After being closed due to COVID-19, reservations for provincially operated campgrounds in Manitoba have reopened. Campers hoping to find spots at northern campgrounds can begin booking May 6, though camping this summer could look different than in the past.
Reservations for a number of southern Manitoba camping areas - Winnipeg Beach, Betula Lake, Big Whiteshell, Brereton Lake, Caddy Lake, Falcon Beach, Falcon Lakeshore, Nutimik Lake, Opapiskaw, Otter Falls, West Hawk Lake and White Lake - took place May 4.
Within the northern region, camp spots at Bakers Narrows, Campers Cove-Clearwater Lake, Paint Lake and Wekusko Falls will open up May 6, along with registration for all other provincial campgrounds.
Online and call centre hours for reservations will start at 7 a.m. Potential campers can also purchase a park vehicle pass online through a new online licensing program, announced earlier this year.
Finding a campsite up north will be an easier endeavour for northern residents this year. With travel restrictions still in place in northern Manitoba and likely to remain for the foreseeable future, residents outside the region have been told by the province to not apply for camp spots at northern sites while restrictions are in place.
“While the ban is in effect, anyone from southern Manitoba should not be travelling to a campground in the north. If making a booking for a northern campground (anywhere north of Lake Winnipeg), confirm the travel ban has been lifted prior to the planned camping trip,” said a provincial news release.
Any campers coming into Manitoba from outside the province are asked to follow all provincial public health orders and to self-isolate for two weeks upon arrival.
Once the camping season begins, the province has issued some rules for campers, including limiting all gatherings to 10 people or less and practicing proper hygiene and social distancing. Within provincial parks, staff will be told to deep clean and sanitize all public washrooms and shower facilities. Employees with any possible COVID-19 will be told to stay home and use the Shared Health Manitoba online self-screening tool before coming to work.
Only one entrance and exit will apply for all businesses operating in parks, with hand sanitizer available nearby.
Campers are asked to bring their own hygiene products like toilet paper and hand sanitizer, with any people travelling to camp also asked to bring any medical supplies and prescriptions with them, to fill all vehicles with gas before leaving their home community, to leave no trace at campsites, avoid using local health providers when camping if possible and to wear sandals or flip-flops while using shower facilities.
The rules also apply to beaches and public recreation areas.
Provincial parks and campgrounds are able to reopen as of May 4, along with all yurts and cabins.
Bookings can be made online at the Parks Reservation Service website at prs.gov.mb.ca or by phone toll-free at 1 888-482-2267.
