Registration for Medicine Hat’s municipal campgrounds is set to open on February 3, allowing visitors and residents to secure spots for the upcoming camping season.
The registration covers Gas City Campground and Echo Dale Regional Park Campground, both of which will be open from May through the end of September.
According to city officials, demand for campsites remains high, with occupancy rates reaching approximately 90% throughout the season.
Taylor Elderton, business services coordinator for Parks and Recreation with the city, encourages early reservations, noting that online booking is the most convenient option.
“We have people from all over the world. But locals are definitely encouraged to check it out,” Elderton said in a report by Chat News Today.
For campground operators and outdoor hospitality professionals, Medicine Hat’s occupancy rates highlight a broader trend of strong demand for well-maintained campgrounds.
As public and private campground operators plan for the upcoming season, factors such as dynamic pricing, early booking incentives, and digital reservation systems could play a key role in managing high occupancy levels.
This year, Medicine Hat has introduced changes to its campground policies, including new fees for reservations, cancellations, and payment policies.
Operators may find these adjustments reflective of a growing industry trend toward structured reservation management and enhanced operational efficiency.
Similar measures, such as adjusting cancellation fees and requiring upfront payments, are being adopted by many parks and private campgrounds to improve revenue stability.
Echo Dale Campground, which features 10 campsites near recreational amenities such as a boating lake, swimming area, and beach volleyball courts, remains a smaller option catering to campers seeking a more rustic setting.
Meanwhile, Gas City Campground offers 98 sites with access to modern amenities such as wireless internet, a convenience store, laundry facilities, and a dump station.
Both campgrounds are integrated into the city’s Heritage Trail Network, a 190-kilometer system connecting outdoor spaces across the region.
Elderton also noted that visitors looking for a quieter camping experience might consider booking outside of peak summer months.
“Our off-season goes until June, so if you’re able to come in May or later in the season like September, we’re open as well,” he said. “That’s not quite as busy then, if you want to check it out.”
With strong booking trends and expanded policies in place, the 2025 camping season in Medicine Hat may offer valuable insights for campground operators looking to optimize occupancy management and enhance guest experiences.
