Statement from Minister Clarke on the 2025 camping season

April 15, 2025

Minister of Environment Nils Clarke has issued the following statement:

“The Yukon is home to some of the country’s most beautiful parks and campgrounds that are widely used by both Yukoners and those visiting our territory.

“With warmer weather and longer days, many Yukoners are looking forward to getting out on the land and enjoying the Yukon territorial parks and campgrounds.

“This year’s serviced front country camping season will be open between May 9 and October 1. Backcountry campgrounds in Tombstone Territorial Park will be open between June 27 and September 8.

“The Government of Yukon continues to work to better protect the natural, cultural and historical values of Yukon Parks while fostering a welcoming environment for all users. Most recently, the government released modernized regulations for all territorial parks, replacing the previous Campground Regulation under the Parks and Land Certainty Act that was established in 1984.

“The new regulations, which came into effect on April 1, include:

• formalizing quiet hours at campgrounds from 11 pm to 7 am;
• regulating drone usage;
• prioritizing the use of accessible campsites;
• formalizing policies for responsible firewood use;
• clarifying activities that require a park permit;
• addressing concerns about campsite occupancy;
• formalizing land use zones;
• requiring pets to be leashed in campgrounds, day-use areas and park trails; and
• clarifying designated areas for off-road vehicles and snowmobiles.

“These new regulations, which are a commitment in the Yukon Parks Strategy, were developed through engagement with Yukoners and Yukon First Nations and will help improve park management, promote responsible behaviour and create better park user experiences.

“I encourage those who want to know more about the new territorial park and campground regulations to visit Yukon.ca.

“In 2024, the Government of Yukon invested about $3 million to update infrastructure in several campgrounds and is estimated to spend an additional $2.3 million this year.

“We continue to invest in valuable and positive experiences for all users of territorial parks and campgrounds in the territory, which are becoming more popular year after year. This includes investing in the development of new campsites and campground infrastructure, improving docks and boat launches and piloting a new campsite reservation service.

“Yukon Parks is committed to working with First Nations to protect ecological significance and celebrate cultural values in ways that respect the land and share the rich history. This includes our work with the Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation to develop Tatchun Lake campground in the coming years in a way that honours and celebrates the cultural significance of the area while creating a space that supports a connection with nature.

“Planning for enhancements at Pine Lake Campground is underway. This plan includes a new space for group camping, an upgraded trail network and creating up to 22 new campsites. Since 2017, we have invested in 122 new campsites at campgrounds across the Yukon.

“In addition, between 2021 and 2025, the government invested over $3.6 million in new or upgraded boat launches in campgrounds and recreation sites. This includes new boat launches at Nunatuk, Frances Lake, Little Salmon Lake, Simpson Lake, Aishihik Lake, Otter Falls, Tagish Bridge, Ethel Lake and Twin Lakes.

“As we continue to see the demand for camping in the Yukon grow, we will continue to look for ways to increase and enhance camping opportunities.

“The government is also investing in creating accessible recreation opportunities. We now have 28 campgrounds with wheelchair-accessible facilities and three with wheelchair-accessible trails at Tombstone Territorial Park, Pine Lake and Wolf Creek campgrounds.

“We are now in the second year of the campground reservation service pilot project. The reservation service is available at four participating frontcountry campgrounds – Wolf Creek, Marsh Lake, Pine Lake and Tombstone Mountain – as well as the backcountry campgrounds in Tombstone Territorial Park.

“Half of the campsites at each of the participating frontcountry campgrounds are available for reservation, while the other half is dedicated to first-come, first-serve campers.

“This year, annual camping voucher holders can call Yukon Parks at 867-667-5648 to reserve campsites at participating campgrounds.

“In addition, staff will continue to be on-site at Wolf Creek, Marsh Lake and Pine Lake campgrounds to assist folks with checking in, providing information and education on campground rules and monitoring campground use.

“The new reservation service was very popular last camping season, with over 5,800 reservations made, accounting for nearly 8,000 nights of camping at the four frontcountry campgrounds.

“Feedback received through the post-camping survey shows that 91 per cent of campers had a favorable experience using the service.

“Reservations for both frontcountry and backcountry campsites are available by visiting yukon.goingtocamp.com.

“Thank you to the team at Yukon Parks, who work year-round to create valuable and positive experiences for Yukon parks and campground users while protecting the ecological and cultural values these areas hold.”

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca

NT4