Though winter has settled in across the province, Saskatchewan's provincial parks are already looking ahead to the 2015 parks season.
"Saskatchewan's provincial parks continue to be incredibly popular tourism destinations," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Mark Docherty said. "Demand for our provincial parks continues to increase and we are always looking for ways to enhance our visitor experience."
One of the most popular programs available each summer is the seasonal camping program. Seasonal camping offers the opportunity to secure a campsite from mid-May to the end of August. These campsites are offered at a discount from the regular nightly camping rate and are always in high demand. There are 21 provincial parks and recreation sites that offer the seasonal camping program, and due to its popularity, campsites are allocated via a lottery system.
The application forms for seasonal campsites will be available online at www.saskparks.net beginning Monday, January 5, 2015. The deadline for applications is Thursday, January 29, 2015, and the draw to award the campsites will be Monday, February 2, 2015.
Nightly camping reservations will be available for booking beginning the first week of March. As in past years, there will be a staggered launch, with different parks available on different days. Campers can expect the launch to be spread out over more days than it has been in the past, with fewer parks becoming available for reservation each day. More information about the nightly camping reservation launch will be available in the new year.
The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes the value and importance of Saskatchewan's provincial parks and continues to invest in them. The 2014-15 Budget increased funding to provincial parks by 4.6 per cent and capital investments will total a record $14.9 million this year.
