The province has announced that it is inviting Manitobans and visitors to get ready for the start of the 2026 camping season this May long weekend.

“Many Manitobans start their camping season over the May long weekend, and we are excited to welcome visitors back to our provincial park campgrounds,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes. “I hope everyone has an enjoyable weekend and a safe camping season.”

Most provincial park campgrounds are open for the May long weekend, although many parks have limited water services due to colder spring weather, the minister noted. Campers should bring their own drinking water.

Provincial park campgrounds in northern Manitoba that were scheduled to open on May 15 are still snow covered, so opening dates are delayed at these campgrounds:

  • Campers Cove and Pioneer Bay campgrounds in Clearwater Provincial Park are rescheduled to open Friday, May 22.
  • Wekusko Falls, Bakers Narrows, Grass River (Gyles, Reed Lake and Iskwasum Landing campgrounds) and Paint Lake provincial parks will be delayed until at least Friday, May 29.
  • North Steeprock Lake Provincial Park (Porcupine Hills) will be delayed until at least Friday, May 22.

Affected campers with existing reservations are being notified.

At Duck Mountain Provincial Park, campgrounds will be open for the long weekend, but water services will not be available due to overnight temperatures. Pit privies are available in the camping bays. Some campsites will still have snow, but reservation holders can be moved to an alternate site.

For updates and information, visit manitobaparks.com. This website also contains information on reserving campsites, cabins, yurts and group use sites. Reservations can also be made by calling (toll-free) 1-888-482-2267.

Reminders for visitors and campers at Manitoba provincial parks include:

  • check the Manitoba Parks website at manitobaparks.com for advisories before travelling;
  • buy and print provincial park vehicle permits online before leaving home at manitobaelicensing.ca;
  • check in at campground offices upon arrival to receive camping permits;
  • have reservation confirmation and personal identification ready for check-in;
  • be Wildlife Smart by maintaining a clean campsite, keeping all food, trash, toiletries and cooking utensils locked in a vehicle or trailer, and pack out trash and recyclables before leaving; and
  • keep all pets on leash.

For more information on Wildlife Smart, visit manitoba.ca.

Campers and visitors play an important role in preventing wildfires in provincial parks, the minister noted.

Here are tips Manitoba Parks visitors can follow to reduce the risk of wildfires:

  • Keep all campfires in approved pits such as those found in campsites and check with the campground office for any campfire restrictions.
  • Never leave a campfire unattended and always fully extinguish fires by drowning ashes and embers with water before leaving. This includes safely disposing of ashes from wood stoves and charcoal briquettes.
  • Do not burn if it is windy, as wind can blow embers and ash.
  • If operating an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), use only designated trails in provincial parks and regularly check for debris in areas around the engine and exhaust system, disposing of any materials safely.
  • Prevent sparks by checking and maintaining all equipment, including vehicle tires, trailers and off-road vehicles, and any other equipment traveling along roadways. Also check safety chains on trailers and make sure they are well off the ground before driving.
  • Be prepared to safely extinguish small fires by carrying a fire extinguisher, axe and shovel when travelling in the backcountry.

For more information, visit firesmartcanada.ca.

The Manitoba government is reminding campers that transporting firewood outside the city of Winnipeg is prohibited due to the presence of emerald ash borer and can result in charges and fines, the minister noted, adding that firewood is available for purchase from local retailers at most campgrounds.

The Manitoba government is also reminding watercraft users and beachgoers to be vigilant against aquatic invasive species. Always clean, drain, dry and, if necessary, decontaminate watercraft and water-related equipment, the minister noted. Information on aquatic invasive species and watercraft inspection station locations is available at manitoba.ca.