Prince George, BC – With the exception of Carp Lake Provincial Park, all provincial campgrounds throughout the north central region are expected to be full this weekend.

Quartz Contracting maintains the region’s campsites.  Spokesperson, Don Stephen, says most – Purden, Paarens Beach, Sowchea Bay, and Whiskers – were at capacity yesterday, with the remainder filling up today.  He says Carp Lake is the only spot expected to have some vacancies because ‘the fishing is a little trickier’ at this time of year, with the lake being warmer, and the 25km gravel road into the site deters some campers.

Stephen says he’s seen a complete turnaround from last year, thanks to the dry, sunny weather throughout the region.  "It’s been an awesome summer, so far," he says.  "Last July, was absolutely terrible."

But Stephen says the full campgrounds may ‘peak out’ by the middle of this month.  "People seem to have a limited number of days that they go camping," he explains.  "I can remember about six or seven years ago – we had a beautiful, beautiful July and we were having a beautiful August, and halfway through August, my numbers dropped even though it was still sunny."

"It’s as though people decide they’re all done.  Whereas last year, our best weekend was the long weekend of September – we were packed."  But, so far, Stephen says all area campgrounds have been really busy.