Alberta Parks is encouraging Albertans to stay-cation this summer and explore our provincial parks.

Travelling outside the country is becoming a less viable option for many as the Canadian Dollar's value sinks.

In response, Alberta Parks has now made booking campsites an easier process with online access through personal devices

The re-vamped website allows anyone to book, extend a stay, reserve their next camping trip, and view a campsite vacancy calendar.

Tim Chamberlin, Communications for Environment and Parks says they wanted to make staying in Provincial Parks a trouble free process.

"We believe that the dollar and the economy will be influencing how many visitors we have in our parks this summer." he says. "We wanted to make it similar to booking a hotel room or flight, we have been responsive to our users and are proud to offer this new feature."

Bookings as of May 12 of this year are 6% higher than in 2015, with more than 55,000 reservations processed thus far.

Alberta Environment and Parks reminds everyone to stay updated on fire-bans in any areas they decide to camp in.

"Our situation is fluid with our fire bans, and our restrictions. We encourage people to check on the Alberta Parks website before they head out to see if there is an advisory, restriction, or ban, we certainly don't want people in violation of any orders that are in place within our provincial parks or public lands."

If safe campfires are allowed in the area, Chamberlin has a reminder on how to properly extinguish it.

"The best rule of thumb is to soak it, stir it, and soak it again."

Alberta Parks is asking wildfire evacuees of Fort McMurray to access free camping options through its contact centre by calling 1-877-537-2757 and not the new online features.

To check out the new website click here.