathering and safety in case you go missing – it is not an enforced itinerary. (BUT your backcountry permit doesn’t replace a trip plan, which you should always leave with a friend.)
• At some times of year (spring, fall, winter) registration permits are not required or the park may be closed to backcountry camping. Check the park website for details – the reservation website may not have clear info.
• A backcountry permit does NOT guarantee you a campsite. It is just a way of paying backcountry camping fees. There is no limit on the number of backcountry permits sold. All campsites are first-come, first-served.
• Under BC Park’s policies, you are not allowed to change the registration permit holder or sell your permit to someone else. If you do, your permit will be void.
• Your permit info will be sent to you by email. It often gets stuck in your spam folder. You need to bring a copy of your permit with you when you come to the park. You can print it out or carry a screenshot on your phone. Park rangers may ask to see it.

BC Parks Backcountry Registration Permit Fees

Camping fees vary by park. They are typically:

• $5-10/night for adults (16 and older)
• $5/night for kids (6-15)
• Free for kids 5 and under

Backcountry Camping in Canadian National Parks

There are several Canadian National Parks in British Columbia that offer backcountry camping. With very few exceptions, you must make reservations to backcountry camp in National Parks.

Here’s a run-down of the Canadian National Parks in (and near) British Columbia with backcountry camping:

• Banff National Park – 51 backcountry campgrounds including Egypt Lake spread across the park (requires reservations) and two large random camping areas (first-come, first-served – requires wilderness permit)
• Glacier National Park – Hermit Meadows (requires reservations) and Sir Donald (first-come, first-served – requires wilderness permit)
• Gulf Islands National Park Reserve – Narvaez Bay on Saturna Island (requires reservations) and several other water-access-only locations (first-come, first-served, no permits)
• Jasper National Park – 88 backcountry campgrounds including the Skyline Trail spread across the park (requires reservations)
• Kootenay National Park – Rockwall Trail (requires reservations)
• Mount Revelstoke National Park – Eva and Jade Lakes (requires reservations)
• Pacific Rim National Park Reserve – West Coast Trail, Keeha Beach, Broken Group Island (requires reservations)
• Yoho National Park – Lake O’Hara, Iceline, Yoho Valley (requires reservations)
• Waterton National Park – 10 backcountry campgrounds across the park (requires reservations)

How to Make Backcountry Camping Reservations in Canadian National Parks

To make reservations, go to reservation.pc.gc.ca. Select “Backcountry” from the green bar at the top. On mobile, you will need to use the small “>” to scroll to the right to see this option.

At the next step, you have a choice between “Backcountry”, “Backcountry Zone”, and “West Coast Trail”. Check the park drop-down to figure out if the park you want is under “Backcountry” or “Backcountry Zone”.

Here are a few tips and tricks to know about Canadian National Park backcountry reservations:

• The reservation site is MUCH easier to use on desktop so avoid mobile if you can. Test out the site ahead of time to get familiar with it. You can also book by phone, but you will wait on hold for a long time and the reservation fee is a bit higher.
• Pay attention to reservation opening dates. Each park has its own reservation opening date, typically in January or February. (Note: In 2024, reservations open in mid-January and early February). See my BC backpacking reservation dates guide for a full run-down of dates.
• Pay attention to reservation opening times. Reservations open at 8 am local time in the time zone that the park is in. So for example, West Coast Trail reservations (Pacific Rim National Park) open at 8 am Pacific time while Rockwall Trail reservations (Kootenay National Park) open at 8 am Mountain time.
• You need to set up an account on the Parks Canada site to make reservations. Make one in advance so you don’t waste time on the day reservations open.
• On the date that reservations open, make sure you are online and logged in to your account 15-20 minutes early. Anyone who is on the site before reservations go live will be randomly placed in a queue. If you log on to the site after reservations go live, you will be at the back of the line.
• For a better chance at getting the reservation date you want, have everyone in your group online trying to book sites the day that reservations open. Use a text thread to communicate and see who gets the best place in the queue.
• Use as many devices and browsers as you can. The system lets you try for a reservation on multiple computers, tablets, and phones. You can also use different browsers (Firefox, Chrome, Safari) in both regular and incognito/private mode. Each device and browser will get its own place in the queue.
• Weekends in July and August are the most popular. To ensure you get a weekend, try starting your trip on a Friday (or even a Thursday) so you can make your booking a day or two earlier.
• At some times of the year (spring, fall, winter) backcountry camping is closed so you won’t be able to make reservations.
• Have your first choice of campgrounds available, as well as some backup options. As well, you need to know your entry and exit trailheads.
• For most parks, when you make your reservation, you are booking the number of tent pads you need (up to 3) and the number of people in your group (up to 4 people per tent pad). The tent pads vary in size but are small – they will fit up to a 4-person tent. Parks Canada regulations only allow one tent per pad. Your reservation guarantees you a tent pad, but you can’t book a specific campsite. You will need to choose an empty site when you arrive. (Note: This isn’t the case for Gulf Islands National Park Reserve – there you book a specific campsite.)
• Note: West Coast Trail reservations are quite different. For the WCT, you reserve your start date and starting trailhead. You don’t reserve specific campgrounds.
• Under Parks Canada’s policies, you are allowed to change the reservation holder BUT you are not allowed to sell your reservation to someone else. If you do, your reservation will be void.
• Your reservation info will be sent to you by email. It often gets stuck in your spam folder. You need to bring a copy of your reservation with you when you come to the park. You can print it out or carry a screenshot on your phone. Park rangers may ask to see it.

Canadian National Parks Backcountry Camping and Reservation Fees

Camping fees vary by location. In general, backcountry camping fees in Canadian National Parks are $10-18/person/night. Reservation fees are $11.50 per reservation regardless of the number of nights.

In most parks, you will also need to purchase a National Park entry pass. Passes cost about $10/person/day or $20/day for groups in the same car. It is often more economical to purchase a Parks Canada Discovery Pass, an annual pass that gives you access to all National Parks in Canada for one year.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Didn’t Get the Dates You Wanted? Check Cancellations!

Since you have to book so far in advance, there are usually lots of cancellations. Check the system regularly to see if anything becomes available.

You can also signup for Schnerp or Campnab. These sites scan reservation sites for you and sends you an email or text if something becomes available for your dates and campgrounds. Read my guide to camping cancellation apps for my full review of both apps. Spoiler: one gets you more for your money.

Or use my list of places to go backpacking in BC without reservations and plan an awesome trip somewhere else.

How to Get First-Come, First-Served Wilderness Permits for Backcountry Camping in Canadian National Parks

Almost all backcountry camping in Canadian National Parks in BC requires reservations. The only places that do not require reservations and have first-come, first-served wilderness permits are:

• Sir Donald campground in Glacier National Park
• Designated random camping zones in Banff National Park

Both Sir Donald and the random camping zones in Banff are most often used by mountaineers or people on long-distance, remote expeditions to climb mountains. They are not common backpacking destinations.

To obtain a wilderness permit for these area areas you must get one in-person. For Sir Donald, visit the Illecillewaet campground kiosk. For Banff, head to the Banff or Lake Louise Visitor Centres.

Backcountry Reservations at BC Campgrounds Run by Hiking Clubs

There are a few places in BC with reservable campgrounds run by hiking clubs. They each have their own reservation dates and policies.

There are also several dozen backcountry huts in BC run by clubs with their own reservation dates and policies. See my post about Backcountry Huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies for full details.

As of 2024, there are two reservable backcountry campgrounds in BC run by hiking clubs:

• Watersprite Lake near Squamish, run by the BC Mountaineering Club;
• Tenquille Lake near Pemberton by the Pemberton Wildlife Association

You can find details for backpacking to both Watersprite Lake and Tenquille Lake in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Both locations use the same booking software and have the same booking process. Here are some tips and tricks:

• Book online via the BCMC Watersprite Lake or Pemberton Wildlife Association Tenquille Lake sites. The sites are a bit easier to use on desktop.
• Pay attention to reservation opening dates. As of 2024, reservations open at midnight 60 days before the first day of your trip. See my 2024 backpacking reservation dates guide for more info.
• Weekends in July and August are the most popular. To ensure you get a weekend, try starting your trip on a Friday (or even a Thursday) so you can make your booking a day or two earlier.
• At some times of year (spring, fall, winter) reservations are not required. However, that usually means the campground will be very snowy.
• When you make your reservation, you are booking the number of tent pads you need (up to 3) and the number of people in your group (up to 4 people per tent pad). The tent pads vary in size but are small. Plan to fit one 3- or 4-person tent on each pad or two 1- or 2-person tents.
• Your reservation guarantees you a tent pad, but you can’t book a specific campsite. You will need to choose an empty site when you arrive.
• Under their policies, you are not allowed to change the reservation holder or sell your reservation to someone else. If you do, your reservation will be void.
• Your reservation info will be sent to you by email. It often gets stuck in your spam folder. You need to bring a copy of your reservation with you when you come to the park. You can print it out or carry a screenshot on your phone. The campground host may ask to see it.
• If you don’t get a spot, check back for cancellations.

BC Backcountry Camping FAQ

Do you have questions about backcountry camping reservations in BC? I put together this BC backcountry camping FAQ for you!

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So that’s everything you need to know about how to make backcountry camping reservations in BC at provincial parks, national parks, and campgrounds run by hiking clubs. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments. I’m happy to help!

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READ NEXT:

• BC Backpacking Reservation Dates You Need to Know
• How to Go Backpacking in BC Without Reservations
• The Best Camping Cancellation Apps: Campnab vs. Schnerp
• Get my book: Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia
• 31 Best Backpacking Trips in BC
• 11 Best Backpacking Trips in the Canadian Rockies
• BC Parks Day Passes – Everything You Need to Know

The post How to Make Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC in 2026 appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.