Alberta campsites could become available thanks to bad weather over the long weekend

Wet weather and cool temperatures forecast over the long weekend could see some campsites open up for outdoor enthusiasts planning a last-minute trip.

"The majority of our campgrounds that are on our reserve.Albertaparks.ca website system are booked up but there are still spots available," Alberta Parks spokesman Tim Chamberlain told The Calgary Eyeopener.

"In addition to that, we still have a number of first-come, first-serve campsites within our system so there are still options for people to get out and enjoy the May Long Weekend in our provincial parks."

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Possible cancellations

Environment Canada's forecast calls for rain throughout the weekend across much of the southern half of the province.

Temperatures are forecast to reach an afternoon high of about 10 C.

Bad weather usually translates into cancellations of reserved campgrounds, said Chamberlain.

"The situation is very fluid with our reserve system, so people will be able to find a spot, one or two still, depending upon whether you're looking for a regular campsite, a group campsite or one of our comfort camping options," he said.

"That vacancy calendar we keep very much up-to-date, so if a cancellation does come up, that will show."

There's also a few out-of-the-way spots campers can go that aren't listed on the reservation system.

"Especially in the Calgary region," said Chamberlain.

"Chain Lakes comes to mind as one of our little gems that's not on the reservation system.

"We have about 250 (campgrounds) within the provincial park system so we're quite confident people who want to get out for a camping weekend will find a spot."

And those who do head out camping will be able to keep warm around a campfire, at least in southern Alberta.

"With the cool, wet weather there have been some amendments to the fire bans," said Chamberlain.

"(Thursday) on our own Albertaparks.ca website, we were showing about 230 fire bans. As of late (Thursday) we were down to 31, so really the fire ban situation remains in effect largely in the northeast part of the province, amendments have been made to allow for camp fires pretty much in the rest of the province."

Liquor bans will be in place this weekend in nine provincial parks: Aspen Beach, Cypress Hills, Dillberry Lake, Garner Lake, Jarvis Bay, Miquelon Lake, Pigeon Lake, Wabamun Lake and Whitney Lakes. 

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With files from The Calgary Eyeopener