A last remaining piece of pristine prairie
Grasslands National Park is an absolute must-visit for camping and backcountry enthusiasts seeking a truly unforgettable experience. The park’s unique landscape, ranging from vast prairie grasslands to stunning badlands, offers a captivating backdrop for outdoor adventures.
As the darkest Dark Sky Preserve in Canada, stargazing at Grasslands National Park is a mesmerizing experience, with a blanket of stars illuminating the night sky like nowhere else.
Moreover, the park’s rich paleontological history allows visitors to feel like they’re walking back in time, with the chance to discover dinosaur fossils and explore remnants of a mass extinction boundary. Visiting this extraordinary park is a journey into both the natural wonders of the present and the ancient wonders of the past.
Overview of the location
Grasslands National Park, located in the southern region of Saskatchewan, spans 730 sq. km. of diverse prairie landscape. This protected area is renowned for its unique features, including rolling hills, expansive grasslands – the most endangered ecosystem on the planet - and striking badlands formations. As a designated Dark Sky Preserve, the park offers unparalleled opportunities for stargazing, with minimal light pollution and a remote location enhancing the celestial experience. The park is also designated as one of the quietest places on earth, by Quiet Parks International.
The park's climate is characterized by hot summers, cold winters, and low annual precipitation. This, coupled with the vast grasslands and distinct geological formations, contributes to the park's captivating atmosphere. Grasslands National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, such as plains bisons, pronghorn antelope, prairie dogs, great short-horned lizards and burrowing owls.
Visitors to Grasslands National Park can immerse themselves in the untouched beauty of the prairie, where they can explore the expansive grasslands, witness stunning sunsets, and experience a sense of tranquility in nature. Grasslands National Park offers a truly unforgettable destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to connect with the natural wonders of the prairie landscape.
Grasslands National Park is split into two main blocks: the West Block and the East Block, each offering unique landscapes and experiences. When booking your campground, double-check to ensure you select the correct block, as they have separate facilities and amenities.
Camping
Within the park, you'll find an array of camping options tailored to suit different preferences and needs. Whether you prefer the simplicity of tent or RV camping, the immersive experience of backcountry camping or the unique comfort of an oTENTIK there's a perfect spot for every type of camper. Reservations are required, along with a valid Parks Canada Park Pass.
Campgrounds
Grasslands National Park offers two campgrounds for visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the prairie landscape: Frenchman Valley Campground and Rock Creek Campground.
Frenchman Valley Campground is nestled on the West Block of the park and provides a tranquil setting for campers. The campground provides basic amenities such as pit toilets, potable water, and garbage disposal facilities. With its scenic surroundings and easy access to hiking trails, Frenchman Valley Campground is an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful camping experience. There are standard camping spots plus four oTENTNiks.
Rock Creek Campground, located in the East Block, is also a perfect base for exploration. Each site is thoughtfully equipped with firepits and picnic tables, providing the perfect setting to embrace the natural beauty of Grasslands National Park. The campground also features a kitchen shelter for shade and cooking, a day-use picnic area, and a vault toilet. While potable water is easily accessible for small drinking jugs from mid-May to early September, there is also an RV dump tank and a community firepit for your convenience. While more remote, this campground has eight oTENTiks and trailer portable toilets.
Backcountry camping
Backcountry camping in Grasslands National Park offers a thrilling opportunity to immerse yourself in the untamed wilderness. Both sections of the park offer unique backcountry experiences. To ensure safety and compliance with regulations, all backcountry campers are required to register at the visitor centre or campground office and receive orientation prior to departure. You must choose a backcountry zone and reserve through Parks Canada for a permit.
There are no dedicated backcountry camping spots. Here, you must camp at least 1 km away from the trail. You can camp where no one else has, enjoying the seclusion and serenity that the wilderness provides. It's important to note that open fires are not permitted in the backcountry, and during the summer, fire bans, including restrictions on camp stoves, may be in effect. Staying informed about these conditions is crucial.
As water management is a critical aspect of backcountry camping in Grasslands National Park – all surface water in the area is unfit for human consumption – visitors must plan to carry sufficient water for their entire backcountry adventure.
While exploring the backcountry, respecting the environment as well as upholding the principles of conservation is of utmost importance. Backcountry camping in Grasslands National Park offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, revel in solitude, and appreciate the untouched beauty of the prairie landscape. By adhering to the principles of respect, responsibility, and preparedness, a memorable and sustainable experience can be ensured.
oTENTik
Staying in an oTENTik at one of Grasslands National Park’s two campgrounds is the perfect retreat after spending adventurous days in the park. They provide a homey and unique experience, combining the best of camping with the comfort of a cabin. The oTENTiks are already set up and allow visitors to relax and rejuvenate in a cosy and comfortable space. The spacious and well-appointed interior includes sleeping accommodation for up to six people, with a combination of bunk beds and a double bed. They have a wooden floor, which adds to the cosiness and cleanliness of the space. Additionally, a table and chairs are provided for dining or relaxing, and a small heater ensures warmth during cooler evenings. There is even a BBQ that can be used for cooking some delicious meals.
Hiking Trails
With a wide variety of hiking trails, the options of exploring this scenic landscape are endless. Embark on a short and sweet 1-km hike along the Rock Creek Trail in the park’s East Block, where you'll discover a magnificent bird's-eye view of Rock Creek. Indulge in the awe-inspiring sights that unfold before you, treating yourself to an unobstructed panorama of the prairie horizon that stretches boundlessly behind.
For those seeking a more challenging adventure, venture beyond this path and embrace the exhilarating journey through the Valley of 1,000 Devils Trail (10 km) or Red Buttes Trail (16 km). The Valley of 1000 Devils Trail is an otherworldly paradise that transports hikers to an alien-like landscape. With its rugged terrain, bizarre rock formations, and vast stretches of barren land, it feels like stepping foot on another planet. Despite its eerie name, the trail offers breathtakingly beautiful views and is a haven for outdoor explorers seeking a unique and unforgettable adventure. Afterwards, you can embark on the Red Butte Trail and witness the captivating sight of buttes adorned with hues of red, a result of oxidized iron carbonate activity. This challenging trail guides you though creek bottoms and alongside cattle fence lines, adding to the rugged allure of the journey. However, the ultimate reward awaits at the trail's end, where you'll be greeted with breathtaking panoramic views that make the arduous trek more than worthwhile.
In the park’s West Block, Eagle Butte Trail is a 2-km loop that is perfect for families or novice hikers. For a more challenging experience, take the 70 Mile Butte Trail. It branches off the Eagle Butte Trail and leads to some of the most breathtaking views of the valley. Other trail options with shorter distances include Top Dogtown Trail, Riverwalk Trail or Larson Trail.
Scenic drives
Block off at least 2.5 hours for the Ecotour Scenic Drive, a 20-km self-guided driving tour through the West Block. Pack a picnic lunch, take your time and fully appreciate the natural beauty and features of the prairie ecosystem.
For a deeper dive into the West Block, travel the 15-km Otter Basin Route, which is the park’s most rugged experience. It travels along a dirt road and is only accessible when weather conditions are agreeable, and the road is dry. The route climbs to an elevation of more than 1,000 m (3,300 ft.). Make it an overnight adventure and pitch your tent along the Otter Basin hiking route and beneath the brilliant starlit sky. This route is a remote wilderness experience that requires preparedness, self-reliance and orienteering skills.
The self-guided Badlands Parkway driving tour is an 11-km paved route in the park’s East Block. Six viewpoints along the way feature some of the most breathtaking vistas in Saskatchewan.
Evening events
As a designated Dark Sky Preserve, Grasslands National Park has the perfect conditions for viewing the night sky. Join Royal Astronomical Society astronomers for an entertaining evening of stargazing and more. Another popular evening offering are the Fireside Chats bringing park visitors together to enjoy good company, campfire snacks and stories and songs inspired by the surroundings.
Safety Considerations
When venturing into the captivating wilderness of Grasslands National Park, it is essential to keep certain safety considerations in mind. The park's unique environment and diverse wildlife require visitors to be well-prepared and informed. Here are some important safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:
Extreme weather conditions throughout the year: appropriate clothing, sun protection and extra layers for sudden weather changes are crucial
Water availability: after early September, no water will be available at the Frenchman Valley or Rock Creek Campground
Wildlife Awareness: the park is home to a diverse range of wildlife including bison, rattlesnakes, coyotes and numerous bird species. It is essential to observe them from a safe distance.
Navigation and communication: the vastness can make navigation challenging and there might not be cell phone service. A map, compass, and GPS device as well as a satellite telephone should be carried when going for a backcountry adventure.
Leave no trace principles minimize our impact on the environment
Grasslands National Park in southern Saskatchewan offers a truly unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to connect with the natural wonders of the prairie landscape. From its stunning location and diverse camping opportunities to captivating hiking trails and scenic drives, the park has something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the tranquility and awe-inspiring beauty of the prairie landscape, whether under the warm embrace of daylight or the mesmerizing allure of the night sky. Embark on an unforgettable journey into both the natural wonders of the present and the ancient wonders of the past.
Further information can be found at www.tourismsaskatchewan.com.
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