Nanaimo area campsites are filling up as people lean toward the outdoors as a preferred way to spend free time. (Pixabay)

By Ian Holmes

Great outdoors

Local camping, outdoor recreation picks up as industry manages COVID-19 roller coaster

Jul 6, 2020 | 6:49 AM

NANAIMO — While most industries continue taking a beating from COVID 19, some local businesses are managing to keep busy thanks to people getting reacquainted with the outdoors.

Nanaimo area campgrounds, RV dealerships and sporting goods businesses are reporting brisk sales as COVID-19 related restrictions ease.

Brannen Lake RV and Campground co-owner Lorraine Caillet said business has picked up, while their staff are scurrying to maintain a clean and social distancing friendly property

She said reservations are in high-demand as people are eager for a safe, close-to-home getaway.

“We are seeing so many locals coming this year, lots of new faces. People are just anxious to get outside,” Caillet said.

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She said visitors aren’t allowed in order to create a safer environment, while their large group camp sites are closed for now.

Most of the campground’s 400 European based reservations this summer cancelled.

“Interestingly a lot of those that cancelled have already re-booked for next summer. I think that once some of these travel bans are lifted I think that we’ll see them back,” Caillet said.

Steady revenue generators like weddings and family reunions are out of the question this summer for the Brannen Lake campground, Caillet said.

A co-owner at Living Forest Oceanside Campground and RV Park in Nanaimo’s Chase River area reports life is somewhat returning to normal.

Rob Littlejohn said Vancouver Island based customers are flocking their way.

He said the influx in local traffic is appreciated with their out-of-province customer stream dried up.

“We’ve lost those ones but the slack has pretty much all taken with locals who I think after two months of doing very little were very happy to get out and do things,” Littlejohn told NanaimoNewsNOW.

He said customers are comforted by the safety of their RV’s, while those in tents enjoy plenty of room to roam outside despite a pandemic on people’s minds.

“Really it’s as about as safe as a vacation as you can get,” Littlejohn said, who believes they’ll end up having a strong year if restrictions aren’t reapplied.

Littlejohn said all of their indoor facilities with the exception of washrooms are closed to customers.

He said they do have a few american customers on monthly RV rental agreements leary about traveling home, who he said have been the source of questions and complaints.

Provincial campgrounds in the region have also been well subscribed.

The Ministry of Environment reported 50,000 people accessed it’s online provincial campground reservation system on the morning of May 25.

“We have seen a steady rise in reservations through Discover Camping and and park visitation,” the statement said.

Most provincial campgrounds re-opened on June 1, while private operations had the option to remain open since they are deemed essential service providers.

In addition to a rise in local campers, area RV dealerships are seeing a notable jump in pandemic inspired spenders.

Ian Moore, owner of Big Boys Toys in Nanoose Bay, said they experienced “a significant” bump in sales over the past two months.

Moore said they are seeing a mix of existing, former and new customers of all ages buying recreational vehicles and travel trailers.

“Some people are saying they’re just going to explore our own backyard on Vancouver Island and some are going to explore B.C. and haven’t talked about going farther than that yet,” Moore said.

Gear is also flying off the shelves at local sporting goods stores.

Mike Allen, manager of Valhalla Pure Outfitters in Nanaimo, said they are trying to keep up with higher than normal demand for a wide range of products.

“Kayaks, paddle boards, backpacks, camping equipment, you name it. We’re working as hard as we can to get inventory and keep up, it’s really busy,” Allen told NanaimoNewsNOW.

“People have been told to go outside and play and they’re doing that,” Allen added.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes