Municipal Campgrounds: Risk Management Best Practices

Municipal campgrounds provide vital recreational opportunities for residents and visitors while supporting local economies and community well‑being. At the same time, campground operations introduce a range of risks, including public safety concerns, liability exposure, environmental impacts, wildfire risk, and operational pressures.

This bulletin highlights key risk management considerations and practical steps municipalities can take to reduce exposure, meet regulatory requirements, and support safe, sustainable campground operations.

Regulatory Compliance

A strong compliance framework is the foundation of effective risk management. Municipal campgrounds must meet applicable provincial requirements and ensure local bylaws align with those obligations. Non‑compliance can result in fines, closures, or claims.

Key legislation commonly applies to campground operations, which includes:

• Public Health Act – covering potable water, sanitation, and food handling (if applicable),  
• Safety Codes Act – covering building, plumbing, fire, and electrical codes),
• Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act – covering sewage, waste, and wetlands management,
• Occupational Health and Safety Act – covering staff training and first aid),
• Municipal Government Act – covering bylaws pertaining to safety, health, welfare, and public places.

Key Considerations for Local Bylaws:

• Enact or update park and campground bylaws covering:
  • Registration (such as a minimum age of 18 to rend, photo ID requirements)
  • Check-in and check-out times
  • Occupancy limits (for example: maximum 6-8 people per site, 1-2 vehicles or tents per unit)
  • Quiet hours (for example: 11 PM – 7AM)
  • Fire rules
  • Enforcement (primary renter liability).

Best Practices:

• Maintain a master site plan and ensure annual reviews of the plan.
• Obtain all required permits, such as fire permits and health inspections.
• Use the ACA Standards Manual as a voluntary benchmark for accredited-level operations, even if not a member camp.

Risk Tip: Conduct annual compliance audits with local health authorities, fire services, and Alberta Environment. Document everything from these audits for liability defence.

Safety & Emergency Preparedness

Protecting Lives and Reducing Liability

Campgrounds present higher exposure to slips and falls, fires, water hazards, wildlife encounters, and medical emergencies. Preparation and consistency are critical.

Emergency Planning

Municipalities should maintain a written emergency response plan covering wildfire, severe weather, medical incidents, lost persons, evacuations, and wildlife interactions. Plans should identify emergency contacts, communication procedures, muster points, and staff responsibilities, and be reviewed annually in coordination with emergency management partners such as the Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA).

Fire Prevention & Wildfire Mitigation

Fire prevention measures should comply with fire code requirements and local restrictions. This includes designated fire pits, approved fuel sources, burn permits where required, and compliance with provincial fire bans. Incorporating FireSmart principles such as vegetation thinning and defensible space can significantly reduce wildfire risk.

First Aid & Medical Preparedness

Campgrounds should be equipped with appropriate first aid supplies based on remoteness and occupancy. Staff should hold suitable first aid and CPR training, and incident documentation should be maintained in accordance with OHS requirements.

Signage & Site Controls

Clearly mark hazards, out-of-bounds areas (such as maintenance zones, cliffs, etc.), rules, and emergency exits. Clearly designate parking to prevent traffic conflicts.

Risk Tip: Complete pre‑season inspections and regular site checks using standardized checklists. Ensure staff understand their duty of care, particularly when interacting with vulnerable users.

Health, Sanitation & Environmental Management

Poor sanitation or environmental practices increase the risk of illness, regulatory action, and reputational damage.

Water & Sanitation

Municipal campgrounds must provide safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities that meet provincial standards. Potable water systems should be regularly tested and maintained in accordance with applicable regulations, including requirements for wells and distribution systems. Campgrounds should provide sufficient toilets, handwashing stations, and sewage disposal facilities based on site size and occupancy. All systems should comply with Public Health Act requirements and any approvals issued by Alberta Environment.

Waste Management

Implement effective garbage and recycling systems, as effective waste management reduces health risks, discourages wildlife encounters, and helps maintain clean, usable sites. Campers should be informed of proper disposal rules and encouraged to follow “Leave No Trace” principles.

Stormwater & Site Design

Poor drainage and site layout can lead to flooding, erosion, and unsafe site conditions. Campground design and maintenance should address stormwater management per municipal engineering guidelines.

Wildlife & Pest Control

Municipalities should educate campers on proper food storage and waste handling and enforce rules designed to reduce wildlife attraction. Signage and staff engagement can support compliance.

Risk Tip: Schedule regular facility cleaning and pest control. Where food services are offered, ensure required food handling permits are in place and staff hold appropriate certification.

Operational & Financial Best Practices

Strong operational practices help reduce risk, ensure revenue stability, control costs, and support positive user experiences.

Access & Booking:

Online reservation systems can help manage occupancy, track usage, support enforcement, and improve revenue predictability. Consider limit on stays (for example: 14–16 consecutive nights) to allow for maintenance and rotation.

Staffing & Training:

Campground staff should receive training in occupational health and safety, emergency response procedures, customer service, and risk awareness. Appropriate supervision levels should be maintained for all programs and activities.

Maintenance:

Establish tiered inspection and maintenance schedules (daily/weekly/monthly) for roads, campsites, utilities, and equipment. Ensure budgeting for seasonal preparation, snow removal and spring cleanup.

Accessibility & Sustainability:

Campground planning should include accessible sites and amenities that meet regulatory requirements. Incorporating low‑impact design and sustainable practices can reduce long‑term operational costs and environmental risk.

Risk Tip: Use camper feedback, incident reports, and enforcement trends to identify emerging risks and guide maintenance and operational improvements.

Quick-Start Checklist for Municipal Operators

– Complete an annual regulatory audit and site plan review

– Emergency plans are up-to-date and drills have been completed

– Fire and safety inspections are current

– Water quality has been tested and sanitation facilities are properly maintained

– Staff are trained and insured

– Clear signage and site controls are posted and bylaws are enforced

– Incident logs and maintenance records are up-to-date and complete

By applying these practices, municipalities can minimize risks, enhance user experiences, and protect public assets. For site‑specific guidance, municipalities are encouraged to consult legal counsel or risk management professionals.

For more information please contact: risk@rmainsurance.com