Forest camping near Moose Jaw
Playing on its notorious history, Moose Jaw charms and entertains close to top-notch camping destinations.
- Moose Jaw
Popular camping styles for Moose Jaw
Forest camping near Moose Jaw guide
Overview
Moose Jaw makes a great base for exploring some of the wildest places in Southern Saskatchewan. There are plenty of campsites where you can pitch a tent right in the city center, and you’re close to plenty of natural beauty as well, including Buffalo Pound Provincial Park and a number of area lakes. Also in town are a geothermal spa and a kitschy, 34-foot-tall moose sculpture to welcome you to town.
Where to go
Buffalo Pound Provincial Park
At Buffalo Pound, hiking and mountain biking trails allow campers to catch views of bison herds with spectacular backdrops out over prairies and waterways. There'as tons to do on the water (the fishing is amazing, and it is a great spot for kayaking) or on dry land at this stunning park, where campsites are plentiful with RV-friendly amenities. Don't miss the after-dark astronomy tours.
Big Muddy Badlands
Dramatic buffalo jump drop-offs and rock formations have carved out a landscape filled with Indigenous lore and legend in the Big Muddy Badlands. Campsites put you close to the St. Victor Petroglyphs Provincial Historic Park, ancient stone circles and effigies, the Old Wives Lake Nature Area (a birdwatcher's paradise), and tiny towns to explore and stock up on provisions.
Diefenbaker Lake
With 800 kilometers of shoreline, this epic lake serves up everything you could want to do on the water. Campsites are set all around the lake, a famed walleye fishing destination, meaning Diefenbaker Lake has plenty of room.
When to go
Unless you can handle the cold, the best time to explore Moose Jaw and surrounding areas is from May to September. Although many areas offer year-round activities and some campsites allow winter camping, winters in southern Saskatchewan can be brutally cold. The city’s SideWalk Days festival held each July is a cultural highlight.
Know before you go
- You’ll find it hard to explore this part of Saskatchewan unless you have a vehicle. Bring your car, rent an RV, or hit the road in a campervan.
- Fishing in Saskatchewan requires a license, which is inexpensive but should be bought online in advance of your fishing trip.
- Cell reception in southern Saskatchewan is generally excellent, so you can probably rely on your phone to get around.
- Some popular campsites book out fairly far in advance, especially those closest to Moose Jaw, so you should reserve a site in advance when possible.
