More than 400 new campsites added around B.C.

Canada’s Parks Day is on Saturday and what better way to celebrate than with hundreds of new campsites around British Columbia.

The province has added 431 new campsites for the public’s use this summer, including 51 in the Okanagan.

Those 51 sites are located at Island Lake near Winfield (34), Bear Creek near West Kelowna (21) and Sxwexwnitkw near Okanagan Falls (6).

"People are passionate about spending time in our beautiful provincial parks, and that has increased demand for camping opportunities," said George Heyman, minister of environment.

"The additional campsites, combined with upgrades to existing facilities, will improve the overall experience of B.C.'s natural beauty and provide a range of camping opportunities for everyone to enjoy."

With the expansion, the province now has 11,000 camping spaces across 1,100 recreation spots.

Facilities and infrastructure like roads, water taps, power, dishwashing stations, toilets and showers have also been upgraded or added at many of those spots.

"The expanded mix of BC Parks and forestry recreation site campsites is very welcome news," said Joss Penny, chair, Camping and RVing BC Coalition.

"More than two million campers from B.C., Alberta and Washington are expected to camp or RV in British Columbia in the next two years."

Here’s a full list of new campsites that have been added around the province this year:

• Manning-Hampton, near Hope - 20
• Sxwexwnitkw, near Okanagan Falls - 6
• Shuswap Lake, near Salmon Arm - 57
• Bear Creek, near West Kelowna - 21
• Kettle River group site (near Rock Creek), which is now capable of accommodating more than 80 people.
• Golden Ears backcountry, near Maple Ridge - 6
• Flora Loop Campground, at Chilliwack Lake - 31
• Montague Harbour, on Galiano Island - 15
• Rathtrevor, near Parksville - 18
• Desous Mountain, near Williams Lake - 9
• Englishman Creek, near Fernie - 11
• Carnes Creek, near Revelstoke - 15
• Red Lake, near Kamloops - 15
• Island Lake, near Winfield - 34
• Rocky Point, near Abbotsford - 20
• Cascade Peninsula, near Harrison Hot Springs - 10
• Stave West Lower Kersley, near Mission - 85
• Pye Beach, near Sayward - 9
• Nixon Creek, near Cowichan Lake - 17
• San Juan, near Port Renfrew - 10
• Miller Creek, near Campbell River - 21