Camping in Grasslands National Park can be a joyful experience. Grasslands National Park is located in Canada near the village of Val Marie, Saskatchewan, whereas Saskatchewan is located east of Alberta and west of Manitoba.
Located in the U.S. State of Montana, Grasslands National Park has 44 park reserves in Canada’s national park system and the park is quite famous for its open spaces and prairie ecosystem, which includes grasslands and badlands.
You can enjoy and experience the calmness present in the Grassland National Park which is dedicated to preserving prairie grasslands. Before talking about the beauty of this Park, let us see what a National Park is.
1. National Park
A National Park is an area created and protected by National governments for species conservation and allows the species to flourish.
It takes part in many entertainment activities for the general public. It has a great role in the economy of a country which contributes to its development. But today it isn’t easy to balance its development and keeping it natural.
National parks are large areas of natural beauty that have unique features, such as geological formations, wildlife habitats, and scenic landscapes. They also provide opportunities for scientific research and in the field of education too.
2. When Did Grasslands Park Become a National Park?
Under the new Canada National Parks Act on February 19, the Grasslands National Park of Canada has proclaimed to be a national park officially and before this park became the National park, Prince Albert National Park was the only park in Saskatchewan.
3. Camping in Grasslands National Park Saskatchewan
Camping in Grasslands National Park can be a cheerful and joyous experience. You can camp in designated camping areas at the Grasslands National Park. 3 things for you to know if you’re going to camp in the park.
3.1. A Guide to Camp in Grasslands National Park
Grasslands Park is separated into two sections; the west block, and the east block, separated by about 70 km of driving.
The west block visitor center is located in Val Marie, Saskatchewan and the east block has just one entry the visitor center is next to Rock Creek Campground.
The west block centers on the Frenchman River Valley and the grasslands east block ascribes the Killdeer “Badlands” and the Frenchman Valley Campground provides a peaceful prairie setting, with views of the Frenchman River, rolling hills, and prairie landscapes.
3.2. Try Different Types of Camping
Try backcountry camping and front-country camping for camping in Grasslands National Park. This epic backcountry adventure is where you’re not near a developed area or a less accessible area.
You have no facilities that are related to the trappings of society while the camping that occurs in parks is front-country camping, where visitors drive to a settled campground. Camping in Grasslands National Park would give you immense joy that you would cherish forever.
For camping in Grasslands National Park, we have three campgrounds: Frenchman Valley Campground and Rock Creek Campground, in the west block via the badlands parkway located in the east block, and Two Trees Trail Campground in the park’s east block.
The Frenchman Valley Campground, as well as the Rock Creek Campground, has services such as picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets with easy access. You can enjoy your meal and snacks at the picnic table.
3.3. Plan Wisely for Camping in Grasslands National Park
Planning wisely before camping in Grasslands National Park can be a time saver so that you can enjoy yourself there. Make sure to book your campsite in advance online or call the park’s contact numbers. Also, keep a guide map with you.
There are some rules and regulations too which you have to follow and keep in mind while camping in Grasslands National Park.
4. Things to do in Grasslands National Park
The best time to visit the Grasslands National Park is in May and June when the park is in full bloom with flowers.
4.1. Do a Little Wildlife Viewing
Fauna/species found here include plains bison, pronghorn antelope, ring-necked pheasants, burrowing owls, geese, coyotes, swift foxes, prairie dogs, and greater short-horned lizards, mainly the prairie wildlife.
This park is the prairie dog town. The first colony was about six miles north of the village of Val Marie, Saskatchewan.
Once near global extinction, Parks Canada brings back plains bison to the mixed grass prairie of southern Saskatchewan. There are some more different species in the park you’ll enjoy watching.
4.2. Stargaze in Darkest Dark-Sky Preserve
During camping at the Grasslands National Park, you can enjoy the night sky full of a gleaming display of stars, constellations, and the Milky Way. This park is the ultimate big sky destination.
Experience an extraordinary dark star-filled sky and night-time wildlife uninterrupted by light pollution.
4.3. Experience the Views on Horseback
Horseback riding is a form of amusement and is considered one of the best ways to enjoy the nature of this National park. Horses are a vital part of this landscape. If you want amazing views of the park, you can also try horseback riding.
In addition, you will have interpretative park programs, and equestrian camping to enjoy an eco-tour scenic drive.
4.4. Hike the Trails
Besides camping in Grasslands National Park, hiking too can be a great way to stay active and healthy, while also admiring the beauty of nature. Hiking and camping in the Grasslands National Park will bring you closer to the beauty of the Canadian prairies.
Grasslands National Park offers a variety of trails to explore. There are many short walking trails too. Some of the very popular hiking routes are listed below.
- Valley of 1000 Devils Trail
- Eagle Butte Trail
- Two Trees Trail
- Ecotour Road
- Rock Creek Trail
Final Thoughts on Visiting Grasslands National Park
Major Canadian national parks receive a large count of visitors per year; Grasslands Park has a few counts of people visiting it annually as compared to other national parks.
Thus, it is a beautiful and quiet national park in Canada. It may be everything a nature lover wants in a National park.
You can enjoy your personal space here while camping in Grasslands National Park. Here, you’ll find complete silence, that is, absence of the man-made noise. Overall, a visit to Grasslands Park is a must and is considered one of the greatest wonders of Canada.
