Sask. campers won't get 1st dibs on provincial park spots

Saskatchewan campers will not get first dibs on spots in provincial parks this summer.

The idea was floated by Premier Brad Wall after the government's online booking website was overwhelmed last year.

Some people could not make reservations and others were charged multiple times for the same spot.The government ended up sending frustrated campers a cheque for $100 to apologize.

Last fall, the government began to ask the public about possible solutions, including a 'Saskatchewan-first' option.

Wall threw out the question on social media and the ministry asked subscribers to a Parks newsletter for their opinions.

The government saidthere were about 2,200 responses to that newsletter, with 48 per cent against giving Saskatchewan people first crack at booking sites and 45 per cent in favour, with the remainder not answering the question.

Instead, the government will further stagger the booking dates for its parksover a two-week period beginning in March.

On mobile? Here is the province's camping reservation site.

On mobile? Here's our quickiepoll about camping reservations.