Alberta campers stake out spots earlier each year

The Gooseberry Campground, about 45 minutes southwest of Calgary, was a hub of activity Wednesday evening as Alberta campers say it's what you have to do to get a good spot.

A full three days before the May long weekend, Sophie Genest and her husband came out to get a space for her parents.

"We are doing this to help out," Genest tells CBC News.

"They do thank me, their way. We are going to have a very nice supper over the weekend, we will take it that way with a sugar pie and a nice wine."

Kaylee McLean drove out with her dad Ian.

"You have to go out sooner to get a good spot," McLean explained.

"We are here on Wednesday because every year it gets packed sooner."

She says, even in bad weather, it's worth it.

"Camping is always fun. It is a Canadian thing."

Val Hallett's son will be joining her on the weekend, so she didn't want to miss out.

"I am out here on Wednesday so we can get a spot so we can be together for the weekend with my son," Hallett said.

"There may be less chance of getting a site on Thursday."

Dale Clark says the strategy of coming out days in advance, isn't new to his family.

"You have to pay for six days so you can camp for the weekend. This is what you have to do to get a camping spot. This is the price you have to pay to get your R.V. out close to Calgary," Clark said.

"We started doing this about five years ago, coming out here on Wednesday to nail down a spot so you have a place to camp for the long weekend."

It's expected to be a busy weekend in campgrounds—despite some rain in the forecast—in part because a fire ban enacted recently has been lifted in many parts of the province.

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