- this is the adventurous part
Saskatchewan’s Provincial Parks offer many opportunities for backcountry and wilderness camping. Whether you’re hiking, canoeing or driving to an out-of-the-way campsite, these areas are meant for the campers who enjoy a more rugged camping experience with limited or no services. Campers using backcountry or wilderness sites are expected to minimize their impact on the natural landscape by practicing a ‘Pack-it-in, Pack-it-out’ philosophy. Saskatchewan wild spaces offers some of the most breathtaking and challenging camping experiences Saskatchewan has to offer!
Details
Our parks offer several types of backcounty or wilderness camping (Contact each park directly for details):
Un-serviced, Vehicle Access Camping Areas:
These campsites are available on a first come, first served basis. The sites are non-electric with some services and rustic-type amenities available.
Backcountry Camping:
These sites are hike-in only and can’t be accessed by a vehicle. Campers should be prepared to hike with all their camping equipment to these campsites. Some services might include a fire pit, picnic table and pit toilet.
Wilderness Parks:
Access these parks by walking, float plane or canoe only. These parks are recommended for experienced travelers only.
Parks offering backcounty or wilderness adventures:
Un-serviced, Vehicle Access Campsites
| Park | Campground or area - First come, first served |
| Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park |
Non-electric For more information: 306-662-5489 |
| Taylor Lake |
Taylor Lake Provincial Campground Non-electric For more information: 306-236-7688 |
| Clarence-Steepbank Lakes Provincial Park |
Rustic amenities For more information, please call 306-929-8406 |
Walk-in Campsites
| Park | Campground or area |
| Douglas Provincial Park |
Park Entry Permit required For more information: 306-854-6266 |
| Blackstrap Provincial Park |
Park Entry Permit required For more information: 306-492-5675 |
Backcountry Campsites
| Park | Campground or area & details |
| Meadow Lake Provincial Park |
Meadow Lake Provincial Park - Boreal Trail Pit toilets available at points along the trail. For more information: 306-236-7680 |
| Narrow Hills Provincial Park |
Narrow Hills Provincial Park - Gem Lakes No services or facilities available For more information: 306-426-2622 |
Wilderness Parks
| Park | Details |
| Wildcat Hill Provincial Park |
No services or facilities available Park Entry Permit required - No camping fees Recommended for experienced backcountry campers only
For more information: 306-278-3519 |
| Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park |
Only accessible by float plane, canoe or boat For more information: 306-425-4245 |
| Clearwater River Provincial Park |
Canoe or rafting For more information: 306-236-7672 |
| Lac La Ronge Provincial Park |
Canoe Routes For more information, please call 306-425-4220
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Reservation Fees and Charges
- Fees and penalties are based on the reservation type as outlined in Fees and Charges.
- Reservation charges, change and cancellation fees, and call centre surcharges are non-refundable. Under extenuating circumstances, campers may be eligible for a refund of camping fees if the request meets the grounds for refund.
Need to know a bit more?
Backcountry Camping - Know Before You Go
Please read and be aware of the additional following terms and conditions:
- All trash MUST be packed out. Pack out what you pack in.
- Keep trails and sites litter-free.
- Backcountry Camping Permit MUST be carried by the group leader.
- Campfires are only permitted in designated areas.
- Do not leave the designated trail. Diverting from the path to avoid puddles can harm vegetation and increase erosion.
- Feeding wildlife is strictly prohibited - use bear safe food lockers where available (Meadow Lake Provincial Park).
- All campsites are shared sites. Respect all trail users and obey quiet times and individual privacy.
- Avoid hiking alone whenever possible. Make a plan and share it with someone. If possible, set a plan to check in periodically throughout your outing.
- Dress in appropriate hiking attire, including stable (and comfortable) footwear.
- There is no potable water available at the backcountry campsites. Hikers must have their own water filtration systems.
Hiking - Know Before You Go
Top 10 Tips for Trail Users
- Consult the ten outdoor essentials and carry all necessary gear.
- Abide by all Leave No Trace principles. Pack out what you pack in.
- Avoid hiking alone whenever possible.
- Choose a trail that fits your abilities. Prepare for steep and/or uneven terrain.
- Dress in appropriate hiking attire, including stable (and comfortable) footwear.
- Keep to designated trails. Diverting from the path to avoid puddles can harm vegetation and increase erosion.
- Know the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
- Make a plan and share it with someone. If possible, set a plant to check in periodically throughout our outing.
- Respect all wildlife you encounter. Stop and allow time for animals to leave the area before proceeding on the trail.
- Review bear and cougar safety information prior to your outdoor adventure.
Leave No Trace is about respecting and caring for wildlands and doing your part to protect wild place and wild lands for future generations.
The principles of ‘Leave no Trace’ include:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Others
For more information visit Leave No Trace
Wildlife
Here is some great wildlife information for you regardless of what trail you find yourself wandering down - stay aware.Hiking Essentials
Here are some hiking essentials that apply on the boreal or any provincial park hiking trail you may find yourself on.On the Water - Know Before You Go
Safety
According to Transport Canada if you canoeing or kayaking onto open water you fall under "pleasure craft" regulations and are required to have the following items. This is for your safety, you passengers and potential rescuers:
- One lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) for each person on board
- One buoyant heaving line at least 15m long (approximately 50').
- One bailer or manual bilge pump.
- One sound signaling device.
More information can be found in the ‘Safe Boating Guide’.
Consider the below safety checklist as you begin to plan your next trip out on the water.
- Carry a GPS, compass, chart, or map
- Carry a whistle
- Know the weather forecast
- Make a plan and leave it with someone on shore
- Remember a bilge pump, bail bucket with rope, and rescue gear
- Stow a drybag with extra set of clothing
- Wear proper attire, including a hat or helmet and footwear
- Warm layer of clothes
- Rain jacket
- Water, at least one litre per person
- Snacks, plus extra snacks
- Cell phone
- Emergency kit (matches, fire starter, tarp, rope)
- First aid kit
- Water-proof bag for everything
See Paddle Canada forcanoeing or kayaking training.
Leave No Trace is about respecting and caring for wildlands and doing your part to protect wild place and wild lands for future generations. The principles of ‘Leave no Trace’ include:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Others
For more information visit Leave No Trace
For a complete listing of park rules - see our Rules & Regulations page
Did something come up? Need to change something?
Changes or Cancellations
- A Non-refundable reservation fee is charged per reservation: $12/online - $14/call centre
- Change and Cancellation penalties are based on the type of site reserved.
- Depending on when a cancellation or change is made, penalties may apply. These penalties are applied as forfeited. If you change your reservation to a different Saskatchewan Provincial Park - it is still considered a cancellation.
How to Changes / Cancel Reservation
| Online | ||
| Available 24/7 | Note: Online Reservation system will not be live until April 2021 |
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| When clicking the RESERVE NOW button, you will be taken to our reservation site (different web site). You can return back to SaskParks.com at any time by clicking on the Sask Parks logo. |
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| Call Centre | ||
| Available 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. CST 7 days a week |
1-833-7SKPARK (1-833-775-7275) | Note: Call Centre will not be live until April 2021 |
| Reservation fees are non-refundable | ||
Nightly / Equestrian / Camp-Easy / Backcountry: Change or Cancellation Penalties
- Camp-Easy: A refundable damage deposit is owed at the time of reservation. If no damage occurs during stay, you will be refunded the damage deposit.
- Changes to dates, permit holder name, park or Camp-Easy site made prior to 2:00 p.m. CST of scheduled arrival date will incur a $15 change fee.
- Shortening your stay or cancelling your reservation more than 24 hours prior to 2:00 p.m. CST of arrival will incur a $15 change and/or cancellation fee.
- Shortening your stay or cancelling your reservation less than 24 hours prior to 2:00 p.m. CST of arrival will result in the forfeit of two nights of camping.
- You are considered a no-show and automatically cancelled by the park if the site is not occupied by 2:00 p.m. CST on second day of reservation. No-shows result in the forfeit of up to four nights of camping.