Delivered by WildSafeBC Community Coordinators
‘Bare’ campsites
Camping in wildlife country comes with unique challenges. The WildSafeBC ‘Bare’ Campsites program helps campground operators secure wildlife attractants and reduce conflicts with bears and other wildlife, ensuring safer and more enjoyable visitor experiences while protecting wildlife.
The program is based on a successful initiative developed by Parks Canada in the 1990s, which significantly reduced food-conditioned bears and improved campground safety.
What are ‘bare’ campsites?
The ‘bare’ campsites program supports campgrounds through education, staff training and infrastructure improvements. It is delivered as part of the WildSafeBC Community Program by Community Coordinators.
Campgrounds that follow these steps can successfully achieve ‘Bare’ Campsite status:
- Set clear expectations: Inform campers before arrival that they are entering a ‘bare’ campsite campground
- Reinforce messaging: Reiterate ‘bare’ campsite guidelines upon arrival and throughout their stay
- Install bear-resistant infrastructure: Ensure appropriate facilities are in place to secure attractants
- Train staff: Provide ‘bare’ campsite and bear safety training for all staff
- Monitor campsites: Regularly inspect sites and address concerns before wildlife are attracted
Campgrounds that successfully complete these steps may register and take the ‘Bare’ Campsite pledge. Registration forms can be downloaded here.
Why is it important?
Human-wildlife conflict in campgrounds is almost always preventable and is most often caused by unsecured food, garbage and other attractants. Once wildlife gain access to human food, they can become food-conditioned and lose their natural avoidance of people.
‘Bare’ campsites programs are important because they:
- Prevent wildlife from becoming food-conditioned and habituated to people
- Reduce the risk of dangerous wildlife encounters for campers and staff
- Improve campground safety and visitor experience
Decrease property damage and operational costs related to wildlife incidents
Support the long-term conservation of wildlife by keeping them wild and self-sufficient - By proactively managing attractants and expectations, campgrounds play a critical role in reducing conflict before it occurs.
Resources and online training
WildSafeBC offers self-paced online courses for campground operators and staff, which can be completed over approximately three weeks. Completing the training provides access to additional resources, many of which are available for free download. A course preview is available here.
‘Bare’ campsites and bear safety training for owners and managers
Time: 1.5 hours
Topics covered:
- Overview of WildSafeBC and ‘Bare’ Campsites
- Survey results and feedback from staff and the public
- Public education strategies and campsite inspections
- Self-evaluation and ‘Bare’ Campsite Program pledge process
- Access to support materials including manuals, posters, review cards and education tools
- Bear safety in recreation settings, bear attack statistics, bear spray and response strategies
- Recommended video: Staying Safe in Bear Country (25 minutes)
WildSafeBC offers self-paced online courses for campground operators and staff, which can be completed over approximately three weeks. Completing the training provides access to additional resources, many of which are available for free download. A course preview is available here.
‘Bare’ campsites and bear safety training for campground staff
Time: 1 hour
- Available after completion of the manager/owner course.
- Covers the same core content, excluding the pledge process and administrative resources.
- For training access or to purchase additional support materials, email bc@wildsafebc.com
Further training
It is recommended that campgrounds consider adding on our comprehensive Wildlife Awareness and Safety Course Level 1 certification for their staff. Information on this course can be found at Courses and Training.
Creating habits that last
Camping provides families with an opportunity to connect with nature while learning about wildlife awareness and responsible outdoor practices. Teaching campers to keep sites clean and secure attractants helps prevent negative wildlife interactions both in campgrounds and at home.
Even in urban environments, wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, and coyotes may be present. Securing attractants protects both people and wildlife and supports safer communities.
Explore family activities and educational resources on our WildSafe Ranger page and participate in our annual colouring contest.
‘Bare’ campsites in action
WildSafeBC first piloted ‘bare’ campsites at the Ucluelet Campground on the west coast of BC. Watch our short video to see the program in action.
Learn more in our overview video: WildSafeBC ‘Bare’ Campsites Overview