Saskatchewan, often celebrated as the “Land of Living Skies,” invites RVers on a captivating journey into its expansive open spaces and distinctive ecosystems—a true hidden gem for those who embrace the RV lifestyle. This province offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from the profound solitude and self-reliance discovered in the dramatic landscapes of Grasslands National Park to the more amenity-rich and resort-style comforts found in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park or near Waskesiu Lake in Prince Albert National Park.

As we move east, Manitoba seamlessly blends diverse landscapes, from its northern boreal forests to the southern prairies and the shores of massive freshwater lakes. Both provinces provide unique opportunities to connect with nature, witness incredible wildlife, and experience the vastness of Canada, making them essential stops for any comprehensive RV adventure across the country.

Saskatchewan, the “Land of Living Skies,” offers RVers a journey into vast, open spaces and unique ecosystems that often get overlooked. You’ll find a mix of experiences here, from the profound solitude and self-sufficiency required in Grasslands National Park to the more resort-like comforts available in places like Cypress Hills or near Waskesiu in Prince Albert National Park.

• Destination 1: Grasslands National Park (West Block & East Block)
  • Why: This park protects one of the last remaining undisturbed mixed-grass prairie ecosystems in North America. Expect sweeping vistas, bison herds roaming free, incredible dark skies (it’s a Dark Sky Preserve), and fascinating badlands formations in the East Block.
  • Campgrounds:
    • Frenchman Valley Campground (West Block): Offers a peaceful prairie setting with 20 electrical sites (some pull-through). Amenities include fire pits and vault toilets. RVs must fill their water tanks before arrival as there’s no RV fill/dump station here, though potable water for jugs is available seasonally. The Coulee Centre nearby offers a respite from the heat and a hub for park programs. Note: Parks Canada has indicated an issue with online reservations for this campground, so booking by phone (1-877-737-3783) is required.
    • Rock Creek Campground (East Block): Provides 24 RV-friendly electric sites (all 50 amp) with fire pits and picnic tables. It features a kitchen shelter, an RV dump tank, and potable water for jugs (seasonal). Wi-Fi is also mentioned as an amenity here.
  • Our Tip: The West and East Blocks are a significant distance apart (about a 2-hour drive), so plan your visit to each block accordingly. Services are extremely limited within and near the park; come fully prepared with all supplies, including fuel. Be vigilant for prairie rattlesnakes on trails, and expect little to no cell service in many areas. The stargazing is truly out of this world – a highlight of any visit.
• Destination 2: Prince Albert National Park
  • Why: This park marks a beautiful transition from prairie to boreal forest, offering a landscape rich with lakes, wildlife (including a free-roaming bison herd near the Sturgeon River), and the charming resort townsite of Waskesiu. It’s often considered the gateway to Saskatchewan’s north.
  • Campgrounds:
    • Beaver Glen Campground: Situated near Waskesiu, this campground has 200 electrical (15/30 amp) back-in sites. It offers modern washrooms with hot showers, flush toilets, shared camp kitchens, water taps, and RV dump/fill stations.
    • Red Deer Campground: Also close to Waskesiu and designed specifically for larger RVs and trailers, Red Deer offers 161 fully-serviced, pull-through campsites (water, sewer, and electricity). It also has accessible washrooms with hot showers and flush toilets. Open fires are not permitted here, but portable propane fire pits are allowed.
  • Our Tip: Waskesiu townsite is a gem within the park, offering groceries, restaurants, rentals, and a lovely main beach. It’s a great place to take a break from camp cooking. The park has numerous lakes perfect for paddling; consider renting a canoe or kayak. Important note: starting April 15, 2025, all watercraft entering park waters must have a mandatory aquatic invasive species (AIS) certification permit.
• Destination 3: Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park (Centre Block)
  • Why: A unique forested plateau that rises dramatically above the surrounding prairies, Cypress Hills is an ecological oasis. It boasts the highest point in mainland Canada between the Rocky Mountains and Labrador, lodgepole pine forests (unusual for this latitude on the prairies), a Dark Sky Preserve, and a range of amenities. It’s Canada’s only interprovincial park, shared with Alberta.
  • Campground: The Centre Block in Saskatchewan has several campgrounds (e.g., Lodgepole, Rainbow, Terrace) with varying levels of service, including sites with electrical hookups (15/30 amp) and some with full service. Amenities generally include shower houses, a dump station, firewood for sale, a visitor centre, an outdoor pool, and food services. Pets must be leashed.
  • Our Tip: This park feels like a completely different world compared to the typical prairie landscape. The elevation means cooler temperatures, which can be a welcome relief in summer. The Dark Sky Preserve status makes for incredible stargazing. When booking, pay close attention to site dimensions; some older loops might have tighter spots or limitations for RVs with multiple slide-outs.

Summary Table for Saskatchewan

Manitoba offers a delightful mix of accessible nature and cultural experiences, often conveniently located near urban centers like Winnipeg. This makes it a great province for RVers looking for variety without venturing into extreme remoteness. The landscape transitions from prairie to the rugged Canadian Shield, offering diverse settings for your adventures.

• Destination 1: Riding Mountain National Park (Wasagaming)
  • Why: Often described as an “island of wilderness” surrounded by agricultural land, Riding Mountain is a stunning escape. It features the vibrant Clear Lake, the historic and bustling Wasagaming townsite right within the park, beautiful forests, and a notable bison enclosure at Lake Audy.²
  • Campground: Wasagaming Campground is the main hub and is very RV-friendly. It’s a large campground with over 400 sites, offering a wide range of options from unserviced to electrical-only (back-in and pull-through) and full hookups (electricity, water, and sewer, mostly pull-through). Amenities are excellent, including modern washrooms with hot showers, laundry facilities, a dump station, kitchen shelters, and potable water. Some tent sites are pet-friendly. Given its popularity, reservations are highly recommended, especially in peak season.
  • Our Tip: Wasagaming is a full-fledged resort town. You can rent bikes or a surrey to explore, enjoy the main beach on Clear Lake, play a round of golf, or catch a movie. Don’t miss the drive to the Lake Audy Bison Enclosure for a chance to see these magnificent creatures. Like in Prince Albert NP, there’s a mandatory aquatic invasive species (AIS) inspection for all watercraft before launching in park waters.
• Destination 2: Whiteshell Provincial Park (e.g., Falcon Lake, Nutimik Lake)
  • Why: This large park showcases classic Canadian Shield country with its rugged granite outcrops, numerous pristine lakes, rushing rivers, and waterfalls. It’s a paradise for hiking, canoeing, and fishing, and it’s conveniently located about 120 km east of Winnipeg.
  • Campgrounds: The Whiteshell has many campgrounds.
    • Falcon Lake Campgrounds (Falcon Beach & Falcon Lakeshore): These are popular and well-serviced. Falcon Lakeshore, for instance, offers 155 sites, many with 30 amp electrical and water hookups, along with restrooms, showers, laundry, and a playground.
    • Nutimik Lake Campground: Offers a different atmosphere, with seasonal sites available. There are amenities like a grocery store and gas station at the nearby Nutimik Lake Lodge. The campground itself has a boat launch and volleyball courts. Pet-friendly yurts are an option here. For specific RV hookup details, it’s best to check the Manitoba Parks reservation system.
  • Our Tip: The Whiteshell is vast, so research which campground best suits your needs. Falcon Lake is generally more developed and bustling, while other lakes might offer a quieter experience. Paddling through the granite-lined tunnels at Caddy Lake is a unique adventure. Always book through the Manitoba Parks reservation system for provincial park campgrounds.
• Destination 3: Birds Hill Provincial Park
  • Why: Located just 24 km from Winnipeg, Birds Hill is a fantastic family-friendly getaway. It offers a surprising diversity of landscapes, from aspen/oak parkland and prairie to bogs and meadows. It has an extensive network of trails (both paved and natural) perfect for biking, rollerblading, and hiking. The park also hosts the renowned Winnipeg Folk Festival each July.
  • Campground: Birds Hill Campground is large, with 476 sites offering a choice of basic, electrical, or full-service camping, along with a range of support services.
  • Our Tip: This is an excellent choice if you want a nature escape combined with easy access to Winnipeg’s attractions. If you’re planning to visit in July, be aware of the Winnipeg Folk Festival dates – the park becomes incredibly busy, and campsites will be booked solid far in advance. The paved trail network is great for a leisurely RV-break bike ride.

Summary Table for Manitoba

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