- 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 backcountry or wilderness camping with the purchase of a Backcountry Camping Permit:
- Permits can be purchased online, through the call centre or at the park.
- Permits can only be printed up to seven (7) days prior to arrival date. Once printed, you cannot change or cancel the backcountry permit.
- Backcountry camping permit MUST be carried by the group leader.
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 backcountry or wilderness adventures:
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Narrow Hills Provincial Park |
Narrow Hills Provincial Park - Gem Lakes This 5.5km hike is perfect for a day trip, but there are also a number of wilderness camping sites along the trail for those who wish to camp. No services or facilities available For more information: 306-426-2622 |
| 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 |
| Park | Details |
| Wildcat Hill Provincial Park |
No services or facilities available 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: 306-425-4220 |
| 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
|
Reservation Fees and Charges
- Fees and penalties are based on the reservation type as outlined on our reservation site Fees page.
- 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?
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.
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
Here are some hiking essentials that apply on the boreal or any provincial park hiking trail you may find yourself on.
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 for canoeing 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
Changes or Cancellations
- A $12 reservation fee covers the cost of administering the reservation service. An additional $2 surcharge will apply to all transactions using the call centre.
- Change and cancellation penalties are based on the type of site reserved. These fees are in addition to the reservation fee.
- Reservation, change and cancellation fees are non-refundable.
- Depending on when a cancellation or change is made, penalties may apply.
How to Change / Cancel Reservation
NOTE: Backcountry Camping and Recreation Hall reservations can be cancelled online or through the Call Centre. Changes must be made through the Call Centre.
| Online | ||
| Available 24/7 | ||
| When clicking the CHANGE / CANCEL 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 at the bottom of the page. |
||
| Call Centre | ||
| Available 9am – 6pm (CST / SK Time) CST 7 days a week |
1-833-7SKPARK (1-833-775-7275) |
|
Backcountry: Change or Cancellation Penalties
Once a backcountry camping permit is printed, you cannot change or cancel the backcountry permit.
- If you have not printed your backcountry camping permit, the following change and cancel rules apply:
- Changes to dates, permit holder name or park made prior to 2:00 p.m. CST of scheduled arrival date will incur a $15 change fee.
- Shortening your stay or cancelling your permit 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 permit less than 24 hours prior to 2:00 p.m. CST of arrival will result in the forfeit of two nights of camping.
- These fees are in addition to the non-refundable reservation fee.
If none of the above conditions apply, Saskatchewan Provincial Parks will apply the relevant transaction/penalty charges if you:
- Shorten any dates on a reservation.
- Change arrival date, except to extend a reservation by arriving earlier.
- Downgrade to a lower-priced site or activity.