A spokesperson for Manitoba Parks says there is still plenty of availability, especially basic sites for the first long weekend of the camping season.

Elisabeth Ostrop is Manager of Recreation and Education Services for Manitoba Provincial Parks. She says historically, the average occupancy rate for campgrounds on the May long weekend is around 40 per cent. This year, the percentage is a little lower. Ostrop says that is because people have been cancelling their sites over the uncertainty of whether or not they can have a fire.

Most provincial campgrounds opened on May 11. The remaining campgrounds get going this weekend.

One significant change this year is that the province is lifting the annual liquor ban for the May long weekend.

"We know Manitobans love to get out and enjoy the great outdoors whenever possible, so we want to make this change and allow adults the opportunity to responsibly enjoy their experience at our provincial parks," says Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires.

Following a number of incidents in provincial parks directly attributed to alcohol, the province implemented a liquor ban during the May long weekend in six of the busiest provincial campgrounds in 1995. Due to the significant reduction in alcohol-related offences since this restriction was put in place, the department is lifting the long-standing May long weekend liquor ban in provincial campgrounds.

The province will ensure alcohol-free camping is available all season at a number of provincial campsites, with special family-friendly, liquor-free camping bays at Birds Hill and Grand Beach provincial parks.

Another important change for campers and tourists to be aware of this year is the confirmed presence of the emerald ash borer and the designation of Winnipeg as a federally regulated area. This means firewood cannot be moved out of Winnipeg, and anyone caught transporting firewood could be fined/charged up to $1,300 for individuals or $15,000 for businesses. Ostrop says firewood should be obtained locally.

Ostrop says because of how dry it is in southern Manitoba, there are restrictions in place concerning camp fires. They are only allowed in approved fire pits during the hours of 8 pm and 8 am. There are also restrictions in place concerning backcountry camping. Ostrop says a list of restrictions can be found on the province's wildfire website.