Campground Reservation System a Success

Nova Scotia Provincial Parks' new reservation system, which lets people reserve specific camp sites at provincial campgrounds by phone or online, is a success and the season has only just begun.

"Our updated reservation system has caught on faster than we had ever imagined," said Natural Resources Minister David Morse. "As of Monday, June 11, more than 3,500 reservations had been made."

The success of the new system is evident in the numbers. More than 35 per cent of last year's total reservations have already been made, even though many camping parks did not open for over-night visitors until Friday, June 15. Reservations have increased almost 450 per cent from last year, with more than 6,000 additional camper nights booked through reservations. Twenty-seven per cent of reservations are from people outside of the province, showing that the parks are thriving tourist attractions.

"Campers can log on the website or call the toll-free hotline to learn about all 20 provincial camping parks before making reservations," said Mr. Morse. "We hope this new system helps as many people as possible take advantage of Nova Scotia's provincial parks."

Campsites are also available without a reservation, but making a reservation assures you visitors a specific spot at your the desired provincial park of their choice. The parks with the most reservations to date are:

Blomidon - Kings County Dollar Lake - Halifax County Five Islands - Colchester County
Graves Island - Lunenburg County Rissers Beach - Lunenburg County

The long weekends, especially Canada Day weekend, are the most popular camping dates and they are booking up fast.

The reservation system operates until October. Telephone service are is available between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. at 1-888-544-3434. The reservation website is parks.gov.ns.ca .