This release was issued under a previous government.
The regular provincial parks’ campsite fee will increase by $3 per night for the 2015 season. Sites will now range in price from $5-$26 per night depending on location. An additional fee of $1 per night is also being applied to power sites to help offset increased utility costs.
The increases will also apply to group campsites on a per unit base. The base rate of $50 for a group campsite will increase to a range of $50-$150 per night and be implemented next year.
Sewage disposal, an optional user-pay service, will increase from a flat fee of $3 to a range of $3-$10. Alberta Parks will also introduce an optional on-site, pump-out service at a cost of up to $25 at some campgrounds.
“Our provincial campgrounds are attracting more visitors every year. These fee increases will help us maintain our parks to the standards that have made them so popular, while keeping camping in Alberta affordable for families and visitors.”
The increase to fees will generate almost $2 million, which will be reinvested in Alberta’s 245 provincial campgrounds to maintain amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, washrooms, showers, visitor centres, playgrounds, boat launches, trails and roads.
Unlike some other provincial jurisdictions, Alberta does not charge a gate, access or day-use fee, and has not changed its fee range structure in the last five years.
The new fees will be applied to the Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca online registration system, which will open for regular campsite bookings February 17.
Alberta Parks is introducing reservations by region at staggered times for regular bookings to better support Albertans as they make their camping plans for the summer, and is once again offering its “Stay for 3, Pay for 2” nights midweek promotion at select provincial campgrounds.