Manitobans booked campground reservations in record numbers this year with thousands of reservations made through the Manitoba Parks Reservation Service website this morning, Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today.

“Our reservation system is again showing its worth, connecting Manitobans with the wide range of quality camping opportunities in the province,” Mackintosh said.  “The Parks Reservation Service opened this morning at 7:30 a.m. and by halfway through the day more than 12,570 reservations were completed, surpassing the 11,929 made by the same time last year.”

A total of 64,268 campsites were booked through the made-in-Manitoba reservation system last season.

The minister also announced the department will begin reviewing ways to make the reservation system more convenient and accessible for Manitoba families.  The review will include input from Parks Reservation Service users.

“We want to provide families the best opportunities to enjoy the beauty of Manitoba’s provincial parks and campgrounds,” said Mackintosh.  “We have some of the most affordable camping rates in the country and we want to make it as easy as possible for families to take advantage of them.”

Most campgrounds will open May 11.  Northern campgrounds and, weather permitting, those along the lakes will open May 18, except Iskwasum Landing, which is slated to open May 25.

Reservations and more details on opening dates and campground rules are available at www.manitobaparks.com or 1-888-482-2267 (toll-free).