Grasslands National Park of Canada

Camping

Grasslands National Park (GNP) offers two types of camping experiences - Back Country and Front Country Camping.

Back Country Camping is a wilderness camping experience, where campers can randomly set-up tents within the park and enjoy the native prairie landscape with no services. Visitors are expected to park their vehicle on a gravel pull-off and set-up camp out of view – approximately 1km off- road or away from former ranch sites.

Front Country Camping is still very much a wilderness experience, but takes place at two former ranch yards within the park – the Belza Place and the McGowan Place. These locations are better situated for car camping (trailers or tents) or self- contained RV's to experience the wilderness setting with the comfort of easy access.

• The Belza Place is located in the West Block along the Ecotour Road. Here you will find you will find an outhouse, picnic tables, mowed grass and road access.
  
  
• The McGowan Place is located near the east entrance of the East Block. At McGowan's you will find an outhouse, mowed grass, picnic tables, camp shelters and road access. (See park map for details.)

Camping Guidelines:

• Please Register! - Stop in at the GNP Visitor Centre in Val Marie for camping permits, suggested hiking routes, camping locations and current park information. Visitors may also register for camping at the Rodeo Ranch Museum in the Wood Mountain Regional Park (summer only). There is a self – registering process for camping at McGowans and an after hours registration process at the Visitor Centre in Val Marie.
  
  

  Generally, we don't expect campers to checkout. But, visitors may request to checkout as a safety precaution (traveling alone, extended backcountry trips, health risk, inclement weather) to confirm a safe return. Please remember, with this service, failure to checkout, will result in a search within 24 hrs of the exit date recorded on the camping permit. Visitors may be required to cover costs for failing to check out.

• Vehicles must remain on roads, designated pull-offs and trails in front country areas at all times. Please respect our ranch neighbours and stay on park property.
  
  
• Please keep pets on a leash and stay a safe distance from wildlife.
  
  
• There is no potable water in the park, so bring your own water supply (2+ litres per 12 hr day). Water containers can be filled at the Visitor Centre in Val Marie, or at the Rodeo Ranch Museum in the Wood Mountain Regional Park (summer only).
  
  
• To ensure no-trace of your presence, pack out everything that was packed in.
  
  
• Open fires are not allowed. The use of portable cook stoves is permitted, but may be restricted during high fire season.
  
  
• Weather Updates - During periods of extreme dry conditions, fire bans will be posted. During periods of wet weather, be cautious as roads may become impassable when wet! Check with staff for current weather conditions.
  
  
• Full service campgrounds are available in the Village of Val Marie and the Wood Mountain Regional Park. Both are equipped with picnic tables, electrical sites, washroom/shower house, and B-B-Q pits. The Wood Mountain Campground also provides a swimming pool and concession booth. A private campground, The Crossing Resort located south of Val Marie, bordering the West Block, provides tent and RV camping sites and suites. For more information on campgrounds, please check out Saskatchewan Accommodation, Resort & Campground Guide.
  
  

Fees:
Back Country Camping: $9.80/tent

Front Country Camping:
Belza's: $15.70/RV or tent ($9.80 if only one person  in tent or RV)
McGowan's: $15.70/ RV or tent

Organized Groups: $4.90/person

* We are in a transition stage with developing camping in GNP, so our fees are evolving.