$1 million earmarked for new regional park campsites in Saskatchewan

A provincial government program has earmarked $1 million for new campsites in the province’s regional parks.

Eighty accredited regional parks are eligible for the funding which provides up to $5,000 per new seasonal campsite.

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Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association (SRPA), which run the program and distribute the grants to successful projects said the initiative will support shovel-ready projects that create or convert seasonal sites, with a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and long-term impact.

SPRA said on its website that the funding would help reclaim discontinued spaces or upgrade overflow areas, and funding will be distributed in two phases.

Parks must submit photos, budgets, and final reports to receive the full grant and applications for up to 200 qualifying campsites will be accepted in 2025.

The initiative is expected to support dozens of local construction and maintenance jobs, while also helping communities capitalize on the province’s tourism economy.

The SPRA said regional parks in Saskatchewan hosted around 250,000 visitors in 2024.

“The program is more than just expanding campsites,” SPRA Executive Director Madison Giesbrecht said in a news release on July 25.

“It is about expanding opportunities for families, friends, and communities to reconnect with nature and with each other.”

Regional parks in the province are assigned one of five designation categories:

Family recreation: These parks offer a well-rounded family experience, SPRA says, and amenities will vary.
Unique natural setting: These parks are usually small with low density camping and are located in areas that offer a look at nature.
Golf with camping: These parks are predominately golf course orientated, but have a campground facility.
Traveller: These parks are mainly located on a well travelled highway system in a smaller municipal setting and generally have open campsites during the week.
Local recreation: These type of parks tend to be used only by the local people for certain types of recreation, family gatherings, ball tournaments and group activities, SRPA says.

Parks offer various entry and camping fees. Day passes typically cost around $5-$15 per vehicle, while seasonal passes, providing access to all regional parks, are $60, with the proceeds from every park pass staying with the park where it was sold.

Each regional park is operated by a volunteer board that forms an authority and enacts the bylaws and policies needed and is responsible for every operational aspect of the park’s health, safety, cleanliness and maintenance, SPRA says

“Regional parks are wonderful gathering places for families and communities,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross said in the release.

“They attract visitors, generate tourism dollars and promote healthy outdoor activities. This investment will help our parks grow and better serve the needs of residents and tourists alike.”

Find a guide to all regional parks in Saskatchewan here.

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