Book Now for Spring RVing

By Cassandra Redding

Have you booked your 2018 RV trip yet? Though the chilly Canadian winter may not have you thinking about camping outdoors, now is precisely the right time to start planning. Having to book early won't be news to many seasoned RVers, but if you are new to the lifestyle, you might be surprised to learn that the team at RV Snowbirds and Travelers will have not only our spring trips planned but also our summer trips planned and booked before spring officially arrives. HERE'S HOW:

I'm always shocked that people think they can make plans to go camping just a few days before they want to visit. I've been in the line-up at the park office registration desk and witnessed the frustration of people who refuse to believe the park is full. Follow these tips to ensure you aren't one of those people who have to get back in your RV and make the sad journey home.

Pre-registration is your friend. If you want to camp at one of the 35 National parks and Historic sites across Canada this year visit www.reservation.parkscanada.gc.ca or call 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783). You will find a detailed list of exactly when each one is accepting reservations.

Most provincial parks have either an online and/or phone registration system so you can book your site many months in advance. Yes, it will take some planning on your part. Maybe you don't know what dates you want to camp or where you want to go yet, but take the time to figure it out. It beats the alternative of staying home and RVing in the backyard. (See below for handy links to book in a provincial park).

While you are planning, also research the park or parks you want to camp at before registration date opens. If you want the best chance of getting your favourite site, pick your campsite in advance and book as soon as registration opens.

Failing that, try somewhere new. Lots of RVers like to go back to the same campground over and over and the competition to get into one of these is fierce and frustrating. Many of the lesser-known parks are just as beautiful, and you may have better success.

Be aware that holiday weekends such as Victoria Day, July 1st and Labour Day are the season's most popular times for camping; therefore, making it harder to get a camping site. Try to arrive on a weekday, that way a week-long reservation allows you to take advantage of staying throughout the weekend. Check the site for openings daily. If your favourite campsite or campground is booked, a cancellation may be your opportunity to get in on short notice.

Best of luck with your reservations!

Provincial Parks:

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