Medicine Hat, AB- With the May long weekend less than two weeks away, it’s almost time for the camping season.
Gas City Campground, has been taking reservations since January and is seeing steady numbers.
The city owned campground opened their gates for the season last Friday.
Park manager for the city, Scott Ritchter, says that about 60 per cent of the campground guests throughout the summer are residents of Medicine Hat.
“I think people like the idea of a staycation. It’s close but it’s still remote enough.” He said.
Ritcher also said that once the city started taking reservation, the numbers have been on par with past years.
“We always get phone calls on when we’re opening in terms of online registration. So we open on January 15th of every year. And we take those online bookings.” Ritchter continued “It’s pretty steady from January, February, March, and then as soon as the weather starts turning we see a spike as well.”
According to Ritcher, the city is about 95 per cent booked for their upcoming “test your trailer” weekend in a few days. Where campers can get two nights for the price of one.
He feels people are ready to get out and enjoy the summer already.
“I think people are excited. I mean, I think it’s been a tough winter, a late winter. February and March were tough on people but I think people are really gearing up to get outside. Buying their camping stuff, making their reservations, and we keep seeing reservations online increase.”
