Generators.
These compact power packs have become more common at campgrounds, providing electricity to RVs during the summer months and keeping campers warm during winter stays.
While using a generator can help you enjoy your stay, it is important that your power source does not become a burden on the campers around you.
Are you considering taking your generator to the parks? Review these tips to ensure everyone has an enjoyable camping experience:
1. Find a site with service
We understand that those summer weekends are very busy and it is difficult to find an electric site at your favorite park.
Before you reserve an unpowered site at that campground and pull out the generator, consider exploring a new park with electric sites.
This will save you from having to pack your generator for the trip and will give you the opportunity to discover a new provincial park!
2. If you are unsure if the parks allow generators, contact them.
Generators cannot be used in:
- designated generator-free areas
- Campsites designated as radio-free.
- any way that does not respect the rule of “Do not make excessive noise”
Both sites without generators and sites without radio can be filtered in the “restrictions” tab when booking online.
Be careful when reserving your campsite to ensure you are not reserving a site without generators.
If you have already reserved your campsite and are unsure if it is generator-free, please contact the park. Each park’s phone number is available on their individual website under the “parks” drop-down menu.
3. Limit generator use to midday
Other park visitors do not camp according to their schedule. They may prefer to sleep later in the morning or go to bed earlier than you do. Work around everyone’s schedule by choosing a time in the middle of the day to run your generator.
To ensure everyone enjoys the park, be aware of how long your generator is running. Plan and group your electricity-dependent tasks to reduce the time your generator will run. Be sure to turn off the generator when not in use. This will not only improve the experience of your neighbors, but will also help you reduce your fuel costs.
For users who don’t use generators, remember: before you get angry because someone uses a generator after hours, think again. Some visitors require generators for medical reasons. If you have concerns about another visitor’s use of the generator, please speak to park staff.
Medical exemptions are available for those who need a generator; however, we are also committed to ensuring that others feel comfortable. This means that a visitor using a generator could be moved to a location where the sound is less disturbing.
4. Consider solar options
If you’re looking for a quieter way to keep your energy flowing while you’re in the woods, you’re in luck. Gas generators are no longer the only energy player in the electricity game!
Solar panels that fold for transport and/or attach to RVs can be purchased at many hardware stores.
There are also several brands of solar-powered electric generators available that can store the sun’s energy for rainy days, produce no emissions when running, and are silent while providing power.
5. Be considerate of your campmates.
If you find yourself setting up a generator at your campsite, surrounded by non-generator users, we ask that you respect your fellow campers.
Campers visit parks to experience the natural beauty this province has to offer. This includes appreciating the quiet solitude of the forest.
We want to make sure everyone feels comfortable camping.
Keeping these tips in mind when using a generator will help everyone have a happy and relaxing experience while camping.