Ultimate Guide to Camping at Grasslands National Park

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Grasslands National Park Reservations – What You Need to Know Before You Go

The first thing you need to know about camping at Grasslands National Park is that the park is divided into two completely separate areas: the East Block and the West Block.

These sections are about two hours apart by car, so you will want to make sure you are reserving your campsite in the correct location before confirming your booking.

We stayed in the East Block.

Booking a campsite at Grasslands National Park is pretty simple. Like other Parks Canada locations, reservations are made through the Parks Canada reservation system.

Each province has a specific date when reservations open for the season. Once the booking window opens, campsites remain available throughout the camping season.

It is always a good idea to check the Parks Canada website ahead of time so you know exactly when reservations open.

Before you can book your site online, you will need to create a Parks Canada account.

If you are hoping to stay in one of the oTENTiks, it is smart to reserve early. There are only a handful available, and they can fill up quickly during the summer months.

Grasslands National Park is quite remote, but the limited number of accommodations means the most popular dates can still book up quickly.

Grasslands National Park Address:
Val Marie, Saskatchewan, Canada S0N 2T0
https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/sk/grasslands

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Parks Canada Discovery Pass

When you book a campsite at a Canadian national park, you will also need to pay a daily entrance fee per vehicle.

This fee applies even if you already have a campsite reservation.

If you plan to visit several national parks within the same year, we highly recommend purchasing a Parks Canada Discovery Pass.

The pass can be purchased online or at the park. It provides unlimited entry to over 80 Parks Canada locations for a full year from the month you buy it.

We have purchased this pass several times over the years and have always found it well worth the cost.

In addition to national parks, the pass also includes entry to many of Canada’s national historic sites.

Just keep in mind that the pass only covers park admission.

You will still need to reserve your campsite in advance, and some parks ( like the Grotto at Bruce Peninsula National Park) require separate reservations for things like parking areas or popular attractions.

🍁 The Canada Strong Pass is back! You can get free admission and 25% off camping and overnight stays with Parks Canada from June 19 to September 7, 2026.

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Arriving at the Park

Before arriving at Grasslands National Park, it is really important to remember that the park is located in a very remote part of southern Saskatchewan.

The nearest towns are small, so it is best to pick up fuel, groceries, and supplies before heading into the park.

Another thing to keep in mind is knowing exactly where you are going. We put Grasslands National Park into our GPS, and it automatically routed us to the West Block.

Unfortunately, we didn’t realize this until we got into Val Marie! That meant that we had to drive an additional 2 hours through the park to get to our campground.

This was a costly mistake on our part. By the time we reached our campground, it was early evening, so we didn’t have as much time to hike as we had wanted.

Don’t make the same mistake!

Once you reach the park entrance in the East Block, you will stop at the Rock Creek Campground Reception to check in and receive information about your stay.

If you arrive before check-in time, there are still a few things you can do while you wait.

Hang out by the visitor centre, explore the nearby trails, or just admire the wide open prairie views.

The campground and oTENTik area are located adjacent to the visitor centre.

After checking in, you will receive the information you need for your campsite or oTENTik, along with directions to your camping area.

Keep in mind that a $100 damage deposit will be required on your credit card, refundable once your oTENTik is left in good condition.

The camp office is also your spot to buy ice, firewood, small souvenirs, snacks, and drinks.

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Grasslands National Park Maps

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Navigating the Park

One thing that surprised us during our visit to Grasslands National Park was just how spread out everything is.

Unlike many national parks, Grasslands is divided into two completely separate sections: the East Block and the West Block.

As I mentioned earlier, these areas are about two hours apart by car. And it’s NOT an easy drive!

Within each block, the main camp roads are easy to follow.

There are enough signs throughout the park to help direct you to the main viewpoints, trails, and visitor areas.

Keep in mind that you will need to drive to most of the attractions in this huge park!

While the main road in the East Block was paved, all the smaller campground roads are gravel. They seemed to be in decent shape during our visit.

🤓 Fun Fact: Grasslands National Park protects one of the largest remaining areas of native prairie grassland in North America. Less than 20% of the original prairie ecosystem still exists today, which makes this park an important place for conservation.

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Parking

Parking at Grasslands National Park is pretty easy to find.

Most trailheads, viewpoints, and visitor areas have small parking lots where you can leave your vehicle while exploring the park.

Since the park is quite remote and visitor numbers are lower than in many other national parks in Canada, finding a parking spot is usually not difficult.

In the East Block, you will also find a small parking lot near the oTENTiks and one in front of the Visitor Centre.

Just remember that you will still need to pay the daily park admission fee (or have a valid Parks Canada Discovery Pass) to enter the park, even if you are only stopping briefly.

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Grasslands National Park Camping

Camping at Grasslands National Park is a bit different from what you might experience at many other national parks in Canada.

As I mentioned earlier, because the park is so remote, the campgrounds are smaller and much quieter.

You can choose from traditional campsites, both powered and unpowered, comfortable oTENTik accommodations, equestrian camping, or backcountry camping for a more rustic experience.

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Campgrounds at a Glance

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What is an oTENTik?

At this point, you might be wondering what an oTENTik actually is.

An oTENTik is a Parks Canada accommodation that sits somewhere between a cabin and a tent.

The structure has a solid A-frame design with heavy canvas sides, giving you more comfort than a traditional tent while still keeping the camping experience.

Our first stay in an oTENTik was actually during this trip to Saskatchewan, and we jokingly referred to it as “budget glamping.”

It is definitely more comfortable than sleeping in a tent, but it does not include all the extras you might expect from luxury glamping.

That said, these units are still a great option for many campers. They sit on raised wooden platforms, are fully weatherproof, and include electricity.

Each oTENTik can sleep up to six people. Inside, you will find solid wooden bunk beds with mattresses.

The top bunk sleeps two people, which immediately became the most popular spot with our kids.

The units also include a small table with chairs, a space heater, and a stand-up fan, which was very welcome during our stay.

One thing to keep in mind is that oTENTiks do not have running water or private bathrooms. You will need to use the shared washroom facilities in the campground.

Outside the unit, you will typically find a pair of Muskoka chairs, a picnic table, a gas BBQ (with a few utensils for grilling), and a fire pit.

There is also one parking spot for each oTENTik nearby. Yes, this means you will have a short walk with all your gear to get to your front door.

Just remember that cooking inside the oTENTik is not allowed. All meal preparation needs to be done outside at the BBQ or picnic area.

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What Do You Need to Bring for Camping at Grasslands?

While Parks Canada has provided a ton of stuff, there are some basics that you do need to bring along:

Of course, you will also need to pack your own clothing and whatever gear you will need for your activities while camping.

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Our Campsite Experience

We stayed in oTENTik #29 in the Rock Creek Campground (East Block) during our visit to Grasslands National Park.

While you will have absolutely NO privacy anywhere in this campground (there are very few trees or shrubs), Parks Canada has staggered the oTENTiks so that you are not directly beside your neighbours.

While our oTENTik was the furthest from the bathrooms, it was still less than a 5-minute walk to get there.

Just make sure that you have a lantern or headlamp with you. It gets REALLY dark here at night!

What I really appreciated was how clean everything was. Both the oTENTiks and the washrooms were spotless and well-maintained.

And speaking of dark, if you are into astral photography or just stargazing, you are in for a treat! There are no obstructions, so the night sky is on full display!

Unfortunately for us, there were several forest fires happening in neighbouring Manitoba during our visit. So we did not have completely clear skies.

It didn’t stop us from sitting outside by the campfire and enjoying the views we did have.

All in all, we had a really great time in our oTENTik. Because we were on a road trip and not a camping trip, all we really needed to bring with us were sleeping bags and pillows.

We planned easy meals with paper plates, so all we really needed were a few groceries and our lanterns.

If you want to give camping a try, without needing to purchase all the gear, this is a really great option.

One important thing to note—you’re required to clean up your oTENTik before departure.

This means sweeping the floor (broom and dustpan provided) and taking out any garbage.

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What Amenities Does Grasslands National Park Offer?

Even though Grasslands National Park is located in a very remote part of Saskatchewan, you will still find most of the same amenities that you would in other national parks.

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Comfort Stations

Unfortunately, there are no comfort stations at Grasslands National Park.

You will have access to flush toilets located at each end of the campground.

The toilets that were nearest to us were small, but lit and super clean.

Each small building housed one toilet and one sink, so if you needed to wash up, you had enough space to do it.

As a new camper, the lack of a comfort station didn’t register at the time. But now that we are more seasoned, this would definitely affect how long we would choose to stay here.

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Laundry

There are no laundry facilities at Grasslands National Park.

If you happen to be staying for an extended time and need to do laundry, you would need to drive into town, which is a bit of a distance away.

And to be quite honest, the towns closest to the campgrounds were tiny. I wouldn’t be surprised if even they did not have laundromats.

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Park Store

There are 2 different Park Stores in Grasslands National Park. You will find one in each campground.

In the East Block, the small park store is located within the Rock Creek Campground Reception. This is where you check in for your camping stay.

We were able to purchase some small souvenirs for the kids. I could kick myself for not picking up a park patch, though (at the time, I wasn’t collecting them)!

You will also find a variety of Parks Canada clothing, like hoodies, t-shirts and hats for purchase.

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Visitor’s Centre

The Visitor Centre at Grasslands National Park is located in Val Marie, near the West Block.

If, like us, you are camping in the East Block, the Campground Reception (which also houses the Park Store) is where you will find some displays.

We were able to pick up some activity books for the kids, as well as borrow (with a small deposit) equipment for Geocaching.

Since the main Visitor Centre is in Val Marie (a 2-hour drive from the East Block), we did not have a chance to visit.

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Day Use Area

The day-use area at Grasslands National Park is quite small in comparison to other parks.

Just behind the Campground Reception, you will find a picnic shelter, outdoor kitchen with grey water sink, and several picnic tables.

If I am not mistaken, there may even be at least one barbecue grill (visitors must bring their own charcoal) in the day-use area.

Lastly, you will also find toilets in the day-use area. We did not make use of these facilities, so I am not sure if they are flush or vault toilets.

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Does Grasslands National Park Have a Beach?

No. Unfortunately, Grasslands National Park does not have a beach, nor is it close to any beach.

Remember, you are in the prairies! Think badlands, not beaches!

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What Services Does Grasslands National Park Offer?

Because of the limited style of camping offered at Grasslands National Park, you will find that the services offered are a little different from those at other National or Provincial parks.

Water

As there are no trailer fill stations at Grasslands National Park, the only place to get potable water for camping is from the taps located throughout the campground and day-use area.

The faucets in the dishwashing stations are large enough to fill your water bottles or even large cooking pots. And the grey water sinks are perfect for dumping your dishwater.

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Garbage and Recycling

There are two garbage/recycling areas in the park. One is located in the day-use area, and the other is at the entrance to the campground.

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Wi-Fi

We found that there was little to no cell reception in Grasslands National Park. Not a surprise considering you are literally in the middle of nowhere!

That said, make sure that you turn your roaming off when visiting this park.

I forgot to do that with my work phone, and ended up getting the dreaded “Welcome to the United States” message as soon as we got into the Visitor Centre!

And yes. The only place to get some solid Wi-Fi (at least in the East Block) was at the Visitor Centre. The signal was pretty decent there.

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Things to Do at Grasslands National Park

There are plenty of ways to spend your time while camping at Grasslands National Park.

From hiking and wildlife viewing to stargazing at night, this park offers a very different experience from most others in Canada.

1. Stargaze in a Dark-Sky Preserve

One of the biggest reasons people visit Grasslands National Park is for the night sky.

With no major cities nearby, the park has some of the darkest skies in Canada. As a result, it was officially named a Dark Sky Preserve in 2009.

Even though the “Land of Living Skies” is impressive during the day, the park reaches a whole different level at night. It’s an absolutely incredible spot for both astronomers and photographers.

There are several places to take in the night sky, including inside both the Rock Creek Campground and the Frenchman Valley Campground.

Even if you are not camping overnight, these spots are accessible by car.

If your timing lines up, the park also hosts annual star parties in both the East and West Blocks.

As I mentioned earlier, while we had a pretty decent night sky, there was a lot of smoke in the air, obstructing some of the stars.

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2. Do Some Wildlife Viewing

Grasslands National Park is a great place to see prairie wildlife in its natural environment.

You may spot plains bison, black-tailed prairie dogs, pronghorn antelope, deer, coyotes, and foxes throughout the park.

Prairie dog colonies are especially easy to find near the Frenchman Valley area.

If you are driving, take your time. The slower you drive, the better your chances of seeing animals along the road.

Early morning and evening tend to be the best times for wildlife viewing.

The park is also a good spot for birdwatching, with species like hawks, owls, and grouse often seen in the area.

Just be aware that rattlesnakes are also present in the park. So it’s definitely important to stay alert on the trails, especially if you have young kids with you.

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3. Enjoy a Scenic Drive

If you want to explore more of the park without hiking long distances, a scenic drive is a great option.

In the West Block, the Ecotour Scenic Drive is an 80 km loop that takes you through the Frenchman River Valley.

Along the way, there are several marked stops with viewpoints, short trails, and information panels.

It takes about two hours to complete the drive if you take your time and stop along the way.

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4. Look for the Red Chairs

If you know me, then you are aware of how much I love searching for Parks Canada’s Red Chairs!

These Red Muskoka Chairs can be found in most of Canada’s National Parks. They are all placed in locations with awesome views.

So, find the Red Chairs, and you’ll find one of the most Instagrammable places in the park!

And Grasslands did not disappoint with the views. The park is actually home to 7 incredible locations with chairs: 3 in the West Block and 4 in the East Block.

You are treated to amazing views of the badlands, the prairies, and Saskatchewan’s famous open skies.

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5. Take Part in all the Activities for Children

If you are visiting Grasslands National Park with kids, there are a few programs that are perfect for keeping them busy during your stay.

Club Parka
Younger children can take part in Club Parka, a free program geared toward kids ages 2 to 5.

Activities are designed to help them explore the park through simple, hands-on learning. You can pick up the activity booklet at the visitor centre.

Xplorers Program
For older kids, the Xplorers program is a great option. Children ages 6 to 11 can work through a booklet filled with activities focused on the park’s natural and cultural history.

Our kids had an absolute blast with this program.

Booklets are available at both the West Block Visitor Centre in Val Marie and the Rock Creek Visitor Centre in the East Block.

Once kids complete a few of the activities, they can return their booklet to receive a small reward.

Discovery Packs
Discovery Packs are another option for families.

These kits include hands-on activities that help kids learn more about prairie wildlife, the night sky, and the history of the area.

They can be picked up at either visitor centre.

These were also a hit with our kids!

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6. Try Your Hand at Geocaching

Have you tried geocaching yet?

This was the first time John and I tried it. And let me tell you, it ended up being a fun way to explore Grasslands National Park, especially for the kids.

You can borrow a GPS unit from the visitor centre at either campground, where staff will walk you through how everything works.

Just keep in mind that they will also take your credit card information as a deposit.

Once you are set up, you will follow clues to different locations around the park, searching for hidden lockboxes.

Inside, you will find information about the park along with questions to answer as you go.

It turns a regular walk into something much more interactive, and it is a great way to keep kids engaged.

Our kids really enjoyed it, and the whole activity only took about an hour.

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7. Hike in the East Block of Grasslands National Park

There are only two front-country hiking trails in the East Block. We were able to do both of the hikes and really enjoyed it.

And if you are more adventurous (and experienced), there are also 2 backcountry trails.

This trail takes you to a scenic lookout where you can see Rock Creek, and if you are lucky, maybe even some wildlife. The hike was easy but gorgeous!

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This trail climbs up a mowed path and leads to a great view over the Rock Creek valley and badlands.

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8. Explore the Badlands Parkway in the East Block

The Badlands Parkway is an 11 km paved road that runs through the East Block.

It follows the escarpment, with wide views across the prairie and badlands along the way.

There are six main viewpoints along the route, each offering a different look at the Rock Creek area. You will also find several pull-offs, which make it easy to stop and let oncoming traffic pass.

We spent just over an hour here, stopping at each viewpoint and walking around a bit.

The Parkway is an out-and-back drive on a paved road, and each stop includes signs that explain the history of the land and the people who lived here.

If you enjoy birdwatching, this is also a good place to keep an eye out.

The park is home to a wide range of bird species, and you may spot a few while you are driving or walking around the viewpoints.

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9. Hike in the West Block of Grasslands National Park

There are 10 front-country hiking trails in the West Block and one backcountry hiking trail.

The trails range in length from just 750 meters to a whopping 17 kilometres.

This easy, well-marked trail offers great views along with interpretive signs about prairie vegetation, history, and geology.

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This hike is a bit more challenging, with a well-marked trail that includes short, steep sections and switchbacks.

Along the way, you will find great views of the Frenchman River Valley and interpretive panels.

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This is a great trail for birdwatching, with open views of the prairie grasslands.

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This mowed trail follows the Frenchman River and offers great views of the riverbank cliffs and the plants and wildlife found in the area.

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This marks the first Black-tailed Prairie Dog sanctuary in Canada, where, along with great views of the river valley, you can still see the colony today.

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Listen for the Black-tailed Prairie Dogs as you walk along this level, hard-surfaced trail through Top Dogtown.

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This is one of the more challenging trails, with exposure, wind, and uneven footing.

The views over the coulees make it worth the effort, and you may even spot bison along the way.

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This trail takes you through prairie dog towns and coulees, with plenty of wildlife along the way.

Be aware of snake areas, especially in spring and fall, and plan a shuttle back since it is a long one-way hike.

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This trail is a good option for horseback riding, thanks to its location near the equestrian campsites.

It offers wide views of the grasslands before leading to an overlook of the Frenchman Valley and along the riverbank.

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Walt Larson and his family ranched in this area from the 1920s until 1984, when the land became part of the park.

This mowed trail passes signs of early ranching and offers views of the nearby Frenchman River.

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Is Grasslands National Park Accessible?

Grasslands National Park offers some accessible features, but overall, it can be more challenging to navigate than other national parks in Canada.

The visitor centres, some viewpoints, and select trails are easier to access, and there are accessible oTENTik units available for booking.

That said, much of the park includes gravel roads, uneven terrain, and limited infrastructure, which can make getting around more difficult for those with mobility needs.

It is a good idea to check with Parks Canada ahead of your visit to confirm which areas and accommodations will best suit your needs.

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Are Pets Allowed at Grasslands National Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Grasslands National Park.

That said, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times while in the park, and you are responsible for keeping them under control and cleaning up after them.

Because the park is home to wildlife like bison, prairie dog colonies, and snakes, it is really important to keep a close eye on your pet.

Please! Don’t let your dog chase or disturb wildlife.

As long as you follow the guidelines, Grasslands National Park can be a great place to explore with your dog.

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Is There Winter Camping at Grasslands National Park?

Winter camping options at Grasslands National Park are limited.

The park is open year-round, but most front-country campgrounds and services are only available during the main camping season.

Backcountry camping is still allowed in winter, but it requires extra planning and preparation.

You will need to register in advance and be ready for cold temperatures, strong winds, and limited access to services.

If you are considering winter camping here, just be aware that it is best suited for experienced campers who are comfortable being fully self-sufficient in a remote environment.

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Our Park Rating

We give this park 4 out of 5 stars for having:

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Final Thoughts

Camping at Grasslands National Park is a very different experience from what you will find in most national parks in Canada.

From the wide open prairie to the quiet campgrounds and dark night skies, this is a place where you can slow down and enjoy being outside.

Our stay in an oTENTik in the East Block ended up being one of the most memorable stops on our road trip.

If you are looking for something a little different and do not mind being a bit off the beaten path, Grasslands National Park is well worth adding to your camping list.

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More Campground Reviews:

• Ultimate Guide to Camping at Bruce Peninsula National Park
• How to Book a Parks Canada Campsite – An Ultimate Guide
• Ultimate Guide to Point Pelee National Park Camping
• Ultimate Guide to Camping at Grasslands National Park