Provincial parks, campground reservation system to open May 4

Reopening Saskatchewan means opening campgrounds — but only to the province’s residents to start.

The Government of Saskatchewan issued a media release Friday to reiterate what was announced Thursday when the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan was rolled out: Campgrounds in provincial parks are to open in Phase 1.

On May 4, campers will be able to reserve sites through the online reservation system, with camping to start June 1.

However, campgrounds will be open only to half-capacity to begin with, meaning only every other campsite will be available for booking. Group camping will be prohibited.

The government also noted that, to limit travel between provinces during the COVID-19 pandemic, camping in Saskatchewan’s parks will be open to just the province’s residents until further notice.

Starting May 4, Saskatchewan residents can drive into parks for limited day use, with such activities as angling, hiking and biking permissible. But park users will have to follow physical distancing rules and gatherings won’t be permitted.

“While the reservation launch was initially delayed due to COVID-19, we are pleased to cautiously open for the 2020 camping season,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister and Minister Responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan Gene Makowsky said in the media release.

“We are looking forward to welcoming visitors back to our parks, where they can naturally physical distance and enjoy the outdoors. However, campers should be aware of numerous restrictions and understand that at least at first, camping will look different this year.”

According to the Government of Saskatchewan’s website, all shared facilities at parks (including showers, laundry facilities, cookhouses, clubhouses and firewood distribution centres) will remain closed, as will visitor reception centres.

As well, all recreational facilities (swimming pools, beaches, picnic areas, playgrounds, tennis courts and so on) will stay closed. Boats can be launched provided physical distancing requirements are observed.

Reservations for campsites are to open at 7 a.m. on the days shown below, with the queue starting at 6:40 a.m.

• May 4: Seasonal campsites across provincial parks;
• May 6: Pike Lake, The Battlefords, Narrow Hills, Blackstrap;
• May 7: Bronson Forest, Meadow Lake, Makwa Lake, Lac La Ronge;
• May 8: Saskatchewan Landing, Douglas, Danielson;
• May 11: Buffalo Pound, Rowan’s Ravine, Echo Valley, Crooked Lake;
• May 12: Cypress Hills;
• May 13: Duck Mountain, Good Spirit Lake, Greenwater Lake; and,
• May 14: Candle Lake, Great Blue Heron, Moose Mountain.

Seasonal and nightly campsites must be reserved online or through the call centre (1-855-737-7275). More information can be found here.