We live within 30 minutes of 5 US border crossings so it is not unusual for us to drive state side for camping. It is not that camping in the USA is better than camping in Canada it is just another option. As mentioned in an earlier blog, Why it’sHard to Find a Campsite, it very hard to get a campsite anywhere in BC so we expand our options by camping in Washington and Oregon. Many State Parks offer campsites that are equally private, well kept and beautiful as any we have found in BC so there is no reason to avoid considering them as an option.
If you are Canadian there are pros and cons to camping in the US State Parks so I thought I would take the opportunity to outline some of them.
Pros
- You can book state parks up to 9 months in advance.
- By site reservations, so you know the campsite you are getting.
- By site review, they often include specific details and ratings on each campsite offered.
- Many State Parks have electrical and water hooks ups with some even offering sewer.
- Many parks offer yurt options for those without all the camping gear.
- The parks are often larger and can accommodate more campers.
- There are more US State Parks than Canadian Provincial Parks making booking easier.
- Cheap booze, it has to be said, for us Canadians this is a big bonus.
- Cheap gas, not as fun as the booze but equally as big of a draw.
Cons
- Crossing the border, the possible line ups and hassles make this a definite con
- The border restrictions on certain foods can be a bit of a hassle
- Pets, having the paper work for all their shots and then there is the hassle of getting pet food across the border.
- The low Canadian dollar makes this now a much more expensive option.
- Beautful BC, it’s just hard to leave the beautiful province we call home.
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