Saskatchewan’s “Living Skies & Badlands” region is unlike any other in the province. Famous for its vast, wide-open skies, dramatic landscapes, and unique geological formations, this area offers campers a truly one-of-a-kind experience. The region is located in southern Saskatchewan, where the flat, rolling plains give way to deep coulees, striking badlands, and endless vistas. It’s a paradise for those seeking adventure, solitude, and the opportunity to witness some of the most stunning sunsets and star-filled skies in Canada.
In this blog, we’ll explore why camping in the “Living Skies & Badlands” region should be on every camper’s bucket list. From the top camping spots to must-do activities, this guide will help you plan the ultimate adventure in one of Saskatchewan’s most awe-inspiring areas.
The “Living Skies & Badlands” region is often described as otherworldly due to its rugged terrain and stark beauty. The landscape is shaped by wind and water, creating deep valleys, buttes, and the famous badlands. The region is perfect for campers looking to escape into nature and experience the raw beauty of Saskatchewan’s least populated areas. It’s also one of the best places in Canada for stargazing, thanks to the absence of light pollution and the expansive night skies.
Key reasons to visit this region include:
The best time to camp in the “Living Skies & Badlands” region is during the warmer months, from late spring to early fall (May to September). Summers are dry and hot, with daytime temperatures averaging 20°C to 30°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the badlands. However, early mornings and evenings can be cooler, so packing layers is essential.
Late spring and fall are also excellent times to visit, as the temperatures are more moderate, and the landscape transforms with the changing seasons. Autumn, in particular, offers stunning scenery as the golden hues of the grasslands contrast with the deep reds and oranges of the badlands.
Grasslands National Park is one of the top camping destinations in the “Living Skies & Badlands” region. Known for its expansive vistas and rolling hills, it’s the perfect spot to experience the prairie wilderness up close. The park is divided into two blocks: the West Block, where you can explore the rugged Frenchman River Valley and Badlands, and the East Block, which features some of the most remote and scenic landscapes in the province.
The park offers both front-country and backcountry camping. The front-country campsites are located near the visitor centers and provide basic amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, and outhouses. For those seeking adventure, backcountry camping allows you to set up camp in some of the most secluded areas of the park, surrounded by nature and wildlife.
Camping Highlights:
The Big Muddy Badlands, located near the U.S. border, is one of Saskatchewan’s most unique landscapes. The area is known for its rugged, wind-sculpted buttes, hoodoos, and deep valleys, creating an otherworldly environment that feels like stepping back in time. While there are no official campgrounds within the badlands, several nearby campgrounds offer access to this stunning area. The Big Muddy Badlands is also rich in Indigenous history and was once a notorious hideout for outlaws like the infamous Sam Kelly.
Camping Highlights:
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, straddling the Saskatchewan-Alberta border, offers a unique camping experience in the “Living Skies & Badlands” region. The Centre Block, located in Saskatchewan, features forested hills and lush meadows that contrast with the arid badlands to the south. The park is one of the highest points between the Rocky Mountains and Labrador, offering cooler temperatures and diverse wildlife.
Cypress Hills is home to a variety of camping options, from full-service RV sites to backcountry tent camping. The park also offers hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, making it a great choice for active campers. In addition to its outdoor activities, the park is a designated dark sky preserve, providing some of the best stargazing opportunities in the province.
Camping Highlights:
The badlands are a hiker’s paradise, offering endless opportunities to explore rugged terrain and unique geological formations. Grasslands National Park, in particular, has several trails that take you through coulees, valleys, and along the edges of the badlands. The park also offers interpretive hikes led by park rangers, where you can learn about the region’s natural history and wildlife.
For those visiting the Big Muddy Badlands, the Castle Butte hike is a must. This 70-meter-high sandstone butte was once a landmark for Indigenous peoples and early settlers. The short hike to the top offers panoramic views of the surrounding badlands and prairie.
The “Living Skies & Badlands” region is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Grasslands National Park is particularly rich in biodiversity, with prairie dogs, pronghorn antelope, and bison roaming freely in their natural habitats. Birdwatchers will also enjoy spotting species like burrowing owls, ferruginous hawks, and golden eagles.
Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to spot wildlife, as many animals are most active during these cooler parts of the day.
The “Living Skies & Badlands” region is a hotbed for paleontological discoveries, with fossils dating back millions of years. The East Block of Grasslands National Park is one of the best places to explore fossil beds, where you can find remnants of prehistoric creatures that once roamed the area.
For those interested in learning more, the nearby Royal Saskatchewan Museum in Regina offers exhibits on the region’s paleontology and history. Some guided tours and programs in Grasslands National Park also focus on fossil exploration, giving visitors a chance to learn about the region’s ancient past.
The “Living Skies” part of the region’s name is no exaggeration. The vast, open horizons and lack of light pollution make it one of the best places in Canada for stargazing. Grasslands National Park is designated as a dark sky preserve, offering some of the clearest night skies in the world. During summer months, the park hosts stargazing events where visitors can learn about constellations and view celestial bodies through telescopes.
Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or simply want to relax under the stars, camping in the “Living Skies & Badlands” region is an unforgettable experience.
When camping in the “Living Skies & Badlands” region, preparation is key, especially since the region’s remote areas often lack amenities. Here’s a packing list to get you started:
The “Living Skies & Badlands” region offers a camping experience unlike any other. With its dramatic landscapes, rich history, and unmatched stargazing, it’s the perfect destination for those seeking adventure, solitude, and natural beauty. Whether you’re hiking through Grasslands National Park, exploring the Big Muddy Badlands, or simply relaxing under the vast prairie sky, a camping trip to this remarkable region will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
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