Gas City Campground, Chat News photo

By Chantal Wagner

Change of camping plans for May long as inclement weather settles in

May 19, 2021 | 5:11 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – What’s normally a packed May long weekend for camping, there are only a handful of trailers parked at Gas City Campground.

With the inclement weather expected for the next few days, the city’s parks & recreation department say most are packing up or have already cancelled.

“So far the forecast doesn’t seem very favourable and seeing some people in anticipation cancel their reservations,” Scott Richter said.

Shaun and Pam are just one couple who are packing up due to the wet weather expected.

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But they have plans to continue camping in the Medicine Hat area at Ross Creek throughout the summer.

“We love doing this, we’re both retired so this is what we do every day,” Shaun and Pam told Chat News.

The couple recently sold their house in B.C and their trailer is now their home on wheels for the next three months.

“I have kids, grandchildren, family, friends, this is where I’m from,” Pam added.

Despite the weather this weekend, Richter says the campground is quite booked up for the summer. Every weekend is close to capacity or is already full in July and August.

There are also some projects and renovations happening at Gas City starting June 1.

“All the unserviced sites will be converted to full power, water, and sewer. So full service. It will be 30 amp power,” he said.

Two accessible cabin-style sites will also be added and it’s anticipated they’ll be a hit.

“Provincial campgrounds do those comfort camping and they’re quite popular and there’s a niche for it so we’re going to give it a shot,” Richter explained.

Camping at Echo Dale is another option with about five sites located on the very east end of the park.

Richter says that’s a good option for adventure campers as there are no power, water, or sewer services. There is an outhouse in the area.

A reservation is needed and campers will only be allowed in with a permit.

Richter says they’re piloting this as a more formal campground for 2021. Previously people could book that as a group camping site.

“This year we tried to open it up with the unserviced sites (at Gas City) gone this year we said maybe there’s an opportunity for more camping in Echo Dale.”

Though the weather is not cooperating this weekend, campers still have plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors and the options the city has to offer.