Manitoba's campgrounds will open for registration next week amid a number of restrictions including the public health order.

Campers are required to limit gatherings to 10 people or less, as well as continued social distancing and good hygiene.

Officials say provincial parks will also implement enhanced cleaning procedures for washrooms and shower facilities. Park staff will monitor public areas like beaches to ensure social distancing is being adhered to.

Climate and Conservation Minister Sarah Guillemard notes Manitoba was the only jurisdiction to keep their provincial trails system open during COVID-19 and were pleased to see citizens adhering to the physical distancing recommendations.

"So we've learned we can trust our citizens to follow what is necessary to keep themselves and their loved ones and their communities safe, and we trust that will continue," she says.

However, campers in Southern Manitoba are still limited to travelling below the 53rd parallel. If booking a campsite north of Lake Winnipeg, ensure the travel ban has been lifted prior to your trip.

To accommodate the expected high demand on the opening day of the parks reservation system, online and call centre services will begin at 7 a.m. at http://prs.gov.mb.ca, 204-948-3333 (in Winnipeg) or 1 888-482-2267 (toll free). Check the website for call centre hours on other days. Customers making online reservations are advised to check their user IDs and passwords prior to May 4. For more information, visit www.manitobaparks.com.

The Manitoba Parks Reservation Service will accept bookings in two phases:

-May 4 at 7 a.m. campsite reservations open for Winnipeg Beach, Betula Lake, Big Whiteshell, Brereton Lake, Caddy Lake, Falcon Beach, Falcon Lakeshore, Nutimik Lake, Opapiskaw, Otter Falls, West Hawk Lake and White Lake campgrounds; and

-May 6 at 7 a.m. campsite reservations open for all remaining provincial park campgrounds.

Walk-in reservations and in-person payment arrangements can be made at 200 Saulteaux Cres. in Winnipeg and will be available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. beginning May 4 for the parks and facilities described above. Be aware that public access to the building is limited due to COVID-19 protocols and may require queuing outside. Online or call centre reservations are preferred.

For more information on the e-licensing program or to purchase a park vehicle pass when the program, visit www.manitobaelicensing.ca.