Rules and etiquette (Recreation Sites and Trails B.C.)
Know the rules for recreation sites and trails[edit]
Last updated on April 11, 2022 Recreation site and recreation trail use is governed by the Forest Recreation Regulation.
When using recreation sites and trails please respect the following rules and etiquette so everyone can have a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.
Camping and day use etiquette[edit]
- Enjoy your camping stay for no more than 14 consecutive days
- Do not build long-term structures without permission
- Before leaving, return your site to the condition in which you found it
- Competitive events, commercial use, or large groups require permission
- If applicable, pay camping and other service fees to recreation site operators
- Do not hold campsites, or leave personal property unattended
Campfires[edit]
- Follow any of B.C.'s fire bans and restrictions
- Follow B.C.'s campfire regulations (PDF, 1.7MB) poster and respect the use of fire for stoves and campfires (PDF, 471KB) poster
- Do not cut trees or remove wood from the site
- Do not light campfires during strong winds
- Keep campfires small (0.5 m x 0.5 m) and within campfire rings provided
- While campfire is lit, keep eight litres of water and hand tools close by
- Do not leave campfires unattended
- Before leaving, extinguish fires and make sure campfire bed is cool to the touch
- Report wildfires or unattended campfires by calling *5555 on a cell phone or 1-800-663-5555 toll free
Noise[edit]
- Respect the peace and quiet of others
- Keep your noise to a minimum at all times (including music and generators)
- Obey designated quiet time (11 pm to 7 am)
Garbage[edit]
- You pack it in, you pack it out
- Do not litter
- Deposit garbage in containers if provided
- Do not empty your holding tank or dump garbage in toilets
Pets[edit]
- Keep your pets quiet and under control at all times
Parking[edit]
- Park in designated areas
- Keep roads clear. Do not block traffic
Drive cautiously[edit]
- Watch out for pedestrians. Site access roads are often used by visitors and children as paths and play areas
- Maximum speed within a recreation site is 20 km/h
- Do not drive over vegetation
- Idle off-road vehicles (ORVs) in and out of the campsite
Safety and hunting[edit]
- Do not discharge firearms, bows, crossbows, or set traps
- Do not leave game entrails on the site
- Do not discharge fireworks
Property[edit]
Do not leave personal property unattended. Unclaimed property will be removed after 24 hours
Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs)[edit]
- Read and follow B.C.'s Off-Road Vehicle Management Framework as defined by the Off-Road Vehicle Act and the Off-Road Vehicle Regulation
- Register your ORV and follow all safety provisions if you plan to ride on B.C.'s Crown Land
- Always wear a helmet when riding
- Be a steward for your sport. Practice ethical riding
- Don't ride in or damage sensitive ecosystems such as wetlands, grasslands and alpine areas. Damages can cause long term or irreparable harm to the environment
- Read Off-Road Vehicle Guide To B.C.'s Grasslands (PDF, 4.8MB) and Protect Our Forests & Range Land (PDF, 300KB) brochure
Reporting unauthorized use of Crown Land[edit]
B.C. has numerous laws to protect land, water, forests and cultural resources. Over 150 Natural Resource Officers (NROs) work throughout B.C. to ensure compliance with legislation and take enforcement actions as necessary.
If you witness or are aware of a natural resource violation (such as unauthorized use of Crown Land):
- Fill out a violation report form or
- Call the natural resource violation reporting line at 1-877-952-7277
The information you provide is subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Good camping karma[edit]
Strive for "no-trace" camping:
- Keep to designated trails to protect the surrounding ecosystem
- “Pack it in, pack it out.” Take home everything you brought to your campsite
- This includes biodegradable scraps like fruit and vegetable peelings. These will not decompose before the next campers arrive, and may attract unwanted wildlife
- When you leave, your site should be in the same condition (or better) than when you arrived
Leave No Trace Canada recommends following 7 principles for outdoor ethics:
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Learn more about Leave No Trace Canada
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