Grasslands National Park Backcountry Camping - Grasslands National Park
For the truly adventurous, backcountry camping offers an unparalleled immersive wildlife experience deep within the park's remote landscapes. Guests hike to secluded sites, providing intimate encounters with the prairie ecosystem, including opportunities to spot bison, pronghorn, coyotes, and a vast array of nocturnal wildlife under dark skies.
- Location
- Grasslands National Park, Prairie & Boreal Plains, Canada, North America
- Type
- camp
- Coordinates
- 49.050000, -107.150000
- Website
- https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/sk/grasslands/activ/camping/arrierepays-backcountry
- Activities
- Spa
- Amenities
- Spa
- Tank Filling
- budget
PlnrScore: 23/100
Community
health; indigenous
Best Time to Visit Grasslands National Park Backcountry Camping
The best months to visit Grasslands National Park Backcountry Camping are July, August, September, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Month-by-Month Safari Conditions
- January: Good, temperature -7.98°C, rainfall 12.3mm, sunshine 5.7 hrs, humidity 78.9%
- February: Good, temperature -7.69°C, rainfall 20.1mm, sunshine 7.4 hrs, humidity 72%
- March: Good, temperature -3.59°C, rainfall 24.1mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 71.6%
- April: Good, temperature 3.16°C, rainfall 28.8mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 58.7%
- May: Good, temperature 11.19°C, rainfall 57.9mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 58.8%
- June: Good, temperature 17.27°C, rainfall 64mm, sunshine 12.9 hrs, humidity 55.4%
- July: Great, temperature 21.5°C, rainfall 34mm, sunshine 14.1 hrs, humidity 52.7%
- August: Great, temperature 20.68°C, rainfall 25mm, sunshine 12.3 hrs, humidity 49.7%
- September: Great, temperature 15.89°C, rainfall 17.9mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 51.4%
- October: Good, temperature 6.63°C, rainfall 30.5mm, sunshine 8.1 hrs, humidity 61.2%
- November: Good, temperature -2.02°C, rainfall 28.7mm, sunshine 6.1 hrs, humidity 73%
- December: Good, temperature -7.39°C, rainfall 18.6mm, sunshine 5.5 hrs, humidity 75.7%
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real deal with backcountry camping at Grasslands National Park? Is it truly 'remote'?
Absolutely. When we say backcountry camping here, we mean it. You'll hike in with your gear to a designated, secluded site, leaving the crowds far behind. It's an incredible way to connect with the vast prairie, and we love the feeling of having this wild space almost entirely to ourselves.
We're keen on wildlife viewing. What are our best chances of seeing bison and pronghorn on a backcountry trip?
Your chances are excellent, especially during the shoulder seasons. We recommend heading out in late spring or early fall. The bison herds are often visible grazing in the valleys, and pronghorn are frequently seen darting across the open plains. Just remember to always maintain a safe and respectful distance.
Besides hiking to our campsite, what other activities can we expect, and is there any comfort like a spa?
The primary activity is immersion in nature itself – think stargazing under incredibly dark skies and listening to the coyotes at night. While there isn't a traditional spa, the profound peace and quiet of the backcountry is its own form of rejuvenation. We find the simplicity and solitude incredibly restorative.
What are the essential safety considerations for backcountry camping in Grasslands National Park?
Always carry ample water, as sources are scarce, and be prepared for rapidly changing weather. We also advise letting someone know your exact itinerary and expected return time. Wildlife encounters are common, so proper food storage is crucial to avoid attracting animals to your campsite.
What's the best time of year for this kind of immersive experience, and what should we budget for backcountry permits?
We love late May to early June for the wildflowers and milder temperatures, or September for crisp air and fewer bugs. Backcountry permits are reasonably priced and can be booked through Parks Canada. It's a small cost for such an exclusive wilderness experience.
Other Safari Lodges in Grasslands National Park
Parks in Prairie & Boreal Plains
- Alonsa Wildlife Management Area
- Assiniboine Corridor Wildlife Management Area
- Delta Marsh Wildlife Management Area
- Delta Marsh Wildlife Managemente Area
- Dog Lake Wildlife Management Area
- Eagle-Snowshoe Conservation Reserve
- Elk Island National Park
- Grasslands National Park (East Block)
- Grasslands National Park (West Block)
- Hilbre Wildlife Management Area
- Langruth Wildlife Management Area
- Little Birch Wildlife Management Area
- Mantagao Lake Wildlife Management Area
- Mars Hill Wildlife Management Area
- Musk Lake Conservation Reserve